Relative identifiability of analog vs prime extraterrestrial signals

AI Thread Summary
SETI's efforts to detect extraterrestrial signals focus on both analog transmissions and sequences of prime numbers, with the latter being unique as there are no known natural sources for such patterns. The discussion highlights that analog signals are more susceptible to interference from electromagnetic phenomena, potentially complicating their detection. In contrast, prime number sequences, while theoretically distinct, may pose challenges in demodulation due to their unnatural quality. The conversation raises questions about the relative effectiveness of searching for one type of signal over the other. Ultimately, the complexities of both signal types warrant further exploration in the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.
Loren Booda
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SETI's search for alien contact includes detecting intelligent analog transmissions and also those carrying sequences of prime numbers signifying life elsewhere in the Galaxy.

What is the relative ease with which SETI can discern rational analog vs prime number transmissions? Is it a waste of time to search for one over the other? There is no known natural source which generates prime numbers, and analog signals experience more interference from electromagnetic physical phenomena.

Would not the very quality of premeditated prime numbers as foriegn to naturally occurring electromagnetism create comparative difficulty in demodulating a given signal?
 
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Thanks, Sensei, but I couln't find anything there about the detection of primes specifically, or how that compares to analog/digital monitoring.
 

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