How far away could we detect ourselves?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nottheone
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the potential distance at which an alien species with similar technology could detect signals from Earth, assuming all signals have traveled far enough. It is noted that Earth's radio signals, particularly when emitted regularly, could theoretically be detected from the other side of the galaxy, as they outshine the Sun. However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of these signals beyond a few hundred light years due to noise interference. The conversation highlights the importance of consistent signal emissions rather than one-time events for detection. Overall, the viability of detecting Earth signals hinges on both signal strength and frequency of transmission.
nottheone
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
If we were an alien species withe a SETI program, with exactly the same technological capabilities, how far away could we be and still detect an Earth signal that would register as intelligent life? (ignore the travel time, assume all signals have had enough time to get as far as they can, obviously if the first signal we emitted was a year ago the answer would be one light year) If the answer is longer than when we emitted the signal, when would that signal be detected by this race?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is off the cuff form memory of something I heard in a talk time ago, the point was that at radio frequencies our chatter outshines the Sun, and it could be detected at the other end of the galaxy with roughly our present level technology.
 
I am asking because I thought I heard somewhere that all our signals were lost in the noise not too many light years away, less than a few hundred.
 
The most powerfull signal we've ever sent was a special http://archive.seti.org/seti/seti-background/arecibo.php" , and would be detectable by a SETI program like our own from the other end fo the gallaxy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Depends on the bread. :) And it's petroleum. And I don't think a one time event counts. The chances of our SETI program picking up a one time event are slim to none. I am talking about repeated events, normal traffic.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Similar threads

I How far away can 1KW of RF energy be detected?
Replies
20
Views
3K
I How do telescopes allow us to see light sources millions of light years away?
Replies
3
Views
2K
I How big a lunar radio telescope to detect Earth-like signals?
Replies
19
Views
2K
B How would light work on a mirror very far away?
Replies
11
Views
1K
B Feasibility of Sending a Radio Signal Detectable from a Neighboring Star
Replies
5
Views
226
B How good are our ears? (Detectable Interstellar signals)
Replies
7
Views
2K
Can the radio noise of a civilization decrease over time?
Replies
6
Views
1K
B How Sensitive Must SETI Arrays Be to Detect Extraterrestrial Signals?
Replies
3
Views
968
Does it make sense to build new radio telescopes?
Replies
46
Views
581
B How did Earth get so far away from other galaxies?
Replies
12
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top