SETI Launches Low-Frequency Search for Extraterrestrial Technology in Distant Galaxies
Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) August 27, 2024
The SETI Institute, in collaboration with the Berkeley SETI Research Centre and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, has begun pioneering research using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Western Australia. Led by Dr Chenoa Tremblay of the SETI Institute and Professor Steven Tingay of Curtin University, the research is the first search for alien technology in extraterrestrial galaxies specifically at low frequencies (100 MHz). The MWA's wide field of view (FOV) will allow the research team to study approximately 2,800 galaxies in a single observation, with the distances of 1,300 of those known.
Traditionally, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has focused on signals originating within our own galaxy. But this new approach expands the scope of the search to far-flung galaxies, making it one of the most comprehensive searches for super-civilizations more advanced than our own. Detecting signals from another galaxy would require a civilization with technology powerful enough to harness the energy of the sun and multiple stars in our galaxy.
“This study marks a major step forward in our efforts to detect signals from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations,” Tremblay said. “MWA's wide field of view and low-frequency range make it an ideal tool for this type of study, and the limits we set will help guide future research.”
Although this initial survey did not detect any technosignatures (signs of alien technology), it did provide valuable insights that will inform future investigations. The findings highlight the importance of continuing to survey different radio frequencies and leveraging the unique capabilities of telescopes like MWA.
“MWA continues to pioneer new ways to search the universe for intelligent civilizations and technological signatures, while using the same data to study stellar and galactic astrophysics. This research is new and novel, but it also paves the way for future observations with even more powerful telescopes,” added Tingay, who is also MWA's director.
This research highlights the importance of international collaboration and leveraging advanced technology to improve our understanding of the universe. The SETI Institute remains committed to searching the universe for signs of intelligent life and advancing our knowledge of the universe.
Research Report: Wide-field search for extragalactic technosignatures with the Murchison Wide Field Array
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