Abstract One of the most important reasons why unsuccessful results have been obtained so far by the SETI Project is due to the fact that no sure targets to aim at have been available up-to the present state of research. All-sky surveys, even if very accurate and complete, might result to be time-consuming. SETI needs at least one effective “viewfinder” in order that a true targeted research is carried out with a possible success. The best foundation to get this can be identified with the search for the evidence of extraterrestrial astro-engineering activity in form of the Dyson spheres predicted by theory. The existence of such stellar objects can be ascertained by finding the evidence of two main signatures in stars of solar spectral type: infrared excess and anomalous light curves due to transiting artificial objects. These are probably the most powerful viewfinders in order to allow SETI techniques for intelligent signal search to be aimed at more appropriate targets. This paper is not intended to be a research paper but rather a review paper whose goal is not to present calculations and/or operational research but rather to be a research proposal for a more focused research in SETI just using Dyson Spheres as crucial markers.
Highlights A pragmatic strategy about improving SETI research is presented. Strategy: search for Dyson spheres and its distinctive observational markers for G-type stars. Infrared excess and anomalous light curves are identified as ideal markers. The two markers above are used to optimize standard SETI search. SETI (radio and optical) search is aimed at G-type stellar targets that show such markers.
A strategic “viewfinder” for SETI research
Acta Astronautica ; 105 , 2 ; 512-516
2014-07-01
5 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
A strategic “viewfinder” for SETI research
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