For the first time, scientists are searching for signs of alien technology in galaxies far beyond our own, using low-frequency radio waves.
This groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Chenoa Tremblay from the SETI Institute and Professor Steven Tingay from Curtin University, is using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Western Australia to explore the universe in a new way.
The MWA is a powerful radio telescope with a large field of view, allowing the researchers to observe about 2,800 galaxies at once, including 1,300 galaxies whose distances are already known.
Traditionally, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has focused on detecting signals from within our own galaxy.
This new study pushes the boundaries by looking for signs of advanced civilizations in much more distant galaxies.
The study is one of the most detailed efforts yet to find super civilizations—those far more advanced than humanity.
To send a signal across galaxies, an alien civilization would need incredibly powerful technology, possibly harnessing the energy of their sun or multiple stars.
Published on the arXiv preprint server, the research did not detect any technosignatures—signs of alien technology—but it marks a significant step forward in the search for extraterrestrial life.
“This work is an important step in our efforts to find signals from advanced alien civilizations,” said Dr. Tremblay.
“The MWA’s large field of view and low-frequency range make it an ideal tool for this kind of research, and our findings will guide future studies.”
The study emphasizes the importance of exploring different radio frequencies and using advanced telescopes like the MWA to broaden our search for intelligent life in the universe. According to Professor Tingay, who is also the Director of the MWA, “The MWA continues to open up new ways of exploring the universe for intelligent civilizations and technosignatures, while also studying the astrophysics of stars and galaxies.
This work is new and innovative, but it also sets the stage for future observations with even more powerful telescopes.”
This research underscores the importance of international collaboration and advanced technology in expanding our understanding of the universe. The SETI Institute is dedicated to exploring the cosmos for signs of intelligent life and deepening our knowledge of the universe through cutting-edge research.
