The Documentary Podcast
So where are the aliens?
Feb 12, 2019
Seth Shostak, Chief astronomer for SETI, discusses the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the possibility of alien life in the universe. Topics include challenges in detecting alien signals, different communication methods like radio signals and lasers, and the potential implications of making contact with alien civilizations.
27:27
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Quick takeaways
- Efforts in SETI struggle to detect alien signals using radio telescopes, facing financial uncertainty and occasional false alarms.
- Advanced detectors and optical SETI experiments with lasers show promise in potentially communicating with alien civilizations, emphasizing the Breakthrough Listen initiative's comprehensive search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Deep dives
Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Efforts
The podcast discusses efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), revealing challenges faced by researchers like detecting artificial signals. Jill Tartar, a SETI Institute founder, inspired the lead character in the movie 'Contact,' emphasizing the desire to understand humanity's place in the universe. Researchers work with radio telescopes to listen to potential alien signals, facing financial uncertainties and occasional false alarms.
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