Into the Impossible With Brian Keating Could Aliens Be Using Light to Communicate? A New Era of SETI with Shelley Wright [ep. 483]
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Mar 17, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Shelley Wright, a Professor of Astronomy and Physics at UCSD, delves into innovative approaches alongside traditional methods in the search for extraterrestrial life. She highlights how optical SETI, leveraging advanced astronomical instruments, could be the key to communication with alien civilizations. The conversation touches on the implications of the Drake Equation, the challenges of verifying interstellar signals, and the philosophical dilemmas of reaching out to the cosmos. It's an enlightening exploration of a new frontier in SETI research!
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Frank Drake's Legacy
- Shelley Wright knew Frank Drake and won the Drake Award.
- Drake pioneered scientific rigor in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Drake Equation's Usefulness
- The Drake Equation, while not traditionally calculable, provides a framework for astrobiology.
- It helps researchers identify key factors influencing the probability of life.
Instrument Development Focus
- Shelley Wright focuses on building new instruments, like cameras and spectrographs, for telescopes.
- She applies this approach to conventional astronomy and SETI research.