Researchers Launch First Low-Frequency Search for Alien Technology in Distant Galaxies

The SETI Institute, the Berkeley SETI Research Centre and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research have announced a study 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, this research is the first to look for signs of alien technology in galaxies beyond our own, focusing on low radio frequencies (100 MHz).

This innovative study used the MWA’s wide field of view, allowing the team to cover about 2,800 galaxies in a single observation, including 1,300 whose distances are known. Traditionally, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) focuses on signals within our galaxy. This new approach goes further, looking at distant galaxies.

This new approach looks at distant galaxies, making it one of the most detailed searches for super civilizations, those that are more advanced than ours. To send a signal from another galaxy, a civilization would need technology powerful enough to use the energy of its sun or several stars in its galaxy.

The research is published on the arXiv preprint server.

“This work represents a significant advance in our efforts to detect signals from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations,” Tremblay said. “The MWA’s large field of view and low-frequency range make it an ideal tool for this type of research, and the limits we have set will guide future studies.”

Although this initial study did not detect any technosignatures (signs of alien technology), it provides information that will help guide future research. It shows how important it is to continue exploring different radio frequencies and to use the unique capabilities of telescopes like the MWA.

“The MWA continues to open new avenues of exploration of the universe for intelligent civilizations and technosignatures, while using the same data to study the astrophysics of stars and galaxies. This work is new and innovative, but also paves the way for future observations with even more powerful telescopes,” said Tingay, who is also the director of the MWA.

This research underscores the importance of working together internationally and using cutting-edge technologies to deepen our understanding of the universe. The SETI Institute explores the cosmos for signs of intelligent life and strives to increase our knowledge of the universe.