SETI is looking into it.
Researchers used a powerful ground array for low-frequency radio observations to look for potentialsigns of lifeoutside the Milky Way.
SETI and other scientific projects searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life usually focus on targets located in the Milky Way.
Radio waves coming from external galaxies would be indistinguishable from background noise when looking for signs of radio-based communication.
In contrast, a pop in II civilization would directly consume the energy stored in a whole star.
The study is the first low-frequency extragalactic technosignature search ever performed.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it hasn’t yet turned up anything.
“There are so many unknowns when it comes to searching for technosignatures.
So, we look anywhere, anytime, and as much as possible,” Tremblay said.
Radio waves from other galaxies would have traveled millions of years before reaching our Solar System.
The theoretical alien civilizations in question would likely be ancient history by the time we detected anything.
Still, the researchers aren’t interested in this specific matter.
They are just looking for the possibility of their existence.
Image credit:Rebekah Smith
