How Aliens Might Be Tuning in to Our Signals, as Per a NASA and Penn State Study
For more than 50 years, we’ve been hoping to pick up a signal from outer space. But what if aliens are the ones who can already hear us? Researchers from Penn State and NASA have found that our transmissions into space not only reach their intended destinations but also create a detectable “spill” at great distances.
### The hidden pattern in our signals
A recent study analyzed data from NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), which links Earth with missions to Mars and other key locations. These antennas emit some of the strongest radio signals on the planet.
The researchers discovered that if extraterrestrial beings were positioned correctly between Earth and Mars, they would have a 77% chance of intercepting our signals. If the alignment was with other planets, the likelihood dropped to 12%. Beyond these scenarios, the chances of detection approached zero.
### A new opportunity for SETI
This finding presents SETI with a new strategy. According to lead author Pinchen Fan, we should focus on observing transiting exoplanets and multiple systems where alignments increase the chances of spotting technosignals.
This aligns with the plans for next-generation telescopes like the Nancy Grace Roman, which will enhance our ability to search more efficiently in promising locations.
### Who might be listening and how far
The study also estimated the reach of our signals: a standard DSN transmission could be picked up from 23 light-years away with telescopes similar to ours. This limits the potential candidate stars to a few hundred in our cosmic neighborhood.
Moreover, most of our signals are concentrated within a five-degree angle of the orbital plane. In essence, civilizations with a side-on view of Earth would have the best chance of detecting our signals.
Scientists have pointed out that even commercial airport signals could reveal our presence to advanced extraterrestrial civilizations within a radius of 200 light-years. 👽 — Jaime Maussan (@jaimemaussan1)
### The future of human transmissions
While NASA is exploring laser technology for space communications, these emissions have less “spill” than radio waves, which could reduce the chances of accidental interception by other civilizations. Ironically, this might make us less conspicuous in the future.
Jason Wright, director of Penn State’s SETI Center, sums it up by stating: “By understanding how others might perceive us, we also gain insights into where and how to search for them.”
