Majority of scientists, including astronomers, are searching for extraterrestrial life. According to a recent study, researchers looking for evidence of extraterrestrial civilisation should keep a watch out for city lights on exoplanets.
‘Technosignatures’ are technological representations that can be found using astronomical techniques. While radio signals have received the majority of attention in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) to date, shorter-wavelength optical light is another possible technosignature.
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Several conclusions are presented in the study, which was published online last month in the journal Acta Astronautica. The article concludes that technosignature investigations can be incorporated into the majority of operations.
The paper also exhorts the larger astronomical community to give the prospect of finding technosignatures serious consideration. Although there may already be methods for finding techno signatures, the paper notes that "it will require a community-wide effort to start looking." as per space.com
*Nitrogen dioxide is an instance of an atmospheric technosignature (NO2).
Technosignatures aren't limited to electromagnetic waves. According to the latest study, SETI researchers might also focus on atmospheric technosignatures, which are artificially generated substances that are either unintended byproducts of modern civilisation or are produced for a specific reason, like climate control.
Cover Image: NASA
