Researchers from Penn State University and the SETI Institute have developed a new method to search for extraterrestrial radio signals in the TRAPPIST-1 system, focusing on interplanetary occultations. The developed technique enables the detection of possible communication between planets, in an effort to search for life outside the solar system
Astronomers from Penn State University and the SETI Institute have developed a new technique that focuses on aligning planets to scan the TRAPPIST-1 star system for extraterrestrial technology. The study, which was the longest focused search for extraterrestrial radio signals in this region to date, used the Allen Telescope (ATA).
During the study, which focused on detecting radio signals from planets outside the solar system, the astronomers focused on planets that are aligned with each other and with Earth. These signals may be similar to those used to communicate with rovers on Mars. The team spent 28 hours scanning the TRAPPIST-1 star system for signs of extraterrestrial technology, but found no evidence. However, the project introduced a new method for future studies, and its findings will be published in the Astronomical Journal The Astronomical Journal.
Improving extraterrestrial signal detection technologies
"Our research shows that we are getting closer to technologies and methods that can detect radio signals similar to those we send into space," said Nick Tosei, a research associate at Penn State University and lead author of the paper. "Most searches focus on strong signals, like a beacon designed to reach distant planets, but with more advanced equipment, like the soon-to-be-arrived Square Kilometer Array, we may soon be able to detect signals from an extraterrestrial civilization communicating with its spacecraft."
Communication between planets beyond the solar system
The study focused on a phenomenon called "Planet-Planet Occultations" (PPOs), when one planet passes in front of another planet from Earth's perspective. If there is an extraterrestrial civilization in this system, it is possible that radio signals sent between planets could to leak and emerge from the earth.
Advancing signal analysis at the Allen telescope
Using the upgraded ATA telescope—an array of radio antennas dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial technology at Hat Creek Observatory in the Cascade Mountains, the team scanned a wide range of frequencies for narrowband signals, considered possible signs of extraterrestrial technology. The team filtered through millions of possible signals and narrowed down to about 11,000 candidates for detailed analysis, of which they discovered 2,264 signals during expected PPO windows. However, none of the signals were found to be from a non-human source.
SETI research and student participation
"This project involved work by undergraduate students as part of the SETI Institute's 2023 research program," said Sophia Sheikh, a SETI researcher and Penn State Ph.D. "The students looked for signals from human satellites around Mars to test if the system was able to correctly detect signals. This was an exciting way to involve students in advanced SETI research."
Future directions in astronomical research
"TRAPPIST-1 is an ideal target for testing these methods because of its proximity to Earth and the detailed information we have about the orbits of its planets," Tosei said. "The methods and algorithms we developed can be applied in the future to other star systems and increase our chances of finding permanent communication between planets outside the solar system, if they exist."
The team found no extraterrestrial signals in this study, but they will continue to improve search methods and explore additional star systems. Future searches with larger, more powerful telescopes may help scientists detect even fainter signals and expand our understanding of the universe.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
