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Atronomyquestion regarding SETI What is SETI? SETI is the Search for Extra Terre

ID: 804333 • Letter: A

Question

Atronomyquestion regarding SETI

What is SETI? SETI is the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence, looking for its presence via detection of radiation that travels from them to us, possible detection of their spacecraft or presence in Solar system, and detection of features of their planet that reveal technological modification. For an advanced technological civilization electromagnetic radiation is considered a natural choice for communication, because it is easily generated, can propagate over long distances and it allows to code information with little expense. Radio telescopes can be used to search for signals generated by ET intelligent life. Which parts of the radio spectrum are good for such searches? Microwave frequencies (1 to 10 GHz) where the background from all sources is a minimum. Low frequencies below 1 GHz (long wavelengths) where emission from the Earth's atmosphere is minimum. High frequencies above 10 GHz (short wavelengths) where Galactic background radiation is negligible. What features can be used to help distinguish an artificial radio signal from a natural one?

Explanation / Answer

Q1) High frequencies above 10 GHz where Galactic background radiation is negligiable.

Q2) An artificial signal will be expected to have a precise wavelength and narrow bandwidth. The signals may be easy to recognize as artificial signals due to their repetitive nature and narrow bandwidths.