The future of SETI: Finite effort or search without end?

Albert A. Harrison

Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Available online 4 May 2009

Abstract

For almost 50 years, astronomers have scanned the skies for evidence
of an extraterrestrial civilization that has reached or surpassed our
level of technological development. In the course of this search,
technology has improved dramatically, and additional developments such
as larger and more sensitive telescopes and increased computing power
will accelerate the search and extend it into new areas. Speculative
search strategies that are more firmly rooted in imagination and wish
than present-day science may mature with the practical effect of
further extending the search space.

The search for extraterrestrial
intelligence (SETI), based on passive observation, has been joined by
the controversial activity of messaging extraterrestrial intelligence
(METI), the use of radio transmissions and space probes to proclaim
our place in the universe. Potential “wild cards” that could
fundamentally change the nature of the search include government
intervention, the fruition of breakthrough technologies, and a
confirmed detection.

A rigorous search could confirm the existence of
extraterrestrial intelligence tomorrow, within the lifetime of many
people now alive, or in the distant future. All that is required for
its continuation is a small number of scientists who have the skills
and equipment to conduct a search that most scientists find credible.

Since the search for life beyond Earth is motivated by cultural and
psychological as well as scientific considerations, we may expect it
to continue into the indefinite future.

Article Outline

1. Introduction
2. Microwave and optical SETI
3. Alternative search strategies
4. METI
5. Cultural aspects of SETI
6. Concluding comments

References

Corresponding Author Contact InformationTel.: +1 530 756 2361.

Article URL here:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2009.04.016