Lunar Opportunities for SETI
- Paper number
IAC-19,A4,1,16,x54535
- Author
Mr. Eric Michaud, United States, University of California, Berkeley
- Coauthor
Dr. Andrew Siemion, United States, Univerisity of California
- Coauthor
Mr. Jamie Drew, United States, NASA
- Coauthor
Dr. S. Pete Worden, United States, Breakthrough Prize Foundation
- Year
2019
- Abstract
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence would be greatly aided by a telescope positioned on the far side of the Moon. Because the Moon is tidally locked, such a telescope would always face away from the Earth, and would be shielded from terrestrial sources of radio frequency interference (RFI). While RFI can be relatively easily rejected by other radio astronomers, it significantly complicates SETI projects -- candidate alien signals may be difficult to distinguish from those produced by human technology. The lunar far side is therefore an extremely attractive site for future SETI initiatives because it offers a dramatically quieter radio environment than other locations in our local universe. With accelerating public and private interest in returning to the Moon, it is now possible to imagine such a telescope being built within the next decade. Advances in battery technology, antenna design, and the miniaturization of electronics have made feasible the construction and placement of a low-mass radio telescope on the lunar far side. The achievement of this vision would mark a new era in SETI.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-19,A4,1,16,x54535.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.