Progress in the Detection of Extraterrestrial Life @ Space Workshop ’23

Andrew Siemion, director of the Berkeley SETI Research Center, discusses the progress in detecting extraterrestrial life at the Space Workshop ’23. With the average number of planets per star and the existence of planets similar to Earth, the question of other life in the universe remains a mystery. The Galileo spacecraft used a unique approach to detect signs of life on Earth, such as disequilibrium chemistry in the atmosphere and the presence of plants. Techno signatures, like narrow-band radio emission, are potential indicators of intelligent technological activity. Collaboration between astronomers and engineers has become a significant part of SETI research. The detection of techno signatures, rather than biological signs, is more feasible. The public’s interest in ET life discovery depends on the specific detection. Directed energy propulsion systems and anomaly detection are strategies for detecting advanced civilizations.