Presenter
Andrew Siemion, SETI
Andrew Patrick Vincent Siemion is an astrophysicist and Director of the Berkeley SETI Research Center. His research interests include high energy time-variable celestial phenomena, astronomical instrumentation and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Dr. Siemion is the Principal Investigator for the Breakthrough Listen program. Dr. Siemion received his B.A. (2008) M.A. (2010) and Ph.D. (2012) in astrophysics from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2018, Siemion was named the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute. Siemion is jointly affiliated with Radboud University Nijmegen and the University of Malta. Also in 2018, he was elected to the International Academy of Astronautics as a Corresponding Member for Basic Sciences. In September 2015, Siemion testified on the current status of astrobiology to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the United States Congress.
Summary:
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.
