14 - Technosignatures

Summary

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) represents a well-known area of astrobiology. This chapter is dedicated to technosignatures, that is, markers produced by extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs). The famous Drake equation for roughly estimating the number of communicative ETIs is introduced, its various factors are defined, and some of its shortcomings and implications for detecting technosignatures are discussed. Next, the Fermi paradox is delineated: if ETIs are widespread, where are they? Three major classes of solutions to this classic paradox (e.g., we are effectively alone) are considered, along with their accompanying ramifications. After a brief segue into the Kardashev scale for grouping ETIs, the final segment of the chapter categorises the diverse landscape of technosignatures – ranging from artificial radio and optical signals to atmospheric pollutants and waste heat arising from energy harvesting and dissipation – and outlines the current limits derived for the frequency of technosignatures, as well as the anticipated future constraints in this context.