A team of astronomers from Penn State University and the SETI Institute has made significant strides in the search for extraterrestrial radio signals. Utilizing the Allen Telescope Array, they conducted the longest single-target search for technosignatures from the TRAPPIST-1 system, which is home to seven Earth-sized exoplanets located approximately 41 light-years away.
Over 28 hours of observation, the researchers focused on planet-planet occultations, a phenomenon where one planet passes in front of another from Earth's perspective. They scanned a broad range of frequencies, filtering through millions of potential signals to analyze around 11,000 candidates. Despite not finding any alien signals, their work has paved the way for future searches by introducing innovative techniques that could enhance the detection of extraterrestrial communications.
The TRAPPIST-1 system is particularly interesting due to its proximity and the presence of three planets within the star's habitable zone. The research emphasizes that with advancements in technology, such as the upcoming Square Kilometer Array, the potential to detect signals from alien civilizations is becoming increasingly feasible.
This study not only represents a significant advancement in the methodology of searching for alien signals but also highlights the collaborative efforts of researchers and students in pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.