Science with an ngVLA: SETI Searches for Evidence of Intelligent Life in the Galaxy

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the next-generation ngVLA radio telescope will enhance SETI searches by exploring new parameter spaces and potentially discovering extraterrestrial intelligent signals.

Contribution

It highlights the capabilities of ngVLA in advancing SETI research, especially in unexplored frequency ranges and regions of the galaxy.

Findings

ngVLA will probe new parameter space for extraterrestrial signals

It will complement SKA and previous SETI experiments in the 10-100 GHz range

Potential to make groundbreaking discoveries in the search for intelligent life

Abstract

Radio SETI experiments aim to test the hypothesis that extraterrestrial civilizations emit detectable signals from communication, propulsion, or other technologies. The unprecedented capabilities of next generation radio telescopes, including ngVLA, will allow us to probe hitherto unexplored regions of parameter space, thereby placing meaningful limits on the prevalence of technological civilizations in the Universe (or, if we are fortunate, making one of the most significant discoveries in the history of science). ngVLA provides critical capabilities in the 10 - 100 GHz range, and will be a valuable complement to SKA in the southern hemisphere, as well as surveying the sky at frequencies underexplored by previous SETI experiments.