An Extragalactic Widefield Search for Technosignatures with the Murchison Widefield Array

TL;DR

This study uses the Murchison Widefield Array to conduct a widefield search for technosignatures across over 1,300 background galaxies, setting limits on potential extraterrestrial transmitters.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach by focusing on background galaxies in a widefield survey for technosignatures, expanding beyond traditional galactic source searches.

Findings

No technosignatures detected in the surveyed galaxies.

Set upper limits on transmitter power for potential signals.

Demonstrated feasibility of large-scale extragalactic technosignature searches.

Abstract

It is common for surveys that are designed to find artificial signals generated by distant civilizations to focus on galactic sources. Recently, researchers have started focusing on searching for all other sources within the field observed, including the vast population of background galaxies. Toward a population of galaxies in the background toward the Vela supernova remnant, we search for technosignatures, spectral and temporal features consistent with our understanding of technology. We set transmitter power limits for the detection of signals in a population of over 1,300 galaxies within a single field of view observed with the Murchison Widefield Array.