Optical SETI at ESO in the 2040s

TL;DR

This paper proposes using ESO's future optical spectroscopic facilities in the 2040s to search for extraterrestrial intelligence via laser communications, highlighting its technological and outreach potential.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach for optical SETI using upcoming ESO spectroscopic facilities, expanding beyond traditional radio searches.

Findings

Potential to detect artificial laser signals with future ESO instruments

Enhanced outreach and public engagement opportunities

Complementary method to existing radio SETI efforts

Abstract

The searches for other life and for intelligence are fundamental problems that science faces today. Most searches so far have been focused on radio, but optical laser communication is an alternative, well suited for a ground-based observatory. A project to search for artificial laser communications with the current and future extreme multiplexity spectroscopic facilities that ESO may develop by the 2040s is outlined. The monochromatic light is a clearly identifiable technosignature. The enormous corollary outreach potential of this initiative is underlined.