Macroengineering in the Galactic Context: A New Agenda for Astrobiology

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a macro-engineering focused approach in SETI, emphasizing the detection of large-scale extraterrestrial projects as more promising than traditional radio searches, supported by astrophysical and evolutionary insights.

Contribution

It proposes the Dysonian approach as a primary SETI strategy, integrating astrophysics, astrobiology, and macro-engineering to improve detection prospects of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Findings

Macro-engineering projects are promising SETI targets.

Traditional radio searches have limitations.

Astrophysical understanding supports macro-engineering detection.

Abstract

We hereby consider the problem of detectability of macro-engineering projects over interstellar distances, in the context of Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Freeman J. Dyson and his imaginative precursors, like Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Olaf Stapledon or John B. S. Haldane, suggested macro-engineering projects as focal points in the context of extrapolations about the future of humanity and, by analogy, other intelligent species in the Milky Way. We emphasize that the search for signposts of extraterrestrial macro-engineering projects is not an optional pursuit within the family of ongoing and planned SETI projects; inter alia, the failure of the orthodox SETI thus far clearly indicates this. Instead, this approach (for which we suggest a name of "Dysonian") should be the front-line and mainstay of any cogent SETI strategy in future, being significantly more promising than searches for directed, intentional radio or microwave emissions. This is in accord with our improved astrophysical understanding of the structure and evolution of the Galactic Habitable Zone, as well as with the recent wake-up call of Steven J. Dick to investigate consequences of postbiological evolution for astrobiology in general and SETI programs in particular. The benefits this multidisciplinary approach may bear for astrobiologists, evolutionary theorists and macro-engineers are also briefly highlighted.