Extraterrestrial technologies: a promising new perspective for detection

Researchers are looking beyond our galaxy in search of signs of advanced civilizations. With the help of a powerful radio telescope in Australia, they are exploring thousands of galaxies.

The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) allows for low-frequency observations, a novel method to detect potential extraterrestrial technologies.


Led by Dr. Chenoa Tremblay from the SETI Institute and Prof. Steven Tingay from Curtin University, this pioneering study focused on 2,800 galaxies. The wide field of view of the MWA enabled the mapping of these galaxies in a single observation, a significant advancement compared to previous research limited to the Milky Way.

The search for technosignatures, traces of extraterrestrial technologies, has expanded. To emit a detectable signal from another galaxy, a civilization would require technology capable of harnessing the energy of multiple stars. Although this initial search did not reveal any signs, it has established limits that will guide future studies.

This project marks an important step in the search for advanced civilizations. The MWA, with its capability to probe at low frequencies, proves to be an essential tool for these investigations. The study also highlights the importance of diversifying the radio frequencies explored to increase our chances of detecting these technosignatures.

Researchers also emphasize the MWA's contributions to other astrophysical fields, such as the study of stars and galaxies. This radio telescope thus opens up new perspectives for the exploration of the Universe.


The results obtained demonstrate the importance of international collaboration and the use of advanced technologies. The SETI Institute continues to expand our understanding of the Universe while pursuing its quest for intelligent life.

What is a technosignature?

A technosignature is an indicator or evidence of the existence of advanced technology created by an extraterrestrial civilization. These traces can include intentionally emitted radio signals, lasers, megastructures, or other artificial phenomena detectable over great distances.

Technosignatures are distinct from biosignatures, which are indicators of biological life, such as atmospheric gases produced by living organisms. The search for technosignatures focuses on identifying signs indicating not just life, but a technologically advanced civilization capable of manipulating its environment in a way observable from space.