Follow Monte Ross of the Laser Space Signal Observatory as he explores the challenges in searching for evidence of extraterrestrials, the programs that have failed, and those that continue. The book circumvents the failure of searches at radio frequencies by being the first to explore electromagnetic frequencies besides RF and microwave as possible signal sources, taking into consideration all the ways that extraterrestrials might try to communicate with us. Throughout the presentation, all the ideas, concepts, and approaches are explained clearly, without the use of complex math or physics.

Zusammenfassung

In The Search for Extraterrestrials, Monte Ross explores in detail the key problems in starting a search, the programs that have failed and those that continue. He includes the fundamental considerations and the physics of the necessary laser, UV, IR and RF technologies, as well as coding and information theory considerations.

The author explores future possibilities providing the reader with a comprehensive view of the many ways signals from aliens could be sent and explains why the search using RF leaves more than 99% of the electromagnetic spectrum unexamined. He also demonstrates the many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, considering the next likely steps in this unique enterprise. Given man's intrinsic nature to explore, the search will continue in one form or many, until success is achieved, which may be tomorrow or a millennium away.

In summary, Monte Ross proposes to get around the failure of a fruitless search at radio frequencies by developing, in a precise way, the argument for searching for transmissions in the optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Inhalt
The likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence.- Vast distances and long travel times.- Stars, their evolution and types.- Planets and our Sun.- The many constraints on life.- Why would anyone transmit to us?.- The Drake Equation and habitable planets.- The basics of space communication.- Where to look in the electromagnetic spectrum?.- Receiver basics and how big is big?.- Noise and limitations on sensitivity.- Programs in SETI.- A brief history of SETI.- Radio-frequency and microwave SETI, including the Allen Telescope Array.- Early optical SETI and the all-sky Harvard system.- Possibilities in SETI.- The PhotonStar project.- Key issues for SETI.- Other parts of the spectrum, decoding the data and forming pictures.- Future systems for intercepting alien lasers.