The Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts (SETA)

Abstract

The Artifact Hypothesis states that an advanced extraterrestrial intelligence has undertaken a long-term programme of galactic exploration via the transmission of material artifacts. An attempt to verify this hypothesis experimentally, the search for extraterrestrial artifacts (SETA), is proposed to detect such evidence in the Solar System by telescopic, radar, infrared, direct probe, or other available means. 1. THE ARTIFACT HYPOTHESIS Current scientific interest in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is motivated by the recognition that the technology for interstellar communication is now available [1]. In recent decades many searches for interstellar radio beacons and signals have been proposed and actually conducted [2-4]. The two principle assumptions in all such efforts are that (1) advanced extraterrestrial intelligence exists in the Universe, and that (2) these intelligences are presently attempting to locate, examine, or possibly communicate with us. A previous paper [5] argues that interstellar spacecraft are generally preferable to electromagnetic wave propagation for extrasolar exploration and communication. Further, recent objections to the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence based on the Fermi Paradox [6-8] are invalid [9] because they are based on the unsupported assumption that ETI or their artifacts are not now present in the Solar System. Our ignorance of