Listening In On Aliens
It's time to get far out — NASA has recently approved funding for its new program CATS, or Categorizing Atmospheric Technosignatures, which may aid in identifying technologically advanced civilizations on alien worlds.
The previous ethos in searching for such civilizations had been to look for deliberate messages sent towards Earth, like a universal mathematical constant (Pi, the Fibonacci sequence) broadcast at hydrogen’s electromagnetic frequency. But now the gears have shifted to look for spillover frequencies — just as our presence on Earth produces massive amounts of electromagnetic signs and disruptions to our atmosphere, other advanced civilizations would produce something similar.
The idea of a spillover frequency is not new. In fact, science fiction authors have been aware of the concept for sometime. There's plenty of novels and movies where broadcasts from Earth accidentally make their way to alien worlds without us knowing it. This would be a reverse of that scenario though; instead of aliens stumbling across our radio waves, we're looking for theirs.
This project will make use of the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope, examining distant exoplanets for telltale signs of alien life. Much of the focus will be on industrial byproducts like chlorofluorocarbons and nitrogen dioxide, both of which would indicate intelligent life and could be identified by the JWST’s sensors. There’s also the technological footprint to consider--just as we have left our mark on the solar system with innumerable rovers, satellites, and space junk, a comparably advanced civilization will have also made its mark across its celestial neighborhood.
Of course, the CATS program is no guarantee of finding extraterrestrial life. There is a lot of noise out there to parse through but it’s still providing a better understanding of both the universe out there, and is a reminder of the effect we’re having on our own planet too.
Featured Product
Roman Arrowhead - Pocket Specimen
Latest News
-
Apr 18, 2025 Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh! Read More -
Apr 09, 2025 Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype? Read More -
Apr 07, 2025 What was dinosaur armor used for? New fossils help scientists find out! Read More
Cool Things!
Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.
Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!
Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype?
Specimen Deep Dives
Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission
The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!
Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!
Top 10 Most Incredible Dinosaur Fossils Ever Discovered!
Dinosaur fossils have captured the popular imagination for decades. The giant, bizarre creatures that traversed the Earth far before the dawn of human civilization are the subject of countless exhibits, movies, books and television shows. Here is a countdown of 10 of the most significant and incredible fossils ever discovered!