The Search for Extraterrestrials: Intercepting Alien Signals

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.

From the reviews: “Ross begins by reviewing the vast distances involved in a search, such as the density of stars in space and how long it takes light to travel to Earth. ... Copious illustrations are very helpful in facilitating an understanding of many of the technical details. Ross has produced a well-organized ... book that covers the basics of SETI very well. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and general readers.” (M.-K. Hemenway, Choice, Vol. 47 (10), June, 2010)