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  • Book
  • © 2009

The Search for Extraterrestrials

Intercepting Alien Signals

Authors:

  • First book that treats electromagnetic frequencies besides RF and Mictrowave as possibilities for signal sources
  • Considers the whole electromagnetic spectrum for extraterrestrial signals
  • Explains why pulsed lasers are good candidates for extraterrestrial signals
  • Brings the search for signals up-to-date
  • Explains ideas, concepts and approaches clearly without the use of complex maths or physics

Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books (PRAXIS)

Part of the book sub series: Popular Astronomy (POPULAR)

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Table of contents (16 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. The likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Stars, their evolution and types

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 9-18
    3. Planets and our Sun

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 19-23
    4. The many constraints on life

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 25-32
    5. Why would anyone transmit to us?

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 33-39
  3. The basics of space communication

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 57-57
    2. Receiver basics and how big is big?

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 71-79
    3. Noise and limitations on sensitivity

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 81-91
  4. Programs in SETI

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 93-93
    2. A brief history of SETI

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 95-97
  5. Possibilities in SETI

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 125-125
    2. The PhotonStar project

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 127-133
    3. Key issues for SETI

      • Monte Ross
      Pages 135-141

About this book

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.

Reviews

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)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Laser Space Signal Observatory, Olivette, USA

    Monte Ross

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 19.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 27.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access