Astronomers are planning an initiative to listen for potential messages from intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations using the Mars probe Trace Gas Orbiter. The project is reported by the SETI Institute in collaboration with international partners.
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), a collaboration between European and Russian space agencies, reached Martian orbit in 2017. Its primary mission is to study Mars’ atmosphere with an array of instruments, including multiple spectrometers (one contributed by Russia), high-resolution cameras, and the FREND neutron detector from Russia, which can detect water presence several meters beneath the surface. This suite of tools enables researchers to characterize atmospheric chemistry and subsurface water distribution to better understand Mars’ history and habitability (Source: SETI Institute).
On May 24, a coordinated effort will simulate the reception of a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization on Earth. Enthusiasts and scientists will use TGO’s radio capabilities to mimic how distant a transmitter could be from Earth. Reception will be conducted with three antenna assemblies: the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), the Green Bank Observatory’s Green Bank Telescope (GBT), and the Medicina antenna set. The encrypted content of the message developed by volunteer Daniela de Paulis and her colleagues remains undisclosed, inviting public participation in deciphering and interpretation (Source: SETI Institute).
According to the institute, this experiment offers the SETI community a practical opportunity to practice collaboration across disciplines. The aim is to improve processes for receiving, processing, analyzing, and interpreting any potential extraterrestrial signal, should one be detected (Source: SETI Institute).
SETI, or the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, denotes a collection of public organizations that have pursued radio scanning of the skies since the mid-20th century, seeking signs of intelligent life beyond Earth (Source: SETI Institute).
Several scientists emphasize careful planning and transparent methodology to ensure that any signals are analyzed responsibly, with a clear record of observations and interpretations. The collaboration among international institutions underlines the global interest in answering one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone in the universe? (Source: SETI Institute).
Note: The program highlights the value of public involvement in scientific exploration while maintaining rigorous standards for data collection and analysis. It also showcases how space missions can intersect with citizen science to advance our understanding of planetary atmospheres, space communication, and the search for life beyond Earth (Source: SETI Institute).