A search strategy for SETI - The search for extraterrestrial intelligence

A search strategy is proposed for the detection of signals of extraterrestrial intelligent origin. It constitutes an exploration of a well defined volume of search space in the microwave region of the spectrum and envisages the use of a combination of sky survey and targeted star approaches. It is predicated on the use of existing antennas equipped with sophisticated multichannel spectrum analyzers and signal processing systems operating in the digital mode. The entire sky would be surveyed between 1 and 10 GHz with resolution bin widths down to 32 Hz. More than 700 nearby solar type stars and other selected interesting directions would be searched between 1 GHz and 3 GHz with bin widths down to 1 Hz. Particular emphasis would be placed on those solar type stars that are within 20 light years of earth.