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A review of the theory of interstellar communicationThe probability is analyzed that intelligent civilizations capable of interstellar communication exist in the galaxy. Drake's (1960) equation for the prevalence of communicative civilization is used in the calculations, and attempts are made to place limits on the search range that must be covered to contact other civilizations, the longevity of the communicative phase of such civilizations, and the possible number of two-way exchanges between civilizations in contact with each other. The minimum estimates indicate that some 100,000 civilizations probably coexist within several tens of astronomical units of each other and that some 1,000,000 probably coexist within 10 light years of each other. Attempts to detect coherent signals characteristic of intelligent life are briefly noted, including Projects Ozma and Cyclops as well as some Soviet attempts. Recently proposed American and Soviet programs for interstellar communication are outlined.
Document ID
19750061795
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Billingham, J.
Wolfe, J. H.
(NASA Ames Research Center Interstellar Communication Study Group, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Oliver, B. M.
(Hewlett-Packard Co. Palo Alto, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1975
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER A75-031
Accession Number
75A45867
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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