Proxima B - To probe or not to probe?

[Cyclone]

90 light years instead of 4... That's going to take a lot longer.

 

I'd start with the close target and prove that the technology is viable before going for the one 20 times as far away!

[biotechpete]

90 light years instead of 4... That's going to take a lot longer.

 

I'd start with the close target and prove that the technology is viable before going for the one 20 times as far away!

 

Yeah, I know, but say they are an intelligent Kardashev Type II civilisation. The probe might not need to get all the way there before they come and say hi (on the basis that the signal was directed and they might be monitoring us for a response).

[alchresearch]

Maybe we should forget about Proxima b and send a probe to HD 164595 b instead.

http://observer.com/2016/08/not-a-drill-seti-is-investigating-a-possible-extraterrestrial-signal-from-deep-space/

 

Tabloid overhype I'm afraid.

 

SETI Institute damps down 'wow!' signal report from Russia

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/08/30/seti_institute_damps_down_wow_signal_report_from_russia/

 

it could feasibly be “interference from a passing satellite”.

 

“It doesn’t even look like terrestrial interference has been ruled out — sometimes something as simple as a spark from a power line can cause radio interference that can mess with telescopes.

 

With only one blip like this, seen by one telescope, it’s really impossible to know what it might have come from.”

 

unexpected signals are a common occurrence, and so far haven't needed extra-terrestrials to explain them

Edited August 30, 2016 by alchresearch

[Cyclone]

Yeah, I know, but say they are an intelligent Kardashev Type II civilisation. The probe might not need to get all the way there before they come and say hi (on the basis that the signal was directed and they might be monitoring us for a response).

 

If it's a real signal and not a bit of random noise, then the quickest way to get a response would be to send a directed signal back. No need for a probe at 0.2C when we can send a signal at 1.0C. We might get a reply within 200 years that way!