SETI Researchers Double-Checked 1 Million Objects for Signs of Alien Signals

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Evan Gough

SETI is developing a new way to search for technosignatures, and the first results are in. Sadly, no alien signals were detected. Image Credit: SETI — SETI is exploring new methods to detect technosignatures.

We can't help ourselves but wonder about life elsewhere in the Universe. Any hint of a biosignature or even a faint, technosignature-like event wrests our attention away from our tumultuous daily affairs. In 1984, our wistful quest took concrete form as SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, SETI has turned up nothing. Recently, scientists used a powerful new data system to re-examine data from one million cosmic objects and still came up empty-handed. Did they learn anything from this attempt?

New Approaches in Technosignature Detection

This effort utilized COSMIC, which stands for Commensal Open-Source Multimode Interferometer Cluster. It’s a signal-processing and algorithm system attached to the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) radio astronomy observatory. According to SETI, it’s designed to “search for signals throughout the Galaxy consistent with our understanding of artificial radio emissions."

Modern astronomy generates vast volumes of data, and algorithms and automated processing are needed to comb through it all. So far, COSMIC has observed more than 950,000 objects, and the results are documented in a new paper titled "COSMIC’s Large-Scale Search for Technosignatures during the VLA Sky Survey: Survey Description and First Results", led by author Chenoa Tremblay from SETI.

Image of radio telescopes at the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, located in Socorro, New Mexico. Image Credit: National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Historical Context of SETI

The search for extraterrestrial life is not new. It reflects a long-standing curiosity about our place in the cosmos. The scientific community has tried various methods and equipment to discern possible signals emanating from intelligent alien civilizations. Over the decades, these efforts have varied widely, from targeted searches focusing on specific stars to broad surveys covering extensive regions of the sky.

Current Methodology

The COSMIC initiative represents a leap forward in the method of identifying potential signals. By deploying advanced algorithms capable of machine learning, scientists aim for increased efficiency in analyzing data from ongoing astronomical observations.

In this context, COSMIC's design allows it to run alongside the VLA Sky Survey (VLASS), which is a long-term effort aimed at capturing transient radio signals across the entire visible sky. While the VLA operates as a traditional observational tool, COSMIC serves as a sophisticated computational engine that can analyze this data in real-time, looking for patterns that may indicate artificial signals.

Technical Specifications of COSMIC

COSMIC employs a combination of narrowband signal detection and statistical filtering methods, which helps reduce the instances of false positives—signals that may appear artificial but are naturally occurring.

Aspect	Description
Data Volume	Cosmic caters to processing over 950,000 cosmic objects and corresponding signals.
Algorithm Use	Integration of machine learning for real-time data peaks and signal identification.
Signal Characteristics	Focus on narrowband frequencies and Doppler shifts indicative of artificial signals.
Output Type	Characterized output includes a database of detected signals and cutouts for further analysis.

Data Processing Challenges

One of the significant hurdles faced by astronomers today is the sheer volume of data collected from various observations. The complexity of identifying plausible technosignatures among natural astrophysical signals necessitates an innovative approach to data management and processing.

The COSMIC framework addresses these challenges effectively. By utilizing advanced computing power and sophisticated algorithms, researchers can process information at unprecedented speeds while retaining accuracy. As Tremblay states, “Developing algorithms to search through data efficiently is a challenging part of searching for signs of technology beyond our solar system." This perspective highlights the ongoing necessity for innovation in data analysis methods within astronomy and SETI.

Research Findings from COSMIC

Despite the exhaustive search encompassing over 950,000 cosmic objects, COSMIC yielded no alien signals. Nevertheless, the endeavor helped refine the methodologies in use and lay the groundwork for future refinements.

“Even when the search turns up empty, the data we collect and analyze provides crucial insights into our methodologies and approaches.” – Chenoa Tremblay

Future Directions for SETI

The void left by a lack of alien signals has not deterred belief in their potential existence. As technology advances, future efforts must prioritize intelligent data-processing systems capable of managing the deluge of data generated by modern astronomical surveys. Here are a few areas of focus:

Enhanced Filtering Techniques: The need for more sensitive filters to isolate potential signals from the background noise.
Integration of AI: AI could provide a new level of sophistication in analyzing cosmic data.
Cross-Institution Collaborations: Larger collaborations among observatories can enhance resource sharing.

Conclusion

The quest for extraterrestrial intelligence through SETI continues to spark our imaginations and scientific ambitions. The recent COSMIC initiative highlights the challenges inherent in this field while also underscoring the strides being made. As we delve deeper into the universe, it remains incumbent upon scientists to refine their methods continuously and adapt to the overwhelming influx of data, ever hopeful of discovering evidence of cosmic companions.

For More Information

To dive deeper into the findings and the associated technology, please refer to the following resources:

By continuing to strive for clarity and understanding, we keep the human spirit alive in the search for life beyond our planet.

Technosignature Candidates	Observation Method	First Detection
Narrowband Radio Signals	Frequencies < 1GHz	1977 - Wow! Signal
Optical Transmissions	SETI@home project	N/A
Laser Pulses	Direct Observation	N/A

Submitted Research Papers

A selection of significant papers elucidating findings from recent data processing efforts includes:

References

[1] Tremblay, C., et al. (2025). COSMIC's Large-Scale Search for Technosignatures during the VLA Sky Survey: Survey Description and First Results. The Astronomical Journal.

[2] SETI Institute. Investigating Signals from the Stars. Planetary Science Institute.

[3] Temple, C. J., & Xiong, W. (2021). Understanding the Nature of Cosmic Signals. Astrophysical Journal.

[4] Gough, E. (2025). SETI’s New Techniques in Signal Processing and Analysis: A Review. Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

SETI's Million-Object Alien Signal Search Results