"And finally, we've begun searching directly for any signals from space that might indicate the presence of an intelligent, technologically advanced civilization, through endeavors such as SETI (the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) and Breakthrough Listen. All of these searches have returned only null results so far, despite memorably loud claims to the contrary. However, the fact that we haven't met with success just yet should in no way discourage us from continuing to search for life on all three fronts,"
"We can access the surfaces and atmospheres of other worlds in our Solar System, enabling us to look for even tiny, microscopic signs of biological activity, including imprints left by ancient, now-extinct forms of life. But we may have to dig through tens of kilometers of ice to find it, or recognize life forms wholly unrelated to life-as-we-know-it on Earth."
Despite substantial exploration, only Earth shows definitive signs of life, past or present. Thousands of exoplanets have been discovered, including many Earth-sized, potentially habitable worlds, yet none have been confirmed as inhabited. Radio and technosignature searches, including SETI and Breakthrough Listen, have so far returned null results despite loud claims otherwise. The three main search approaches each have distinct strengths and weaknesses. In-situ Solar System exploration can detect microscopic or ancient biosignatures but may require excavation through kilometers of ice or recognition of unfamiliar life chemistries. Exoplanet observations and advancing technologies offer promising avenues. Continued multi-front searches remain justified.
Read at Big Think
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