Finding Life In Space By Looking For Extraterrestrial Pollution 95
coondoggie writes: If what we know as advanced life exists anywhere other than Earth, then perhaps they are dirtying their atmosphere as much as we are. We could use such pollution components to perhaps more easily spot such planets. That's the basis of new research published this week by researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. They say that if we could spot the fingerprints of certain pollutants under ideal conditions (PDF), it would offer a new approach in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence."
Advanced? (Score:4, Insightful)
In what other ways are we assuming alien life is like us?
Re:Advanced? (Score:4, Insightful)
It's worse than that. Pollution is highly specific to the existence of given technology at a given stage of development. How long, on astronomical time scales, would a given planetary atmosphere contain iodine-131 (half life 8 days) or even coal smoke, before more advanced versions of the same technology, or a different technology entirely, succeeds the one emitting the pollutant?
Furthermore, we can only detect as pollutants substances that we already know about as side effects of our own civilization. If we were to look at some exoplenet and detect an oxygen atmosphere that has scandium dust in it, or which absorbs slightly more yellow that we think it should, we would have no way of associating this effect with possible intelligence until we experience the same kind of pollution ourselves.
Re:Great... (Score:2, Insightful)
No, the EPA won't be bothering them...
Customs will be after them for importing technology without a license.
ATF&E will be after them for carrying unlicensed military type weapons.
Department of Energy will be complaining about the unlicensed reactor they will be running.
The FCC will be fining them for importing RF equipment and causing interference. Operating an RF transmitter without authorization and listening to 800 MHz and cell frequencies. Depending on the size of the craft, there may be fines for not having the proper lighting.
The county and city will be imposing fines for violation of zoning ordinances and non-payment of taxes on their space ship because it's "real" property. Local authorities will also demand they get a permit for the crowd that gathers, which will include the provision for handicapped parking, temporary restroom facilities, and fees for overtime payments for cops to direct traffic.
The FAA will be insisting that they be provided blue prints, design specs, and given access to the ship to verify it's airworthiness. They will insist on the ship being registered, at least experimental, but only if the occupants can prove they built 51% of it themselves. They will also be looking for the pilot's license, medical and log book to make sure the crew is legally able to fly. There may also be fines for flying an improperly equipped aircraft in a controlled airspace and flying VFR in IFR conditions.
The IRS will come after them for not filing the proper "resident alien" tax returns for a number of years. They may also be due tax credits and Obamacare subsidies, unless they are self employed in which case they will be billed for the fine/tax.
HHS will want to get them signed up for healthcare but will likely require them to seek immediate medical attention so that they can be vaccinated. If they brought medical staff with them, they will be required to obtain new licenses or cease to practice.
ICE will issue citations to each alien for being in the country without a passport, visa or work permit issued by a recognized government. They will then start proceedings to deport them to their country of origin, issue them a summons for a court date 6 months in the future and turn them loose to fend for themselves.
Re:Advanced? (Score:5, Insightful)
Pollution occurs wherever there is life.
True. Earth was populated for millions of years by organisms that polluted the atmosphere with oxygen.