The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has traditionally focused on detecting radio waves, but a growing field is turning its attention to technosignatures – indicators of alien technology. How do these compare to traditional biosignature approaches? And what does this mean for the future of space exploration?

A technosignature is any measurable property that provides scientific evidence of past or present technology from extraterrestrial civilizations. Examples include radio signals, Dyson spheres, or even atmospheric pollution caused by industry.

Biosignatures involve chemical signs of life, such as methane, water, and oxygen. While more subtle, they are currently easier to detect and interpret using tools like JWST.

Historically, SETI has focused on radio signals, due to early assumptions about how civilizations might communicate. This created a “radio bias”. New efforts aim to diversify, looking for Dyson spheres via infrared observations and analyzing spectral anomalies.

NASA has renewed interest in technosignature searches, funding new studies in algorithmic SETI and data mining for unexpected patterns. These searches don’t rely on intentional contact – they look for the unintended byproducts of civilization.

While biosignatures may be more accessible today, technosignatures offer a broader scope. SETI’s future likely lies in a balanced approach, combining both to maximize our chances of detecting intelligent life.