August 2 2024

NASA Scientists on Why We Might Not Spot Solar Panel Technosignatures

August 2, 2024

William Steigerwald

As the search for extraterrestrial life intensifies, astronomers are exploring various ways to detect signs of advanced civilizations beyond Earth. One promising approach involves looking for technosignatures, or artificial structures created by intelligent beings. However, a new study by NASA scientists suggests that one of the most commonly sought-after technosignatures - solar panels - may be more difficult to detect than previously thought.

In a paper published in the journal "Astrobiology," the researchers explore whether silicon-based solar panels could be detected on an Earth-like exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star. Using a variety of computer models, they found that it would require several hundred hours of observing time with a large telescope to detect such structures, even under ideal conditions.

The study's findings have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. While the search remains largely focused on non-technological life, such as microbial life or biosignatures, NASA scientists also have begun to explore the possibility of detecting technosignatures. However, the new study suggests that solar panels may not be a reliable indicator of an advanced civilization, at least not one that is similar to our own.