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Observational signatures of self-destructive civilizations

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Forgan_2015_IJA_Observational_AM.pdf (755.5Kb)
Date
2015
Author
Stevens, A.
Forgan, Duncan
James, J.O.
Keywords
Dead civilizations
Fermi's Paradox
Observational techniques
SETI
QB Astronomy
QC Physics
T-NDAS
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Abstract
We address the possibility that intelligent civilizations that destroy themselves could present signatures observable by humanity. Placing limits on the number of self-destroyed civilizations in the Milky Way has strong implications for the final three terms in Drake's Equation, and would allow us to identify which classes of solution to Fermi's Paradox fit with the evidence (or lack thereof). Using the Earth as an example, we consider a variety of scenarios in which humans could extinguish their own technological civilization. Each scenario presents some form of observable signature that could be probed by astronomical campaigns to detect and characterize extrasolar planetary systems. Some observables are unlikely to be detected at interstellar distances, but some scenarios are likely to produce significant changes in atmospheric composition that could be detected serendipitously with next-generation telescopes. In some cases, the timing of the observation would prove crucial to detection, as the decay of signatures is rapid compared with humanity's communication lifetime. In others, the signatures persist on far longer timescales.
Citation
Stevens , A , Forgan , D & James , J O 2015 , ' Observational signatures of self-destructive civilizations ' International Journal of Astrobiology , vol FirstView . DOI: 10.1017/S1473550415000397
Publication
International Journal of Astrobiology
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1473550415000397
ISSN
1473-5504
Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015. This work is made available online in accordance with the publisher’s policies. This is the author created, accepted version manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1473550415000397
Description
D. F. gratefully acknowledges support from the ECOGAL ERC advanced grant, and the STFC grant ST/J001422/1.
Collections
  • Physics & Astronomy Research
  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/8671

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