Gravitational Wave Detectors: A New Frontier for SETI and Dark Matter Research

Gravitational wave detectors are opening up exciting new possibilities in astronomy, offering potential ways to detect dark matter and explore novel approaches to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). It's understood that a significant portion of the universe consists of dark matter (85%) and dark energy (70%), which are not visible through electromagnetic means. Currently, observatories like LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA can detect dark objects, heavier than a hundred million tons, moving at near light speed. The planned LISA space observatory will further improve sensitivity, allowing the detection of objects with masses similar to asteroids. Recent research proposes that advanced civilizations might use gravitational waves for communication, a method that would be undetectable by traditional SETI techniques that rely on electromagnetic signals. LIGO's current capabilities extend to detecting Jupiter-mass objects accelerating within our galaxy, or even Moon-mass objects at distances of tens of light-years. Future observatories promise even greater sensitivity, vastly increasing the volume of space that can be searched. Gravitational signals are a fundamental aspect of the universe and could offer a discreet communication strategy, potentially targeting civilizations with advanced scientific knowledge.