Researchers have proposed a novel method for detecting advanced extraterrestrial civilizations by utilizing the energy emitted from black holes. This approach suggests that such civilizations might harness black holes for energy, with potential signals detectable up to 17,000 light-years from Earth. The study is published in the Astrophysical Journal.
As technology progresses, the demand for energy increases, rendering traditional sources insufficient. Previous theories posited that advanced alien civilizations could construct massive structures, known as Dyson spheres, to utilize stellar energy. However, this new research presents a more efficient method for generating vast amounts of energy through the absorption of matter by black holes, which may leave distinctive signatures in the infrared and submillimeter wavelengths detectable by modern telescopes like ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array).
The study builds on the Kardashev scale, which classifies civilizations based on their energy consumption capabilities. The authors propose a modified scale that accounts for the ability of civilizations to explore space beyond their home planet. Civilizations capable of harnessing black hole energy are presumed to be at a higher developmental stage, potentially constructing advanced megastructures around black holes to use them as energy sources.
Researchers believe that contemporary technology allows for the search for energy signatures from such civilizations. Telescopes can identify anomalies linked to artificial energy usage at distances of up to 5.4 kiloparsecs (approximately 17,000 light-years).
While the authors emphasize that their hypothesis requires further validation, they assert that observational opportunities already exist. Discovering evidence of such megastructures could represent a significant scientific breakthrough and the first step toward establishing contact with another civilization.