SETI Institute scientists say there are at least 1700 intelligent civilizations in the universe, besides humanity

Astronomers are optimistic that humanity may receive responses from aliens to signals sent from Earth in the coming years. Scientists who believe in the existence of intelligent life beyond our planet hope to communicate with civilizations living far from the solar system. Seth Shostak, the former chief astronomer of the SETI Institute, suggests that the first messages from aliens may arrive by 2036, thanks to the continuous improvement of telescopes and computer equipment.

In 2002, scientists sent signals to the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, and now they believe that these signals could be detected by intelligent beings outside the solar system. The pulses have already reached a star that is about 27 light years from Earth. If there are planets inhabited by intelligent beings around this star, the answer may come as early as 2029.

Other scientists believe that aliens could use the transit method to detect the Earth when our planet passes against the background of the Sun, reducing its light. Thus, the inhabitants of 1715 nearby systems could have detected the Earth over the past 5000 years, and the inhabitants of 319 systems will be able to do so in the next 5000 years.

As a reminder, NASA researchers have developed an advanced propulsion technology for future planetary exploration missions using small spacecraft. The new electric propulsion system will allow performing complex orbital maneuvers with a high characteristic velocity (delta-v).