archive: Re: SETI [ASTRO] SN 1999ca in NGC 3120

Re: SETI [ASTRO] SN 1999ca in NGC 3120

Dr. H. Paul Shuch ( (no email) )
Thu, 06 May 1999 14:57:22 -0400

At 02:42 PM 5/6/99 -0400, Larry Klaes wrote:
>How would we be able to tell the difference between a
>natural supernova event and an artificial pulsed laser
>beacon from an ETI?

I'm speculating here (he says, putting on his specs), but it is my
understanding that supernovae radiate over a broad spectrum, while even
pulsed lasers should be expected to produce relatively narrow-band
emissions. The real question is, can current optical receivers distinguish
between narrow and wideband signals? Stuart?

--------------------------------
H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., CFII, FBIS
Executive Director, The SETI League, Inc.
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