Discoveries using the telescopes on Mauna Kea

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

It’s also theorized we may be able to detect interstellar civilizations on exoplanets by using very large telescopes such as the TMT, in a search for silicone technosignatures.

A skeptic might argue that silicon is too human-centric a solar-panel construction material to produce a universal technosignature. Lingam and Loeb, however, gave convincing arguments that it’s the element of choice for solar-powered exocivilizations. There are only a few kinds of light-energy harvesting materials you’d find on any planet. Using the cosmic abundances of the elements, Lingam and Loeb showed that most planets are likely to have a lot of silicon lying around, making it an obvious component for building solar collectors.

For good measure, the two scientists also calculated the reflectance properties of gallium arsenide and the mineral perovskite, both of which might be used in solar panels. Each produced its own distinctive edge in the planet’s spectrum. Now, all astronomers have to do is go looking for these signatures.

Fortunately, the telescopes they need to do so are starting to come online.
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/arch...fe/578089/