Calculating the probability of detecting radio signals from alien civilizations
arXiv:0707.0011 · doi:10.1017/S1473550406003004
Abstract
Although it might not be self-evident, it is in fact entirely possible to calculate the probability of detecting alien radio signals by understanding what types of extraterrestrial radio emissions can be expected and what properties these emissions can have. Using the Drake equation as the obvious starting point, and logically identifying and enumerating constraints of interstellar radio communications can yield the probability of detecting a genuine alien radio signal.
10 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables; corrected typos and missing references