The Search for Extraterrestrial Civilizations: A Scientific, Technical, Political, Social, and Cultural Adventure

Abstract

I review the scientific and technical history of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), discuss the impact of the political involvement, and speculate on the nature of a successful detection and its potential social and cultural impact. Emphasis is on the development of SETI in the United States and the complementary progress in the Former Soviet Union.

To be published in Essays on Astronomical History and Heritage A Tribute to Wayne Orchiston on his 80th Birthday, ed. Steven Gullberg and Peter Robertson, Springer