Mutual Detectability: A Targeted SETI Strategy That Avoids the SETI Paradox

As our ability to undertake searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) grows, so does interest in the controversial endeavor of messaging extraterrestrial intelligence (METI). METI proponents point to the SETI Paradox-if all civilizations refrain from METI then SETI is futile. I introduce mutual detectability as a gametheoretic strategy to increase the success potential of targeted SETI. Mutual detectability comprises four laws that establish how SETI participants can engage each other based on mutual evidence of mutual existence. I argue that the party whom both SETI participants can judge to have better quality evidence, or common denominator information (CDI), has an onus to transmit to avoid the SETI Paradox. Transiting exoplanets within the Earth Transit Zone form a target subset that satisfies mutual detectability requirements. I identify the intrinsic time-integrated transit signal strength, which for Earth is 10(3) L-circle dot ppm hours yr(-1), as suitable CDI. Civilizations on habitable-zone planets of radius R-p/R-circle plus less than or similar to (L-*/L-circle dot)(-1/7)have superior CDI on us, and so under the mutual detectability framework have game-theory incentive (onus) to transmit. While the onus to transmit falls on us for habitable planets around L*> L-circle dot stars, considerations of relative stellar frequency, main-sequence lifetime and planet occurrence rates mean that such systems are likely to be in a small minority. Surveys of the Earth Transit Zone for Earth-analog transiting planets around subsolar luminosity hosts would facilitate targeted SETI programs for civilizations who have game-theory incentive to transmit signals to us. A choice to remain silent, by not engaging in METI toward such systems, does not in this case fuel concerns of a SETI Paradox.

Automated summary

The article introduces the concept of mutual detectability as a strategy to increase the success potential of targeted SETI. Within the mutual detectability framework, the party judged to have better quality evidence has the onus to transmit information to avoid the SETI Paradox. Surveys of Earth's Transit Zone for Earth-analog transiting planets around subsolar luminosity hosts can facilitate targeted SETI programs for civilizations with game-theory incentive to transmit signals.