Preface
The discoveries of many new Earth-like planets at worldwide radio astronomical
and optical observatories, day after day, have made the SETI program increasingly
popular. In addition to the technological aspect, this program involves different
approaches from a scientific point of view and, at various levels, many branches of
human knowledge, such as philosophy, psychology, and many others. Today,
humankind seems to expect a signal from the heavens from an intelligent
extraterrestrial civilization, perhaps looking for someone who will be able to help it
face its weaknesses and frailties.
Two years after the previous October 2017 SETI-INAF meeting, a second
edition was held at the INAF headquarters in Rome. Speakers presented the
national capabilities, potentiality, and instruments in the search for artificial radio
and optical signals. This program has a promising future based on new approaches,
newfound knowledge, and not least, state-of-the-art technology. Our late President
Prof. Nicolò D’Amico, a strong supporter of the SETI program at INAF, stated that
a possible detection of an ETI signal could represent one of the most important
discoveries for the culture of humankind. Due to the incommensurable distances, it
would not be possible to communicate with them, but it would be fundamental to
understand that we are not alone!
Bologna, Italy
Stelio Montebugnoli
Selargius, Italy
Andrea Melis
Bologna, Italy
Nicolò Antonietti
ix
The discoveries of many new Earth-like planets at worldwide radio astronomical
and optical observatories, day after day, have made the SETI program increasingly
popular. In addition to the technological aspect, this program involves different
approaches from a scientific point of view and, at various levels, many branches of
human knowledge, such as philosophy, psychology, and many others. Today,
humankind seems to expect a signal from the heavens from an intelligent
extraterrestrial civilization, perhaps looking for someone who will be able to help it
face its weaknesses and frailties.
Two years after the previous October 2017 SETI-INAF meeting, a second
edition was held at the INAF headquarters in Rome. Speakers presented the
national capabilities, potentiality, and instruments in the search for artificial radio
and optical signals. This program has a promising future based on new approaches,
newfound knowledge, and not least, state-of-the-art technology. Our late President
Prof. Nicolò D’Amico, a strong supporter of the SETI program at INAF, stated that
a possible detection of an ETI signal could represent one of the most important
discoveries for the culture of humankind. Due to the incommensurable distances, it
would not be possible to communicate with them, but it would be fundamental to
understand that we are not alone!
Bologna, Italy
Stelio Montebugnoli
Selargius, Italy
Andrea Melis
Bologna, Italy
Nicolò Antonietti
ix