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Galactic exploration by directed self-replicating probes, and its implications for the Fermi paradox

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2012

Martin T. Barlow
Martin T. Barlow*
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z2, Canada e-mail: barlow@math.ubc.ca
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Abstract

This paper proposes a long-term scheme for robotic exploration of the galaxy, and then considers the implications in terms of the ‘Fermi paradox’ and our search for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). We discuss the ‘Galactic ecology’ of civilizations in terms of the parameters T (time between ET civilizations arising) and L, the lifetime of these civilizations. Six different regions are described.

Keywords

fermi paradoxgalactic explorationsearch for extraterrestrial lifeself-replicating probes
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 63 - 68
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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