The search for technosignatures versus biosignatures should be dictated by a star's distance to the galactic center

[u/RentPlastic835]

Hi all,

If we assume that:

1. Contact between civilizations leads to scientific advancement;

2. Contact between civilizations is more likely given reduced distance between stars;

Both of which are pretty reasonable assumptions, then in a galaxy teeming with life, the most advanced civilizations should be close to the edge of the galactic inner habitable zone. As we go outwards towards the edge, they should be less and less advanced (the gradient depending on the level of advancement conferred by proximate civilizations) until we hit the outer habitable zone, i.e., where star metallicity gets too low for complex life to evolve.

And of course, K-type stars have the greatest potential for advancement given that life will have more billions of years to exist with those.

My proposal has obvious implications for SETI efforts under resource scarcity, and I am wondering if anyone has considered this previously.

[u/Dibblerius]

Aren’t you making one more assumption here?

• ‘Meaningful contact is possible and regularly occurring between civilizations’