NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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  1. Question

    Assuming we knew where to look, would we be able to detect incidental radio transmissions (Radio Television) from an alien planet.

    No, current SETI searches are not sensitive enough to detect what is called "leakage" radiation from even the closest star. Basically, today's SETI programs are searching for strong beacons such as might be established by an advanced civilization that is seeking interstellar contacts. David Morrison
    NAI Senior Scientist

    February 22, 2006