Philosophical Issues in Space Science Seminar Series 2022: Manasvi Lingam (Florida Institute of Technology)

Title: On false positives and priors in the search for technosignatures

Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss recent publications from the Characterizing Atmospheric Techonsignatures (CATS) collaboration. I will present a simple Bayesian model to illustrate the importance of having a proper understanding of priors and false positives in the context of technosignatures. On a related note, I will provide a summary and brief history of the arguments used to either bolster or weaken the case for technosignatures. Next, I will review the work done by CATS on detecting signatures of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons. I will conclude this talk by indicating some avenues that warrant further analysis.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://durhamuniversity.zoom.us/j/94067027268?pwd=Q3dqZFhMVjIwUmR5MnhiTlBQUTRadz09 

Meeting ID: 940 6702 7268
Passcode: 416504

All welcome – please contact the Centre Administrator at admin.chess@durham.ac.uk to confirm attendance