(NewsNation) — In searching for signs of intelligent life in outer space, a new study suggests humans may not be alone.
Researchers have identified at least seven stars that might be surrounded by advanced megastructures known as “Dyson spheres.”
Dyson spheres
The theory is that potential superior intelligent life might be creating buildings or devices to harness the energy around their home stars or planets, creating so-called “alien megastructures.”
The newly released study by the Royal Astronomical Society specifically looks at the theory around Dyson spheres. It found at least seven stars might be surrounded by these alleged alien structures.
The group of researchers looked at infrared heat near stars located within 1,000 light-years from Earth, a type of heat that can’t otherwise be explained.
It all stems from a 1960s theory by physicist Freeman Dyson, who believed that if these structures existed, scientists on Earth might be able to pick up on the infrared waves.
Casting doubt
Janna Levin, a professor of astronomy and physics at Barnard College and Columbia University, casts doubt on the possible alien origins of what these researchers are observing.
“I would say I’m very open-minded. I’m not losing sleep over the idea that we are observing an alien megastructure. I don’t think that’s what’s happening in these scenarios, but we are in a new era in terms of our understanding of how prevalent planets are, and how planets are absolutely prolific in the universe,” Levin told NewsNation.
“That really suggests that life is prolific. The question is whether or not life can easily reach the phase of industrialization and building things and exploring space. That’s a much, much harder bar to get over,” she added.
The study’s team used two active telescopes in space to conduct their research, but there is no conclusive evidence quite yet to determine what exactly is happening around these stars.