Communications: An ear to the universe: Sensitive antennas, pattern recognizing computers, and informed conjecture are being tuned to possible signals from the stars

Right now, electromagnetic waves from a civilization outside the solar system may be passing through this page. Although such waves may be at levels too low to be detected with present equipment, there are good reasons for believing they exist. Thirty years ago, most astronomers thought that man was alone in the galaxy. Today, it is believed by most (but not all) knowledgeable scientists that in our galaxy there are billions of stars with planets on which life could originate. It is probable, therefore, that there exist a great many civilizations capable of communicating — or at least making themselves known to us.