SETI in 2022

TL;DR

SETI in 2022 provides a yearly synthesis of developments across searches, instrumentation, targets, technosignatures, theory, and social aspects. It uses an updated, subjective taxonomy to classify about 80 publications from 2022, emphasizing continued null results, novel methodologies, and new theoretical framing. The report documents community events, awards, and notable obituaries shaping the field, reflecting a dynamic but cautious agenda for SETI progress. Collectively, it highlights a broadened search space—across radio, optical, and megastructures—alongside refined metrics for interpreting potential signals and assessing the prevalence of technosignatures in the galaxy.

Abstract

In this third installment of SETI in 20xx, we very briefly and subjectively review developments in SETI in 2022. Our primary focus is 80 papers and books published or made public in 2022, which we sort into six broad categories: results from actual searches, new search methods and instrumentation, target and frequency selection, the development of technosignatures, theory of ETIs, and social aspects of SETI.

Figures (1)

• Figure 1: In-person attendees of the First Penn State SETI Symposium. Photo credit: Michael Fleck.