TINJAUAN PROGRAM SETI (SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE) DI OBSERVATORIUM BOSSCHA

• Main Author: Ramadhan, Sahlan
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/45476
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

“Are we alone?” has been a big question for scientists until now. Drake’s Equation gives an estimation about how many intelligent civilization capable to communicate that can be found in the Galaxy. In order to answer questions about their existence, a scientific program called SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) has been performing. The program is conducted by searching artificial electromagnetic signal from space in the radio spectrum. The spectrum is chosen based on observing window which is known as ‘Water Hole’ in the frequncy range of 1,42 – 1,68 GHz that has minimum noise. Many SETI programs were done with various instruments and methods since 1960 until now, but no ETI signal was detected. By examining the development on previous SETI programs, a study in SETI research in Bosscha Observatory was conducted. The study was done by observing radio signal in the frequency range of 1,4 – 1,7 GHz. There were two types of observation, RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) observation and Drift Scan observation. RFI observation was counducted by using omnidirecitional antenna to detect spurious signal from terrestrial sources,. Drift Scan observation was conducted by using Bosscha Hydrogen Radio Telescope with 5,72 meter in diameter pointed to zenith direction. Spectrum Analyzer GWSInstek-GSP380 was used as the receiver and Cricket 2.1 software utilized for data acquisition. Most of the observed signals were RFIs, and there were transient signals that appeared only in a short time. No SETI signals have been detected. In general, the system functions properly and the corresponding sensitivity must be increased to continue thus program.