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Abstract

If other technological civilizations exist, we are making contact with them more likely. We have heightened our detectability by radiating radio signals, television carrier waves, and radar pulses out into the Galaxy, making it more probable that they will detect us. At the same time, by extending the range, breadth, duration, and sensitivity of our searches, we are making it more likely that we will detect them. Some day, we may have to face the consequences of our actions.

If extraterrestrial intelligence is abundant, it will be our destiny to interact with that intelligence, whether for good or ill. —Steven Dick, 20001

Fortune favors the prepared mind. —Louis Pasteur2

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Michaud, M.A.G. (2007). Annex: Preparing. In: Contact with Alien Civilizations. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68618-9_34

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