A Probabilistic Model for Detecting Post-Biological Civilizations with Computational Efficiency Constraints
Abstract
We propose a modification to the Drake Equation that accounts for the transition of civilizations into a post-biological phase and the associated changes in observational signatures. We introduce coefficients for computational efficiency, temporal asymmetry, and signature reduction. The model explains the absence of observed signals without invoking the hypothesis of life's rarity. Our analysis suggests that the detectability coefficient for post-biological civilizations is approximately σ_det ~ 10^-27, rendering direct detection virtually impossible with current methods. We propose a reorientation of search strategies toward indirect thermodynamic and informational signatures in cold regions of space.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution
Stellar
planetary
and galactic studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 4 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint