This was the question some space experts tried to answer in their interview with the magazine. Popular MechanicsA person who writes about science and technology. They explained the challenges and possibilities of detecting and sending extraterrestrial probes for both humanity and extraterrestrial civilizations. 24 Channels offers to delve deeper into his interesting thoughts.

Problem 1. The infinity of space and the limitations of physics

According to Adam Frank, professor of astrophysics at the University of Rochester, the Earth has had biological signatures that can be detected by advanced extraterrestrial civilizations for 3 billion years. However, unless they discovered a way to travel faster than the speed of light or used something like molehills or warp engines (popular concepts of space travel in science fiction), it would be a very long time before they reached our planet.

Anything faster than light is now science fiction because the laws of physics say you can’t do it.
– emphasizes Frank.

Problem 2. Durability of probes

Alien probes will need to withstand impacts from space debris that could damage or destroy them, notes Scott McCormack, associate professor of engineering and materials science at the University of California, Davis. He suggests that probes should be made of materials that are durable and resistant to destruction.

To withstand these impacts, you need a material with both high hardness (resistance to deformation) and high fracture toughness. What material could it be? I don’t think we have an answer to that today.
said McCormack.

Despite these difficulties, experts agree that it is necessary to continue the search for extraterrestrial probes, as they can provide valuable information about the nature and origin of life in the universe. They also suggested some possible ways to improve detection methods, such as using infrared telescopes, looking for anomalous orbits, or looking for signs of artificial intelligence.