What is the subtle distinction often overlooked regarding near-term goals in the search?

Answer

The difference between detection and meeting.

Detection, satisfying the philosophical need for confirmation, is the more realistic near-term goal, whereas an actual 'meeting,' even a digital exchange, requires a much higher technological synchronization and temporal overlap.

What is the subtle distinction often overlooked regarding near-term goals in the search?

#Videos

Should we try to communicate with aliens? - BBC - YouTube

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