Science & Tech · Space · 9 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia Joins Global Search for Signals From Other Civilizations
Saudi Arabia has joined the search for signals from other civilizations with two detectors installed at AlUla in the country’s northwest.
The devices are part of LaserSETI, a project run by the non-profit SETI Institute to look for possible signs of extraterrestrial intelligence.
AlUla is LaserSETI’s first site in Asia, joining locations in California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Arizona.
The detectors use cameras and a special grating to distinguish laser light from ordinary starlight, while computers analyze observations in real time.
The network can monitor the whole sky continuously, unlike many searches that watch selected areas or operate less often.
Most flashes it detects are expected to come from natural events, but wider coverage could improve the chance of spotting a laser from another civilization.
The AlUla instruments are installed and operating, and LaserSETI is expanding its network.
Saudi Arabia has joined the search for signals from other civilizations by hosting two LaserSETI detectors in AlUla.
The detectors are the first LaserSETI site in Asia and the network’s fifth site.
They were installed on August 19, 2026, and are now fully operational.
LaserSETI uses optical detectors to watch the sky continuously for brief flashes, including possible laser signals from other civilizations.
The AlUla site extends the network into a new geographic region.
- Who
- The SETI Institute and Saudi Arabia.
- What
- Two LaserSETI detectors have been installed in AlUla to help search for signals from other civilizations.
- When
- They were installed on August 19, 2026, and are now operational.
- Where
- AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, at the AlUla Manara astronomical site.
- Why
- Expanding the network’s geographic coverage helps it monitor the sky continuously and compare unusual events.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Development of the LaserSETI network of optical detectors began.
The SETI Institute announced its intention to bring LaserSETI to AlUla.
The two AlUla detectors were installed.
Universe Today reported that the detectors were fully operational and observing the sky.
- AlUla site
- Fifth LaserSETI site and first in Asia
- Detectors
- Two
- Installation date
- August 19, 2026
- Detector sky coverage
- About 75 degrees per camera
- Other LaserSETI sites
- California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Arizona
What people are saying
Two years ago, we announced our intention to bring LaserSETI to AlUla. Today, the instruments are installed, commissioned and observing the sky
AlUla gives LaserSETI an important new geographic vantage point and connects this remarkable astronomical site to a growing global network.
LaserSETI was designed from the beginning as a global observatory rather than a single telescope