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arXiv · 2104.09564

Interstellar communication network. III. Locating deep space nodes

Michael Hippke
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Abstract

An interstellar communication network benefits from relay nodes placed in the gravitational lenses of stars. The signal gains are of order $10^{9}$ with optimal alignment, allowing for GBits connections at kW power levels with meter-sized probes over parsec distances. If such a network exists, there might be a node in our solar system: where is it? With some assumptions on the network topology, candidate sky positions can be calculated. Apparent positions are influenced by the parallax motion from the Earth's orbit around the Sun, and the (slow) drifts caused by proper motions of nearby stars. With Gaia astrometry, instantaneous positions can be determined with arcsec accuracy. These potential node locations can be observed in targeted

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Michael Hippke. 2021-04-19. Interstellar communication network. III. Locating deep space nodes. https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.09564

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