过去十年内，人类首次发现了三个来自星际空间的天体，这一事实推动科学界重新审视寻找外星技术遗迹的可能性。已确认的三个星际访客分别是1I/‘Oumuamua（2017年）、2I/Borisov（2019年）和3I/ATLAS（2025年），尽管主流共识认为它们均为自然天体，但它们为“技术信号”研究提供了现实样本。围绕这些发现，科学家开始系统化探索物理层面的外星技术痕迹，其研究历史可追溯至1960年，并在1985年被正式定义为“地外人工物搜索”。
在近地空间中，研究者正利用历史与现代数据寻找异常。通过分析1957年Sputnik发射前的天文底片，研究人员发现了若干类似人造卫星的短暂现象，其时间点早于人类进入太空时代。围绕这些异常，2021年及随后数年发表了多篇论文，引发关于仪器误差、流星或核试验残骸的争论。一种潜在验证方式是在约22,000英里高度的地球同步轨道开展专门探测任务，但由于研究议题的高度争议性，短期内获得官方批准的可能性较低。
在更广阔的尺度上，科学家正在为未来大量星际天体建立筛选标准。下一代望远镜，尤其是2025年投入运行的Vera C. Rubin Observatory，预计将显著增加可观测样本数量。当前方法包括检测异常反射率、非典型轨道行为及潜在通信信号。尽管尚未发现确凿证据，但研究者普遍认为，若真正发现外星人工物，其科学与社会影响将是全球性的，并需要在风险控制、国际协作和公众反应之间取得平衡。
Over the past decade, the discovery of three interstellar objects has prompted scientists to rethink how to search for alien technological artifacts. The confirmed visitors—1I/‘Oumuamua in 2017, 2I/Borisov in 2019, and 3I/ATLAS in 2025—are widely considered natural, yet they provide tangible reference points for studying physical technosignatures. Interest in such artifacts dates back to 1960 and was formalized in 1985 as the “search for extraterrestrial artifacts,” a subset of SETI focused on material evidence rather than radio signals.
Closer to Earth, researchers are probing both historical and modern data for anomalies. By analyzing astronomical photographic plates taken before Sputnik’s 1957 launch, scientists identified transient objects resembling artificial satellites decades before the space age. Papers published from 2021 onward debated whether these signals stem from instrumental error, meteors, or nuclear debris. A definitive test could involve a dedicated search mission in geosynchronous orbit roughly 22,000 miles above Earth, but the controversial nature of the topic makes near-term approval unlikely.
Beyond Earth orbit, scientists are developing criteria to screen future interstellar objects for artificial origins. Next-generation observatories, particularly the Vera C. Rubin Observatory operational since 2025, are expected to greatly increase detection rates. Proposed indicators include unusual reflectivity, anomalous trajectories, and possible communication signals. While no confirmed artifacts exist, researchers agree that any verified discovery would demand global scientific cooperation and careful consideration of technological, safety, and societal impacts.