It would make sense that an advanced civilization would have gotten beyond war. If so then it is perfectly logical that they would study us from as much distance as possible (just for the sake of science if not safety). I also tend to think the craft would be a robot, or have a robotic crew, because of the distance involved. In my book, It's A Mistake, I use a technique called "folding space" as a way to make those distances less lengthy. Maybe they read my book?

But the capability for atmospheric tags makes it more of a possibility (for them to have seen us) than it was during Carl Sagan's time. He thought it wasn't likely because our radio waves would not have yet reached them so they'd have no reason to look this way. This idea would give them that reason.

Octopi...