A radio telescope in Russia, affiliated with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), has detected a “strong signal” emanating from a nearby star. While the chances that the signal – detected coming from the star HD164595, which is 95 light years from Earth – originates from intelligent alien life are remote, astronomers are excited about the discovery.
News of the signal, detected by the RATAN-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya (pictured above), was reported by Paul Glister. Glister runs the Centauri Dreams website, which “looks at peer-reviewed research on deep space exploration.”
“No one is claiming that this is the work of an extraterrestrial civilization, but it is certainly worth further study,” Glister writes. “Working out the strength of the signal, the researchers say that if it came from an isotropic beacon, it would be of a power possible only for a Kardashev Type II civilization. If it were a narrow beam signal focused on our Solar System, it would be of a power available to a Kardashev Type I civilization.”
“The possibility of noise of one form or another cannot be ruled out, and researchers in Paris led by Jean Schneider are considering the possible microlensing of a background source by HD164595,” he added. “But the signal is provocative enough that the RATAN-600 researchers are calling for permanent monitoring of this target.”
More information about the unusual signal – a series of fast radio bursts, which is considered extraordinary by scientific peers – should be forthcoming soon, according to Glister, and is set to be discussed that the SETI committee meeting 67th International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 27th September.
