The Wow! Signal remains a mystery from "summary" of EXTRATERRESTRIAL by Avi Loeb
The Wow! Signal was a tantalizing radio signal detected by the Big Ear radio telescope in Ohio in 1977. It lasted for 72 seconds and appeared to originate from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, 120 light-years away. The signal was so strong that astronomer Jerry Ehman circled it on the printout and wrote "Wow!" next to it, hence its name.
Despite decades of searching, scientists have not been able to definitively identify the source of the Wow! Signal. Various hypotheses have been proposed, including natural phenomena like comets or asteroids, Earth-based interference, or even a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization. However, none of these explanations have been able to fully account for the signal's unique characteristics.
The Wow! Signal's frequency was at 1420 MHz, which is significant because it is the frequency of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. This frequency is also protected by international agreements to prevent interference with astronomical observations. The signal's narrow bandwidth and its sudden appearance and disappearance further add to its mystery.
Some scientists have suggested that the Wow! Signal could have been generated by a passing or orbiting spacecraft, but this hypothesis has also faced challenges. The signal's strength and duration do not match typical communication signals used by spacecraft, and no known human-made spacecraft were in that region of the sky at the time.
The possibility of the Wow! Signal being a message from an extraterrestrial civilization has captured the public's imagination, but scientists remain cautious. Without additional data or a repeat signal, it is impossible to draw any definitive conclusions. The mystery of the Wow! Signal continues to intrigue astronomers and the public alike, serving as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the universe and the potential for discovering other intelligent life beyond Earth.
Read More
Continue reading the Microbook on the Oter App. You can also listen to the highlights by choosing micro or macro audio option on the app. Download now to keep learning!
Now you can listen to your microbooks on-the-go. Download the Oter App on your mobile device and continue making progress towards your goals, no matter where you are.
