On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear Radio Telescope in Ohio received the strongest signal it has ever received in its decades of studies. The signal lasted just 72 seconds, but when an astronomer saw it on a computer printout days later, he was so captivated with it that he scribbled "Wow!" in red ink across the paper.
The data appeared to be aligned with what SETI investigators anticipated from an extraterrestrial civilization. Despite several attempts to follow up on the discovery, the so-called "Wow! Signal" has never been seen again.
We have heard multiple stories about how aliens might be real. It is also believed that aliens might have contacted us from time to time, but we were not developed enough to understand their signals back in the day. With the advancement in technology, we can now understand what happened that day 40 years ago.
The data appeared to be aligned with what SETI investigators anticipated from an extraterrestrial civilization. Despite several attempts to follow up on the discovery, the so-called "Wow! Signal" has never been seen again.
We have heard multiple stories about how aliens might be real. It is also believed that aliens might have contacted us from time to time, but we were not developed enough to understand their signals back in the day. With the advancement in technology, we can now understand what happened that day 40 years ago.
The Discovery Of WOW Signal
On August 15, scientists detected a radioactive signal; they named it the Wow signal. It was known to be the strongest signal the station had ever received. The direction from which the signals came was scanned multiple times, but it never came again. They tried to detect signals from different observatories like the Oak Ridge Observatory and others, but still, there was no proof of any alien existence.
The signals were discovered a few days later by astronomer Jerry R. Ehman. He circled out a few characters, namely, "6EQUJ5". Out of exasperation, he said “WOW,” which later became the name of this signal. This signal stood out from every other signal in every aspect. The way it rose and fell was something extraordinary.
The signals were discovered a few days later by astronomer Jerry R. Ehman. He circled out a few characters, namely, "6EQUJ5". Out of exasperation, he said “WOW,” which later became the name of this signal. This signal stood out from every other signal in every aspect. The way it rose and fell was something extraordinary.
Possible Theories
The frequency of this signal was registered as 1420.3556 MHz. Dr. Ehman was skeptical whether the signal came from outside the solar system. He considered the possibilities that the signals were reflected by Earth itself or some comets roaming in space. But in that case, it could be repeated in forty years. But it didn't. After all, that's how aliens communicated unambiguously. Scientists say that the signal left a signature kind of thing along its path.
Many researchers and astronomers also believe that the signal might have come from some comets rather than aliens. It has always been a debatable topic. They believe this is the same frequency with which hydrogen (the most abundant molecule in the universe) absorbs and exhibits energy. So, it is possible that signals were produced by some comets and not by any UFOs. Also, when the signals were recorded, it is said that we did not know that space has comets too.
The Mystery May Remain Unsolved Forever
So, there was no chance of considering it as a possibility. But now we have better and advanced tools that detect those signals and reach the nearest conclusion.
But again, other researchers counter-question that if the signals were a production of some comet radiation, then why have they not experienced any such radioactivity in the last 40 plus years.
Sadly, we do not have any more data to reach any conclusion. There is a huge possibility of never receiving such signals in the future.
But again, other researchers counter-question that if the signals were a production of some comet radiation, then why have they not experienced any such radioactivity in the last 40 plus years.
Sadly, we do not have any more data to reach any conclusion. There is a huge possibility of never receiving such signals in the future.
Future Possibilities
According to an article, in 2012, researchers from the Arecibo observatory sent a message from Earth that contained some photos and tweets in the direction of the WOW signal.
This would make them confident about the theory that the WOW signal was sent by some alien. Recently, however, it's been proposed that the signal's origin was the comet 266/P Christensen, or perhaps some hydrogen reaction.
This would make them confident about the theory that the WOW signal was sent by some alien. Recently, however, it's been proposed that the signal's origin was the comet 266/P Christensen, or perhaps some hydrogen reaction.
