Optical-SETI Anomaly: Australian Astronomers Detect Unusual Signal

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the detection of an unusual strong laser signal by Australian astronomers, specifically focusing on its potential origins, implications for communication, and comparisons to previous signals like the 'Wow' signal. The scope includes theoretical considerations of optical SETI, communication technology, and the investigation of anomalous signals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the detected signal has not re-occurred, raising questions about its reliability and origin, which could include equipment glitches or astrophysical phenomena.
  • Ragbir Bhathal's cautious approach to the signal detection is highlighted, emphasizing the need for peer review before any announcements can be made.
  • There is curiosity about the nature of laser pulses and how they could be used for communication with spacecraft, with some participants expressing confusion about the practicality of such methods.
  • One participant mentions that military applications of laser communication are being explored due to the high bandwidth potential of light pulses.
  • Another participant points out that pulsed lasers are fundamental to modern fiber optic communication technology.
  • Questions are raised about the frequency of optical anomalies similar to the detected pulse, suggesting a need for more information on the prevalence of such signals given the widespread use of laser technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and skepticism regarding the nature of the detected signal and the feasibility of laser communication. There is no consensus on the implications of the signal or its potential origins.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the technical aspects of laser communication and the characteristics of the detected signal, indicating a need for further investigation and clarification of definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in optical SETI, communication technologies, and the investigation of anomalous astronomical signals may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
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... And indeed, in the first week of last December (2008) Bhathal's team detected an unusual strong laser signal that could not have been identified nor did it re-occur since: "It may be a glitch in our equipment, or some astrophysical phenomena (e.g an optical pulsar) or some unknown source. We are still investigating it", told Bhathal to the German online-newsmagazine "Grenzwissenschaft-aktuell.de"...
http://grenzwissenschaft-aktuell.blogspot.com/2009/05/australian-seti-astronomers-detect.html
 
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25448647-30417,00.html

But when Ragbir Bhathal, an astrophysicist at the University of Western Sydney, who teaches the only university-based course on SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) in Australia, detected the suspicious signal on a clear night last December, he knew better than to crack open the special bottle of champagne he has tucked away for the history-making occasion.

Instead, he's spent the past few months meticulously investigating whether the unrecognised signature was caused by a glitch in his instrumentation, a rogue astrophysical phenomenon, or some unknown random noise.

Even if he picks up the signal again - he's been scouring the same co-ordinates of the night sky on an almost daily basis since - the scientific rule book dictates he'll need to get it peer-reviewed before he can take his announcement to the world. "And that is a lot of ifs," he concedes.
 
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Interesting indeed, although it always seems that the signal lasts for a second and then disappears never to be heard again! Same thing happened with the 'Wow' signal. What does he mean by laser pulses anyway? I don't get how you could communicate using laser pulses to some rocket in outer space?
 


math_04 said:
Interesting indeed, although it always seems that the signal lasts for a second and then disappears never to be heard again! Same thing happened with the 'Wow' signal. What does he mean by laser pulses anyway? I don't get how you could communicate using laser pulses to some rocket in outer space?

http://seti.harvard.edu/oseti/
 


math_04 said:
I don't get how you could communicate using laser pulses to some rocket in outer space?

it's been experimented before, I think the military is exploring this technology because of the insane bandwidth you can cram on a pulse of light

 
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Yes, and we use pulsed LASER in every fiber optic line. It is the basis of modern communications technology.
 


math_04 said:
What does he mean by laser pulses anyway? I don't get how you could communicate using laser pulses to some rocket in outer space?


You would modulate it, like any other signal.
 
How often do optical anomalies that look like the detected pulse occur? Considering how prevalent laser equipment is, surely there's very good information on this?
 

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