B 'Strong signal' from sun-like star sparks alien speculation

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A recent radio signal from the sun-like star HD 164595 has sparked speculation about extraterrestrial life, with researchers investigating its origin. While some astronomers find the signal intriguing, they emphasize that it is unlikely to be a message from an alien civilization due to its proximity to known man-made frequencies. Experts suggest the signal could be a reflection or interference from terrestrial sources, as it falls within radar bands used for satellites. The discussion highlights the challenges of detecting genuine extraterrestrial signals, particularly given the vast distances involved and the need for advanced technology. Overall, the signal's significance remains uncertain, and many believe it is more likely an earthly phenomenon than evidence of alien life.
  • #31
The signals we've emitted...
How much degradation would occur as the signal ripples in all directions away from us...wouldn't the amount reaching a single destination be miniscule?
 
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  • #32
Chuck Keranen said:
The signals we've emitted...
How much degradation would occur as the signal ripples in all directions away from us...wouldn't the amount reaching a single destination be miniscule?
Broadcasted radio signals emitted from Earth would indeed become lost among cosmic general background radio noise very quickly.
I doubt that using our best technology presently available we could even detect a radio broadcast occurring on a hypothetical planet orbiting the Alpha Centuri system, our nearest stellar neighborhood.
An intentionally focused transmission would work a lot better if someone decided to do that.
 
  • #33
rootone said:
Broadcasted radio signals emitted from Earth would indeed become lost among cosmic general background radio noise very quickly.
I doubt that using our best technology presently available we could even detect a radio broadcast occurring on a hypothetical planet orbiting the Alpha Centuri system, our nearest stellar neighborhood.
An intentionally focused transmission would work a lot better if someone decided to do that.
Agreed. Sending us a focused beam might only make sense if "They" thought we could make sense of it, or they are here already communicating, which would probably require more than one signal...not likely.
 

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