Signal Intrigues SETI
Much like the movie, it appears that ET may have finally phoned home, and we humans might have stumbled across at least part of the conversation.
Scientist involved with SETI (The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence) have confirmed that they have stumbled across at least one signal that may lead to the most important discovery in human history - proof that we are not alone in the universe.
The signal in question was discovered during a February 2003 observing session from the Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico, and was verified by the group's SETI@Home project which uses volunteers computers (when not in use) to help analyze data from observing sessions.
The star system in question, named SHGb02+14a, is the third signal of unknown origin to emanate from the same region. And even though the first two signals have disappeared, the signal discovered in 2003 has actually grown in strength to a frequency of about 1420 megahertz.
"It's the most interesting signal from SETI@home," said Dan Werthimer, Chief Scientist for the project. We are not jumping up and down, but we are continuing to observe it.
The reason for Werthimer's and SETI's cautious optimism is that the paticular frequency at which the signal was observed is the same as the frequency required for hydrogen to absorb and release energy. Hydrogen is also the most common element in the universe.
Factor the hydrogen angle with the fact that the signal only broadcasts in one minute cycles and you can understand why SETI researchers haven't called CNN proclaiming that we have finally made contact with extraterrestrial.
As well the star in question, located in a solar system some 1000 light years away, is in a system where no planets have ever been detected by planet hunting astronomers.
In addition the "drifting" of the signal in question would indicate that the planet has a rotation about 40 times faster that that of the earth's - a factor that would make the existence of life near impossible.
Negatives aside however, SETI scientist continue to remain optimistic that the search for life beyond our solar system will bear fruit some time in the near future.
Scientist involved with SETI (The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence) have confirmed that they have stumbled across at least one signal that may lead to the most important discovery in human history - proof that we are not alone in the universe.
The signal in question was discovered during a February 2003 observing session from the Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico, and was verified by the group's SETI@Home project which uses volunteers computers (when not in use) to help analyze data from observing sessions.
The star system in question, named SHGb02+14a, is the third signal of unknown origin to emanate from the same region. And even though the first two signals have disappeared, the signal discovered in 2003 has actually grown in strength to a frequency of about 1420 megahertz.
"It's the most interesting signal from SETI@home," said Dan Werthimer, Chief Scientist for the project. We are not jumping up and down, but we are continuing to observe it.
The reason for Werthimer's and SETI's cautious optimism is that the paticular frequency at which the signal was observed is the same as the frequency required for hydrogen to absorb and release energy. Hydrogen is also the most common element in the universe.
Factor the hydrogen angle with the fact that the signal only broadcasts in one minute cycles and you can understand why SETI researchers haven't called CNN proclaiming that we have finally made contact with extraterrestrial.
As well the star in question, located in a solar system some 1000 light years away, is in a system where no planets have ever been detected by planet hunting astronomers.
In addition the "drifting" of the signal in question would indicate that the planet has a rotation about 40 times faster that that of the earth's - a factor that would make the existence of life near impossible.
Negatives aside however, SETI scientist continue to remain optimistic that the search for life beyond our solar system will bear fruit some time in the near future.
posted by James Mason at 11:55 AM
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