Russian telescope detects strong signal from star 95 light-years from Earth
The closest that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has come to confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life was when NASA Administrator Major Charles Bolden told British school children in June that he believes other forms of life exist. On Thursday, an expert reported on the detection of a strong signal by a radio telescope in Russia.
On the same day, NASA Director of Planetary Science James Green admitted the agency is “hot on the pursuit” of life beyond Earth. However, he says it may take NASA 10 years before it could answer the question if alien life exists, reports Observer.
Centauri Dreams website author Paul Gilster reveals that the signal detected by the Ratan-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya in Russia came from the direction of HD164595. It is a star about 95 light years from Earth and is known to have one planet, reports The Telegraph.
However, Gilster cautions that “No one is claiming that this is the work of an extraterrestrial civilization.” But he says the detection of sound is worth further study. Even experts state it is too early to know the meaning or source of the signal.
Since the signal is provocative enough, researchers at the Russian facility are calling for permanent monitoring of the target. Gilster says that the Russian scientists believe if the signal came from an istotropic beacon, it could come from a Kardashev Type II civilisation which is likely more advanced that Earth’s.
Experts at the 67th International Astronautical Congress on Sept 27 in Guadalajara, Mexico, would discuss Ratan’s discovery.
Meanwhile, Green explains, “The data that we’re receiving is really exciting in telling us, forcing us to think about this in new and exciting ways. I believe we’re on the right track…If we answer it, and it’s positive, then life is everywhere in the solar system. Just think about that—we might not be alone.”
VIDEO: Strong Alien signal traced to sunlike star
Source: The Cosmos News
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