On August 15 in Science History, one significant event took place in 1977 when the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University detected a strong, narrowband radio signal from space. This signal, known as the "Wow!" signal, lasted for 72 seconds and was so powerful that it stood out from the background noise. The signal was detected by astronomer Jerry R. Ehman, who was so amazed by its intensity that he circled it on the computer printout and wrote "Wow!" next to it, hence the name.
The "Wow!" signal had a frequency of 1420 MHz, which is the same frequency as the hydrogen line, a well-known spectral line in radio astronomy. This frequency is significant because it is not commonly used by human-made satellites or spacecraft, and it is also a frequency at which interstellar gas can absorb and emit radiation.
The characteristics of the signal, including its narrowband nature and its duration, led many to speculate that it could have been a transmission from an extraterrestrial intelligence. The signal appeared to come from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, near a star called Tau Sagittarii.
Despite numerous attempts to detect the signal again, including a 2020 search by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Green Bank Telescope, the "Wow!" signal has never been detected again. This has led to various theories about its origin, ranging from a previously unknown natural phenomenon to a one-time transmission from an alien civilization.
The mystery surrounding the "Wow!" signal has captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike, and it remains one of the most intriguing and enigmatic events in the history of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The detection of the signal has also served as an inspiration for many scientists to continue the search for signs of intelligent life beyond Earth.
While the true nature of the "Wow!" signal may never be known, its detection on August 15, 1977, remains a significant moment in the history of science and our ongoing quest to understand our place in the universe.
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