SETI poised to investigate bizarre pulses from red dwarf star. According to astronomers working at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, extremely unusual signals have been detected emitting from a small, dim star called Ross 128 which is located approximately 11 light years from Earth. The unusual pulse signals, which were detected during a ten-minute observation on 12th May, has warranted further investigation according to the team because they have absolutely no idea at this time what could be generating the unusual signals.
MYSTERIOUS RADIO SIGNALS COMING FROM RED DWARF STAR
Abel Mendez, an astrobiologist at the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo, has come up with various theories about the bizarre pulses detected from Ross 128. He says that he believes that the most likely explanation is that the radio wave pulses have been caused by something that humans have placed in deep space, most likely a satellite. He said that this explanation seemed to be the most plausible as some known communication satellites transmit on the same frequency wavelength detected during the observation of the mysterious red dwarf star.
According to Mendez, it is also possible that the pulses are being caused by a stellar flare – a powerful burst of energy being blasted from the surface of the star. This kind of solar flare can travel at light speed and emit radio signals which can interfere with satellites and communications on planet Earth. If this is the case, then it will be important to monitor the situation as these kinds of solar flares can present an acute danger to astronauts.
While scientists have become to believe that unusual pulses such as those emitted by Ross 128 could be emitted by extra-terrestrial beings seeking to make non-intrusive contact with humans, Mendez does not believe that this is the most likely explanation. But despite the fact he has his misgivings about this theory, the team did pass over their information to SETI.
According to Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, the team are interested in the signals and may use the powerful Allen Telescope Array to investigate the mysterious pulses. However, Shostak says that the team at SETI believe that it is most likely that the pulses were caused by terrestrial interference rather than alien beings.
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