The Wow! Signal: A Mysterious Radio Signal from Outer Space

In August 1977, a remarkable event occurred that captured the attention of astronomers and sparked widespread interest in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). On that day, the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University detected a strong narrowband radio signal lasting exactly 72 seconds. This signal has since become known as the Wow! Signal due to its mysterious origin.

The signal was discovered by astronomer Jerry Ehman, who was reviewing recorded data from the telescope. He was so impressed by the reading that he circled the intensity level '6EQUJ5' on the computer printout and wrote 'Wow!' beside it. The event has been dubbed the Wow! Signal in honor of Ehman's enthusiastic reaction.

The signal appeared to come from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius, which is a region of the sky where many stars are located. Its characteristics seemed consistent with extraterrestrial origin, leading scientists to wonder if they had finally detected a message from another world.

Despite several subsequent attempts to detect the signal again, it has not been found since its initial detection in 1977. The search for SETI is ongoing, and the Wow! Signal remains one of the most intriguing and baffling events in the history of astronomy.

The original printout with Ehman's handwritten comment has been preserved by the Ohio History Connection, serving as a reminder of this extraordinary event that continues to inspire interest and curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Wow [eternium rose]