« Wow! » Signal: The mystery of space still raises questions

On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear Broadcasting in Ohio USA recorded a signal that stood out from each other. An unusual 72 -second high -intensity radio, which astronomer Jerry R. Ehman characterized the word « wow! » In the printing of the data – from there and its name.

This signal seemed to come from the area of ​​the constellation Sagittarius, very close to the center of our galaxy. Despite the many efforts, the signal was never repeated and no natural source was identified.

« Wow! » Signal is considered one of the most enigmatic and inexplicable events in the history of astronomy. Some have linked it to the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, while others argue that it may have been just a rare natural phenomenon or interference.

The search for answers continues to this day, with new missions and developments in science trying to shed light on this mysterious message from space.

« Wow! » signal – where does the sound come from

The signal had the features expected in a signal of origin outside the Earth and the solar system in which it is located. Its source was identified in the northwest of the globular flock of Messiah 55 in the constellation of Sagittarius, near the stellar system Xi Sagittarius.

The mark5 alphanumeric sequence lasted at all 72 seconds in which the telescope was possible on the basis of its capabilities to measure the signal, but was not detected again since.

It was followed by wide coverage on the issue by the media and astronomers have often tried to regain the signal without success.

The astronomer who checked the relevant measurements, impressed by the signal intensity and its characteristics that matched with those of an alien origin, noted with a circle the relevant digits of the measurement and wrote the WoW comment! On the sidelines of printing, which has since been the name of the signal itself.

The original note with the measurement data and the handwritten note is preserved today in the Ohio History Association.