Researchers believe they may have figured out the cause of the "wow" signal, which for a long time raised the possibility of alien contact.
Since August 1977, scientists have been captivated by a signal that was detected by Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope.
It has been referred to as "Wow!" ever since the scientists who initially observed it scribbled it next to the signal on a printout.
Only at a certain frequency did the long and extremely powerful blast occur. Many speculated that the signal might have been broadcast intentionally by aliens utilizing artificial technology due to the source's details.
Its apparent origin in the constellation Sagittarius was discovered by scientists, though they are unsure of its precise location. Since it was never seen again, scientists can only hypothesize as to whether it represented a signal from alien life.
But now, scientists at the University of Puerto Rico claim to have discovered a fresh interpretation for the signal. They say it was a unique astrophysical occurrence rather than an alien message.
According to the researchers, the new theory not only explains the signal but also serves as a serious caution for any future prospective alien sign discoveries.
The work's principal investigator, Abel Méndez, stated, "Our study suggests that the Wow! A signal was likely the first recorded instance of maser-like emission of the hydrogen line."
With the ability to search for items inside or behind those chilly hydrogen clouds, scientists may finally be able to pinpoint the precise source of the signal.
An early version of the research has been released online and is based on observations from 2020. According to them, the scientists who created it are working to improve it with feedback from the scientific community and intend to publish it in a peer-reviewed publication.
