SETI Has Observed a 'Strong' Signal That May Originate From a Sun-like Star (arstechnica.com)

An anonymous reader writes: The RATAN-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia has detected a strong signal around 11 GHz (which is very unlikely to be naturally-caused) coming from HD164595, a star nearly identical in mass to the Sun and located about 95 light years from Earth. The system is known to have at least one planet. If the signal were isotropic, it would seem to indicate a Kardashev Type II civilization. While it is too early to draw any conclusions, the discovery will be discussed at an upcoming SETI committee meeting on September 27th. According to Paul Gilster, author of the Centauri Dreams website, "No one is claiming that this is the work of an extraterrestrial civilization, but it is certainly worth further study. Working out the strength of the signal, the researchers say that if it came from an isotropic beacon, it would be of a power possible only for a Kardashev Type II civilization. If it were a narrow beam signal focused on our Solar System, it would be of a power available to a Kardashev Type I civilization. The possibility of noise of one form or another cannot be ruled out, and researchers in Paris led by Jean Schneider are considering the possible microlensing of a background source by HD164595. But the signal is provocative enough that the RATAN-600 researchers are calling for permanent monitoring of this target."

Comments

I am not saying it's aliens.

[Anonymous Coward]

But it's aliens.

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[Joce640k]

We need to start building a wall, now!

(and get them to pay for it)

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[InfiniteLoopCounter]

First we need to send the lawyers to see if they are legal or illegal aliens.

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[peragrin]

I vote we send them all our lawyers to verify that.

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[JustOK]

and telephone sanitizers

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[93 Escort Wagon]

But it's aliens.

And aliens from a Kardashian Type II civilization, no less.

I propose we launch several of our own Kardashians in that general direction to investigate.

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[Anonymous Coward]

That sounds like it would be interpreted as an act of war.

Re:I am not saying it's aliens.

[Impy the Impiuos Imp]

Kardashian Type II civilization -- that's when the silicone-injected ass becomes so large it encompasses an entire star, right?

No one claims

[Crashmarik]

and they are going to keep not claiming very loudly and repeatedly.

Re:No one claims

[mentil]

I'm not saying it's aliens... but it's aliens.

Kardashian Type II civilization?

[s1d3track3D]

Please no, we can't take a Kardashian civilization!

Re:Kardashian Type II civilization?

[Bongo]

You know, for a loong time, whenever I heard mention of Kardashians, I thought they were talking about Cardassians. Which left me blissfully unaware of their existence, and everyone else wondering, what planet was I from.

Re: Or not..?

[Calydor]

That is a very old signal.

Re:Or not..?

[Anonymous Coward]

100 years into the future Earth mathematicians break the code.

"Drink more Ovaltine."

Re:11 GHz

[prograsm]

It's also used for WiFi, so it could be a galactic Access Point. Watch, it's just a misconfigured alien laptop rebroadcasting HPSETUP