Have we found E.T.? Scientists confirm repeating radio signals from another galaxy

by Alex Hollings · January 1, 2017

A recent study conducted by the American Astronomical Society, published in the Astrophysical Journal, has confirmed that scientists have received a total of 17 fast radio bursts (FRBs) from a single source outside of the Milky Way galaxy since 2011. Unfortunately, because of the immense distance between Earth-based radio satellites and the source, little more can be confirmed about just what, exactly, is transmitting.

By pointing an array of radio telescopes at a specific point in the constellation Auriga, scientists have received multiple bursts of radio waves, significantly greater in energy expended than the background radio interference reverberating through the universe, which scientists believe is a leftover from the Big Bang. These radio bursts, first received in 2011 but not confirmed to be repeating until earlier this year, have each been at least three times more powerful than anything scientists expected to pick up.

Radio waves of this sort could theoretically be produced by naturally occurring phenomena like a supernova created by a star exploding, but because the bursts are repeating, scientists have ruled out such a possibility. In effect, the same star would have to explode repeatedly, from the same location, and at regular intervals in order to transmit such a repeating wave of radio signals.

About Alex Hollings

Alex Hollings writes on a breadth of subjects ranging from fitness to foreign policy, all presented through the lens of his experiences as a U.S. Marine, athlete and scholar. A football player, rugby player and fighter, Hollings has spent the better part of his adult life competing in some of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. Hollings possesses a master's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.

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ColonelProp
Yes, we tend to get glimpses of some amazing people in our life everyday...when we look in the mirror
Pat G
So true! We are constantly searching for some spark of new life in the universe, while many of our new sparks of life her on Earth are snuffed out everyday. It's ironic, and tragic. Definitely a sobering thought 6, as interesting as all the rest is, this should be first priority. Thanks!
Recon6
Copy... just watched the 'Alan Turing' movie... makes me wonder just how sentient some folks were back when... dead at 41...sadly....6
ColonelProp
No worries 6! We have to constantly keep check on our morals and just because we have technology to perform acts it does not mean we should use it.... Our morality makes us sentient beings
Recon6
PG... I find such thoughts intriguing and enjoy hearing what folks have to say... Prop is our resident 'rocket scientist' and fortunately he tolerates ppl such as my self who actually have no clue as to what he is saying most of the time.... I merely believe the possibilities are infinite, thus there simply must be... but as I commented in a post several weeks ago, since we Americans should ever find a single cell org on any planet and declare "Life on Mars Found", how does this reconcile with the millions of babies we murdered ?? sorry to interject sobering thoughts into such a fascinating subject...best...6