Arecibo Observatory Detects Strange Signals from Nearby Red Dwarf Star Ross 128

Today, the Arecibo Observatory published an interesting update (link) on its current scientific campaign aimed at observing red dwarf stars with potentially habitable planets. According to planetary astrobiologist Abel Méndez some very peculiar signals were detected in the 10-minute dynamic spectrum that was obtained from Ross 128, a dwarf star about 11 light years away.

Strange Signals from the Nearby Red Dwarf Star Ross 128

We do not know the origin of these signals but there are three main possible explanations: they could be (1) emissions from Ross 128 similar to Type II solar flares, (2) emissions from another object in the field of view of Ross 128, or just (3) burst from a high orbit satellite since low orbit satellites are quick to move out of the field of view. The signals are probably too dim for other radio telescopes in the world and FAST is currently under calibration.

In the article, Mendéz goes on to explain why there are problems with all three explanations mentioned in the quote above ("satellites never emit bursts like that"). However, being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes. For any updates, it might be a good idea to check his account on Twitter. There's already some buzz going on about the bizarre signals...



Interestingly, we now have two potential candidates for unusual signals when also taking into account Tabby's Star (KIC-8462852). An additional confirmation for the signals received from Ross 128 is still pending but could be obtained on Sunday, July 16, when Arecibo will again observe the area. I'm hoping that fellow ATS'ers will be able to shed some light on why these signals are thought to be so unusual.

But even if it turns out to be something natural or mundane, we'll probably expand our horizon and gain some new astronomical insights...

But who knows, perhaps it's something even more exciting:



SOURCE & LINKS:
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01. Source Article: Mapping the Habitable Universe (UPR)
02. Prof. Abel Méndez: link to his Twitter account
02. Arecibo Observatory on Wikipedia
03. Geekwire: signals from a red dwarf star spark interest at Arecibo
04. A New Search for Extrasolar Planets Around Barnard's Star
05. PM: A Neighboring Star Is Acting Up in a Bizarre Way

Following to see what it is.

Thanks for sharing

What an excellently out together thread. It'll be interesting to see what happens on the 16th, will they see another strange signal. Here's hoping they do and I hope it leads to further revelations about space and possible intelligent life.

originally posted by: vinifalou
Following to see what it is.

Thanks for sharing

ditto.. thanks for posting.

being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes

what a terrible scientist saying something like that.
The idea of other living intelligent things out in the universe is just that impossible for a "scientist to comprehend".
We will never find it if we are not looking

originally posted by: jeep3r
However, being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes.

Somebody microwaving a burrito.

originally posted by: Funem
What an excellently out together thread. It'll be interesting to see what happens on the 16th, will they see another strange signal. Here's hoping they do and I hope it leads to further revelations about space and possible intelligent life.

Yes, hopefully we'll get some more information on Sunday. Just to mention it, here's an excerpt from the article describing the signals a bit more in detail: "The signals consisted of broadband quasi-periodic non-polarized pulses with very strong dispersion-like features" (whatever that means).

And I actually like the unambiguous and explicit quote in the PM article:

Nothing to see here.
👽

originally posted by: Blue Shift

originally posted by: jeep3r
However, being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes.

Somebody microwaving a burrito.

After billions of dollars, scientists now know what a micro brst of radiation looks like when someone opens the door of the microwave before it beeps.

a reply to: jeep3r

You've covered it all so well I have nothing more to add than, "Roll on Sunday."

Have you read about the Daedalus/Icarus Projects? Wouldn't it be 'sci-fi magical' if they find a signal and it kickstarts an updated version of the old projects. The level of global cooperation would be a thing to behold and they'd need to add loopholes to international treaties to literally get it off the ground.

a reply to: anotheramethyst

Well the "wow" signal is now thought to be interference from the office microwave.

originally posted by: Kandinsky
a reply to: jeep3r

You've covered it all so well I have nothing more to add than, "Roll on Sunday."

Have you read about the Daedalus/Icarus Projects? Wouldn't it be 'sci-fi magical' if they find a signal and it kickstarts an updated version of the old projects. The level of global cooperation would be a thing to behold and they'd need to add loopholes to international treaties to literally get it off the ground.

A real, verified ETI message would of course be a game changer in so many ways. We'd suddenly have a very concrete goal and it might help shifting resources and energy towards reaching that one goal.

Eleven light years would probably be considered "within reach". But then there would also be an opposition of nay sayers, who'd rather like to see that energy and money spent on solving our own earthly problems.

Apart from philosophical and practical discussions about if and how we should communicate with ET, I think it's encouraging to imagine that we could pick up an unexpected intelligent signal anytime (despite Fermi's paradox).

originally posted by: Spacespider

being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes

what a terrible scientist saying something like that.
The idea of other living intelligent things out in the universe is just that impossible for a "scientist to comprehend".
We will never find it if we are not looking

Don't you think it's responsible to eliminate all the other causes before hyping, or jumping to the ET conclusion?

Prof. Mendez likens the signal to that from type II stellar flares, but mentions the problem that these are known to occur at much lower frequencies. Besides that, there are the issues of bandwidth and rarity to contend with.

Type II flares are typically much narrower in the range of radio frequencies they cover, than what Prof. Mendez received. They are also relatively rare, occurring on the time scale of tens of hours. Prof. Mendez reported receiving a number of bursts within the space of ten minutes.

a reply to: ManBehindTheMask

Sure.. if only he was not was so quick to disregard it.. and put it on the lowest of things it could be.. before any follow up data have been analysed.

Time to build a [space] wall...

-Chris

originally posted by: Spacespider
a reply to: ManBehindTheMask

Sure.. if only he was not was so quick to disregard it.. and put it on the lowest of things it could be.. before any follow up data have been analysed.

By default it SHOULD be the last thing .....only after all other sources are explained away could it be

No offense but it seems like your logic is backwards on this

a reply to: This thread

Looks like the signals are getting some attention from the wider astro community as well:

Source: Twitter

#Ross128

originally posted by: Spacespider

being a scientist, he of course also cautions that an explanation involving ET civilizations is at the very bottom of the list of possible causes

what a terrible scientist saying something like that.
The idea of other living intelligent things out in the universe is just that impossible for a "scientist to comprehend".
We will never find it if we are not looking

True, and it's the same as Seth Shostak of SETI who often ridicules anything remotely ET, even though his job is supposed to be searching for ET. He doesn't believe they exist anywhere, but is being paid to look for them anyway with no personal expectation of ever finding any..It doesn't take much to lead one to believe there is government/military influence for public figures to add these kinds of statements to their public dialogues

I heard about this signal, I been in Arecibo observatory many times, quite impressive, was there just last December.

I can only imagine any true ET transmission been killed rapidly to avoid mass hysteria of a possible invasion.