Since August 1977, the “Wow!” signal, detected by Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope, has intrigued scientists, sparking theories of potential alien contact. The powerful, long-duration signal, originating from the constellation Sagittarius, led many to speculate it might be a deliberate broadcast by extraterrestrial beings using advanced technology. However, the signal’s exact source remained elusive, and it was never detected again.
Now, researchers from the University of Puerto Rico suggest a new explanation. According to their study, the “Wow!” signal was likely the first recorded instance of maser-like emission of the hydrogen line, a unique astrophysical event rather than an alien communication. This discovery, based on observations from 2020, challenges previous assumptions and serves as a cautionary tale for future alien signal discoveries.
Lead researcher Abel Méndez noted that this finding not only offers a plausible explanation for the signal but also opens new possibilities for studying objects hidden within or behind cold hydrogen clouds. The research is currently being refined with feedback from the scientific community, with plans for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
