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Scientists detect 8 strange alien signals originating from nearby stars
- Scientists searching for evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial life detect eight previously undetected signals originating from five nearby stars, according to research published in Nature Astronomy.
- The researchers used a new machine learning-driven approach that incorporates neural networks, semi-unsupervised learning and random forest decision trees. These technologies enabled the modelling of various sources of radio frequency interference from multiple technosignatures.
- The goal of the research was to identify narrow-band, potentially artificial signals that stood out from others. None of the eight signals were found to contain readily identifiable RFI.
- The signals were detected during 150 terabytes of data from the Breakthrough Listen initiative and exhibited distinct frequency drifts, indicating a source located far from Earth.
- The GBT telescope observed 820 nearby stars and detected eight signals consistent with extraterrestrial origins.
- Future searches will centre on signals exhibiting characteristics specific to alien technologies, such as narrow-band frequency signals confined to one Hz, and signals with Doppler shifts indicating relative motion of the transmitter and receiver.
- Project scientist for Breakthrough Listen, Dr. Steve Croft, said the signals exhibited characteristics that are compatible with those we would expect from intelligent sources, but he warned that 'chance cannot be ruled out'.
- The researchers said it was necessary to carry out further research to determine the signals' origins.
- The team plans to extend their use of the machine learning technique to search more powerful telescopes in South Africa and the US, allowing them to broaden their search to millions of stars and boosting the chances of detecting possible signs of extraterrestrial life.
- The research offers a scalable solution to the challenges posed by vast datasets and pervasive interference in SETI. However, the lack of definitive evidence for extraterrestrial life requires scientists to continue to develop new methods and technologies.
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