- The paper suggests that hydrogen clouds emitted by comets 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) could be responsible for generating the 1977 Wow! signal.
- This hypothesis is supported by the comets' orbital paths and timing relative to the signal detection, noting they were unknown when the signal was first analyzed.
- The study advocates for targeted future observations of these comets during similar transits to confirm or refute their potential role in producing the specific radio emission.
The potential sources of the "Wow" signal, detected by the Ohio State University Radio Observatory on August 15, 1977, remain a topic of significant interest. Antonio Paris and Evan Davies' paper, published in the Washington Academy of Sciences journal, explores a hypothesis that diverges from earlier interpretations regarding the signal's extraterrestrial origins. The authors suggest comets 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) as plausible sources, an idea grounded in new astronomical data unavailable at the time of the signal's detection.
Overview of the "Wow" Signal
The "Wow" signal, characterized by its narrowband radio frequency matching the hydrogen line at (1420.40575)177 MHz, posed a challenge to earlier researchers due to its transient nature and absence of re-detection by prominent facilities like the Very Large Array. Observations ruled out terrestrial origins, reinforcing an extraterrestrial possibility. However, precise localization was impeded by the Big Ear Radio Telescope's configuration, which offered two potential right ascension values for the signal's source.
Comets, during their proximity to the Sun, emit substantial quantities of hydrogen, leading to the formation of extensive hydrogen clouds. These clouds can release electromagnetic radiation at frequencies associated with the hydrogen line. The authors present evidence that comets 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs), transiting near the Chi Sagittarii star group during the period leading up to the detection of the "Wow" signal, possess the necessary characteristics to produce such emissions.
Methodological Considerations
The paper emphasizes the need to reconcile the intermittent nature of the "Wow" signal with the orbital paths and transiting times of the proposed comets. Due to their significant radial velocity and substantial distances from Earth during the period of interest, these comets are considered strong candidates for generating the detected hydrogen line frequency. Moreover, past searches in the vicinity of the original signal did not include these comets, as they were detected post-2006.
Implications and Future Investigations
The hypotheses presented in this paper open new avenues for testing the viability of cometary sources for unexplained narrowband radio signals. Practically, the implications extend the search for alien signals to include naturally occurring celestial phenomena, broadening the scope of radio astronomy and signal analysis. Theoretically, the paper challenges researchers to explore the interaction between cometary bodies and radio wave detection technologies.
The authors call for targeted observations during future transits of these comets near the "Wow" signal's coordinates, with a focus on measuring spectral signatures and the extent of hydrogen clouds. Such investigations could confirm or refute the role of cometary hydrogen emissions in the observed anomaly. This focus not only aids in understanding the historical "Wow" signal but also potentially aids in the identification of similar phenomena in other regions of space.
In summary, this paper by Paris and Davies sheds new light on a long-standing astronomical mystery by reevaluating previous assumptions with contemporary data and urging the scientific community to utilize upcoming observational opportunities.