Wow! Signal
A strong, narrowband radio signal detected in 1977 by the Big Ear radio telescope, lasting 72 seconds and never detected again.
Documented record
Known Facts
The Wow! Signal was detected on August 15, 1977, by the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University.
The signal lasted 72 seconds and came from the direction of Sagittarius.
It was a narrowband signal at 1420.455 MHz, near the hydrogen line frequency.
Jerry Ehman circled the signal on the printout and wrote 'Wow!' — giving it its name.
The signal has never been detected again despite numerous follow-up searches.
The signal's origin remains unexplained.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Original Printout
PRIMARY SOURCEThe original computer printout showing the signal's intensity.
SOURCE:Ohio State University / Jerry Ehman
Radio Telescope Data
PRIMARY SOURCEData from the Big Ear telescope documenting the signal.
SOURCE:Ohio State University
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Never Replicated
ANALYSISDespite extensive searches, the signal has never been detected again.
SOURCE:SETI research
Terrestrial Source Theories
ANALYSISSome suggest it could be from a terrestrial source or satellite.
SOURCE:Radio astronomy analysis
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
What was the source of the Wow! Signal?
Was it of extraterrestrial origin?
Why has it never been detected again?
What does the signal's frequency suggest about its origin?
Chronological record
Timeline
Wow! Signal detected by Big Ear telescope.
Jerry Ehman discovers the signal on printout.
Numerous follow-up searches find no repeat signal.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Both reference Ohio and United States.
Both reference United States.
Both involve activities during the 1970s period.