Scientists searched for aliens - and discovered a mysterious radio signal

Scientists reanalyzing data from China's FAST telescope have detected a narrow, structured radio signal from the star system K2-155, located 238 light-years away. The signal appeared in only one of 19 reception beams. Researchers caution it may be human interference, and similar signals have been found from other stars.

Scientists reanalyzing old data from China's giant FAST radio telescope have discovered a narrow, structured radio signal, designated NBS 260108, coming from the star system K2-155, about 238 light-years from Earth. The signal, at a frequency of approximately 1,148 MHz, appeared in only one of the telescope's 19 reception beams, sparking interest but also suspicion. The K2-155 system includes three super-Earth planets, one of which, K2-155d, lies near the habitable zone where liquid water could exist. However, the researchers themselves caution in a study published in The Astronomical Journal that there is no evidence the signal originates from outside Earth. Similar signals at nearby frequencies have been identified from three other stars—K2-18, Ross 128, and GJ 9066—reinforcing the possibility of human or technical radio interference. The Contact Project research initiative replicated part of the anomalous characteristic but also did not conclude the signal's source is in space. The article emphasizes that candidate detection and interpretation should remain separate.