Two weeks after these observations, we realized that there were some very peculiar signals in the 10-minute dynamic spectrum that we obtained from Ross 128 (GJ 447), observed May 12 at 8:53 PM AST (2017/05/13 00:53:55 UTC). The signals consisted of broadband quasi-periodic non-polarized pulses with very strong dispersion-like features. We believe that the signals are not local radio frequency interferences (RFI) since they are unique to Ross 128 and observations of other stars immediately before and after did not show anything similar.We do not know the origin of these signals but there are three main possible explanations: they could be (1) emissions from Ross 128 similar to Type II solar flares, (2) emissions from another object in the field of view of Ross 128, or just (3) burst from a high orbit satellite since low orbit satellites are quick to move out of the field of view. The signals are probably too dim for other radio telescopes in the world and FAST is currently under calibration.Each of the possible explanations has their own problems. For example, Type II solar flares occur at much lower frequencies and the dispersion suggests a much farther source or a dense electron field (e.g. the stellar atmosphere?). Also, there are no many nearby objects in the field of view of Ross 128 and we have never seen satellites emit bursts like that, which were common in our other star observations. In case you are wondering, the recurrent aliens hypothesis is at the bottom of many other better explanations.Therefore, we have a mystery here and the three main explanations are as good as any at this moment. Fortunately, we obtained more time to observe Ross 128 next Sunday, July 16, and we might clarify soon the nature of its radio emissions, but there are no guarantees. We will also observe Barnard’s star that day to collaborate with the Red Dots project. Results from our observations will be presented later that week. I have a Piña Colada ready to celebrate if the signals result to be astronomical in nature.
Magnetic storms in the stellar corona synchronised to the movement of large scale objects (mega sunspots?) through the object's magnetic field as the star rotates? Does anyone know the solar activity cycle of Ross 128?
Were I to guess I'd guess that it is a natural phenomenon. Because it is a non-polarized broad band signal and shows dispersion like features it doesn't seem consistent with one generated by an intelligence either terrestrial or not.
Quote from: notsorandom on 07/14/2017 02:02 pmWere I to guess I'd guess that it is a natural phenomenon. Because it is a non-polarized broad band signal and shows dispersion like features it doesn't seem consistent with one generated by an intelligence either terrestrial or not.Could explain why that's indicative of a natural phenomena?
Quote from: Star One on 07/14/2017 03:10 pmQuote from: notsorandom on 07/14/2017 02:02 pmWere I to guess I'd guess that it is a natural phenomenon. Because it is a non-polarized broad band signal and shows dispersion like features it doesn't seem consistent with one generated by an intelligence either terrestrial or not.Could explain why that's indicative of a natural phenomena?Sure, an intelligent source would want to generate the most efficient signal the easiest way they could. For communications the narrowest bandwidth necessary to accommodate the required bit rate is the most efficient, using the least amount of transmitter power. For other uses such as RADAR or trying to get our attention a very narrow bandwidth is also the most efficient. It is also easiest to generate a polarized signal and its most efficient for the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna to be the same polarization. The TDRSs use left hand circular polarization for example. The dispersion features, which I am assuming means that the lower frequency parts of the signal arrived a bit later then the higher frequency parts, wouldn't be seen over such a short interstellar distance from an artificial transmitter. A signal can show dispersion after traveling for very long distances due to interstellar matter. Natural signals can also be generated in a way that causes dispersion. Some of the radio signals Jupiter makes show this.
Quote from: Star One on 07/14/2017 03:10 pmQuote from: notsorandom on 07/14/2017 02:02 pmWere I to guess I'd guess that it is a natural phenomenon. Because it is a non-polarized broad band signal and shows dispersion like features it doesn't seem consistent with one generated by an intelligence either terrestrial or not.Could explain why that's indicative of a natural phenomena?Sure, an intelligent source would want to generate the most efficient signal the easiest way they could. For communications the narrowest bandwidth necessary to accommodate the required bit rate is the most efficient, using the least amount of transmitter power. For other uses such as RADAR or trying to get our attention a very narrow bandwidth is also the most efficient. It is also easiest to generate a polarized signal and its most efficient for the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna to be the same polarization. The TDRSs use left hand circular polarization for example.
Eight telescopes from United States, Spain, Chile, and Puerto Rico are coordinating observations tomorrow of #Barnard's Star and #Ross128
Prof. Abel Méndez @ProfAbelMendezThe two big questions for tomorrow are: How active in radio is #Barnard's Star? What's the source of the radio signals from #Ross128?
Prof. Abel Méndez @ProfAbelMendezConfirmed: Green Bank and SETI Institute's ATA will be together with us observing #Ross128 tomorrow.
The dispersion features, which I am assuming means that the lower frequency parts of the signal arrived a bit later then the higher frequency parts, wouldn't be seen over such a short interstellar distance from an artificial transmitter. A signal can show dispersion after traveling for very long distances due to interstellar matter. Natural signals can also be generated in a way that causes dispersion. Some of the radio signals Jupiter makes show this.
just to play Devil's advocate for a moment, if you were trying to broadcast a 'here we are' signal, you would probably want something a bit more... noticeable. broad range of bandwidths, no special polarization etc etc.not aiming for optimal bandwidth, just a beacon that anyone listening with a crystal radio might hear.
For a 'here we are' beacon, wouldn't a lighthouse type signal be more efficient? i.e. a narrow bandwidth signal sweeping across the whole sky at regular intervals. It might appear somewhat like a pulsar.
setiquest.info shows the ATA observing Ross128, in the Virgo constellation, then Barnard's Star at 01:45UTC #ATASETI
Observing #ROSS128 today from the ATA with @NAICobservatory and @GrnBnkTelescope, the pic is the visibility
What's your opinion about the signals from Ross 128?
any beacon would need to be easily identifiable as 'intelligent', and that's not difficult to do - pulsing out prime numbers for example. 2, 3, 5, 7 is all you need. that would give pretty much any intelligent listener a 'wow' moment.