Ep 6. Secrets of the Alien Signals

In the season 7 episode 6 of NASA's Unexplained Files, titled "Secrets of the Alien Signals," scientists and researchers aim to unravel the mystery of strange signals coming from deep space. The episode begins with the discovery of a fast radio burst originating from a galaxy over 3 billion light-years away from Earth. These bursts are incredibly powerful and transient radio signals that have stumped researchers since their discovery in 2007. Scientists have been trying to understand what causes them, and whether they could be signals from extraterrestrial life.

The episode delves deeper into the quest to decode the signals and find their possible origins. Experts discuss the role of radio telescopes such as the Parkes Observatory in Australia, which has detected multiple radio signals over the years. The scientists also talk about the difficulties in studying the signals, especially as they occur randomly and last for just a fraction of a second. The signals are so brief that to even notice them requires complex software and filters that can sift through the massive amount of data generated by radio telescopes.

In the episode, scientists detail the types of sources that could be causing these signals, such as neutron stars, black holes, or other unknown forces in the universe. There is also speculation that the signals could be the result of extraterrestrial communication.

The show also explores other unexplained phenomena, such as a signal dubbed "The Wow! Signal" that was detected by Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope in 1977. The signal was so strong that its discoverer, Jerry R. Ehman, circled the data on the computer printout and wrote the now-famous note "Wow!" next to it.

The focus on the episode then shifts to possible explanations for the mysterious signals. One theory is that the signals could be the result of a natural phenomenon known as "dispersion" - the process of radio waves spreading out over time and distance as they travel through space. The episode also discusses other theories such as the effects of gravitational lensing and the possibility that the signals could be caused by alien civilizations.

Throughout the episode, experts and scientists approach the subject with caution, pointing out that while these signals may be intriguing, it's still too early to conclude that they are of extraterrestrial origin. They emphasize the need for continued research and exploration to help understand the signals and their sources, and the importance of staying grounded in real science.

In "Secrets of the Alien Signals," NASA's Unexplained Files provides a fascinating look at the quest to discover the origins of strange signals from deep space. The episode offers insight into the latest research, theories, and technologies used to detect and decode the mysterious signals while staying rooted in science. The episode highlights the importance of continued research as we strive to unravel the vast mysteries of the universe.