The Wow Sign was recorded at Proper Ascension (RA)=19h25m=291 levels and Declination (Dec)=-27 levels.
At practically the identical time, on August 12, 1977, 3I/ATLAS was about 600 astronomical models (AU) from Earth, some 600 instances the Earth–Solar distance, or roughly a 3-day light-travel time away. Its place then was RA 19h40m (295°levels), Dec -19 levels.
Right here’s the intriguing half: simply three days earlier than the sign was detected, ATLAS had been shifting by way of practically the identical patch of house. The separation was solely about 4 diploma in RA and eight diploma in Dec, an alignment likelihood of simply 0.6%.
If the sign actually got here from 31/ATLAS, its transmitter would have wanted the facility of a nuclear reactor, beaming instantly on the 1420 MHz hydrogen line, the frequency usually dubbed the “cosmic calling card.”
Whereas it could appear far-fetched that 3I/ATLAS might have despatched the Wow Sign, the thing’s uncommon habits thus far means nothing could be fully dominated out. Maybe it’s price scanning 3I/ATLAS for radio emissions.
In time, we’re more likely to study rather more about whether or not 3I/ATLAS is just an odd interstellar comet or one thing much more superior which might catch us off guard.
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