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In June 2024, astronomers in Australia detected a powerful radio signal that came from Earth. First, he thought it was a new space object.
This sign was raised by the Australian square kilometer array Pathfinder (ACKAP) Radio Telescope in Western Australia. It was so strong that it beats everything else in the sky for a moment.
Researchers usually look for sharp radio burst: smaller, powerful signs from distant galaxies, possibly due to dense, magnetic relics of dead stars.
However, this sign was different. When he focused on binoculars, the short signal became extremely bright, stronger than 2,000 to 3,000 times more than any other signals recorded.
The team removed the data from the external antenna and used central people to do better studies. It came from only 4,500 km away and matched the location of an old satellite called relay 2.
NASA launched a communication satellite relay 2 in 1964 to improve signs between the US and Europe and to help the Tokyo Olympics broadcast. However, until 1967, it stopped working and the space became junk.
Although it was not disappointed with space, scientists were surprised as to what such a strong indication is really. This incident increased new concerns about space junk in the Earth’s orbit.
What is the cause of signal?
Scientists feel that the signal must have come from a sudden release of static electricity which is built on the metal surface of the satellite. This is the same when you rub your feet on a carpet and get a small electric shock.
Another possible cause is a small micrometer that kills the satellite at very high speed, which can make a burst of hot gas (plasma) and send out a small radio wave.
Although this second reason is less likely, it still shows how dead satellites in space can also leave unexpected signs after decades of silence.
With the increasing number of older satellites, such signs can be more common and can interfere with important space research in the future, Professor Classy James explained CNN.
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