Deep Space Radio Signal Just Reached Earth, But Who Sent It?

In what one industry website calls an "astonishing discovery," a deep space radio signal has reached Earth after 8 billion years.

Who Sent The Radio Signal?

Earth.com says the "mysterious and powerful burst or radio waves" spent billions of years traveling before reaching Earth. The website believe it is one of the most powerful radio signals ever captured due to its distance and energy.

The signal is described as a "fast radio burst" that is a flash of radio waves. It's far from the first time this has happened in recent years. It's just not always easy to pick them up.

"While most happen only once, some 'repeaters' send out signals more than once, adding to the intrigue of understanding their origin," writes the SETI Institute, a California-based nonprofit that studies astrobiology.

Unfortunately, scientists have been unable to determine the origin of the most recent deep space signal.

Radio Signals Could Be Sign of Alien Life

While the origination of the deep space radio signal remains a mystery, there is still a chance it could indicate the presence of alien life.

Just last year, SETI reportedly received as many as 35 "fast radio busts" from space with the use of its radio telescope.

A report from Earth.com said the signals were spread across two months and were believed to come from a galaxy approximately one billion light years from Earth.

The website pointed toward a 2017 study by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics that suggests "these signals could be indicative of deep-space explorers billions of light-years away from Earth."

And by "explorers," they mean aliens. The study went on to say that the theory is worth exploring.

READ MORE: Earth Is Getting A Second Moon – What's Causing This Odd Phenomenon?

Since then, SETI has continued to its search for signs of alien life. The institute last month announced it has started searching for "alien technology in distant galaxies."

"This new approach looks at distant galaxies, making it one of the most detailed search for super civilizations–those more advanced than ours," SETI said in a press release regarding its most recent search for signs of alien technology. "To send a signal from another galaxy, a civilization would need technology powerful enough to use the energy of their sun or several stars in their galaxy."

LOOK: The states with the most UFO sightings

For each state, we’ve also included details of famous UFO sightings in that state. Of note is that almost three-quarters of all UFO sighting reports in the United States occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, and tend to peak between 9 and 10 p.m. Food for thought next time you're out scoping for alien life. Keep reading to see which states have had the most UFO sightings.

Gallery Credit: Nicole Caldwell & Matt Albasi

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll