Chinese astronomers use the world’s largest 500-meter spherical telescope to conduct deep scans of outer space. Researchers have developed a special software package that includes machine learning elements that can detect weak traces of human activity and filter out large amounts of ground-based interference from satellites or navigation systems.
Scientists have noticed 33 exoplanet systems, of which the red dwarf K2-155, 238 light-years away, is the most eye-catching. There are three super-Earths in the system, and the outermost planet is in the habitable zone. Analysis of the archival records revealed a narrow-band signal with a frequency-shifting effect, recording only the telescope’s central beam.
Similar responses were noted when observing other stars, and the signal itself only appeared in one polarization channel. Nonetheless, the technology significantly improves the accuracy of future searches for extraterrestrial civilizations.
