Mashable: A simulated extraterrestrial communication transmitted from Mars to Earth in 2023 was successfully decoded in June by Ken Chaffin and his daughter, Keli Chaffin, following nearly a year of dedicated efforts. This message was generated as part of the “A Sign in Space” initiative by the SETI Institute and features five distinct formations of amino acids, although its significance remains ambiguous.

Mysterious hourly radio signal from space baffles scientists, challenging current astrophysical theorieshttps://t.co/PnNu3c2YsI

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, scientists have stumbled upon a perplexing phenomenon that challenges our understanding of astrophysics. A… — Deborah (@Deborah07849071) November 17, 2024

Daniela de Paulis, SETI's artist-in-residence and a licensed radio operator, collaborated with various international scientists and artists to conceptualize the project, aiming to investigate the potential characteristics of an alien signal, reports Gadgets360.

In May 2023, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter sent a signal designed to simulate an extraterrestrial message, which was detected by three observatories on Earth: the Allen Telescope Array in California, the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Medicina Radio Astronomical Station in Italy.

The raw data was made available online, enabling citizen scientists globally to participate in decoding through a community forum. The Chaffins employed cellular automata algorithms to analyze what resembled a “starmap” of white pixels, ultimately uncovering clusters indicative of amino acids.

The project team has verified that the Chaffins' findings correspond to amino acids, which are fundamental components of life. However, no explanation has been offered regarding the selection of these specific configurations.

De Paulis and her team assert that the interpretation of the message's purpose is left to those who study it, partially to replicate the experience of receiving an alien transmission without any contextual guidance.

This simulation encourages citizen scientists from around the world to contemplate the implications of the message. Theories vary widely, from the possibility of life-forming compounds coalescing in space to a straightforward greeting from extraterrestrial beings.

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Mysterious hourly radio signal from space baffles scientists, challenging current astrophysical theories — Dr. Theophano Mitsa (@theomitsa) November 16, 2024

De Paulis intends to compile public interpretations in an upcoming publication, acknowledging the challenges associated with achieving a shared understanding of its significance. Ken and Keli Chaffin, although unsure of the exact purpose, have expressed excitement about their involvement in the investigation of this extraordinary cosmic communication.