- Status
- Unexplained
- Location
- Detected by Big Ear radio telescope, Ohio, USA
- Case Type
- Unexplained / Space mystery
- Synopsis
- Astronomer Jerry Ehman recorded a strong, unusual radio signal lasting 72 seconds from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. The signal was so unusual that he wrote “Wow!” in the margin of the printout, giving it its name. Despite numerous attempts, the signal was never detected again, leaving its origin unexplained. Some speculate it may have been an extraterrestrial transmission, while others suggest natural or human-made interference.
- Date or Period
- August 15, 1977
- Consequences
- Sparked interest in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and remains a famous unsolved mystery in astronomy.
- Evidence
- Original printout of the signal, Ehman’s notes, SETI follow-up studies.