Was The Wow Signal Due To Power Beaming Leakage?
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J. Benford. (2021), JBIS, 74, pp.196-200
Refcode: 2021.74.196
Abstract:
The enigmatic Wow Signal, detected in 1977, might credibly have been leakage from an interstellar power beam, perhaps from launch of an interstellar probe. This can explain observed features of the Wow Signal: the power density received, the Signal’s duration and frequency. It also explains why the Wow source has not been observed again, despite several attempts. Such interstellar power beams would be visible over large interstellar distances, but would be highly transient and non-repeating, among several traits that contrast well against other explanations, e.g. interstellar communications or Earth-based interference. The latter is especially doubtful because the Signal was in a frequency band in which all emissions are prohibited on Earth. The power beaming explanation for the Wow accounts for all four of the Wow parameters, including the fact that the Wow observation has not recurred. All-sky surveys in both the microwave and laser bands might detect more power beam leakages.
