One of the most significant reasons we search for Earth-like exoplanets is because one of them could have habitable conditions capable of supporting life. While we have yet to confirm life's existence anywhere besides Earth, the search continues, and astronomers are getting antsy.
In our latest attempt to communicate with intelligent alien life forms throughout the galaxy, astronomers sent radio signals toward an Earth-like exoplanet called GJ 273b, which resides around 12 light years away. The messages reportedly contain music clips, time-keeping tutorials, and a note about when we'll be listening for a response.
It will take these radio signals many years to reach their destination, but we sent them nine times over the course of three days in October to ensure that they get there. This redundancy helps prevent interference from blocking the signals we beam out toward the exoplanet.
GJ 273b resides within hits host star's habitable zone and is only slightly larger than the Earth. That said, astronomers think it's a good candidate for supporting alien life. Still, we really won't know unless we hear a response back; assuming these hypothetical aliens are even intelligent.
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NOV 16, 2017