Breakthrough: SETI Detects repeating Signal from Proxima Centauri

has announced the detection of a narrowband radio signal from the direction of Proxima Centauri, the closest star system to Earth.\n\n## The Signal\n\n- **Frequency:** 982.002 MHz — a remarkably narrow band not known to be produced by any natural astrophysical process\n- **Repetition:** The signal repeats at precise 17.3-hour intervals\n- **Duration:** Each burst lasts approximately 3 seconds\n- **First detected:** March 2026 at the Parkes Observatory, Australia\n\n## Why This Matters\n\nNarrowband signals are significant because natural sources (pulsars, quasars, etc.) produce broadband emissions. A signal confined to a very narrow frequency range is a hallmark of artificial transmission.\n\nThe 17.3-hour repetition matches the orbital period of Proxima b, the Earth-sized planet in Proxima Centauri’s habitable zone.\n\n## Cautious Interpretation\n\nSETI researchers emphasize that human-made interference (satellites, ground transmitters) must be ruled out before any extraordinary claims are made. The team is using multiple observatories to confirm the signal’s extraterrestrial origin.\n\n## Next Steps\n\n- Observations scheduled at the Green Bank Telescope and MeerKAT array\n- Data analysis using the Allen Telescope Array\n- Results of confirmation expected within 3-6 months