Researchers are investigating if strong signal from SETI is an 'extraterrestrial civilization'

Astronomers searching for life on other planets have picked up a "strong signal" that has the faintest chance of indicating an "extraterrestrial civilization," Ars Technica reports. The signal comes from the direction of a star about 95 light years from Earth, and has at least one nearby planet.

The star, HD 164595, is part of the constellation Hercules; the signal was discovered by the RATAN-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia. "This is a bit of a puzzling story, as the Russians found this signal a year ago or so, but just didn't let others know," senior astronomer at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California, told GeekWire.

"No one is claiming that this is the work of an extraterrestrial civilization, but it's certainly worth further study," Centauri Dreams blogger Pual Glister explained. He added that if the strength of the signal came from an isotropic beacon, it would only be possible for a Kardashev Type II civilization — one capable of harnessing the energy from a star.

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"The possibility of noise of one form or another cannot be ruled out ... but the signal is provocative enough that the RATAN-600 researchers are calling for permanent monitoring of this target," Glister went on.

Texas A&M University astronomer Nick Suntzeff said people should curb their expectations, though. "I would follow it if I were the astronomers, but I would also not hype the fact that it may be at SETI signal given the significant chance it could be something military," he told Ars Technica.