{
  "id": 28505,
  "title": "Alien Signals May Hide in Unexplored High Radio Frequencies",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/07/30/alien-signals-may-hide-in-unexplored-high-radio-frequencies",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-07-30T05:12:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Universe Today",
    "slug": "universe-today",
    "url": "https://www.universetoday.com/articles/alien-signals-may-hide-in-unexplored-high-radio-frequencies"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent years, the quest to detect alien intelligence through radio signals has been a focal point for radio astronomers. Traditionally, they have targeted a narrow frequency range known as the \"water hole,\" situated between 1.42 and 1.66 gigahertz. This frequency band is favored because it is occupied by emissions from hydrogen and hydroxyl molecules.\n\nHowever, Louisa Mason, a PhD student at the University of Manchester, has suggested that humanity may be overlooking high-frequency radio wavelengths in the search for extraterrestrial signals. Her research, presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Birmingham, explores the potential of using these higher frequency bands, particularly the millimeter and submillimeter ranges, for SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).\n\nMason analyzed archived data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, focusing on a radio band known as Band 3, which spans frequencies of 90.642 GHz to 93.151 GHz. While no definitive alien signals were found in her analysis, Mason's work has enhanced the techniques for detecting radio signals from stars by examining a wider range of targets. This approach involves using the Besançon Galactic Model, a detailed computer simulation of the Milky Way Galaxy that allows astronomers to observe a greater number of stars than previously targeted.\n\nBy incorporating this new model into a previous SETI survey of 1,327 observations, Mason expanded her search to potentially over 6 million stars, significantly increasing the number of stars under observation compared to traditional methods. This expanded search could lead to the discovery of new technological signatures of alien civilizations that had previously been overlooked.\n\nDespite the lack of conclusive evidence for alien signals thus far, Mason's research represents a significant step forward in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The potential to explore previously uncharted territory in the radio spectrum could yield exciting new insights into the nature of alien technology and communication. As scientists continue to refine their methods and expand their search parameters, the possibility of finally confirming the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence remains an ever-present tantalizing prospect.",
  "summary": "Confirming the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence via radio signals, also called technosignatures, is the cornerstone of radio astronomy. While humanity has been asking since time immemorial whether or not we’re alone in the universe, radio astronomers are at the frontlines trying to tirelessly answer this longstanding question. To accomplish this, they’ve traditionally focused on a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}