A mysterious radio signal detected in June 2024 intrigues astronomers. Finally, it does not come from a distant galaxy, but from a forgotten satellite.
A spectacular discovery … then disappointing
In June 2024, Australian scientists who used the Askap radiotelescope captured a powerful radio pulse. First interpreted as a rapid radio start – phenomenon often linked to magnetars – this flash aroused many hopes in the scientific community. However, the source has proven to be much closer than expected.
A ghost satellite resurfaces
According to the information reported by CNN, the signal was actually coming from Relay 2, satellite American launched by NASA In 1964. This device was used to retransmit signals, especially those of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Relay 2 stopped operating in 1967 and has since been considered a simple orbit debris.
The origin of flash radio was therefore very earthly, or almost: the satellite is 4,500 kilometers from the surface, in medium orbit around the earth.
A still unexplained phenomenon
As the platform mentions 20minutes.frthe researchers advance two hypotheses to explain the program. It could be a static electricity discharge accumulated on the metal shell of the satelliteat the origin of a brief, but intense spark. The other scenario evokes an impact with a microMéteorite, which would have generated a plasma responsible for the flash.
Even if this signal does not come from the depths of the universe, this discovery raises a very real problem: interference caused by objects deactivated in orbit. Out of service satellites, sometimes forgotten for decades, can disturb current astronomical research.
