For 17
years, scientists have been trying to uncover the source of mysterious radio signals
being picked up by the telescope at the Parkes Observatory in Australia.
Theories
about the signals have included evaporating black holes and alien
communication.
However,
the scientists now believe they have found the answer – the microwave in the observatory’s
staff kitchen!
The scientists knew the strange signals, known as perytons, originated
somewhere close to Earth. However, until a new interference receiver was
installed at the beginning of this year, they didn’t realise just how close!
The new receiver began picking up strong
signals at 2.4 GHz – the signature of a microwave oven. Testing
of the microwave in the staff kitchen did not show up with perytons until they
opened the oven door before it had finished heating. Within a fraction of a second, the
receiver picked up microwave activity and the source of the perytons was revealed!
Subsequent tests showed that a peryton can be generated when
a microwave door is opened prematurely. Further detective work revealed that
over the years the signals had tended to be transmitted lunchtime – and not in
the evenings or over weekends.
While the mystery of perytons has been solved, scientists at
the Parkes Observatory are still trying to work out the source of many other
fast radio bursts that appear to come from space. While alien life has not been
ruled out, the scientists say all kitchen appliances have!
Watch What Makes Up the Electromagnetic Spectrum? to learn
more about radio waves.
