Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Astronomers Detect Powerful Radio Signal Near Earth From Old Satellite
Astronomers found a really strong radio signal close to Earth!
They used a big telescope in Australia to find it.
The signal was much brighter than usual and seemed to come from an old satellite called Relay 2, launched in 1964.
This satellite is now space junk.
The signal might be from static electricity building up on the satellite or from a tiny space rock hitting it.
Even though it wasn't from outer space, scientists are still figuring out what caused it, showing that even old satellites can sometimes surprise us with strange signals.
Astronomers detected a powerful radio signal near Earth in June 2024.
The signal was detected by the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia.
The signal was exceptionally strong, outshining other signals in the sky.
The signal originated from approximately 4,500 km away, near the location of the Relay 2 satellite.
Scientists are investigating whether the signal resulted from static discharge or a micrometeorite impact on the satellite.
- Who
- Astronomers, the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope, and likely the Relay 2 satellite.
- What
- A strong radio signal was detected near Earth.
- When
- June 2024
- Where
- Near Earth, approximately 4,500 km away; detected in Western Australia.
- Why
- Scientists are investigating the cause of the signal, considering static electricity release or micrometeorite impact.
Possible Signal Causes
Alternative Theories
Signal Source
Possible Signal Causes
Signal from static discharge on satellite.
Alternative Theories
Signal from micrometeorite impact.
- Detection Date
- June 2024
- Location
- Near Earth, 4,500 km away
- Telescope
- ASKAP radio telescope
- Origin
- Relay 2 satellite (space junk)
- Launched
- 1964
- Purpose of Relay 2
- Communication satellite