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Preferred frequency for interstellar communications

Nature volume 276, pages 694–695 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

MANY scientists believe that intelligent life is common in our Galaxy1–6 and that electromagnetic waves are the most practical means of communication7,8. Even equipment of a terrestrial standard can produce communication within a distance of 100 light yr. Several searches for interstellar signals have been proposed; however, difficulty arises in the selection of technical parameters such as frequency and coding. Among these, the selection of frequency is the most important. We propose here that the 4,829.659-MHz line frequency of the 111→110 rotational transition of formaldehyde is a plausible frequency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tokyo Astronomical Observatory, University of Tokyo, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan

    M. MORIMOTO, H. HIRABAYASHI & J. JUGAKU

Authors
  1. M. MORIMOTO
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  2. H. HIRABAYASHI
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  3. J. JUGAKU
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MORIMOTO, M., HIRABAYASHI, H. & JUGAKU, J. Preferred frequency for interstellar communications. Nature 276, 694–695 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/276694a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/276694a0

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