A Galactic Shockwave of News
In a breakthrough that may alter the direction of human history, NASA researchers have allegedly found evidence pointing to the presence of an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization on Proxima B – the closest exoplanet to the solar system of Earth. Proxima B is a planet orbiting the red dwarf star Proxima Centauri, located 4.2 light-years away, and has been one of the most promising contenders for extraterrestrial life for years.
Now, fresh research indicates that life on the planet may not only exist but be intelligent.
The Signal That Started It All
Researchers tracking deep-space radio signals report that a strange narrowband signal was detected by extremely sensitive instruments. In contrast to the random static typically discovered in space, this signal had a repeating pattern that caught the eye of scientists right away.
What's more ominous? The transmission seemed aimed—not a spontaneous flash from a star, but a targeted beacon.
Why Proxima B?
Proxima B has long been a target of interest. It resides in the "habitable zone," where water might be liquid, and as such, is a top contender for life. Although the red dwarf parent star may unleash lethal solar flares, new research has indicated that the planet might still have conditions hospitable to an atmosphere—and perhaps oceans.
Proxima B becomes more than another exoplanet with the new discovery of a signal. It may now be the first authenticated alien civilization outside of Earth.
NASA's Reaction
While NASA has not yet released an official announcement of extraterrestrial life, a number of insiders have intimated that this discovery is the most persuasive proof ever discovered. Groups are presently testing the data structure of the signal to eliminate man-made contamination.
Early indications are that the signal might even bear patterns that look like a language or code, leaving cryptographers and linguists around the world excited.
What This Would Mean for Humanity
If true, this would be the biggest discovery in recent times—evidence that we are not alone in the world. The implications would reach beyond science, touching upon philosophy, religion, and even geopolitics.
Will humans try to reply? Should we? Some warn that revealing ourselves to another civilization—particularly one as proximate—may be dangerous. Others believe this is the start of humanity's next great chapter: first contact.
The Future of Exploration
With efforts such as Breakthrough Starshot already scheming to send nano-sails to Proxima Centauri within a human lifespan, the prospect of visiting—and at least sending probes to investigate—Proxima B became infinitely more imperative.
Something is for sure: the universe became a lot less
big, and a lot more mysterious.
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