In August 1977, the "Wow! Signal" was recorded—one of the strongest candidate radio signals of extraterrestrial origin in history.
Fifty years later, the Japanese Society for SETI was established to conduct a commemorative observation in August 2027 to mark this historic event.
On August 15, 1977, Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope detected a powerful signal lasting 72 seconds near the hydrogen 21-cm line (1420 MHz). The signal became known as the "Wow! Signal" after astronomer Dr. Jerry Ehman wrote "Wow!" on the printout. It remains one of the strongest candidate signals of extraterrestrial intelligent origin ever received by humankind. SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is the scientific field that investigates such signals, with major efforts centered in Europe and North America since the 1960s. See also Big Ear's 30th-anniversary explanation of the Wow! Signal.
The 8-meter radio telescope at Misato Observatory (left)
Photo: Misato Observatory, Kimino Town
We use radio telescopes to search for artificial radio signals across the cosmos, focusing on universal "water hole" frequencies such as the hydrogen 21-cm line.
A regular column by the Japanese Society for SETI that shares accessible explanations and the latest news on SETI-related topics.
On August 15, 2027, exactly 50 years after the detection of the Wow! Signal, we will carry out commemorative radio observations to investigate the origin of that historic signal.
We collaborate across astronomy, physics, biology, information science, philosophy, and sociology, in conjunction with the field of astrobiology.
We coordinate with international projects and connect the Japanese community to the global effort.
We address protocols for discovery, whether to respond, and societal impact—topics that extend beyond pure science.
The Society's core mission is to conduct a commemorative observation in August 2027, the 50th anniversary of the Wow! Signal detection. We aim to advance the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) from Japan.
In August 2027, we will conduct a special SETI observation to mark the 50th anniversary of the detection of the Wow! Signal.
We rely on broad public support through crowdfunding and donations to sustain our activities.
We will deliver the latest domestic and international findings to researchers and the general public through lectures and symposiums.
We will continuously publish research results and activity reports on our website and through other channels.
We will carry out outreach activities to communicate the significance of SETI to the wider public.
If evidence suggestive of extraterrestrial intelligent life is obtained, we will act in accordance with the IAA Post-Detection Policy (2010 revision).
On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear radio telescope at Ohio State University detected an intense unidentified radio signal. It was observed near the hydrogen 21-cm line (1420.405 MHz) for 72 seconds. The name comes from astronomer Dr. Jerry Ehman writing "Wow!" on the printout. It remains one of the strongest candidate signals of extraterrestrial intelligent origin, and its source is still unknown nearly 50 years later.
It is a radio observation program led by the Japanese Society for SETI in August 2027, the 50th anniversary of the original Wow! Signal detection on August 15, 1977. The Society was established to carry out this commemorative observation. Details such as instruments, target sky regions, and methods are currently being planned and will be announced once finalized.
Yes. SETI is a legitimate scientific field officially supported by organizations such as NASA and ESA, with research published in major academic journals. It is observational science using methods from statistics, signal processing, and radio engineering.
Under our bylaws, we will act in accordance with the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Post-Detection Protocol. We will not transmit a response unilaterally.
Yes. Organizational and corporate support is welcome. For major support under an organizational name, we can discuss options such as listing your name on our website and participation in research projects. Please contact us by email.
The secretariat is located in the Narusawa Laboratory at the University of Hyogo, 8-2-1 Gakuen Nishimachi, Nishi-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2197, Japan.
Fifty years have passed since the 1977 Wow! Signal. The Japanese Society for SETI is preparing for the commemorative observation in August 2027. Your support makes this historic challenge possible.