A radio signal sent from Earth more than two decades ago may be on the verge of receiving a reply from intelligent extraterrestrial life, according to new projections from scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The signal, transmitted in 2002 as part of an experimental communication project led by a team of astronomers, was directed toward a solar system located nearly 20 light years away. It contained basic information about humanity, including Earth’s location and simple representations of life on our planet.
Now, in a development that feels straight out of science fiction, experts believe that if the signal was intercepted by an intelligent civilization, a response could arrive as early as 2029.
While the idea of first contact has long remained speculative, the scientific community is treating the timeline with growing seriousness. Teams are closely monitoring specific radio bands for any signs of a reply, using some of the world’s most sensitive equipment.
“This is not a drill,” one researcher said. “We’re entering the window where we could realistically hear something back.”
Though no response has yet been detected, the anticipation is mounting. If a reply does arrive, it would mark a historic milestone—humanity’s first confirmed interaction with intelligent life beyond Earth.
For now, the world waits, ears to the stars.
