HD 164595: Mystery signal excites alien hunters

Experts urge caution after radio waves are detected from Sun-like star that lies 94 light years away from Earth

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Astronomers are exploring an unexplained signal picked up by a Russian telescope which has given hope to scientists engaged in the search for extra-terrestrial life.

The "very strong" three-second radio signal was recorded by the RATAN-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia, in May 2015. The waves came from the vicinity of a Sun-like star called HD 164595, which lies 94 light years away from Earth in the Hercules constellation. At least one planet, about the size of Neptune, is known to orbit the star.

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