Japan Launches Alien Signal Search Group

Astronomers in Japan have established what they describe as the country’s first organization dedicated to the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life, with plans to begin radio signal observations next summer.

According to Kyodo News, astrophysicist Shinya Narusawa of University of Hyogo, who leads the newly formed Japan SETI Association, said he believes intelligent life must exist somewhere in the universe and expressed enthusiasm about launching the initiative.

Narusawa, 61, a leading figure in the field of SETI research, brought together a team of around 10 specialists, including astronomers and observatory researchers, to form the group.

The association plans to conduct its first radio observation campaign in August next year, targeting the direction of the Sagittarius constellation from the Misato Observatory in Wakayama Prefecture.

The timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of the detection of a powerful radio signal believed to have originated from space, recorded in 1977 by a telescope at Ohio State University.

The initiative reflects growing global interest in the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence, as advances in radio astronomy and data analysis continue to expand the scope of deep-space exploration.