World News

By Dan Collyns, Science and Technology Correspondent

LONDON, Nov 20 (Reuters) – Astronomers operating the 3I/ATLAS asteroid survey system confirmed on Thursday that their deep-space radio receivers have begun picking up a clear, repeating signal from an unknown extraterrestrial source.

After weeks of careful triangulation, researchers at the University of Hawaii’s ATLAS facility announced the transmission consists of a single track played on an endless loop: the 1980 heavy-metal anthem “Breaking the Law” by British band Judas Priest.

Dr. Larry Denneau, principal investigator for the ATLAS project, told Reuters the signal is unusually powerful and originates from a region approximately 4.2 light-years away in the direction of Proxima Centauri.

“We triple-checked the equipment, swapped antennas, and even unplugged everything and plugged it back in,” Denneau said. “It’s definitely not local interference. Whatever is out there really, really likes the chorus.”

Early analysis shows the transmission opens with the unmistakable opening riff of Rob Halford’s motorcycle-revving intro, followed by the lyrics “Breaking the law, breaking the law” repeated continuously for the entire 4-minute-7-second duration before restarting.

When asked whether the content of the message could be interpreted as a threat, a visibly exhausted Denneau replied: “Look, we’re astronomers, not music critics. All we can confirm is that someone—or something—has chosen Judas Priest as its first official contact with humanity. Make of that what you will.”

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5800070&forum_id=2).#49445803)