A retired NASA JPL scientist has detected unexplained twin pulses of light from multiple Sun-like stars, reigniting discussion about potential technosignatures in our cosmic neighborhood. Dr. Richard Stanton, a veteran of the Voyager and GRACE missions, documented identical 4.4-second-spaced optical flashes from three different stars (HD 89389, 51 Pegasi, and HD 12051) between 2019-2025 using his custom-built 30-inch telescope in California.

The signals — each lasting milliseconds — defy conventional explanations. Stanton systematically ruled out satellites, atmospheric effects, equipment malfunctions, and even birds (an initial hypothesis for the 51 Pegasi signal). The pulses’ precise timing and recurrence across different stars present a puzzle: natural phenomena like gravitational lensing or interstellar plasma would need to align improbably, while artificial origins — such as extraterrestrial laser beacons — remain speculative.

Notably, 51 Pegasi holds historical significance as the first Sun-like star found to host an exoplanet. Stanton’s detection method builds on optical SETI principles proposed in 1961, searching for nanosecond laser pulses that could outshine a star’s natural light. Unlike radio SETI, this approach targets brief, directed-energy signals that advanced civilizations might use for communication or propulsion.

While Stanton cautions that “none of these explanations are satisfying,” the findings demonstrate optical SETI’s potential. Similar efforts like Breakthrough Listen’s VERITAS collaboration are now expanding the search. As Stanton concludes, more data is needed — these pulses could represent anything from unknown astrophysics to humanity’s first encounter with extraterrestrial technology.

For more details read the full article or download the original paper.