Those Martian Radio Signals

Mars is again in the public eye. For several weeks past there has been almost no end to the opinions of the leading scientists and radio experts of this and other countries regarding the mysterious wireless signals received by Marconi, the inventor of practical wireless telegraphy, at several of his stations. Marconi has stated publicly that the signals, because of their exceptionally long and fixed wave length, as well as their marked similarity to the Continental-Morse code, lead one to believe that they are perhaps generated from some point outside the earth, and if so, most likely Mars.

At this late date when so many dreams of yesterday have become stern realities, it would be foolhardy indeed to discredit Marconi's statement on the face of it; for, to be sure, there is no definite proof either way to show that he is right or wrong in his hypothesis. Examining the facts in the case, we learn that the signals are of an exceptionally long wave length — a wave length far in excess of those generally employed for long-distance work. Next, we learn that the wave length is practically constant, which would naturally lead one to believe that the signals are artificially generated. Then we are told that the signals are received with equal strength at stations spaced several thousand miles apart, which is a truly remarkable fact, since, so far, any signals generated with our most powerful transmitters rapidly lose strength the farther they have to travel. Finally, the signals are said to simulate the Continental-Morse code, which is that almost universally used in radio work.

Turning to the other side of the case, we find ready explanations for these facts which soon weaken the possibility of Martian signals. In the first place, we have absolutely no proof that there are inhabitants on Mars. Secondly, if there are Martians, would it not be rather a strange coincidence if they had worked out radio telegraphy and a code along the same lines as we have? And would it not be strange that they have succeeded in obtaining sufficient power and apparatus to transmit over the tremendous distance of 50,000,000 miles? Then there is this striking flaw in Marconi's suggestion, namely, that the signals have been received only at his stations. The Eiffel Tower station at Paris, some of our Navy stations, and other radio stations equipped to receive exceptionally long-wave signals report that they have not heard the signals to which Marconi refers, although they have searched for them.

That the signals are due to atmospheric disturbances or possibly sun spots seems a most plausible explanation, although there is the matter of constancy of wave length to weaken it. Generally, atmospheric and other natural disturbances a wide wave length, a fact which causes them to interfere with radio communication, since they cannot be tuned out with ordinary circuits. But when it comes to the signals resembling the Continental-Morse code, this is nothing unusual. At times the natural disturbances occur at such intervals that one is apt to confound them with regular signals until it is discovered that they are meaningless.

All in all, this matter deserves careful study when a scientist of Mr. Marconi's standing takes it so seriously. With the facts so far in hand, most scientists and radio men lean toward the opinion that the signals are simply natural disturbances, or possibly some new radio station of extreme power in some far corner of the earth. Perhaps it may be the Japanese, who are known to be developing new radio systems with some success. Again it may be the Russian Bolsheviki, who have turned to radio as a convenient means of propagating their cause at home and abroad. But we must all await further and more definite information before passing judgment one way or the other in this interesting controversy.