The entire signal sequence lasted for the full 72-second window during which Big Ear was able to observe it, but has not been detected since, despite several subsequent attempts by Ehman and others. He was so impressed by the result that he circled on the computer printout the reading of the signal's intensity, "6EQUJ5", and wrote the comment "Wow!" beside it, leading to the event's widely used name. Ehman discovered the anomaly a few days later while reviewing the recorded data. The signal appeared to come from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius and bore the expected hallmarks of extraterrestrial origin.Īstronomer Jerry R. The Wow! signal was a strong narrowband radio signal detected on August 15, 1977, by Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope in the United States, then used to support the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
The original printout with Ehman's handwritten exclamation is preserved by Ohio History Connection. Part of that success could be attributed to the other well-known names, including civilian manager George “Mule” Haas, who had spent 19 major-league season with the Philadelphia A’s and the Chicago White Sox, and the other draftees on the team with major and minor league experience, including Al Stablefeld, Johnny Walsh, Ed Nietopski, Emil Chaillott and John Lipari.The Wow! signal represented as "6EQUJ5". The first three tournaments were won by the Fort Monmouth team, who hoped to reclaim their title from the Fort Dix team who had won both the 19 tournaments. The 1952 season was even more successful for the Signaleers, led by Ford, with a record of 41-9, who went on to place second in the sixth annual First Army Baseball tournament, losing to Fort Dix. The WAC Signalettes also had a good 1951 season, coming in second in the First Army Softball championships. Their winning record and big names helped draw crowds of up to 4000 to see the Fort Monmouth Signaleers play. 1951 saw the Signaleers win 42 games against only 10 lost, though they were eliminated in the third round of the 1951 First Army Baseball tournament. He had joined the Yankees team in mid-season.
In late 1950, just in time for Christmas, the world of Fort Monmouth baseball was given a gift in the form of newly-drafted New York Yankee pitcher Ed “Whitey” Ford, who was just coming off the Yankees pennant drive and winning the final World Series game in 1950. Competitors included other Army installations, Navy teams, municipalities, businesses, colleges, and even the New York State prison team (from even the infamous Sing Sing). At Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, the Signaleers played baseball on the main post, boasting frequent wins, and there were also softball teams including the WAC Signalettes and teams fielded by satellite posts such as the Camp Coles Laboratory. (Photo Credit: Fort Monmouth Message) VIEW ORIGINALĪfter World War II, baseball surged in popularity across the nation, and this included Army posts. The eventual Hall of Famer spent two years in the Signal Corps, and led the "Signaleers" to an 83-19 record during that time. Ed "Whitey" Ford, fresh from his first year with the New York Yankees and winning the clinching World Series game, checks in at Fort Monmouth, N.J., in 1950.