「宇宙人からの信号～!　謎の電波源 パルサーに迫れ」

Were "little green men" trying to contact us? Over 40 years ago, extremely constant pulses were detected reaching the Earth from outer space. It caused a great sensation. Speculation was that the signals were coming from intelligent life somewhere in outer space. Scientists conducted careful investigations but they couldn't identify the source. It was later found that these signals were coming from newly discovered stars called pulsars. What exactly are these curious stars? Using dynamic CG images, we provide a fascinating look at the challenges scientists face in investigating these unusual stars.

４０年以上も前のこと、宇宙から届く極めて規則的な信号が見つかった。研究者は宇宙人からの信号ではないかと考え、緻密な調査が行われたがその正体はわからず、大騒ぎとなった。この規則的なパルスを出す新天体「パルサー」だった。 そのパルサーの正体を探る研究者たちの挑戦の様子を紹介する。さらに最新研究により、私たちの身近にある金などとの深い関わりも紹介。