Jerry R. Ehman

Jerry R. Ehman is an American astronomer best known for discovering the "Wow! Signal" in 1977, a strong, unusual radio signal detected from space that has intrigued scientists because of its potential extraterrestrial origin. Working at Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope, Ehman noted the signal's intensity and uniqueness, writing "Wow!" next to it on the data printout—giving the signal its name. His discovery remains one of the most famous detections of possible extraterrestrial communication, sparking ongoing scientific investigation into the origins of such signals and the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.