ExplainedA solid ordinary explanation fits the evidence.
The claim
"A star dimming by up to 22% could be surrounded by an alien megastructure."
Where the idea comes from
Citizen scientists in the Planet Hunters project spotted strange, irregular dips in Kepler data; astronomer Tabetha Boyajian led the study.
What the evidence shows
- The dips were real and unlike planet transits: irregular, deep and uneven.
- Follow-up observations from 2017 found the star dimmed more in blue light than in red. Dust does that; a solid structure would block all colours equally.
- Radio and laser SETI searches of the star found no artificial signals.
What is still open
Where the dust comes from (broken comets, a disrupted moon) is still studied.
Our verdict
Explained Dust blocks colours unevenly; a megastructure wouldn't.
Sources
Checked 31 October 2026. Spotted a newer source? Tell us.
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