human signals in space

human-made electromagnetic signals have traveled vast distances into space due to radio and television broadcasts, radar signals, and other communication technologies. these signals propagate outwards from earth and continue traveling indefinitely, albeit becoming increasingly weaker over distance.

the farthest human-made electromagnetic signals have traveled into space are from intentional radio transmissions, including those from high-power communication satellites and radar systems. some of these signals have reached beyond our solar system into interstellar space. however, they become extremely weak over such vast distances, making them virtually undetectable by the time they reach even the nearest stars.

as for specific distances, it's challenging to pinpoint an exact figure, but some of the earliest television broadcasts from earth have reached distances of over 80 light-years. for example, the first episodes of "i love lucy" which aired in the 1950s, have traveled roughly 80 light-years into space. since then, signals from more powerful transmitters and satellites have traveled even farther.