An explanation:
The observing frequency, 1420 MHz, corresponds to the wavelength of radiation produced by a quantum mechanical "spin-flip transition" in neutral hydrogen atoms. Because hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and because 1420 MHz is a relatively quiet frequency free from sources of natural radio interference, many SETI experts think that 1420 MHz is a good place for interstellar broadcasts. Would aliens reason the same way? There's no way to know, but the search has to start somewhere.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/1999/ast23may99_1/
But really this isn't about astronomy. It is more my own signal for my family and friends; a way to tether home while I feel like Cassini drifting further and further away.
Right now I'm caught in the grip of trying to write my masters thesis, while coping with the love of my life being yet again 3400 miles away for 4.5+ months, and my mother, most dear to me, moving away before I'm to immigrate farther than I've dared to separate myself before.
I don't know how people cope. I've always foundered and given into good graces thrown upon me by friends...and drowned my thoughts in music. Of late, this has rang in my mind. Score by Jon Hopkins, who never fails to amaze me.
