In late August 1924, the planet Mars was closer to Earth than it
would be for a hundred years. That lent exciting credence to our Page 1 story:
"Mysterious signals picked up at Point Grey wireless station during the past
few weeks culminated this morning in a recognized group of sounds which led the operators
to believe that Mars has succeeded in establishing communication with the Earth.
Four distinct groups of four dashes came in over the ether at 7:12 a.m., when Mr.
W.T. Burford was on duty. These dashes were not in any known code but started on a
low note, gradually ascending and concluding with a 'zipp.' The signals were not
sent by spark nor continuous wave and the theory that Mars has at last managed to 'get
through' is gaining support."
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