In 1974, the Arecibo Observatory beamed the most powerful radio message ever created into deep space. The Arecibo Message was designed by the facility’s staff and with the help of astronomer Carl Sagan to communicate information about the human race.

To mark the 44th anniversary of this cosmic communique and to acknowledge intervening changes in technology and society, the observatory has launched an online competition to update the message. Innovative ideas are sought from global collaborative efforts of inter-generation and international teams of students to inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts and define the New Arecibo Message.

Teams of up to 10 students from kindergarten through college must decode various clues that will be released online. Participants must learn about space sciences, break coded messages and solve brain-puzzles to qualify, get instructions, register and then submit their entries.

This challenge gives teams nine months to complete their designs. A winner will be announced during the Arecibo Observatory Week activities planned for 2019, which includes the special celebration of the 45th anniversary of the original Arecibo Message.