Who knows what numbers are whizzing over the airwaves right now? (Photo by Delneshin Danaei) "¡Atención! 3, 8, 9, 5, 9... 6, 6... 3, 8, 9, 5, 9... 6, 6...." For decades, shortwave radio enthusiasts have been puzzled by coded transmissions broadcast from unknown "numbers stations." "4, 7, 8 ... 6, 9, 5, 9, 0 ... 8, 9, 9, 8, 4 ... 5, 3, 7, 6, 8 ... 9, 5, 9, 5, 8 ..." Transmitted in varied looping intervals, the messages consist of numeric groupings in a multitude of languages, usually recited by a human or a machine in a soothing monotone. The transmissions make little sense to most listeners, but that's to be expected, as they're aimed at only small, select audiences; conspiracy theorists and espionage experts widely believe them to be intended for international spies. "8, 2, 1 ... 8, 2, 1 ... 8, 2, 1 ... 8, 2, 1 ... 7, 0, 4 ... 7, 0, 4 ... 4, 2 ... 4, 2 ... 6, 0, 0, 8, 3 ... 6, 0, 0, 8, 3 ... 5, 3, 8, 2, 1 ... 5, 3, 8, 2, 1" Within this world, there are stars ("The Board Man," "Bulgarian Betty," "The Spanish Lady," "Cynthia" -- whose broadcasts originate in northern Virginia and whose name starts with a "C" and ends with an "IA" ...), and even if their true identities are unknown, many have distinctive openings and theme songs for their "shows." For example, the "Lincolnshire Poacher" station precedes each transmission with a tonal melody from the song of the same name, and some believe its transmissions come from Cyprus -- although most stations remain hidden. While no government will claim using stations for any purpose, testimony during the trial of a Cuban spy strengthens the link to espionage. "1, 1, 5, 7, 3 ... 1, 1, 5, 7, 3 ... 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 ... 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 ... 5, 5, 3, 0, 6 ... 5, 5, 3, 0, 6 ... 0, 5, 6, 7, 7 ... 0, 5, 6, 7, 7" Despite the lack of answers, the enigma of numbers stations persists by influencing music artists, television shows, and even prompting a compilation of recordings. So, if Sudoku isn't challenging enough while you wait for "Lost" to return, rest assured that an insurmountable puzzle is only as far away as the nearest shortwave radio or CD player. "End transmission." Suggested Sites... NPR: The Shortwave Numbers Mystery - listen to a report that's nothing if not creepy. CRW - Clandestine Radio Watch - summary of recent clandestine radio-related activities. NPR: Music by the Numbers Stations - listen to a report on the CD compilation of numbers stations recordings that has become a cult hit. NASWA WWW Shortwave Listening Guide - find out what programs are being broadcast by the hour and learn how to tune in. Wikipedia: Numbers Stations - good overview, with lots of links.

Directory categories: Numbers Stations, Intelligence and Espionage, Cryptology, Amateur and Ham Radio, Central Intelligence Agency

Archived under: CIA, Codes, Communication, Conspiracies, Cuba, Eavesdropping, Fanatics, Music, Mysteries, Numbers, Radio, Secrets, Weird Stuff

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