My take on this?
Something else is happening, and this is just a distraction to divert attention. It has just the right mix of intrigue, reputable people involved (ordinary scientists), and endless possibilities (inside the Ob, the Sun and therefore Earth's future, Aliens, space in general, etc).
I'd ignore this, and look harder at less interesting things in the world, in order to find something more.... interesting.
/tinfoil hatted rant.