[14] The spectrum of the primary, component A, presents as a G-type main-sequence star with a stellar classification of G2 V.[4] It is considered an excellent solar twin candidate,[15][16] although it has a lower logarithm of metallicity ratio, at −0.06 compared with 0.00, and a slightly younger age, at 4.5 versus 4.6 billion years.

[19] In 2016, HD 164595 briefly attracted media attention after it was reported that a possible SETI signal had been detected from the direction of the star in the previous year.

Discussions in the media from 29 August 2016 onwards featured speculation that the signal could be caused by an isotropic beacon from a Type II civilization.

[28] Astronomer Nicholas Suntzeff of Texas A&M University stated that the signal is in a military frequency band, and that it could have been a satellite downlink, implying that some such systems may be kept secret and therefore would be unknown to SETI scientists.

[30][31] The Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences has since released an official statement that the signal is of a "most probable terrestrial origin".