In this vast and awesome universe, is our
solar system unique? Are there other worlds like
the Earth? Graced by life? Here
DNA molecules have evolved into beings
that grow and fly and swim and one
species that is reaching for the stars.
Are there other worlds inhabited by
thinking beings?
In our own galaxy the stars are very far
apart, but radio waves can cross space at
the speed of light. Humans have constructed radio telescopes
that can listen for the signals of other
civilizations. We could detect our
counterparts over immense interstellar
distances.
A search through all the sky
at all frequencies would take a great
deal of patience and a great deal of time,
but the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence would be
among the most important discoveries
ever made. The Planetary Society is
funding research to help make this
discovery, if it is possible.
