Carl Sagan Center for Research
The Carl Sagan Center for Research is home to more than 100 scientists, a tally that is steadily growing. These researchers have expertise in nearly all branches of science relevant to the development of life, where it might exist, and how we can find it.
Leading the Search for Life and Intelligence Beyond Earth
We are exploring the solar system for life, from Mars to the icy moons of the outer solar system. Partnering with NASA, we seek chemical signs of life on other worlds. We also search for signals from advanced civilizations using the Allen Telescope Array, the Very Large Array in New Mexico, and our LaserSETI global observatory.
The SETI Institute is the world’s only research organization devoted to the search for life and intelligence beyond Earth.
- Ground and space-based optical telescopes
- Radio telescopes and interferometers
- Advanced signal processing technology
- Laboratory research
- Field expeditions
- Theoretical studies
- AI and advanced data analytics
Fields of Study
Our Science Team
We are a nonprofit research organization From microbes to alien intelligence, the SETI Institute is America’s only organization wholly dedicated to searching for life in the universe.
The Drake Equation
N = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc • L
This simple formulation is generally agreed to be the “second most-famous equation in science (after E= mc2),” and you can find it in nearly every astronomy textbook.
Projects
The Allen Telescope Array (ATA)
The ATA is the first radio telescope designed from the ground up to be used for SETI searches. #ATA #Radio Astronomy #Hat Creek Radio Observatory #HCRO
COSMIC
The Commensal Open-Source Multimode Interferometer Cluster (COSMIC) is a new commensal Ethernet-based digital signal processing backend and computer cluster on the VLA in New Mexico operated through the NRAO. #COSMIC #VLA
Unistellar Network
Leverage your Unistellar telescope's power and join our community to observe intriguing astronomical events such as supernovae and exoplanet transits, while making a valuable contribution to research. #Unistellar #Citizen Science
Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance (CAMS)
The CAMS network uses an array of low-light video surveillance cameras positioned around the world that keep a constant watch on the night sky. #CAMS #Meteors #Meteorites #Comets #Asteroids #Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids #Peter Jenniskens
LaserSETI
SETI Institute’s LaserSETI program is building a network of instruments to monitor the entire night sky. This network represents an unprecedented growth in the continuing search for manifestations of sophisticated intelligence beyond Earth. #LaserSETI #Optical SETI
GNU Radio and SETI
GNU technology could revolutionize the development of receiving equipment for SETI (and for radio astronomy in general.) It promises to speed the design of new receivers, and to allow scientists to quickly change how data are analyzed and displayed. #GNU Radio #Radio AstronomyThe Allen Telescope Array (ATA)
Unistellar Network
Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance (CAMS)
GNU Radio and SETI
Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities
Activity Reports
Over 100 scientists work at the SETI Institute’s Carl Sagan Center conducting research across almost all branches of science.