SETI
Participate in our reach for extraterrestrial intelligence by analyzing radio signals from distant stars to identify potential communication from intelligent life.
Welcome to our SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Campaign!
SETI is part of the GAVRT program and is a unique partnership between NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Lewis Center for Educational Research. Our mission is to engage teachers, students, citizen scientists, and space enthusiasts in the quest to discover intelligent life beyond Earth. Join us as we explore the universe and contribute to the scientific search!
SETI is a collaborative effort that involves monitoring radio signals from space to detect possible communications from extraterrestrial intelligence. Participants engage in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by looking for narrow-band radio signals that originate from within the galactic plane. Collected and analyzed data is then sent to NASA Scientists for review.
Our goal is to cover most of the galactic plane (and, therefore, most of the stars in our galaxy) and either detect or rule out the presence of narrow-band, continuous microwave signals within our 200 MHz bandwidth and above our detection threshold. Participants analyze waterfall plots, looking for signals from extraterrestrial intelligence. Humans are particularly well suited to identify these patterns when computer automation may find it difficult. Participants will identify potential signals for follow-up observations to validate their origin. By scanning numerous stars and analyzing their radio emissions, we aim to identify potential signals that indicate the presence of intelligent life.
SETI Overview
SETI Overview![]()
Why Participate in SETI?
Potential Discovery
Your contributions to SETI help us analyze valuable data that can help lead to incredible discovery. Discovering extraterrestrial intelligence would revolutionize our understanding of life and our place in the universe. It would answer one of humanity’s oldest and most profound questions: Are we truly alone in this universe? The search addresses unanswered questions about the existence of other civilizations and of what truly constitutes life.
Scientific Advancements
The search for extraterrestrial signals drives advancements in technology and data analysis. SETI involves various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, physics, biology, and engineering, fostering discovery and contribution to larger scientific bodies of knowledge.
Educational Value
SETI provides the opportunity for participants to engage in real scientific research, igniting curiosity and inspiring citizen scientists. By involving the public, SETI promotes public engagement in scientific study and empowers individuals to assist with large-scale discoveries.
While ruling out parts of the galactic plane, we want your best guess of what you see in the data you collect!
How SETI Works
Our DSS-28 radio telescope conducts regular observations of the sky, capturing radio signals that could potentially indicate extraterrestrial intelligence. We are looking for narrow-band radio signals that originate from within the galactic plane. Our goal is to cover a significant fraction of the galactic plane (and therefore a smaller but still significant fraction of the stars in our galaxy) and either detect or rule out the presence of narrow-band, continuous microwave signals within our 200 MHz bandwidth and above our detection threshold. Participants are involved in various aspects of the data collection and analysis process, looking for signs that something is trying to talk to us.
Data Collection
- Skyframe Selection: Participants select a region of the sky for observation, focusing on areas with high potential for extraterrestrial signals. This interactive process allows you to choose a part of the vast sky to study.
- Signal Monitoring: The telescope scans the selected skyframe, capturing radio signals across a wide range of frequencies. Participants monitor these signals, looking for patterns that could indicate intelligent sources.
- Data Analysis: Participants analyze the captured data using waterfall plots to differentiate between interference and potential signals. This involves identifying narrow-band signals that repeat in time, frequency, and location.
- Analyze waterfall plots: Look for signals and identify patterns computers find difficult to analyze due to random noise and interference.
Supporting Scientific Research
The SETI campaign supports ongoing scientific research by providing crucial data on potential extraterrestrial signals. Our participants' observations help in:
- Signal Identification: Identifying and logging potential signals that could indicate extraterrestrial intelligence. Each detected signal is thoroughly examined to rule out false interference.
- Noise Reduction: Differentiating between ulterior interference and genuine extraterrestrial signals. This critical step ensures the accuracy of our data.
- Pattern Recognition involves developing techniques to enhance the detection of weak signals in the vast noise of space. This continuous improvement process is vital for the search's success.
Primary Goals for SETI:
Scientific Objectives:
- Search for Extraterrestrial Radio Signals: Improve knowledge of the potential existence of intelligent life by identifying various radio signals.
- Contribute to SETI Research: Use radio telescope data to support the objective of finding intelligent life in space by observing data from a large number of stars.
Educational Objectives:
- Educate on Data Collection and Analysis: Teach participants how to use radio telescope data to analyze signals and identify potential radio sources displaying intelligent life.
- Promote Citizen Science: Involve individuals in examining and reporting relevant data contributing to potential scientific discoveries of extraterrestrial life.