SETI Institute | Mountain View CA

The SETI Institute is a renowned non-profit research organization based in Silicon Valley, California, dedicated to the exploration of life beyond Earth. Founded by Tom Pierson and astronomer Jill Tarter, the Institute has evolved from its roots in NASA's SETI program into a multifaceted institution with approximately 100 scientists and a variety of specialists. Their mission encompasses three primary areas: astrobiology, which seeks to understand the potential for life in the universe; the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence through innovative experiments; and extensive educational outreach to promote science literacy.

The Institute features prominent centers, including the Carl Sagan Center for Research, which integrates diverse scientific fields, and the Center for Education, aiming to engage youth in STEAM fields related to space sciences and astrobiology. Through popular lectures, podcasts like "Big Picture Science," and active community engagement, the SETI Institute strives to share its groundbreaking research and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cosmos.