Seth Shostak

What is the point of our existence, where ‘our’ refers not just to you, your kith, and your kin, but to Earth, the stars, and the entire ball of cosmic wax?

The accomplishments, plans, and dreams of today’s space industry are showcased every year at a mammoth event known as the International Astronautics Congress (IAC).

Our Galaxy could be thick with worlds that host not just life, but intelligence. In this putative club of sentients, is it possible that we are the newest arrivals?

Could it be that while we use binoculars to scan the cosmic sea, bottled messages have washed up unnoticed at our feet?

There may only be a few dozen full-time SETI researchers, but millions more want to offer some part-time help. Their interest is understandable.