The SETI@home project, which allows anyone with a reasonably powerful home
computer to join in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, will be
launched on 16 May. Signal-processing software disguised as a screensaver,
written by Dan Wertheimer of the University of California, Berkeley, takes data
captured by the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico, and scours it for
promising signals. Wertheimer puts the chances of hitting the jackpot of an
alien contact at around 100 million to one—but it could be you. For more
information, see www.setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu. You will need either a Mac
or a PC with at least 32 megabytes RAM running at least Windows 95.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91É«Ç鯬
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91É«Ç鯬
Parkinson’s may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles