With budget cuts looming, it looked like the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence project was going to have to shut down. But thanks the generosity of fans across the world, the project has raised $200,000 to keep scanning the universe for signs of intelligent life.
The donations come from more than 2000 people, including actress Jodi Foster, sci-fi writer Larry Niven and Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders.
“It is absolutely irresponsible of the human race not to be searching for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence,” Anders wrote in a note accompanying his contribution.
Of course, the funds are appreciated but it will take continued donations and support to keep the project running. According to MSNBC, the project costs $2.5 million a year to run.
SETI’s chief executive officer, Tom Pierson, says that the institute will be restarting its science operations in September.
You can also help out SETI by using your computer to sift through the data. Visit setiQuest for more information.
Follow Slice of SciFi!