SETI: Astronomy as a Contact Sport is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jill Tarter, Chair Emeritus for SETI Research at SETI Institute and Former Director of the Center for SETI Research. Astronomer Jill Tarter has spent the majority of her professional life driving forward the science and technology of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, rigorously scanning the sky for the signs of some signal sent to us from outer space.
This wide-ranging conversation explores the history of the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence, what the present state is of our quest for signals from other planets, what those signals might look like and how we can interpret them, how SETI research has a surprisingly positive effect on other technologies, how citizens can get involved with astronomy and much more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Searching for “What Is”, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
- Introducing SETI – The benefits of not growing up
- A Sense of Scale – Getting the big picture
- Detection – Examining the details
- Suddenly Relevant – Scientific serendipity and holding up a mirror
- Reaching Out – Globally
Available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:
SETI: Astronomy as a Contact Sport is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About Physics, Volume 2, which is available in hardcover, paperback and electronic format.
Jill Tarter is also featured in 2 documentary-style films together with a large number of other leading physicists. You can find them on Kanopy & Boclips.
