To travel between solar systems, a spacecraft would need extremely sophisticated – if not impossible – technology.

“There is a silence in the night sky that has bothered me for as long as I can remember.” That line, attributed to Richard Feynman, lands because it gets at a simple, stubborn feeling. The sky looks ...

The Kardashev Scale is one of the most widely discussed scientific frameworks for measuring the technological advancement of civilizations, from planetary energy use to controlling entire galaxies.

This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. The Milky Way galaxy has more than 400 billion stars in it. Over the last few decades, ...

Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life.

In March 2026, SETI Institute researchers contributed to a wide range of conversations about our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth. From explaining unusual features on Mars and ...

Humanity has spent eons looking up at the stars and wondering whether we’re alone, or if there are others like us out there in the vast unknown. Our curiosity has only increased as we have become a ...

The universe is vast and teeming with stars – but if intelligent life exists, it may not be able to visit Earth. By Kai James / The Conversation Published May 27, 2026 8:00 AM EDT This article was ...