What is new about the Carl Sagan Center? Is this a major change for the SETI Institute?
The SETI Institute is best known for its radio astronomy program, searching for possible signals of technology from extraterrestrial radio sources. But since its establishment 22 years ago, the Institute also has had a growing number of scientists looking into all aspects of the broader question of life of any kind, intelligent or otherwise, in the universe. In this regard, the Sagan Center is continuing an established tradition. The novel elements are twofold: The dedication of the new Carl Sagan Center is a firm commitment to the pursuit of the broadest multi-disciplinary approach to the study of life in the universe. Secondly, in the face of threatened funding cuts that will decimate important, ongoing research programs, the Carl Sagan Center will actively seek new sources of stable, independent funding to ensure the longevity of the work.
