A team from the University of California at Berkeley has developed SETI@Home, a screensaver that can be now downloaded from the web, which analyzes radio signal data collected by the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, SETI when the PC is not in use. The program is examining the data for radio signals that appear to be artificial in origin as opposed to the naturally occurring noise of space dust and debris. Once one swathe of data has been analyzed, the program automatically logs back onto the SETI site and downloads another batch to be examined.
The SETI search for alien life started in the mid-1970s with the backing of the Carter administration. However, when the groupÆs funding was withdrawn, the astrologers involved decided to develop this program, which theoretically means that anyone with a PC and a internet connection has the chance of discovering life beyond the stars.
