The World-Wide Societal Impact of Finding Intelligent Life Beyond Planet Earth

While most astronomers and astrobiologists are working toward finding simple life on extrasolar planets, the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Program is searching comprehensively for signs of advanced civilizations, with the enthusiastic participation of the public. Dr. Tarter will discuss the major worldview shift that may occur globally if we discover that we Earth dwellers are not the "only ones" out there. Finding life beyond Earth could serve as a catalyst to unify human cultures and stir a major change in societal priorities around the globe.