Seth Shostak Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Seth Shostak              

Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute & Director of the Institute's Center for SETI Research

Seth Shostak claims to have developed an interest in extraterrestrial life at the tender age of ten, when he first picked up a book about the Solar System. This innocent beginning eventually led to a degree in radio astronomy, and now, as Senior Astronomer, Shostak is an enthusiastic participant in the Institute’s SETI observing programs.

In addition, Shostak is keen on outreach activities: interesting the public – and especially young people – in science in general, and astrobiology in particular. He’s co-authored a college textbook on astrobiology, and has written three trade books on SETI. In addition, he’s published more than 400 popular articles on science including regular contributions to NBC News MACH, gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.”

Speech Topics


Why will the 21st century be different than all previous?

How did the universe begin, and how will it end?

How scientists are searching for simple life nearby, and cosmic confreres elsewhere in the cosmos.

One-third of Americans think some UFOs are actual alien spacecraft. Is this nutty, or could it be true?

Related Speakers View all


More like Seth