Archives 2025

Share in Our Experience!

Ever wondered what it’s like to set up the LaserSETI instruments? Read our blog to learn more about our new observatory in Puerto Rico:https://www.seti.org/news/laserseti-expands-network-to-puerto-rico-growing-toward-allsky-coverage This article details our installation process at Isla Magueyes, home of the Department of Marine Science at UPR Mayagüez. Join us on our journey to expand the LaserSETI network!

Above: part of the LaserSETI team with volunteers from Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe.

Our Puerto Rico Installation

The recent installation of the fourth LaserSETI observatory on Isla Magueyes in Puerto Rico was a fantastic experience and we’ve been happy to report that it went smoothly! That is, thanks to the help of Dr. Abel Mendez, the Deparment of Marine Sciences (University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez), and the Astronomical Society of the Caribbean (Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe), and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Braving the heat is always part of the process, but the company and the incredible views kept us going. Check out this time lapse of the installation to see how it all went!

Watch our LaserSETI Live in Puerto Rico!

LaserSETI has officially landed in Puerto Rico! Watch our LaserSETI livestream from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez’s Department of Marine Sciences, where the new instruments are located! Outreach Manager Dr. Lauren Sgro was joined by Dr. Abel Méndez, Professor and Director of the Planetary Habitability Laboratory at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, to talk about the installation and Méndez’s team’s new study on the Wow! Signal. Dr. Méndez helped immensely to make this new observatory a reality, and he will continue to monitor the stations in Puerto Rico with his students. Enjoy the show!

LaserSETI Lands in London and Puerto Rico

In a recent SETI Live, Outreach Manager Dr. Lauren Sgro spoke with Dr. Simon Steel and Beth Johnson about all the goings-on with LaserSETI! Dr. Steel detailed what it was like to go to the National History Museum in London, where LaserSETI is featured in the exhibit “Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?”. Dr. Sgro spoke on the installation of the Sedona observatory and gave updates on the installation of a new LaserSETI station in Puerto Rico. You can hear all about it in the livestream below, and read more on the SETI Institute blog: https://www.seti.org/news/laserseti-expands-new-station-in-puerto-rico-and-spotlight-in-london/

Science for kids

A message from our Director of Education, Pamela Harman:

Science is Elementary is seeking donations for donations for the production and distribution of Science is for Me! STEM kits – to children who have lost their homes and schools.

I have spent time as Volunteer with the organization and attest to the quality educational value of their kits.

This is one of many appeals for the LA Wildfire Relief efforts worthy of your consideration.

Science is Elementary logo

Dear friends,

In response to the devastating fires in Los Angeles, Science is Elementary is sending our entire inventory – approximately 10,000 Science is for Me! STEM kits – to children who have lost their homes and schools. These kits provide a vital opportunity for learning and discovery, helping to create a sense of normalcy and learning continuity in the midst of such distress.

Our kits are highly popular because they are fun and engaging for kids, which they could use right now, while integrating literacy and other essential skills to provide high-quality science education. They are especially convenient for remote learning since each kit includes a storybook and the materials needed to conduct the experiments.

The need is far greater than our current inventory can serve. To meet the growing demand, we are reaching out to our dedicated community for your support. Your donation will help us produce and distribute more kits, ensuring that every child impacted by the fires has the chance to explore, learn, and stay engaged.

We truly appreciate your continued support. With your help, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of these children and help them find some stability and joy.

Thank you for being part of this important effort. 

Warm regards,
Tzipor and the entire SiE team