Tarter

Definition

Tarter is an influential astronomer known for her work in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). She has contributed significantly to the development and promotion of programs aimed at detecting signals from intelligent extraterrestrial life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jill Tarter served as the Director of the Center for SETI Research.
2. She was a co-founder of the SETI Institute, which focuses on exploring, understanding, and explaining the origin and nature of life in the universe.
3. Tarter's work inspired the character Ellie Arroway in Carl Sagan's novel 'Contact' and its subsequent film adaptation.
4. She has promoted scientific methods to search for extraterrestrial intelligence, emphasizing radio astronomy techniques.
5. Tarter received numerous awards for her contributions to science, including being named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people.

Review Questions

• What role did Jill Tarter play in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)?
• Which fictional character was inspired by Jill Tarter’s work?
• List one major contribution of Jill Tarter to the field of astronomy.

Related terms

SETI: A scientific area dedicated to searching for signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life through various observational methods.

Radio Astronomy: The study of celestial objects that emit radio waves, often used in searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Contact: A science fiction novel by Carl Sagan depicting humanity's first encounter with an alien species, inspired by real-life efforts like those led by Jill Tarter.