The State Theatre Modesto, CA
Dr. Jill Tarter
Astronomer; Former Director, Center for SETI Research
Contact— Searching for Alien Life
Program Description
Dr. Tarter discussed the search for alien life.
Presented At
The State Theatre Modesto, CA
Film Synopsis
Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine.
In this Robert Zemeckis-directed adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) is a headstrong scientist who races to interpret a signal originating from the Vega star system. An incredible message is found hidden in the signal, containing the plans for a mysterious machine. But once first contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence is proven, Arroway must contend with inflexible National Security Advisor Michael Kitz (James Woods) and religious fanatics bent on containing the implications of such an event.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jill Tarter, whose work inspired the character of Ellie Arroway in both the Carl Sagan book and the Robert Zemeckis film adaptation, is an astronomer and the former director of the Center for SETI Research. She currently holds the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute.