Scientists keep watch for communication from aliens

Is this because of Carl Sagan? It's right out of the movie "Contact". Is art imitating life here, or is life imitating art? Remember - communicate with primary numbers.

Art imitating life.

SETI has been around long before Carl Sagan wrote the original "Contact" screenplay in 1979. The book/film was inspired by his work with the program.

I beg to differ, it is not scientists that are listening for communication, sadly I must inform you, it is all the republicans that are currently running for office that are listening for communication from those darn nasty aliens. Its them, they are listening for. Those illegal aliens are coming in from everywhere, as Perry, saintorum, and the newt are saying. Geez they are coming in trunks of cars, boats and soon from those nasty illegal space ships. We must stand up with these wise men and each of us must listen, never let your vigilance down, they no, yes so sadly I must inform you I know. My 3d cousin on my step fathers side, his maid told me that, not only does Romney wear magic underwear but he also bought from "Bain Capitol" ultra-sophisticated hearing aids that are tuned to those wet backs from space. Geez each night I look up to the sky and I worry, just like the newt does. Be aware they are coming so yes, we need to build a wall around our world to keep them out. They are tricky those aliens and they are COMING. So when you vote, vote for the one who has the best ear or the one who speaks to God the most.Yes always check your car, they might smuggle themselves in that way. Darn as these smart men tell us, always keep you ear to the ground and your eyes in sight, of those who wish to come. Its dominion that they seek, to take over our land and to send their wages back to where they came. BEWARE the "Newt" has spoken. ; ) Peace

I think they are wasting their time. My understanding is that they only communicate with intelligent life forms.

The "time and money" is practically nil, $0 government funds, it is fully funded by private donations. Most of the "time" is computer time of people running SETI screen savers to analyze data; and we discover quasars and other natural radio sources while we gather radio telescope data.

That's good to know.