Jodie Foster Donates Money to Search for E.T.

Nearly 14 years after starring in the sci-flick Contact as a scientist/astronomer working for SETI (The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute), Jodie Foster might be closer to aliens than we all thought.

Foster is among thousands who raised $200,000 to re-open the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), which are 42 radio dishes at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory ( 290 miles northeast of San Francisco, California). The telescopes search space for potential extraterrestrial life and SETI operates them telescopes 24 hours per day.

They were initially shut down as SETI lost their public funding thanks to budget cuts. In just 45 days, space enthusiasts donated enough to allow SETI to put ATA back online in mid-September. Foster was one of 2400 donors to contribute to the project. “The Allen Telescope Array could turn science fiction into science fact but only if it is actively searching the skies,” she said on the fund rising website.

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation started the search for E.T. back in 2001 with a generous $11.5 million donation and in 2004, the foundation provided an additional $13.5 million to build the initial phase of the ATA project. The current 42 antennas first launched service in 2007.  According to their website, there will be 350 antennas at completion.

Source: SETI