This month’s issue brings together a remarkable range of artistic practices that extend far beyond the studio, into orbit, deep time, and planetary environments. We are especially pleased to welcome Richelle Ellis as our newest affiliate artist, whose work exemplifies the expansive, exploratory spirit of the SETI AIR program, using space as both a medium and a lens for reconsidering life on Earth.

Happy reading! Bettina

Learn more: https://www.seti.org/news/seti-air-newsletter-april-2026/

#science #art #sciart

In a recent #SETILive discussion, SETI Institute astronomer Dr. Franck Marchis introduced SkyMapper, a platform designed to connect telescopes worldwide into a unified observing network. Hosted by SETI Institute researcher Dr. Lauren Sgro, the session demonstrated how this infrastructure transforms both access and capability.

Learn more: https://www.seti.org/news/skymapper-goes-live/

#space #science

#PPOD: No, this photo, taken from the International Space Station, does not reveal a massive fire. Instead, the clouds reflect the sunset light, creating the illusion of flame. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot captured this stunning view on April 9, 2026. Credit: NASA/ESA – S. Adenot

#space #science #planetaryscience

All eyes on the sky for the Lyrid Meteor Shower! ☄️

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is gearing up for its big show, and you don’t want to miss it! Peak viewing is today, April 21, and tomorrow, April 22. Expect up to 20 meteors per hour streaking across the darkness.

Grab a blanket, find a dark place, take a stargazing buddy, and look up at the sky to experience one of the most beautiful shows space can give!

#space #science

PRESS RELEASE: https://www.seti.org/news/seti-institute-launches-discovery-and-futures-lab-to-explore-the-human-dimensions-of-life-beyond-earth/

The SETI Institute announced the launch of the Discovery and Futures Lab, a new interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to understanding the global scientific, philosophical, and societal dimensions of discovering life beyond Earth.

The Discovery and Futures Lab’s mission is to anticipate and explore humanity’s responses to the discovery of life beyond Earth by connecting science with other kinds of research.

#space #science #lifebeyondearth

🎬 Tonight's the night! We're screening Small Town Universe, followed by a Q&A with Ellie White and Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute.

⏰ Webinar opens at 6:30 PM PT via Zoom — register at https://tinyurl.com/smalltownseti!

#movienight #space #science

#PPOD: Taken on April 6, 2026, a portion of the #Moon’s far side is seen along the terminator where low-angle sunlight casts long shadows across the surface. A section of the Orientale Basin is visible in the upper-right portion of the lunar disk, its structure subtly revealed under grazing illumination. This lighting enhances contrast across the cratered terrain, highlighting variations in surface features and providing insight into the Moon’s geologic history. Credit: NASA

#planetaryscience

If we want a better shot at finding life currently living on Mars, we need to go underground. That is exactly the purpose of Orpheus, a proposed Mars vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) hopper mission put forth by Connor Bunn and Pascal Lee of the SETI Institute.

Learn more: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/meet-orpheus-a-hopper-mission-built-to-hunt-for-life-in-martian-volcanoes

#space #science

#ICYMI: On Friday, Franck spoke with Abigail Bohl and Lisa Kaltenegger about the 45 best planets to look for life as we know it. But first, Franck wanted to know what exoplanet system they would visit if they could. The answer? TRAPPIST-1. Watch the full interview: https://youtube.com/live/WGFMT4M_Qnk

And let us know if there's an exoplanet that YOU want to visit! #SETILive

#space #science #exoplanets