Cosmic Beauty Unveiled: Why We Keep Hunting for Aliens

Astronomer and SETI researcher Franck Marchis joins Bay Area Innovators for a wide-ranging conversation on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the future of astronomy, and how emerging technologies are transforming the way we study the universe. Marchis reflects on his career building advanced instruments for some of the world’s largest telescopes, including adaptive optics systems used to observe volcanic eruptions on Jupiter’s moon Io and to discover complex asteroid systems once thought impossible. He shares what it’s like to witness cosmic events in real time—and why astronomy, in his words, is “the poetry of science.” The discussion dives into SETI’s multi-layered search for life: from microbial organisms on nearby moons to technosignatures such as radio signals and lasers from distant civilizations. Marchis also explains the protocols scientists would follow if a confirmed non-human signal were detected—and how such a discovery could reshape humanity’s understanding of itself. We also explore Sky Mapper, his global telescope network designed to authenticate space observations in an era of AI-generated misinformation, using blockchain verification and real-time collaboration across observatories worldwide. Watch the full interview for a fascinating look at modern astronomy, the science behind the search for alien intelligence, and the technologies preparing us for one of humanity’s biggest possible discoveries.