The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is pursuing this century’s greatest quest: to find signs of life in the universe, using the most advanced technology, the Giant Magellan Telescope. Through the Smithsonian Campaign, we will raise $50 million by 2017, with an ultimate goal of $80 million. This represents our commitment toward the $1 billion total cost of the telescope.

I am an astrophysicist, which means I love answering big questions, especially ones that involve the possibility of other life in the universe. When we look at our own planet Earth, we see that life abounds everywhere. Do these same conditions exist elsewhere on distant worlds, orbiting distant stars?

Remarkably, 21st-century science and engineering may soon answer that question. The new Giant Magellan Telescope, under construction in Chile, promises to reveal many answers.

The discovery of life elsewhere in the universe happens only once in the history of an intelligent species. We are poised to make that discovery.

You are invited to join us and share in the grandest of all adventures, the search for life in the universe.

Now is the time to invest in our quest to answer the most fundamental question humans have asked since the beginning of time: Are we alone?

Thank you.

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  Charles Alcock

  Director, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Astronomy is in a golden age of discovery. Scientists have identified thousands of new planets orbiting distant stars. Astronomers now face the challenge of studying these newfound worlds for signs of life.

To explore these far-off planets, scientists at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will employ a powerful new tool, the Giant Magellan Telescope, under construction at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.

The Giant Magellan is a marvel of optical and mechanical engineering, with seven enormous mirrors, each one 28 feet in diameter. Acting in concert, these mirrors will collect light to form a gigantic telescope of unprecedented power, with 10 times the clarity of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Scientists will be able to study ancient stars, create a map of the universe and discover how dark matter and energy influence galaxies. The Giant Magellan Telescope will isolate and photograph individual stars in distant galaxies.

The Smithsonian is partnering to build this telescope with the Carnegie Institution for Science, the Australian National University, Astronomy Australia Limited, Harvard University, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Texas A&M University, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Austin.

Your investment in the Giant Magellan Telescope will help fund the technology necessary for Smithsonian scientists to revolutionize our view of the universe and our place in it.