Founded to find life in our universe

Carl Sagan Institute

The Carl Sagan Institute (CSI) was founded to find life in the universe. Based on the pioneering work of Carl Sagan at Cornell, our interdisciplinary team is developing the forensic toolkit to find life in the universe, inside the Solar System and outside of it, on planets and moons orbiting other stars.

CSI news

A telescope in space: topped by a circular yellow mirror, the object is boat-shaped, with a background of stars

Cornell astronomers win time on James Webb Space Telescope

The "premier telescope in space right now" will start a fourth annual cycle of observations on July 1, and three early-career astronomy researchers in A&S are PI or co-PI on observation programs chosen from a very competitive field.

Concert celebrates the wonders of space March 2

In a musical journey through the cosmos, the Cornell Symphony Orchestra will perform the world premiere of “Ex Terra, Ad Astra,” a new work commissioned especially for this year’s Young Person’s Concert.

This image shows an updated version of the iconic Pale Blue Dot image taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Memories of Carl Sagan on the 35th Anniversary of the Pale Blue Dot

In November, we celebrated 90 years since Carl Sagan was born. On Valentine’s Day today, we celebrate 35 years since the birth of—thanks to Prof. Sagan’s persuasion—one of the greatest photographs of all time.

Illustration showing a mountain, clouds and nearby rocks spewing vapor

Scientists compile library for evaluating exoplanet water

Cornell scientists are developing a library of basalt-based spectral signatures that not only will help reveal the composition of planets outside of our solar system, but also could demonstrate evidence of water on those exoplanets.

Person in late-70s chic tan sport coat, touching models of planets

‘Cosmos,’ a pulitzer, and more: fascinating facts about Carl Sagan

The astronomer’s legacy can be found on Earth and far beyond—from a record-setting exhibit to an iconic portrait of our planet.

Sagan celebrated for scientific mind – and imagination

In person and online Nov. 9, thousands attended an interdisciplinary program of research presentations and music celebrating Carl Sagan’s legacy, on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Person bending over to sweep a flat grave marker

At Carl Sagan’s gravesite, inspiration endures

On the eve of what would have been Sagan's 90th birthday, well-wishers commune at Lake View Cemetery, leaving notes and trinkets.

An artist's concept of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Scientists supporting mission to assess Europa’s habitability

NASA has launched its next flagship science mission, Europa Clipper – the space agency's first dedicated spacecraft mission to study an ocean world beyond Earth – and Cornell scientists will play a role in reporting discoveries about its habitability.

More CSI news

Britney Schmidt: Exploring Earth’s oceans to reach Europa

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Founded to find life in the universe

The Carl Sagan Institute was founded in 2015 at Cornell University to find life in the universe and explore other worlds – how they form, evolve and if they could harbor life both inside and outside of our own Solar System.