SETI , or the Search for Extraterrestrial. The scientists find evidence of the existence of extraterrestrial . Then surveillance And patrolling the skies to detect signals from outer space that can be sent from civilization on the planet solar system. During the first project funded by the US government. But most of the funding comes from private donors. The SETI Institute began operations on February 1, 1985. Today it employs over 130 scientists, educators and support staff.