Search for extraterrestrials with your desktop computer

I just saw the details of the most interesting project going on as one part of the larger Project Phoenix at UC Berkeley. They will need thousands, even millions, of smaller computers doing the work to help search for extraterrestrials. This is a great project to do with your children. It is amazing to think that search for extraterrestrials is ACTUALLY TAKING PLACE! If we find them, will they be cuddly and cute like E.T. or slimy like the Alien? I vote for the cute little ones...

The project is called SETI (Search for extraterrestrials with your desktop computer). Here are the details form the SETI home page:          

"What is SETI@home? SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data."

I am going to explain this project to my 8 year old son tommorrow and give it a try... I think I will use the cute picture of E.T. to discuss the topic with my 4 year old twins.