We're looking for life on other planets. Are we ready to find it?

NPR | By Debbie Elliott,

Janaya Williams, Daniel Ofman

Published September 27, 2026 at 5:14 PM EDT

In 1960, astronomer Frank Drake listened for signals from alien worlds. Reporter Brendan Byrne's podcast When We Find Them picks up the search and asks what would happen if we finally find something.

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

Janaya Williams

Daniel Ofman

More from Delaware Public Media

Five arrested near UK air base used by U.S. bombers in Iran war

Lauren Frayer, Debbie Elliott

U.K. police say five men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after three vehicles were spotted near an air base the U.S. military has been using to launch attacks on Iran.
After more than two decades, U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq

Jane Arraf, Debbie Elliott

The U.S. military formally ends a more than two-decade-long presence in Iraq this week.
Fall planting isn't over. Try greens, garlic or both

Gabriel J. Sánchez, Debbie Elliott, Linah Mohammad

A University of Maryland farm manager explains why Swiss chard and garlic are good choices for a home garden this fall.