Researchers advanced efforts to find extraterrestrial intelligence has attracted the support of wealthy investors and scientists worldwide.

Famous physicist Stephen Hawking and Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner have stepped up to back the work that includes using two extremely advanced and large telescopes, one which is the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope in Pocahontas County, according to NYC Today.

Researchers believe that the discovery of alien life on an extrasolar planet could drastically change how mankind sees itself in the vast universe. Even though a majority of humans express they have not encountered any life outside of Earth, scientists call the potential discovery inevitable.

The director of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Tony Beasley, said, “Beginning early next year, approximately 20 percent of the annual observing time on the GBT will be dedicated to searching a staggering number of stars and galaxies for signs of intelligent life via radio signals”.

Researchers said that their telescopes will be compatible with others so that people all across the globe can join in on the search to find intelligent alien life which would therefore encourage them to analyze the data using their own unique methods.

The Search Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) projects usually look for radio or optical signals that appear to be coming from an artificial sources. Researchers reiterate that the search for and idea that humankind is not alone in the universe is not a new concept and that they feel confident these new approaches will provide answers.

Milner hopes that his investment in the projects will assist scientists in discovery of alien transmissions from worlds that are “watery” and quite possibly habitable to aid in the search as well for earth-sized planets that could sustain human life if needed.