We are building ELF fo find life
The ExoLife Finder (ELF) a next-generation telescope array to identify signs of life beyond Earth
Our Mission. Our Team.
Headline...
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Explore the question...
Professor Jeff Kuhn
"We are building ELF to find life."
Founder of MorphOptics & Principal Investigator of ELF.
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Are we alone?
Our goal is to develop a new type of telescope that makes use of disruptive technologies to detect life on planets beyond our solar system. We are building a revolutionary new class of telescopes designed to answer one of humanity’s most profound questions:
Is life unique to Earth, or is it scattered across the cosmos? The ExoLife Finder (ELF) uses cutting-edge imaging systems capable of directly detecting biosignatures—the chemical signs of life—in the atmospheres of planets orbiting nearby stars. For the first time, we may be able to isolate the faint light of an Earth-like exoplanet from the overwhelming glare of its host star and analyze its potential for life. With ELF, we stand on the edge of a scientific and philosophical breakthrough—one that could redefine our place in the universe and challenge everything we think we know about life.
Global Endeavor
ELF unites partners around the world to search for life beyond Earth
ELF is a global mission led by LIOM and supported by an international network of scientific and industrial partners. Together, they are building the most advanced telescope ever designed to search for life beyond Earth. IAC (Spain) coordinates the project as ERA Chair host, overseeing the optomechanical structure and telescope dome. AVS (Spain) leads the mechanical construction. MidMad Productions (Spain) supports visual documentation and storytelling. CRAL-CNRS (France) contributes adaptive optics and secondary mirror systems. Relevant Web Design (Germany) is responsible for ELF’s digital identity and user experience. GSU (USA) leads developments in Fizeau interferometry, PSF modeling, and public engagement. MorphOptic (USA) focuses on ultrathin mirror and fiber optic technologies.
Canary Global Inc. (USA/Spain) manages educational outreach and international communications. DiSL Co. (Canada) collaborates on the optomechanical and dome systems. From Asia, Yeefung (China) constructs the automated dome, and CIOMP (China) fabricates the Small-ELF primary mirrors. This global alliance powers ELF as a truly transformative scientific and human endeavor.