An algebraic approximation of global attractors introduced by Foias an
d Temam is developed into a numerically stable algorithm and implement
ed for the Lorenz system and Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation. An error e
stimate is derived for the numerical computation of a sequence of impr
oper integrals needed for the polynomials. The zero sets of the approx
imating polynomials are observed to approach the global attractor at r
ates which seem to vary with the recurrence of the solution orbits.