A new 3D IMAX movie, The Search For Life in Space, is now playing at the Pacific Science Center and explores the questions: What does it mean to be an Astrobiologist? and How do people study life in space when we haven’t yet found life outside of Earth?
On Wednesday December 6, 2017, three University of Washington astrobiologists will discuss their research – including the search for planets around other stars, characterizing how stars influence the habitability of those planets, and techniques to mix computer modeling with data analysis to determine the characteristics of potentially habitable worlds. After viewing the documentary “The Search for Life in Space”, the scientists will answer questions about their research and other topics addressed in the film.
Tickets can be purchased at the Pacific Science Center website. The event can also be viewed on Facebook.
About the speakers:
Brett Morris is a PhD candidate of astronomy and astrobiology at the University of Washington. He studies stars and their planets with observations from telescopes on the ground and in space. Brett grew up in New York, and received his BS in astronomy and BS in physics from the University of Maryland, and his masters in astronomy from the University of Washington.
Marshall “Moosh” Styczinski is a graduate student at the University of Washington, with a Master’s degree in physics. In his research, Marshall uses magnetic fields to peel back the icy crust of Jupiter’s moons, looking for places that life may be found.
Dr. Erika Harnett is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington. Her background is in math and physics. She studies how radiation and magnetic fields from the Sun influence the upper atmospheres and surfaces of planets and moons in the solar system, through physics-based computer simulations. She investigates both the evolution of those environments over time, and how the current conditions may influence exploration of the surfaces by both robots and humans. She is passionate about communicating the excitement of science and math to the general public.
Doors open: 6:40 p.m.
Location: PACCAR Theater (Pacific Science Center)
Cost: $5 for general admission, free for Members