Skip to main content

Search for alien life focus of Earth and Space Open House


searching for life in the universe
March 24, 2015

Is there alien life beyond planet Earth? We don't yet know, and the job of astrobiologists – those who study life in space – is to find out.

One place to start the search is within our own solar system, where hunting for life is like looking for a good restaurant. There are three kinds of places: the chain franchises (decent, but so predictable), the up-and-coming areas (the next big thing) and the hidden gems (hit or miss, but could be amazing). Come find out about the must-go places in the Yelp of astrobiologists.

Those who wish to learn more about extraterrestrial life are invited to attend a free public lecture at the next Earth and Space Open House, from 7 to 10 p.m., March 27, at the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV (ISTB 4) on ASU’s Tempe campus.

The talk, "Hunting for Life in the Solar System," will be given by the School of Earth and Space Exploration's Marc Niveu, graduate student in astrophysics.

In addition to the public talk, there will be two 3-D planetarium shows in the Marston Exploration Theater, at 7:15 and 8:45 p.m. All seating is on a first-come basis.

At 8 p.m., attendees can "Create Your Own Planet" in the Marston Exploration Theater. (Participants must sign up at the welcome table beforehand.)

As usual, there will be telescope sky viewing outdoors next to the James Turrell Skyscape art installation from 8 to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). There will also be several exciting demonstrations and activities in the state-of-the-art ISTB4 Gallery of Scientific Exploration by experts in astrobiology, geology, cosmology and planetary science – as well as a free poster.

The open house can be accessed through the main entrance of ISTB 4, located on the building’s north side.

The monthly open house is sponsored by the School of Earth and Space Exploration, GeoClub, AstroDevils: ASU Astronomy Club, Icarus Rocketry, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), the Center for Meteorite Studies (CMS) and many others.

For more information, visit earthspaceopenhouse.weebly.com or visit the school's Facebook event page. The final open house of the spring semester will be held on April 24 (on the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope).

The School of Earth and Space Exploration is an academic unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.