Are we alone in the universe? Scientists are on the hunt for planets outside our own solar system. So, what have they found? An upcoming event will explore worlds beyond our own, so-called exoplanets.Reporter Heather Clisby has the details …
On Friday, February 21, Dr. Franck Marchis, of the SETI Institute, will discuss the search for planets beyond our own solar system known as exoplanets. Founded in 1984, SETI stands for the “search for extraterrestrial intelligence.” Since that time, scientists have gone from speculation about exoplanets to direct observation. The talk will be followed by a demonstration of the Unistellar eVscope, a robotic telescope, at the Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center at 9697 Utah Trail, just a short drive from the lecture hall.
Dr. Marchis is a senior scientist at the SETI Institute and chief scientific officer at Unistellar. He is a planetary astronomer with 22 years of experience in academic, international, and non-profit scientific institutions and has conducted multiple research projects. He is best known for his discovery and characterization of multiple asteroids, his study of volcanism on Io (a moon of Jupiter), and imaging of exoplanets—planets around other stars. In April 2007, the asteroid numbered 1989SO8 was named “(6639) Marchis” in honor of his work in the field of multiple asteroids.
Limited reservations are available for dinner with Dr. Marchis at 5 p.m. at the 29 Palms Inn, and attendees must pay for their own meal. If interested, you must RSVP at 760-490-9561 before Wednesday, February 19.
Hosted by Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center, the event begins at 7 pm, February 21, at Founders’ Hall, 29 Palms Historical Society, 6760 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms. The event is open to the public but space is limited.
Attendees should pre-purchase the $10 tickets online via the link below:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NzUyOTA=
