“The Search for Life in the Universe. Are We Alone?”

Discussion led by: Lou Mayo, Planetary Scientist for Honeywell at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Professor of Astronomy at Marymount Univ.

Scientists believe very soon after the planet formed through a process called “accretion.” Life began as simple, single cell organisms and evolved into the diversity of complex life forms we know today. image: hubblesite.org

This talk will examine the potential for life to exist outside the Earth and discuss the current research findings and mission results.

Of all the bodies of the solar system, Earth stands alone as the only planet with with clear evidence of life. But could there be life beyond Earth? Are we alone in a vast sea of perhaps 10²² stars and trillions of planetary systems? Or could life be abundant in the universe? Recent research has greatly expanded the conditions we believe necessary to harbor life both here on Earth and beyond.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Branded ‘72 Pit Barbecue, 387 East Gude Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

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