Another Pale Blue Dot

Dr. Franck Marchis, of the SETI Institute, presents a talk on the search for planets beyond our Solar System – referred to as exoplanets. The presentation is open to the public, but space is limited, so attendees should pre-purchase tickets ($10 each) on line at https://www.skysthelimit29.org/special-events.html.

In only two decades, scientists have gone from mere speculation about exoplanets to being able to observe them through a variety of methods. Dr. Marchis will discuss new and sophisticated projects designed to provide images of these exoplanets. Future instruments could soon deliver an image of a cousin of Earth or another Pale Blue Dot - a planet similar to our own.

The talk will be followed by a demonstration of the Unistellar eVscope, an innovative robotic telescope developed in partnership with the SETI Institute. The demonstration will take place on the campus of Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center at 9697 Utah Trail, a short drive south from the lecture hall.

Dr. Marchis is a Senior Scientist at the SETI Institute and Chief Scientific Officer at Unistellar. Marchis earned his PhD in Astrophysics at the Université Paul Sabatier, France, in 2000. He is a planetary astronomer with 22 years of experience in academic, international, and non-profit scientific institutions and has conducted multiple research projects in a wide range of areas. 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. Founded in 1984, SETI stands for the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence." 

Note that ticket purchase is required for this event.

https://www.skysthelimit29.org/special-events.html