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Lunchtime Discovery: The Search for Life Beyond Earth

  • Wednesday, August 31, 2022
  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm

View of Valles Marineris on Mars, one of the largest canyons in the solar system, imaged with real data using OpenSpace software. Image: R. Smith/NCMNS.View of Valles Marineris on Mars, one of the largest canyons in the solar system, imaged with real data using OpenSpace software. Image: R. Smith/NCMNS.

Dr. Rachel L. Smith, Head, Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Astronomer Dr. Rachel Smith will use new software called OpenSpace to take you on a virtual tour from Earth to our neighboring planets, and far beyond the solar system. As we fly through space, Dr. Smith will discuss the search for life beyond Earth and planetary analogues to Earth’s extreme environments. She will also include some of her own research from ground-based observatories, and explain how scientists visualize the known Universe using data from planetary probes, satellites and telescopes.

Join us on YouTube!


Live Virtual Presentation hosted by NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ SECU Daily Planet Curator Chris Smith and the NC Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff.

You can post questions in the YouTube chat or tweet questions to #LunchTimeDiscovery and mention @NorthCarolinaEE.

Brought to you by the NC DEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.

View of Barringer Crater, a well-preserved impact crater from 50,000 years ago in what is now Northern Arizona. Image created with OpenSpace software. Image: R. Smith/NCMNS.View of Barringer Crater, a well-preserved impact crater from 50,000 years ago in what is now Northern Arizona. Image created with OpenSpace software. Image: R. Smith/NCMNS.

Details

Date:
August 31, 2022
Times:
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Fee:
Free

Venue

Virtual
NC United States

Organizer

Chris Smith
919.707.9296