Courtesy photo
PEEC News:
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the public to a thought-provoking evening under the stars with astrophysicist Joyce Guzik. The presentation, Exoplanets and the Search for Life, will take place at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19.
In the last two decades, astronomers have confirmed the existence of thousands of exoplanets—planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. But what does this mean for the search for life? In this engaging talk, Guzik will explore the frontiers of astrobiology and exoplanet discovery, including what kinds of stars are most likely to host habitable worlds, and how we might detect signs of life—or even technological civilizations—from across the galaxy.
She’ll also highlight current and future observational efforts, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and upcoming space missions recommended by the National Academy of Sciences’ Decadal Survey.
This program is designed for audiences ages 8 and up. Planetarium shows are not recommended for children under 4.
Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited seating.
About the Presenter
Dr. Joyce Guzik is a Laboratory Fellow in the X-Theoretical Design Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in astrophysics from Iowa State University in 1988 and currently conducts research on stellar modeling and the analysis of pulsating variable stars observed by NASA’s Kepler and TESS missions.
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities. PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups, from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit peecnature.org/support/membership/.