Beyond UFOs: Science’s Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Fri Mar 07 2025 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm UTC-08:00

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, California 93105 | Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Publisher/HostSanta Barbara Museum of Natural History
Beyond UFOs: Science\u2019s Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Advertisement
Is there really life beyond Earth? Reports of UFOs are unlikely to give us an answer, but science may soon be able to. In this free talk, author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett will describe how scientists are searching both for microbial life and extraterrestrial intelligence. Along the way, we’ll also see why the possibility of life beyond Earth has profound implications for the future of our species, even in the unlikely event that we are alone in the universe.
Jeffrey Bennett has devoted his career to science education and outreach. He has taught at every level from preschool through graduate school and written numerous books for children, educators, college students, and the public. He also served two years as a visiting senior scientist at NASA headquarters, proposed and co-led development of the Voyage Scale Model Solar System on the National Mall (Washington, D.C.), created the free Totality app for learning about solar eclipses, and created a free online textbook for middle school Earth and Space Science. Among other honors, his children’s books were the first ever selected for Story Time From Space, in which books are launched to the International Space Station and read aloud by astronauts. He has won both the American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award (2014) and the Klopsteg Memorial Award (2023) for education from the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Talk starts at 7:30 PM, but astronomy-lovers are invited to mix and mingle before the lecture and enjoy a 7:00 PM planetarium show in Gladwin Planetarium. Planetarium seats are limited, so show up early if you want to be sure of a seat. No tickets or reservations required.
This event is part of a monthly series of free astronomy talks presented by Santa Barbara’s astronomy club, the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU). Look for more talks and free Star Parties with the SBAU at sbnature.org/calendar
Questions? Contact Ila Jade Komasa at [email protected] or 805-682-4711 ext. 164.
Kepler-186f artwork by NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, California 93105

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Santa Barbara

Climate Fridays SB
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 03:30 pm Climate Fridays SB

CEC's Environmental Hub

Gilles Apap
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 04:00 pm Gilles Apap

The Lobero Theatre

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Irvine Anteaters
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 04:00 pm UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. UC Irvine Anteaters

The Mother Hips
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 04:00 pm The Mother Hips

Soho Restaurant And Music Club

Exotic Gardens Orchid Dinner
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 06:00 pm Exotic Gardens Orchid Dinner

3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3285, United States

The Case for Making - with authors Kelly Corrigan & Claire Corrigan Lichty
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 06:00 pm The Case for Making - with authors Kelly Corrigan & Claire Corrigan Lichty

Music Academy of the West

DBBD at Eos Lounge Santa Barbara
Fri, 07 Mar, 2025 at 09:00 pm DBBD at Eos Lounge Santa Barbara

500 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Polar Plunge (or dip) for a Purpose
Sat, 08 Mar, 2025 at 09:00 am Polar Plunge (or dip) for a Purpose

Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Storytime in the Planetarium with Jeffrey Bennett
Sat, 08 Mar, 2025 at 10:00 am Storytime in the Planetarium with Jeffrey Bennett

2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, California 93105

The Beauty of Becoming
Sat, 08 Mar, 2025 at 10:30 am The Beauty of Becoming

Finch & Fork

UC Irvine Anteaters at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Mens Basketball
Sat, 08 Mar, 2025 at 11:30 am UC Irvine Anteaters at UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Mens Basketball

UCSB Events Center

Stop the Hate Poster Contest  Opening Ceremony
Sat, 08 Mar, 2025 at 02:00 pm Stop the Hate Poster Contest Opening Ceremony

The Community Arts Workshop

Santa Barbara is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Santa Barbara Events