Sunday, March 16, 2008
SETI astronomer Seth Shostak to speak at UTD
Texas Astronomical Society hosts event.
Email
|
Print
|
Tell us your story
|
Comment
|
Dr. Seth Shostak: SETI astronomer, quick-witted person
Dr. Seth Shostak is the senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, an outfit whose purpose is to seek out intelligent life beyond the planet Earth.
Or at least that's what you'd be led to believe by its moniker (SETI stands for the "Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence"). Perhaps hedging its bets a bit, the SETI crew have adopted the following as their mission statement: "To explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe." Which, it seems to me, kind of holds open the possibility that the only life out there may very well be in here (i.e., our terrestrial ecosystem).
Confused? Entirely my fault, but no problem, because you can get the straight dope from Dr. Shostak himself when he visits UTD’s Kusch Auditorium (in the Founders North building, FN 2.102) for a speaking engagement at 7:30 p.m. on March 28.
Aside from being an engaging and talented speaker (it says here) and holding a PhD in astronomy from Caltech, Dr. Shostak invented the electric banana. He claims. Which probably indicates the good doc has a sense of humor - a trait to be desired in a speaker on scientific subjects, I've always found.
Since SETI's had their eyes (and big ears) on the sky since 1984, my first question for Dr. Shostak (assuming he doesn't answer it in the course of his talk) would be: "Well, doc, how 'bout it? Is anybody else out there, or not?"
Of course, you are welcome to attend the lecture (hosted by the Texas Astronomical Society during their regular monthly meeting) and ask your own questions, but if I were you I'd stay away from that whole unsavory tropical fruit topic.
posted by JM
See more stories in:
Find...
Today
Gallery Talk: Through the Photographer’s Lens UTA photography prof Kenda North employs her critical eye, coupled with her expert knowledge, to wax descriptive on the Crow Collection of Asian Art's current exhibit: Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change. More info
Latest comments
- Mark-Brian Sonna on Theater Review: Mr. Pim Passes By : Yeah…I have an unhealthy obsession with wigs…I guess ‘cause I lived for so many years with a guy...
- Mike Orren on Chesapeake coloring book stresses patriotism and affordability to DFW's youngest energy consumers: Of the cavalcade of offenses in this kiddie propaganda is that a company called *Chesapeake* uses a ...
- Jason Rice on Dallas County inmates to be denied ketchup and mayonnaise: Liking the “Yoga will scare ‘em straight” idea. A LOT. Yeah, explain to your homeys that the lotus i...
- Jason Rice on Theater Review: Mr. Pim Passes By : T’was nothing. I loved watching it… and I will be there next time so keep ‘em comin’!! (And Mark-B...
Latest reviews
- emilyg87 on Tuscany Art in Dining: Trayc7— I’m not sure where you went, but it appears we dined in completely different restaurants. I...
- aduxxx on Tei Tei Robata Bar: Yes, it’s spendy, but the food is definitely worth it. Time it right; forget prime time on weekends!...
- aduxxx on Kitchen 1924: Late dinner is great, as are the Sunday all-you-can-eat Hangover Brunch, complete with sunglasses fo...
Things you can't miss
Latest stories
- SMU master's student receives Fulbright scholarship
- All-America Rose Selection winning roses for 2009 now blooming in Farmers Branch
- Carrollton-based GVI Security Solutions to provide 4000 surveillance cameras to largest public bank in Latin America
- Coppell-based Minyard's to sell Carnival brand, 37 stores
- Chicago White Sox 10, Texas Rangers 8
Post a comment
(Requires free PegasusNews.com account.)