The Fermi Paradox

Presenter: Tim Gill, KVUSD

Taylor Observatory, Saturday, May 26, 2018 8:00PM

Photo Credit: David Aguilar from the children’s book Alien Worlds: Your Guide to Extraterrestrial Life (National Geographic)

Abstract: The Fermi Paradox – named after the Italian-American and Manhattan Project physicist Enrico Fermi – can be summed up in a simple question that anyone looking out at the night sky has probably asked themselves: Where is everybody? In a seemingly infinite universe, why don’t we have hard evidence of intelligent life on other worlds?  In this engaging and interactive presentation, Tim Gill, a self-proclaimed recreational mathematician and emerging amateur astronomer will explore the mathematics of the Fermi Paradox, share insights into possible solutions for the paradox, and discuss how our very humanity shapes our curiosity regarding the search for life in our universe.

EVENING PROGRAM
8:00  LECTURE:
Presenter – Tim Gill  (NOTE NEW TIME!)
9:00  PLANETARIUM:
Full Dome Show; Tutorial on May Constellations – Eduardo Alatorre
9:00-11:00 TELESCOPE VIEWING
Jupiter and the Moon – In clear weather we’ll enjoy telescopic views from the Nieman Star Deck through the new 18” Dobsonian Telescope. With the moon nearly full, it will be highlighted along with views of Jupiter on our newly re-activated Planetary Scope (Tom Schleif).  Iridium Flare at 9:13 (NNW, 334 deg, 20 deg altitude, magnitude -6.0); ISS at 9:25, WNW,  magnitude -0.7.

Location:  Taylor Observatory, 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville, CA 95451 Proceed to Taylor on gravel road at end of Oak Hills Lane

Admission: $5.00 adults, Lake Co. K-12 students and Taylor members.  Additional donations in support of Lake County STEM education are encouraged. (707) 262-4121