Hot Science - Cool Talks November 14, 2008

Could there be life on the cold outer planets of our solar system? Building on his expertise in radar sounding and ice sheets, Dr. Donald D. Blankenship will discuss an unmanned space mission to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, which is thought to have an ice-covered ocean that may host exotic life. Students, teachers, families, and the general public are invited to attend an evening of scientific exploration as the Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin presents "Beginning the Search for Life on the Outer Planets: Through Europa's Icy Looking Glass".

Make sure to come early to experience exhibits and activities presented by our partners! Free refreshments will be provided. K-12 teachers are also invited to join us for a free workshop and pizza before the event, tailored to provide background useful for the classroom. CD-ROMs with lecture materials and lesson plans are provided free to teachers at these workshops.

WHO: Dr. Donald D. Blankenship, a research scientist at UT’s Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), is a recognized expert on Antarctica’s ice sheets. He has served on several definition teams for NASA’s Europa Orbiter Mission. Blankenship has been actively involved in outreach to the public about his work, including interviews with the New York Times and National Public Radio. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1989 and has been with UTIG since 1991.

WHAT: Hot Science - Cool Talks Outreach Series hosted by the Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin and the Jackson School of Geosciences. Prelecture interactive exhibits and K-12 teacher workshops are provided free to the public before the lecture.

WHEN: November 14th, 2008. Lecture begins at 7pm, prelecture interactive exhibits open at 5:45. K-12 Teacher workshop begins at 6pm.

WHERE: UT Campus, Welch Hall 2.224. Parking at San Jacinto & 24th St. garage, $1.

Official Website: http://www.esi.utexas.edu