ABOUT THE EVENT
Presented by
James Mullaney, Astronomer
In the Community Education Room
Astronomer James Mullaney will take attendees on an inspiring illustrated journey across space, time and mind, exploring the provocative likelihood that we are not alone in this vast universe. Topics include: the latest optical, radio and spacecraft searches for extraterrestrial life; the religious and philosophical implications of its discovery; the discovery that all stars appear to have planets orbiting them; are the stars themselves “alive”?; the profusion of life’s building blocks scattered throughout space; the ice-covered liquid water oceans on the moons of Jupiter and other giant planets; comets, near-Earth-asteroids and mass extinctions; profound new discoveries in both exobiology and cosmology; and our heritage as “children of the stars” and cosmic destiny as “citizens of the universe.” The presentation features stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope and other instruments. Weather permitting, participants will proceed outside for telescopic stargazing following the formal program.
James Mullaney is an astronomy writer and lecturer who has authored 10 books and published nearly a thousand articles on observing the wonders of the heavens, and logged over 20,000 hours of stargazing time with the unaided eye, binoculars and telescopes. Formerly Curator of the Buhl Planetarium & Institute of Popular Science in Pittsburgh and Director of the DuPont Planetarium at USCA, he served as staff astronomer at the University of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Observatory, and as an editor for Sky & Telescope magazine. A contributor to Carl Sagan’s award-winning original Cosmos PBS-Television series, his lifelong mission has been to “Celebrate the Universe!” — to inspire others to look up at the majesty of the heavens and personally experience the joys of stargazing. It’s estimated that more than a million people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds around the world have heard his inspiring message. In recognition of his work, he has been elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Astronomical Society of London.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events calendar at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013, Ext. 132. Phoenixville Public Library is located at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA
610-933-3013, Ext. 132
