Cosmic Cocktail Hour: The Search for Life in the Universe

Dr. John Mulchaey, director of Carnegie Observatories, will make a presentation about the search for life in the universe for the second monthly Cosmic Cocktail Hour lecture on astronomy hosted by the Pasadena Senior Center Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

Over the past decade, a series of remarkable discoveries has increasingly indicated that life forms must exist beyond Earth. According to Mulchaey, observations of water geysers on one of Saturn’s moons and ice on Mars are just two examples, and the trillions of galaxies in the universe must contain types of life as well.

“Detecting faraway evidence of life is one of the most complex challenges in astronomy today, involving observational astronomers who use telescopes for visual data and theoretical astronomers who deploy state-of-the-art technologies to analyze observational data and patterns,” said Mulchaey. “During this event, I will discuss both types of research underway at Carnegie Observatories and how Carnegie astronomers and their colleagues worldwide are collaborating to address this exciting challenge.”

The cost is only $7 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $10 for non-members. To register for this Zoom event or for more information, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Events, Clubs and Lectures, then Online Events or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers will receive an email link to access the event.

At Carnegie Observatories, Mulchaey investigates groups and clusters of galaxies, elliptical galaxies, active galaxies, black holes and dark matter, which is the invisible material that makes up most of the universe. He also is a scientific editor of The Astrophysical Journal and is actively involved in public outreach and education about astronomy and astrophysics. He received his PhD from the University of Maryland and was a fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute and at Carnegie Observatories before joining the Carnegie staff.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Southern California – and especially Pasadena – has been the world’s leading center of astronomy research and discovery. Today it is dedicated to deep research on the evolution of the cosmos and the training of new generations of astronomers. For the past 40 years most of this research has taken place at the Observatories’ large-telescope facilities in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and has yielded discoveries about galaxy and star formation, dark matter, black holes and more.

For more information about online activities and other programs and services of the Pasadena Senior Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.

The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization. Doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services and other critical assistance to older adults in need. Masks are required inside the building, and social distancing is maintained.