In January of 2016, astronomers presented evidence that a giant planet may be lurking far beyond Neptune, quietly waiting to be found. If it exists, 'Planet 9' would be the first solar system planet to be discovered in over 170 years, with all due respect to the fallen Pluto. In this talk, we'll examine the case for Planet 9, learn about the latest efforts to detect it and figure out if it is going to kill us all. Hint: no.

Dr. Christopher Matzner will discuss the ethics of spreading life beyond Earth, proposals for interstellar exploration, and ideas for how we might communicate between species across deep space. All are welcome, Palmerston Library Theatre.

Science Literacy Week is an effort to showcase the excellence and diversity of science outreach institutions around the country. By joining forces in a one week blitz of activity, the goal is to highlight just how outstanding our scientists and science communicators are coast to coast.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

Join John Gauvreau of the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers as he takes us on a virtual tour of the universe.

By listening to the cold, dim hiss of the universe, we can learn about its fiery beginning. Prof. Renée Hlozek's talk will focus on how cosmologists use microwave instruments to measure this birth-light. She’ll describe the telescope she uses, high up in the Atacama Desert of Chile, and what we learn about what the universe contains, how it started and ultimately how it is going to end.

This unique and lively presentation is sure to entertain all ages and is especially suitable for newcomers to astronomy. In the first half of the evening travel back to Renaissance Italy in March of 1610, where Galileo himself is portrayed as introducing you to his newest scientific instrument. Hear in his own words how he built this telescope, the observations he made, and the magnificent discoveries that even he realized would revolutionize our understanding of the heavens.

The visible matter that we can touch and see makes up less than 5% of the Universe. The rest is made up of dark matter and dark energy, and is not yet well understood. What are these “dark” pieces of the Universe, how do we know that they exist, and what are they made out of anyway? Dr.

Astronomer Christa Van Laerhoven, will discuss planets that orbit stars other than our sun. Some of these planetary systems look very different from our own!