Explore exoplanets and the search for life at PEEC on Sept. 19. Courtesy photo

PEEC NEWS RELEASE

The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) invites the public to a thought-provoking evening under the stars with astrophysicist Joyce Guzik. The presentation, Exoplanets and the Search for Life, will take place at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

In the last two decades, astronomers have confirmed the existence of thousands of exoplanets—planets that orbit stars outside our solar system. But what does this mean for the search for life? In this engaging talk, Guzik will explore the frontiers of astrobiology and exoplanet discovery, including what kinds of stars are most likely to host habitable worlds, and how we might detect signs of life—or even technological civilizations—from across the galaxy.

She’ll also highlight current and future observational efforts, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and upcoming space missions recommended by the National Academy of Sciences’ Decadal Survey.

This program is designed for audiences ages 8 and up. Planetarium shows are not recommended for children under 4.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children. Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited seating.

About the Presenter:
Dr. Joyce Guzik is a Laboratory Fellow in the X-Theoretical Design Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in astrophysics from Iowa State University in 1988 and currently conducts research on stellar modeling and the analysis of pulsating variable stars observed by NASA’s Kepler and TESS missions.