The search for extraterrestrial life and the mysterious invisible matter that comprises most of the universe will be discussed in October during Fiske Planetarium presentations at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
"The Invisible Universe: Searching for Dark Matter" will take place Oct. 10 and Oct. 14, while "Beyond UFOs: What Science Really Tells Us Â鶹ÊÓƵ Extraterrestrial Life" will be held Oct. 24 and Oct. 28. Both shows are part of the fall 2003 monthly astronomy talks.
All presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students with valid ID and $3 for children and seniors. Sommers-Bausch Observatory will be open for free telescope stargazing after the Friday evening shows, weather permitting.
Scientists have determined that 90 percent of the mass of the universe is actually made of invisible "dark matter." On Oct. 10 and Oct. 14, CU-Boulder associate professor and researcher Erica Ellingson will examine the evidence for dark matter, its distribution throughout space and its implications for both the history and the future of the universe.
CU-Boulder astronomer and author Jeffrey Bennett will talk Oct. 24 and Oct. 28 about why extraterrestrial life has become a hot topic of scientific research and discuss how scientists are searching both for microbial life and extraterrestrial intelligence. Bennett also will discuss why the possibility of life beyond Earth has profound implications for the future of humankind, even in the unlikely event that we are alone in the universe.
For more information about Fiske Planetarium and other shows and programs it offers call (303) 492-5001 or visit .