Is the universe made for life?

Researchers all over the world are looking for evidence of life elsewhere in the solar system, and intelligence beyond. The Australian Museum is hosting, in conjunction with Macquarie University's Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA), a panel discussion on July 5th, in which four leading researchers will give a picture of where we are in the quest to discover our true place in the universe.

World-renowned ACA physicist and cosmologist Professor Paul Davies will talk about applying quantum theory to the emergence of life and how its complex order may have come from information-rich chaos.

ACA Director and NASA Mars scientist, Professor Malcolm Walter, will discuss microbes living in extreme environments on Earth, relating them to the search for life on Mars.

Senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute in California, Dr Seth Shostak will direct us towards the resolution of the single big question of whether the universe is made for life.

Astronomer and scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr Vikki Meadows, will talk about the poosibility of detecting Earth-like planets in other solar systems.

For further information please contact Greg Welsh

Item provided courtesy of Macquarie University