Members Night with Guest Speaker.
Julie Di Giaimo will Speak about EXOPLANETS and The Search for life.
“Exoplanets – and the Search for Life.
Just after the Big Bang – about 200 million years after the Universe’s creation – when stars were beginning to emerge – so too were the first planets. But it wasn’t until 1992 that the first exoplanet was discovered. Ever since, thousands of exoplanet discoveries have followed suit with over 6,000 confirmed exoplanets to date. However, it is estimated that there is at least 1 planet for every star in our galaxy. This makes the possible number of exoplanets in the Milky Way between 200-400 billion!
But how many of these planets could be habitable?
In this presentation we will journey through the discoveries of some of the most fascinating and intriguing exoplanets, asking ourselves with each new discovery – is Earth the only habitable planet for life as we know it? With the investigation and analysis of each promising planet’s composition and atmosphere, I will attempt to begin answering this fundamental question.
Julie’s Background.
Julie first started finding an interest in astronomy at around the age of 12, when, at Primary School, she started learning about the planets. For these classes, they brought in a big inflatable dome, and she instantly fell in love with the science. Ever since, she’s had a passion for the Cosmos and loves learning everything she can. She involves herself as much as she can within astronomy – going to Brian Cox’s presentations when he visits Australia, watching all his TV Series, and reading many books and papers. She is currently a part of Mount Burnett’s Committee and loves helping out at the Observatory when she can.
Julie also completed a research project on exoplanets and their habitability for her final year of High School, and afterwards, completed a Certificate IV in Science. She is currently pursuing her love for astronomy through a Bachelor of Science, majoring in astronomy and astrophysics at Swinburne, which will commence at the start of next year. Julie hopes to become an astrobiologist, working in the field of astronomy”.
Members Night at the Observatory – All our members are welcome to come along no matter what age you are.
Book online to reserve your seat at https://mbo.org.au/events/category/members-events/
Please remember to book a ticket for each person who you are bringing up to the event under your membership thanks. Booking is COMPULSORY if attending onsite!
