Fermilab offers a public lecture series on a wide range of topics presented by experts in their respective fields. Generally 6 to 8 lectures are offered each year ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to cancer. Lectures cost $7.00 and are usually on Friday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. in Ramsey Auditorium. For information, call 630-840-ARTS (630-840-2787) or click here.

The Eerie Silence: ET, Where Are You?
Dr. Paul Davies
Arizona State University

Whether or not we are alone in the universe is one of the oldest questions of philosophy. About 50 years ago it became part of science when astronomers began sweeping the skies with radio telescopes in the hope of picking up a message form an extraterrestrial civilization. After half a century of nothing but an eerie silence, what can we conclude? Many scientists assume that life will pop up easily on earthlike planets, but this is merely a belief. How can we test it? One way is to seek out a second sample of life right here on Earth - a sort of shadow biosphere. In this lecture, Prof. Davies will discuss recent attempts to track down "shadow" microbes. Prof. Davies will also present some bold new ideas for detecting the subtle footprints of advanced alien technology.