Have We Found Another Earth?

This spring the world was informed that a rocky, "Earth-like" planet had been found around a nearby star. It was the most dramatic in what has been a series of such discoveries over just the past dozen years. More than 200 planets have been discovered orbiting stars relatively near to us. But what does this all mean? How are these planets being found? And why now? And how can we tell that this new planet — with the catchy name of "Gliese 581 c" — is like Earth?

On Thursday evening, the 21st of June, Southern Vermont Astronomy Group's (SoVerA) President, Claudio Véliz, will describe how these extrasolar planets are being found, why researchers believe this one may exhibit some similarity to Earth, and how we might tell if it has creatures on it. The illustrated talk will be held at 8:00, in the Whiting Library at 117 Main Street, in Chester, Vermont.

In simple, clear terms, using Power Point images, Veliz will describe what we know about these planets, how we know it, and what we might expect in the near future that could inspire a chill. This event is free to persons of all ages and experience.

After the talk, if the skies cooperate, the audience will be invited to look at some celestial objects through SoVerA members' binoculars and telescopes on the Library lawn, including the first quarter moon, Venus, Saturn and maybe a couple of stars believed to be hosting orbiting planets. Members of SoVerA will be on hand to answer questions and conduct small demonstrations of how things in the universe work.

SoVerA is an organization composed of amateur and professional astronomers, educators, students and members of the lay public. We are dedicated to making astronomy much more accessible to all. Astronomical events, talks and presentations are held in venues throughout the southern Vermont region on the third Thursday of every month, with observing afterwards, sky conditions permitting. All are welcome. More information may be found at: http://www.sovera.org