Special National Science Week event
Join pioneering scientist and explorer Professor John Priscu to discover how biologically rich ecosystems deep below the Antarctic ice sheet are sparking new ideas about the possibility of life in the outer solar system.
Several moons well beyond Earth – including Jupiter’s Europa – have vast oceans deep below the surface ice, with potential as a habitat for microbial life.
John will describe the groundbreaking discoveries unearthed in the extremes of Antarctica’s subglacial lakes. He'll outline what’s known about Europa, as a likely location for microbes and possibly a second origin of life, independent of Earth.
John’s work on the search for life beyond Earth could have enormous implications for science and society.
Date
Tuesday 18 August
Time
6.30 to 7.45pm
Location
Visions Theatre
Cost
Free, bookings essential
Includes access to the Antarctica exhibition from 5 to 6pm, before the lecture
Meet our expert speaker
Professor John Priscu has spent more than 40 field seasons in Antarctica, researching life under the ice sheet. John’s work on microbial life in extreme ecosystems has led to the study of life on icy worlds beyond Earth with NASA. Regents Professor Emeritus of Ecology at Montana State University, he has also worked in the Himalayas and the high Arctic. John has published more than 300 scientific papers, received numerous international awards, and has an Antarctic stream, valley and two microorganisms named for him.
Searching for life beyond Earth: Lessons from Antarctica is presented in partnership with the Embassy of the United States, Canberra.
Banner image: Aurora australis and grounded icebergs (detail). Christopher Wilson, Commonwealth of Australia / Australian Antarctic Division