February Science Cafe

Upcoming Café February 21, 2012 “The Search for Life in the Universe” Lou Mayo, planetary scientist for Honeywell at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Professor of Astronomy at Marymount University This talk will examine the potential for life to exist outside the Earth and discuss the current research findings and mission results. Of all the bodies of the solar system, earth stands alone as the only planet with clear evidence of life. But could there be life beyond the Earth? Are we alone in a vast sea of perhaps 1022 stars and trillions of planetary systems? Or could life be abundant in the universe? Recent research has greatly expanded the conditions we believe necessary to harbor life both here on Earth and beyond. Lou Mayo is a planetary scientist for Honeywell at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Professor of Astronomy at Marymount University. He has spent over 30 years supporting NASA space and Earth science research, missions, and data systems including 11 years as a member of the Voyager IRIS and Cassini CIRS instrument teams. Professor Mayo has published a number of papers on the atmosphere of Titan focusing on radiative transfer modeling of aerosols and condensates.

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Mission Statement: Inspiring a passion for lifelong exploration of science by cultivating a sense of inquiry, discovery and understanding of the foundations of everyday life.

The vision and priorities for Rockville articulated by the Mayor and Council call for the development of a science center. The Rockville Science Center, Inc. is dedicated to fulfilling that promise. We aim to provide a vibrant facility that offers an educational forum for citizens of all ages to explore the wonders of science that underlie everyday life and that relates to the scientific community of our region. A feasibility study, commissioned and funded by the city and completed and endorsed by the Council in 2006, outlined the needs that such a center would fulfill, and provides a compelling rationale for how a science center would impact the personal, cultural, political, economic, and business sectors of our community. The city's commitment is further underscored by its continued support of an experienced science center consulting firm, Informal Learning Experiences, to guide, advise and support the science center‰s development.

The feasibility study states, "Success of the development and operations of the Rockville Science Center depends on the project achieving a level of visibility and credibility sufficient to attract both financial and political support." Thus, to increase our visibility and the awareness of the community our initial programs will be directed to science-savvy and curious adults in the Rockville area with a monthly Science Cafe beginning early in 2009. These Cafes involve leading experts and interested citizens in a discussion of pressing scientific issues facing the human race and our planet. Cafes will be a valuable opportunity for marketing and recruiting members and supporters for the science center. Additional summer programs for local youngsters are being discussed with potential partners, especially the Maryland Science Center.

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