McIntosh Memorial Library presents Badger Talk on “How Can We Find Other Life in the Universe?”

VIROQUA, Wis. – The McIntosh Memorial Library will host a Badger Talk by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Thomas Beatty on Monday, April 1st at 5:30pm in the library’s lobby. Beatty will present “How Can We Find Other Life in the Universe”. Are we alone in the universe? This question has been asked for over two thousand years, and we now possess the tools and techniques necessary to answer it. Professor Beatty will discuss what we want to look for on other planets to see if there is life. Further information will be shared on research being conducted at UW using current and future telescopes.

Professor Thomas Beatty grew up sailing off the coast of New England. He has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, a Master’s in physics from MIT, and a PhD in astronomy from Ohio State University. Before moving to UW, he worked as an instrument scientist on the James Webb Space Telescope, where he helped build one of Webb’s cameras and helped to operate it once Webb reached space. Beatty’s research focuses on measuring the atmospheres of exoplanets – planets around other stars – to figure out what they are made out of and what their climates are like, to understand how planets form, and search for life elsewhere in the universe. He has also discovered nine new exoplanets, none of which he got to name after himself.

Badger Talks reflects our tradition of the Wisconsin Idea — to extend the resources of the university to citizens of the state. Over 200 Badger Talks are hosted around the state each year, featuring faculty and staff with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Talk topics range from cutting edge discoveries to happiness in the workplace and everything in between. Professional, community, and civic organizations, as well as schools, are invited to request a UW–Madison speaker. For more information about Badger Talks or to find a speaker for your next event, contact 608-262-3880 or badgertalks@uwmad.wisc.edu.

This event will take place at 205 S. Rock Avenue Viroqua, WI, and is free and open to the public