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Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series
NASA Astronomer to Discuss the Asteroid Threat
"What Killed the Dinosaurs:
The Asteroid Threat and What We Can Do About It"
NASA-Ames Research Center Astronomer Dr. David Morrison will present the illustrated, non-technical What Killed the Dinosaurs: The Asteroid Threat and What We Can Do About It Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Smithwick Theater at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. No science background is required and the lecture is appropriate for students age 13 and older. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
The lecture is presented as part of the 2nd Annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series which is sponsored by Foothill College, NASA-Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the six lectures featured in the series.
Morrison will discuss asteroids and comets that come close to the Earth and occasionally can hit our planet—sometimes with disastrous consequences. Such an impact probably killed the dinosaurs and close to half of all living species 65 million years ago. He will also discuss the new efforts to catalog all near-Earth asteroids and describe national and international discussions about what we can do if we see a large asteroid heading our way.
Several recent films have dramatized such efforts, but not always with sterling scientific accuracy. Morrison, who has received a medal from NASA for helping to protect Earth from the asteroid threat, will share the real story behind the science fiction.
Morrison is chief of Space Science and Astrobiology at the NASA Ames Research Center and an internationally renowned space scientist, specializing in the small bodies of our solar system.
He has served on the scientific teams of several planetary missions, including the Galileo spacecraft orbiting Jupiter. He is co-author of several astronomy textbooks, including Voyages to the Universe, and has written a number of popular books explaining astronomical ideas for the public. The International Astronomical Union has named Asteroid 2410 Asteroid Morrison to honor his many contributions to science.
One unit of college credit is available to students who attend all six lectures and write a short paper. Registration materials will be available at the door.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must purchase a required campus parking permit for $2. Parking lots 1, 5, 6 and 7 provide easy access to the theater. From Interstate 280, exit El Monte Road and travel west .
The next lecture installment will be presented Nov. 15. For lecture information, access www.foothillcollege.org or call (650) 949-7888.
Last Update September 25, 2000
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