AOF Activities & Events

Are Habitable Exoplanets a Chimera?

Hurray for exoplanets!!! In the last three decades, astronomers have found thousands of planets orbiting other stars, many described as "possibly habitable" or less plausibly "habitable."

Our speaker will focus on what exactly makes a planet habitable and give some insights into why getting hard data to settle issues of habitability is difficult. He will also discuss how odd some of these alien star systems are and how these differences affect claims of habitability.

Liam McDaid, professor of Physics, Astronomy & Geology at the Sac City College campus, Bachelor of Science in Astronomy (Penn State), Master of Science in Astronomy (New Mexico State), Master of Arts in History (Sam Houston State), Master of Science in Physics (New Mexico State), is a total brainbox. Since growing up in Philadelphia, he always had a passion for astronomy. At New Mexico State, he was fortunate enough to share an office with Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of the planet Pluto! In graduate school he moonlighted part-time as a stand-up comic -- "until I had a bottle thrown at me and decided to stop,” he says.

Now Liam will guide you through the peaks and precipices of the starry wisdom. Don't miss this exciting presentation.