VSU Planetarium Presents 'Origins of Life'

VALDOSTA -- The Valdosta State University Planetarium will present 'Origins of Life' at 8 and 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, in Nevins Hall 3004. This will be the third public planetarium show of the 2011-2012 season.

For centuries scientists and philosophers have wondered how life developed here on Earth and whether life may be found on other worlds within the universe. On Nov. 26, NASA launched the Mars Science Laboratory, the most ambitious robotic probe ever constructed, on an eight-month trip to the red planet. The one-ton rover, named Curiosity, will attempt to determine whether Mars has had an environment suitable for life. The presence of liquid water is acknowledged to be a key requirement for the development of life, and Mars is believed to have had rivers and lakes long ago. In 'Origins of Life,' Ken Rumstay, VSU planetarium director, will take audiences on a tour of all the worlds in the solar system where water, and perhaps life itself, may be found.

This planetarium program is suitable for viewers ages five and up. Seating is first come first serve and limited to 47 people. The telescopes of the observatory will be available before and after each planetarium program if the skies are clear.

For more information, please contact the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences at 229-333-5752.