The biggest questions facing modern astronomers, as well as how scientists are attempting to provide answers, will be explored at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Fiske Planetarium on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m.
CU-Boulder astronomer and author Jeffrey Bennett will attempt to put a few of the great mysteries of space into context for people attending his presentation, "On the Cosmic Horizon: Ten Great Mysteries for Third Millennium Astronomy."
Bennett's talk and slide show will explain how the Hubble Space Telescope and other astronomical observatories are exploring deep space. It also will review how past astronomical discoveries have changed humankind's perception of itself as a species and what future discoveries may mean to humanity.
The presentation is designed to leave the audience able to better understand the astronomy news and discoveries that are likely to be made in the next decade.
Bennett specializes in math and science education and has taught at every level from elementary school through college. For two years he was a visiting senior scientist at NASA headquarters, where he developed education programs for the Hubble Space Telescope and other astrophysics missions. His presentation is geared toward those with no prior background in astronomy. Children over age 10 should be able to understand most of the presentation, and younger children will enjoy the slide show.
Admission for the show is $5 for adults, $4 for students and $3 for children and seniors. The Sommers-Bausch Observatory will be open to the public after the Friday evening show, weather permitting. Admission to the observatory is free.
For more information about Fiske Planetarium and other shows and programs, call (303) 492-5002 or visit the Web site at .