Dr. Chris McKay Dr. Christopher McKay is a planetary scientist at NASA-Ames. Chris received his Ph.D. in Astro-geophysics from the University of Colorado in 1982 and has been a research scientist with the NASA Ames Research Center since that time. His current research focuses on the evolution of the solar system and the origin of life. He is also actively involved in planning for future Mars missions including human settlements. Chris has been involved with polar research since 1980, traveling to the Antarctic dry valleys and more recently to the Siberian and Canadian Arctic to conduct research in these Mars-like environments. Dr. McKay is a recipient of the prestigious Kuiper Award from the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society for his contributions.

His talk "Searching for a Second Life" will discuss what to look for and where to go in the search for life beyond the Earth. The likely targets with water are Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. And a good case can be made for liquid methane on Titan as well. How will know if we've found alien life? It will be hard because it is likely to be microscopic, dead, and mixed in with dirt and ice. If we find life 2.0 should is have any special ethical status?

TIME: 2:00 PM Saturday Big Room $10 admission