Kent State Planetarium Presents “The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence”

Kent State University’s Planetarium will present “The Search for Extraterrestrial Life,” on Friday, Feb. 15, Saturday, Feb. 16, and Friday, Feb. 22. During the presentations, audience members will explore celestial objects in Ohio’s night sky that may contain extraterrestrial life, and the presenter will describe stories of attempts to communicate with intelligent life in other worlds.

This presentation takes place every year, but organizer and director of the Planetarium, Brett Ellman, says he tries to put a new spin on each year’s show.

"Almost every modern astronomer believes there is life elsewhere and quite possibly intelligent life," says Ellman. “I talk about the way people for hundreds of years have been thinking about life elsewhere in the universe."

The hour-long presentation is available three nights this year, and it is free and open to the public.

“I want the audience to enjoy themselves and appreciate how beautiful the universe is,” says Ellman. "It's an entertainment thing. It's for fun. It's very popular with children." 

Children six and older are encouraged to attend and to bring a drawing of what they think a space creature looks like, or they can create one at the show, says Ellman.

“I want children and adults to get a sense of fascination.”

Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Reservations are being accepted now by calling 330-672-2246. For more information, visit http://planetarium.kent.edu/.