Friday, July 18, 2025
Open today 4 PM - 11 PM
Friday, July 18, 2025
Open today 4 PM - 11 PM
LIFE BEYOND EARTH?
Is there life beyond Earth?
This question has fascinated humanity for centuries. Given the vast number of stars and planets in the known universe, it seems possible that there could be an abundance of life, however, scientists have found no credible evidence beyond our planet.
With advanced technology and unanswered questions, the search for extraterrestrial life has accelerated over the past half-century, moving from fringe science and sensationalist news to legitimate research and front-page headlines. Let's continue the search for answers!
WEST GALLERY
This gallery offers an introduction and perspective on the history of the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, highlighting fundamental questions and challenges from the 17th century to today, and showcasing humanity's evolving quest to understand our place in the universe.
ALCOVE
Neighboring the West Gallery, the Alcove explores how fascination, fear, or paranoia take over when trying to understand the unknown-- leaving you with one big question.
BEYOND
Down the stairs and past the Mars landscape is the immersive Interplanetary Research Lab, where astrobiologists from the 25th century are investigating specimens from four hypothetical planets.
July 8 Life Beyond Earth? Exhibition Open House
On the anniversary of the "Roswell Incident" in 1947, join us for a special exhibition open house. Visit July 8 between 4-6pm to chat with the curators, explore the exhibition, and ponder the big question: Are We Alone?
We'll also have out-of-this-world door prizes, a scavenger hunt for visitors of all ages, and refreshments!
An incident that occurred near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 has become synonymous with the modern UFO phenomenon and government conspiracy theories. On July 8--the 78th anniversary of the military press release stating a "flying disc" had been recovered near Roswell--join Library staff for an exhibition open house.
Programming
Life Beyond Earth? is accompanied by a series of programs featuring expert researchers, scientific journalists, pilots, and astronauts discussing societal implications, environmental concerns, and biological and technological challenges in the search for extraterrestrial life. Watch recordings of past events below.
Life Beyond Earth? Exhibition Team
Project Director
Scott Perich
Exhibition Curators
Eric Dorfman, PhD
Eric Ward
Curatorial Assistance
Bill Ashworth, Finch Collins, Jason W. Dean, Sophia Hahn, and Sara Mawhirter
Visual Design
Joshua Judin
Digitization
Sally Crosson, Rachel Culver, Patrick Drummond, Ben Gibson, Nilufar Movahedi, Victoria Proctor, Jon Rollins, and Mike Walker
Lighting Design
Kristina Gabuardy
Francisco Gabuardy
Installation Support
Jim Elo
Eli Halterman
Production
Modern Litho, Precision Printing, and CMP Construction
