Other Ocean Worlds Subject Of Talk At Foothill College

LOS ALTOS, CA -- Can we live on a different planet? Where would that be?

These questions and others may be pondered upon a non-technical talk featuring Kevin Hand from NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab slated for the Smithwick Theater at Foothill College in Los Altos Hill on April 10 at 7 p.m.

"Ocean Worlds of the Outer Solar System" is part of the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series at Foothill College, which is now in its 19th year.

Such oceans worlds have likely persisted for much of the history of the solar system, and as a result, they represent compelling targets for exploration. Hand will explain the science behind the understanding of these worlds, with a special focus on Jupiter's intriguing moon Europa - a top priority for future NASA missions.

Hand is a planetary scientist at JPL in Pasadena, California and the director of its Ocean Worlds Lab. His research focuses on the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the solar system.

The lecture is co-sponsored by:

• The Foothill College Physical Science Division
• The Astronomical Society of the Pacific
• The SETI Institute
• NASA's Ames Research Center

Past lectures in the series can be found on YouTube at www.youtube.com/SVAstronomyLectures.

The event is free, but there is a charge of $3 for parking on campus and exact change is appreciated.