Quincy Astronomy Club meeting Thursday to address topic, ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?’

QUINCY — The Quincy Astronomy Club will hold a lecture by Quincy High School science teacher Jared Holman at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at John Wood Community College in Room D022/023. The topic is “Are We Alone in the Universe?”

In the presentation, Holman will explore the Fermi Paradox: the puzzling question of why, despite billions of stars and potentially habitable planets in the Milky Way (let alone the universe), we have not detected any extraterrestrial civilizations. The discussion will include key explanations and examine the philosophical implications: What if we are alone? Should we broadcast our presence? Are we looking for the wrong signs? 

A portion of this lecture will be a dialogue with the audience on the scientific and philosophical questions in the presentation. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Holman also is a Quincy University adjunct philosophy instructor and SIU-Edwardsville doctoral candidate. He is a world traveler and science and philosophy enthusiast.

The Astronomy Club was formed by local amateur astronomers and seeks to teach, explore and expand minds about space and the universe. Lectures are held monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month. The club also holds monthly evening observing sessions. These are scheduled as weather and observing conditions permit. Local amateurs with their telescopes guide the observing sessions.

Room D022/D023 is on the lower north-end of JWCC Building D in the rear. Enter through either door C2 or the door marked Paul Heath Building.