NRAO Hosts Search For ET All Through September

Green Bank, WV – The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank is celebrating an important milestone in September – the 50th anniversary of the first modern Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence or SETI. Events are scheduled throughout the month at the NRAO and an adventure passport program will take visitors to other parts of the county as well.

On Saturday, September 11th, you can meet world renowned SETI pioneer Dr. Frank Drake. Dr. Drake began mankind’s search for extraterrestrial intelligence at the controls of the NRAO’s first 85-foot radio telescope. His legacy is the Drake Equation, a thought experiment that calculates the chances of finding civilizations that are broadcasting signals across the Galaxy. He’ll give a public lecture at the NRAO science center at 7:30pm, followed by a Star Party.

Saturday, September 18th, the NRAO will host a childrens art/essay/ poetry contest. Children ages 5 – 14 are asked to submit their interpretation of extra terr life. All submissions will be on display in the science center on the 18th from 9am to 6pm.

On September 25th, the NRAO will host a public lecture with University of Virginia astronomer Bob Rood at 7:30 in the science center.

You can also take part in the Drake Equation Passport Adventure program. This activity requires guests to travel to other PC attractions where passport stamps are given for each passport page. Once each page is stamped, guests qualify for a free prize and entry into a grand prize drawing. The grand prize will be given away on Sept 25th.

For more information and contest rules, visit www.searchforET.org.