How many other civilizations could exist in our galaxy? How many stars have planets that might support life? How many times has intelligence evolved on other worlds? And how long does an intelligent species survive? These are key questions not only for science fiction writers, but for an understanding of our own species and our place in the history of our galaxy. In this Research for Writers seminar, we will explore these questions and what they might reveal about ourselves and the universe around us. We will begin with the immensities of physical space and cosmic time, and see where our own solar system fits into the structure and lifespan of our galaxy. From there we will take a detailed look at the evolution of life on Earth, from the first complex cells to the wild diversity of the Cambrian—and the mass extinctions which have played their fearsome role. We will see how life itself helped to create the conditions for expansion and diversification on the bare rock of the continental landmasses, and we will follow the coevolution of the first forests and the first terrestrial organisms into the highly complex biomes of today, even as life within the oceans continued on its own trajectory. Along the way we will consider the prospects for intelligence to evolve in different complex organisms in various geological eras—and we will apply what we learn to the potential for intelligent species and civilizations throughout our galaxy and beyond.

Please note: This class or event is in-person and will be held at our center.