Explore 'Mars: The Red Planet' at the next Geneva Library Foundation series
The Geneva Library Foundation Speaker Series will continue with "Mars: The Red Planet" by Joseph DalSanto from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, in the meeting room at the Geneva Public Library, 127 James St.
Mars - it has always beckoned to us. The earliest observers saw only vague markings on the Red Planet, while others thought they saw signs of intelligent life. For centuries, writers have imagined contacting Mars. More than a quarter of a millennium ago, Emanuel Swedenborg hypothesized that the other planets in our solar system were inhabited. More recently, science fiction icons, such as Ray Bradbury and Robert Heinlein, imagined advanced Martian societies. Today, we are closer than ever to bridging the gap between science fiction and reality with the first manned mission to Mars.
In recent decades, NASA has sent numerous spacecraft to fly past, orbit, land on and traverse Mars' surface. As a result, our knowledge of the planet has grown dramatically. Scientists have now begun to read Mars' geologic history book and have confirmed that Mars was once warmer and wetter than its present state. Finally, after decades of talk, there are preparations for the first human expedition. And, as evidenced by the recent best-seller and blockbuster, "The Martian," public interest in interstellar exploration has only intensified.
The Geneva Library Foundation will welcome Joe DalSanto, who will discuss Mars, including a review of recent unmanned missions, Hollywood's depiction of human exploration, and the challenges and possible solutions to human exploration.
DalSanto's passion for astronomy began decades ago. After earning his bachelor's degree in computer engineering, he spent countless evenings for over 30 years observing the night sky with numerous telescopes (some of which he built) from a variety of locations throughout the United States. His passion soon became more than a hobby when he authored a popular guide to observing double stars. In 2003, he began sharing his love of astronomy through public presentations at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove. He also refurbished Waubonsee's observatory to host public observations. Around the same time, DalSanto began working on a master's degree in astronomy and, upon completion, began teaching introductory college courses. In 2012, DalSanto's love for teaching moved him to accept a full-time position at the College of DuPage where he has developed and introduced three new courses related to astronomy. The longtime Geneva resident continues to make public presentations and is always eager to share his passion with the public.
This is a free event. Reservations are not required, but suggested. You can register at www.genevalibraryfoundation.org.
The Geneva Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is committed to providing a substantial, permanent, and stable source of funds to support the Geneva Public Library.