Library to feature programs on space and mysteries

“Are we alone?” It is one of the greatest questions of all time. The question is as old as civilization itself and as intriguing as any ever asked. For centuries humans could only speculate about the possibilities of life beyond Earth, but as astronomers now study the solar system and its inhabitants in greater detail, we come closer to understanding how rare life really is. New data provides clues about where life might thrive and also where not to look for it. With continuing research, astronomers are better equipped to estimate how many bodies may harbor life in our galaxy, and if communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence is merely science fiction, or a realistic possibility!

Astronomer Raj Pandya will present “Searching for Life in the Solar System and Beyond!” on July 25 at 6 p.m. at the Albert Wisner Public Library (1 McFarland Drive, Warwick). Register online at albertwisnerlibrary.org or call the Help Desk at 845-986-1047, option 4.

Pandya earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in applied physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2006 and a Master of Science Degree in astronomy from San Diego State University in 2008. He became the director of the John R. Kirk Planetarium and a full-time lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at SUNY New Paltz in fall 2011. He now teaches introductory and upper-level courses in astronomy, and physics I and II labs.

Also, on Sunday, July 28 from 1 to 3 p.m., The Book & Nook and The Albert Wisner Public Library will present “The Cozy Mysteries Panel.” This will be a celebration of Katie Siegel’s latest release, “Charlotte Illes is Not a Teacher,” and include a discussion on cozy mysteries with Kensington authors Christin Brecher and Patrice McDonough. The discussion will be moderated by Candace Rivera, owner of The Book & Nook. There will be time for audience Q&A and book signings from each author. The latest releases from each of the authors will also be available for sale.