or so maintained astronomer Percival Lowell in 1893, trying to explain the “canals” thought to be seen through telescopes of the time.  If there were life forms on Mars, they would have witnessed an alien flying saucer from Earth landing there in 1976.  However, the Viking 1 lander photographed no Martian civilization and was inconclusive about microbial life existing there.  Today astronomers and space scientists armed with more advanced technology are continuing to search forextraterrestial life on other planets and their moons, listening with radio telescopes for ET phone calls and, in the not too distant future, looking for signs of life in other solar systems.

All are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) this Friday, September 26 at 8pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, September 27 at 8pm at the Decatur Sears Center.  There Bill Hedges will lead a discussion on the search for extraterrestial intelligence.  Free star charts for September will be given and September’s night sky will be discussed.  Also, continued, official enrollment in NENAC and the Astronomical League (observing programs, newsletters, book discounts) for $5 per person per year will continue this weekend and through October.

Then, weather permitting, all are invited at 9pm Friday to the Hedges “Lost in Space” Observatory in Lyons and at 9pm Saturday to Fugman Observatory in Decatur.  There large astronomical telescopes will be used to give you a close up view of the universe.  Will you see signs of intelligent beings?  You are invited to bring your binoculars or telescope to observe the sky, too!

For more information on this and future NENAC events, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up!