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Is there really life in space? Are aliens real?

That is what Amanda and myself, interns this year at the library, are setting out to discover in our six week program, “Astrobiology: Learn About Life in Space”. It‘s a new kind of offering at the library. We are using a MOOC (massive open online course) to watch lectures and take quizzes each week on our own time. Then we meet as a group every Monday and discuss what we’ve learned.

This format has allowed the class to become a collaborative environment. Everyone finds articles and bring topics for the group to discuss. We’ve been talking about the Mars Rover and the salt water sea on Jupiter’s Moon, Europa, recently.

This format has allowed the class to become a collaborative environment.

It has been a great learning experience, not only studying astrobiology but working together as a group to further expand our understanding of a very timely topic. Everyone in the class has been enthusiastic and excited to meet each other! Meeting weekly has allowed us to get to know one another and learn what our individual interests and opinions are on what we’ve been learning.

Discussing the possibility of life in space requires an open mind, and everyone’s ideas and opinions have been treated equally. And while I am not yet convinced that there are little green aliens having a blast on Mars, I’m certainly having a fun time learning more about the possibility of life in space!