Dr Seth Shostak. Photo / Supplied
A man dubbed "the world's most famous alien hunter" is speaking in Rotorua tomorrow, for free.
Dr Seth Shostak is a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute in California and is part of the research team using large radio telescopes to search for evidence of intelligent life elsewhere.
He is a guest speaker at the 2018 Australasian Astrobiology Conference at Novotel this week.
Shostak's speech topic will be "Why haven't we found ET?".
"Does that mean that we're the smartest things in this part of the universe, or that they've decided to deliberately keep a low profile? Could there be a universal 'great filter' that prevents the emergence of intelligence? We consider the modern efforts to discover other intelligence in the universe, and what – if anything – our failure might be telling us."
Organising committee director Haritina Mogosanu said: "Dr Shostak has made outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy, searching for evidence of intelligent life elsewhere. He is the world's most famous alien hunter."
His educational background includes a BA in physics from Princeton University and a PhD in astronomy from the California Institute of Technology.
Shostak has appeared on hundreds of national and international TV and radio shows, and is the author of four books, including a college textbook on astrobiology.
Dr Seth Shostak public lecture
When: Wednesday, June 27, 5.30pm to 7pm
Where: Rotorua Lakes Council Chambers, upstairs, Civic Centre, 1061 Haupapa St,
Cost: Free entry, places are limited, register at this link https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/why-havent-we-found-et-tickets-47370746177
The Crown's key witness was ruled immune from prosecution in exchange for his evidence.