Are We Alone? Distinguished Astrophysicist to discuss the probability of life on other planets Released: Feb. 14, 2005 Human beings come in the middle – they are middle sized, middle aged, and middle weight – half way between the phenomena of atomic physics and those of cosmology.  Scientists tell us that this means we can hope to learn about both the atom and the universe by looking at ourselves. Distinguished physicist and cosmologist Dr. Virginia Trimble will visit Marquette University to present “Cosmology: Man's Place in the Universe,” a Harlow Shapley lecture, on Thurs., Feb. 17, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium.  The lecture is free and open to all who are interested in how life developed here on Earth, and especially those who wonder if there is life on other planets or in other galaxies. Dr. Trimble's lecture will address the theory that life on Earth is the culmination of a long series of stages, from the Big Bang that started off the expansion of the universe through the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, to the emergence and evolution of life.  Dr. Trimble maintains that changing even one of the fundamental constants of physics or cosmology would prevent one or more of these vital stages from occuring.  The implications of this theory will also be explored by Dr. Trimble. Dr. Trimble is a professor at the University of California, Irvine.  She is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, with a BA in Physics and Astronomy, and The California Institute of Technology, where she earned her Ph.D. in Astronomy.   She is a member of the American Astronomical Society, the American Physical Society, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, and the International Astronomical Union.  She has published more than 500 articles and presented more than 30 prize and endowed lectures. Interested media should contact Anne Broeker in the Office of Public Affairs. Office of Public Affairs Contacts Christopher Stolarski Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-1988 Send e-mail