Cosmic Connections: Are We Alone?
Cosmic Connections with NASA Scientists beneath the Desert Sky is a lecture series curated by Dr. Gary Blackwood, NASA/JPL ret.
FIRST IN THE SERIES:
Are We Alone?
Expanding the Scientific Search for Intelligent Life
Dr. Nick Siegler, NASA/JPL
February 7, 2026
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center
9697 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA
Reservations required; $25 per person
For decades, humanity’s search for intelligent life beyond Earth and its Solar System has focused on a familiar idea: listening for radio signals from distant stars. But today, scientists are asking a much broader question — what if advanced civilizations leave behind many different kinds of detectable clues, not just radio waves?
Dr. Nick Siegler, a NASA scientist, will present a newly compiled, comprehensive database of technosignatures: measurable signs that could indicate the presence of advanced technology elsewhere in our galaxy. These ideas span a wide spectrum — from classic radio and optical searches to subtle, unconventional effects that could appear in planetary atmospheres, stellar light curves, remnant artifacts, waste heat, artificial illumination, or even large-scale engineering around stars.
Come hear how current and future observatories — on the ground and in space — can systematically search for these signals, how we distinguish natural phenomena from possible technology, and why expanding our imagination is essential for making progress on answering one of humanity’s oldest questions.
Rather than asking “Does extraterrestrial intelligence exist?”, this talk focuses on another deep question: “How would we know if it were there?”
Dr. Siegler is an astrophysicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he works with teams from around the world developing breakthrough technologies to one day directly image and analyze the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars. He is currently Chief Technologist for NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program.
Guests should plan to arrive 30 - 45 minutes before the presentation start time to park, explore the campus a bit, and get settled. Following the presentation, guests will take a laser tour of the night’s constellations and have the opportunity to look through the 14" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope inside the Dome. Additional telescopes of various sizes and types will be arrayed outside the Dome as well. Guests can talk with the astronomer-docents as they observe the celestial objects in the sky that night. Guests may stay as long as they like after the 2-hour program, but the dome and restrooms will be closed.
WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO BRING?
All programs are outside under the awesome desert sky. There are bleachers and benches; guests should bring a cushion or, for special needs patrons, a camp chair. It can get quite cold at 2800 feet, so dress for unpredictable desert weather: bring a jacket and/or blanket. Be prepared with a warm hat, gloves, and boots, and extra layers. Wear closed-toed shoes.
Bring drinking water, and a red flashlight. No white light (including flashlights, cell phones, and flash photography) is welcome at night programs.
Please park in designated areas and do not let your car’s headlights shine toward the dome.
Be sure to download a free sky app in advance of coming.
Stellarium and Sky View Lite are two options.
Email us with any questions:
PLEASE NOTE: Night Sky Programs are held outdoors, and desert weather is unpredictable. Sky's The Limit will make every effort to provide a meaningful event, but rain, high winds, and other inclement weather may make a program impossible. In the event of cancellation for any reason, an alternative date will be offered.