Café Scientifique - Dr. Jon M. Jenkins

Our understanding of the universe has changed drastically over the past 30 years. With the launch of NASA Ames’ Kepler spacecraft in 2009, remarkable progress has been made in discovering planets orbiting other stars. Recent innovations in astronomy enable us to pursue one of humanity's greatest questions. Are we alone in the Universe? From the Kepler Mission to NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), vast data collection with new telescopes will revolutionize the fields of asteroseismology and exoplanetary science. Dr. Jon Jenkins showcases the accomplishments of the Kepler Mission, the new discoveries being made by the TESS, and describes the future of exoplanet research.

Dr. Jon M. Jenkins - Jon leads the effort to discover other Earths around other stars in the galaxy at NASA Ames Research Center. As the Co-Investigator for Data Processing for both of NASA’s Kepler and TESS Missions, he develops innovative algorithms and builds complex science pipelines search through the cosmic hay stack for the miniscule signatures of planets as they cross the face of their stars from our point of view. By chasing the shadows of distant planets he hopes that one day we will detect signatures of life on another planet similar to Earth in our celestial neighborhood.

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Café Scientifique is a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. The Café provides a forum for debating science issues outside a traditional academic context. We are committed to promoting public engagement with science and to making science accountable - all spoken in plain English. There is no admission charge to attend our events.

Building on its great success outside the United States, Café Scientifique Silicon Valley is the first such Café on the West Coast. We meet monthly to discuss a variety of science topics.