Free Public UNK Planetarium Show - Fermi's Paradox: If We're Not Alone, Where Is Everybody?

When:
January 16, 2026
Time:
08:15 PM - 09:15 PM
Category:
Arts and Sciences Campus Events Planetarium
Location:
UNK Planetarium, Bruner Hall of Science
Details:

 Legend states that 20th century physicist Enrico Fermi, in a casual conversation with his friends about rumored UFO sightings, blurted out, “But where is everybody?” This question, often referred to as Fermi’s Paradox, summarizes the apparent conflict between the lack of (clear and widely accepted) evidence for extraterrestrial life and the estimates (by some) that life is plentiful even in our local region of the Milky Way. We will discuss the basic parameters of Fermi’s Paradox, how scientists estimate the prevalence of life, and possible resolutions – conventional or otherwise – to the issue.

Free tickets will be available to reserve at 8:00 AM CT on Friday 1/9.

Get Tickets

Shows are recommended for engaged grade school students through adults. Shows are strongly discouraged for ages 2 and under. Please be prepared to turn off phones and smartwatches, remove lighted shoes, etc., so that all participants may enjoy the show in its intended dark, quiet environment. Please arrive 5 minutes before your show, or ticket reservations may be released to allow for walk-in attendees.

In conjunction with the show, the UNK Astronomy Club will provide telescope observing, outside of BHS, at 8:00 PM (weather permitting).

Contact:
Adam Jensen
3088658878
jensenag@unk.edu