Join us at the library for coffee, socializing, and learning something new.
This summer, Arran and Spencer are swapping sunscreen for space suits as we join astronauts on a cosmic beach vacation — searching for water on alien shores. From steamy exoplanets to icy moons, we’ll explore where liquid water might hide beyond Earth — and why it’s our leading motivator in the search for life.
About the presenters:
Dr. Arran Gross received his B.S. from Rutgers University and M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. His research focuses on active black holes in galaxy mergers. He is particularly interested in black hole pairs, and hunts for them using a wide range of wavelengths and techniques.
Spencer Wilken is a science communicator and graduate astronomy researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she studies how we teach space science in rural schools and using astronomy AI in classrooms.
Tuesdays at Ten | Summer 2025
• June 3, The Impact of Monsoons
• June 10, Future Biodiversity of Streams & Rivers
• June 17, AI & Water Sustainability
• June 24, Oceans Elsewhere
• July 8-28, Appreciating Nature in Four Parts
• July 8, Part 1, Perspective of Habitats
• July 15, Part 2, The Magic of Water
• July 22, Part 3, Mass Spectacles of Wildlife
• July 29, Part 4, Nocturnal Creatures
Our beautiful, state-of-the-art Main Library opened on January 6, 2008. You’ll find a wide variety of books, movies, and music, as well as free events for all ages. Looking for tech options? We offer free Wifi, dozens of public computers with internet access, and public meeting rooms.
