MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The general public interested in star gazing, galaxies and more will provide input into the next Middle Tennessee State University Star Party this week.

Taking a suggestion from the public, MTSU Department of Physics and Astronomy instructor Irina Perevalova will discuss “Fermi paradox” in leading the next Star Party starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, Wiser-Patten Science Hall Room 102.

Fermi paradox is the discrepancy between the lack of conclusive evidence of advanced extraterrestrial life and the apparently high likelihood of its existence, according to Wikipedia.

It is named for Italian American physicist Enrico Fermi, who, in the summer of 1950, was engaged in casual conversation with fellow physicists regarding UFO reports and the possibility of faster-than-light travel. 

All Star Parties are free and open to the public and children are welcome. The format is a 45- to 60-minute lecture followed by a telescope viewing at the nearby MTSU Observatory, weather permitting.

Typically held on the first Friday of the month during the semester, the Physics and Astronomy Friday Star Parties feature an assortment of interesting astronomy and physics topics from veteran faculty members.

Free parking after 4:30 p.m. can be found behind in the Judd-Sims lot or James E. Walker Library lot and other nearby lots, both located on the north side of Alumni Drive between North Baird Lane and Womack Lane.

The final Star Party for the semester will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in Wiser-Patten Room 102.

For more information about Physics and Astronomy, one of 11 College of Basic and Applied Sciences departments, call 615-898-2130.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)