From Stardust to Life: How Astrochemistry Connects Us
to the Universe
🚀✨ Did you know that the atoms that make up your body were once forged within the stars? Astrochemistry helps us understand how the elements and molecules of the Universe gave rise to the fundamental building blocks of life. 🌌🧬
We invite you to join the lecture "From Stardust to Life: How Astrochemistry Connects Us to the Universe," presented by Dr. Heidy Quitián Lara, astrophysicist, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, and Vice President of EuroPlanet Colombia. In this inspiring talk, she will guide us through the remarkable connection between the chemistry of the cosmos and the origins of life itself. ⭐🔬
Scan the QR code in this post to register and join us for a fascinating discussion exploring how, quite literally, we are made of stardust. 🌠💙
📅 July 30
🕛 12:00 p.m. (Colombia)
11:00 a.m. (Mexico)
2:00 p.m. (Argentina)
💻 Virtual Event
SYMPOSIUM: ADVANCES IN ASTROBIOLOGY AND SPACE EXPLORATION
The IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) – UNMSM cordially invites you to participate in this academic symposium dedicated to exploring the latest developments in astrobiology and space exploration.
Over the course of two sessions, experts will share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on the search for life in the universe, the conditions that enable the habitability of other worlds, the most significant contemporary space missions, and the technologies that are transforming our understanding of the cosmos.
📅 Dates: Friday 12 and Saturday 13 - June
🕕 Time: 18:00 – 20:00 (GMT-5)
👥 Target Audience: Students, faculty members, researchers, and members of the general public with an interest in space sciences.
Gorgona Island as a Geochemical Analog of the
Syrtis Major Region on Mars
We continue with the SOMA Online Lecture Series: Let's Talk About Astrobiology.
On this occasion, we will be joined by an expert in terrestrial analog environments, Ph.D. Candidate David Tovar, member of the Latin American Astrobiology Network, Co-Director of the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Group (GCPA), and President of Europlanet Colombia. He will deliver a lecture entitled:
"Gorgona Island as a Geochemical Analog of the Syrtis Major Region on Mars"
Access the event through the following link:
📆 Tuesday, June 23
🕗 18:45 hrs (Mexico City Time, CDT)
📍 Virtual
📆 Friday - June 5 2026
🕗 10:00 - 11:00
📍 Virtual - Instagram @malokabogota
Extraterrestrial oceans are large bodies of liquid water (either saline or freshwater) that exist on other celestial bodies within the Solar System, such as the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as on exoplanets. Unlike Earth's oceans, most of these extraterrestrial oceans are concealed beneath thick layers of ice, making them prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life, including microbial and extremophilic organisms.
NASA scientists are actively searching for signs of life in environments such as Europa (a moon of Jupiter) and Enceladus and Titan (moons of Saturn), where vast subsurface oceans are believed to exist, maintained in a liquid state through gravitational and tidal heating. In addition, astronomers have recently identified a new class of exoplanets known as Hycean worlds—water-covered planets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres that may possess conditions suitable for supporting life.
Speakers
Ph.D. ANA LUCÍA CAICEDO LAURIDO
Head of Scientific Research, Technological Development, and Maritime Innovation.
Dr. Caicedo Laurido holds a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from Jorge Tadeo Lozano University and a Master's degree in Oceanography from the Almirante Padilla Naval Academy in Cartagena. She has additional training in Public Management, Governance, and Political Leadership. She participated in the Third Colombian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica and was recently awarded the Military Medal “Antarctic Spirit” in recognition of her contributions to Antarctic research.
She has extensive experience in the design, coordination, and implementation of interdisciplinary scientific research, technological development, and maritime innovation projects. She has represented Colombia in numerous national and international committees, including the Southeast Pacific Regional Workshop within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Ph.D. (c) DAVID TOVAR
David Tovar is a Colombian planetary geologist and astrobiologist with professional experience in planetary sciences, volcanology, terrestrial analogues, extreme environments, and geological mapping. His research focuses on evaluating the geological, geochemical, and geomorphological characteristics of diverse locations around the world in order to classify them as planetary analogues. As part of this work, he also conducts research in geobiology and geomicrobiology, with a particular emphasis on extremophilic and extremotolerant microorganisms, as well as biogeochemical cycles, for their application in astrobiological studies.
Additionally, he is Associate Researcher with the Colombian Antarctic Program, Co-Director of the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Research Group (GCPA) at the National University of Colombia, Scientific Director of the LAGUNA Scientific Corporation, and President of Europlanet Colombia.
UNUSUAL CONVERSATIONS – Virtual
Extraterrestrial Oceans
