San Francisco Consular Corps Holds “The Search for Life Beyond Earth” Talk

SAN FRANCISCO 05 October 2018 –  The research and exploration of the possibility of life beyond earth was highlighted during the San Francisco Consular Corps' (SFCC) monthly luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel on 18 September 2018. 

Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry S. Bensurto Jr., the current Dean of the Consular Corps, facilitated the talk of guest speaker SETI Institute's Carl Sagan Center for Research Director Dr. Nathalie Cabrol, who is also a member of the NASA Mars Exploration Rover science team.

In her presentation entitled “The Search for Life Beyond Earth,” Dr. Cabrol outlined the current scope of work at the SETI Institute, based on the research thrusts of the Carl Sagan Center for Research namely, astronomy/astrophysics, exoplanets, planetary exploration, climate/geoscience, astrobiology, and SETI or the “search for extraterrestrial intelligence.” 

Dr. Cabrol emphasized the need to continue scientific work on planetary exploration as there may be learnings that can be drawn which can contribute to our own study of the Earth, its climate and environment. She added that gathering more data, and statistics about the universe will ultimately be beneficial to human life, including the possibility of making contact with other intelligent life.

SFCC is a gathering of all consular officials represented in the Bay Area, and holds regular meetings to discuss topics of mutual concern and interest. The next meeting of the San Francisco Consular Corps is scheduled in October 2018. END

For more information, visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippinessanfrancisco.org.