Author and scientist Jeffrey Bennett will visit Western Kentucky University Feb. 11 to discuss his latest book “Beyond UFOs – The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Its Astonishing Implications for Our Future.”

Bennett’s lecture will begin at 7 p.m. at Van Meter Auditorium. Admission is free and a book signing will follow.

“Beyond UFOs” shows how the new science of astrobiology is seeking evidence of alien life. Bennett describes the startling discoveries being made in astrobiology, a new field that blends astronomy, biology and geology to explore the possibility of life on other planets.

In his book, Bennett goes beyond the usual conspiracy theories and abduction stories to uncover the true ways that the search for extraterrestrial life is helping bridge the divide that sometimes exists between science and religion, defuse public rancor over the teaching of evolution, and quiet the debate over global warming.

Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in biophysics from UC-San Diego and a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Colorado and has taught at every level from preschool through graduate sc

hool. He also has written college textbooks in four subjects: astronomy, astrobiology, mathematics and statistics. One of his textbooks is used in introductory astronomy courses at WKU.

In February 2002, Bennett visited WKU for a lecture about his book “On the Cosmic Horizon.”

Bennett also is the author of the award-winning children’s books “Max Goes to the Moon,” “Max Goes to Mars,” and the forthcoming “Max Goes to Jupiter.”

More information about “Beyond UFOs” is available online at www.beyondufos.com and press.princeton.edu/titles/8594.html.