MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -The evolution of life on Earth has been profoundly influenced by asteroid collisions with our planet. David Morrison, one of the world’s experts on the study of asteroid impacts and senior scientist at the NASA Astrobiology Institute, will discus asteroid impacts, their effects on life and the development of new technology to evaluate the asteroid impact hazard, as well as how to defend the planet from impacts. Morrison’s free lecture will be presented in a non-technical manner for all audience members, regardless of their scientific background, at Foothill College’s Smithwick Theater at 7 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007.

News media representatives and/or the public are invited to attend.

What: “Taking a Hit: Asteroid Impacts and Evolution” Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture

Who: David Morrison, NASA Astronomer

When: 7 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007

Where: Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills, Calif.

For more information about the lecture, call 650-949-7888.

For more information about NASA and the agency’s programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

A map of the Foothill campus is available online at:

http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/news/mainmaps.html