ARE we alone in the Universe? Moruya Probus at its monthly meeting on Tuesday received an authoritative answer to that long-asked question.
Dr Miriam Baltuck said it was possible there was other life in the Universe, besides on earth. “But it would be very rare.”
Dr Baltuck lives in Bingie whence she retired after a busy and clearly fruitful life linked with the exploration of outer space. Before moving to Australia 22 years ago she was working with NASA in Washington and since then, before retirement, she was still connected with that Agency and the CSIRO at Tidbinbilla.
Among other aspects she spoke about the debris now revolving around Earth…about ten-thousand bits and pieces as far as was known, and moves to dispose of some of them, upwards or down.
After her ten-minute video presentation Dr Baltuck took a question-time lasting about half an hour. Apart from queries about space there were some about the wild brumby Dr Baltuck has adopted.
The meeting was also told that Dr Baltuck had had a planet named after here…Baltuck 7500.
She told members the Tidbinbilla facility was open to the public every day, except Christmas Day. And that harked back to a discussion earlier in the meeting when President Vince Fisher spoke of the apparent lack of interest among members for long tours. One-day outings, on the other hand, had proved popular, he said, later saying Tidbinbilla could be put on the program, including a visit to the nearby wildlife park.
Bruce Imrie told members there would be a Club luncheon at the Adelaide Hotel Bistro on September 12 and reminded than that the annual barbecue and games day at Moruya Surf Club would be on October 10.
Barbara Dorman, who had earlier told a couple of funny stories, said more members, or friends, were needed for a trip to Twofold Bay on September 5. It was to include a two-hour outing on the launch Cat Ballou.
There were 37 members at the meeting, held at Moruya Golf Club, two visitors and one new member.
Moruya Probus is always welcoming to visitors who might be interested in joining. Meetings are held at Moruya Golf Club on the fourth Tuesday of every month, starting at ten-o’clock. Apart from meeting people with like interests there are several advantages of membership, including discounts on travel, accommodation and travel insurance.
