Science of Sci-Fi - The Mythologies of Alien Life

About This Event

From the earliest myths and philosophical speculations to today’s science fiction media, humanity has often told stories about life that is alien to us. In days of old the alien may have been a god or a monster on Earth, but, as we’ve learned more about our place in the cosmos, we’ve envisioned the alien beings of great power, possible ferocity, and utter difference to be out there among the stars. Our myths of extraterrestrial life stretch across millennia, revealing not only our wonder at the cosmos but also our hopes and fears about our own survival.This talk explores how these narratives continue to shape the way we imagine our future. What happens when we envision a universe teeming with life? How do these stories guide our moral compass, frame our sense of belonging, or warn us against hubris? The kinds of stories we tell matter deeply. A cosmos populated with hostile invaders could cultivate fear and isolationism, while visions of a diverse interstellar community may spark empathy and curiosity. By examining mythic, literary, and scientific narratives of alien life, this talk will invite participants to consider how these stories shape our collective imagination. Ultimately, our myths of aliens are not only about them but also about us: About who we are, who we might become, and how we choose to live in a vast and mysterious universe.Dr. Graham Lau is an astrobiologist, science communicator, and storyteller whose work bridges the sciences of life and the cosmos. An alumnus of CU Boulder's Department of Geological Sciences, Dr. Lau studies how life shapes its environment and how we search for life beyond Earth. He currently serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing for Blue Marble Space, a global nonprofit dedicated to cooperative exploration and sustainability, and as a Senior Research Investigator with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science. He also hosts NASA’s Ask an Astrobiologist, guiding worldwide audiences through the frontiers of astr