From Stardust to Living Organisms: How Life Began on Earth

On December 19 at 19:00 in Tel Aviv, Alexander Markov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, expert in evolutionary theory, and paleontologist, will present a lecture on the origin of life.

For a long time, studying the origins of life was considered an unprestigious pursuit, seen as overly speculative and lacking evidence. Just 70 years ago, scientists attempting to unravel this great mystery were often ridiculed. It was considered a hobby for retired professors, who could afford to sit by the fireplace and dream.

Things began to change after the famous Miller-Urey experiments in 1953, which demonstrated that studying life's origins could evolve into a fully experimental science. And that is exactly what happened in the years that followed.

In the lecture, you will learn:
— The discoveries that have helped scientists understand the main stages of the transition from non-living matter to the first living organisms;
— How the simplest organic compounds formed in space and volcanic sources, and how this is connected to the emergence of life;
— Which objects can truly be considered living and why;
— How likely is the origin of life to be, and what are the chances for humanity to find it beyond Earth?

All of this will be presented in an accessible and engaging format to bring you closer to understanding one of the most fascinating mysteries of science.

After the lecture:
— Q&A session — ask your boldest and most unexpected questions about the origin of life!
— Photo with the speaker — capture a moment with an expert in evolutionary theory! 📸

About the speaker: Alexander Markov is a Doctor of Biological Sciences, an expert in evolutionary theory, a paleontologist, a science communicator, and an author of numerous popular science works.

When: December 19 at 19:00
Where: Eretz Museum Israel (Nofim Hall), Tel Aviv
The lecture will be conducted in Russian.

Google Maps link: Eretz Museum Israel