Diatoms, tiny plant-like beings that make their own glass cases.

Keratella, a tiny animal shaped like a torch. Wikimedia Commons.

The ”blue dragon,” a sea slug that floats in the ocean. Wikimedia Commons.

Chase Rakowski (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Graduate Program)

"Plankton: the little alien-like creatures that might save us all"

Is that an alien? Or is it just an Earthling that’s totally different from anything you’ve ever seen? Welcome to the world of plankton, the tiny living things found in almost every bit of water on Earth. You might never realize they’re there, but just a handful of natural water contains astonishing numbers, and life as we know it wouldn’t be possible without them. What’s more, they may hold the key to solving some of our biggest problems. Come see these little water-”aliens” in action and find out how important they really are!

Science Under the Stars is a free, monthly public outreach lecture series founded and organized by graduate students in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. In the case of inclement weather, lectures are held indoors.

Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

• 6:00 pm: Snacks, kids activities, and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.
• 6:15 pm-6:45 pm: Guided tour of the field lab (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
• 7:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!
• 7:45 pm: Q&A with the speaker.