Astrophysics

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. You must have purchased a ticket to attend.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Search for Life Beyond Earth,”** with Måns Holmberg, postdoctoral researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute and part of a team of astronomers looking for chemical traces of life on distant exoplanets. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ET](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-ET) .] Are we alone in the universe? While many of us have pondered that question, astronomer Måns Holmberg of Baltimore’s Space Telescope Science Institute is seriously focused on answering it. Last year he was part of a Cambridge-led team of astronomers who generated worldwide headlines by announcing that they had discovered potential evidence of a gas produced almost exclusively by life in the James Webb Space Telescope’s data from the atmosphere of a distant world. Dr. Holmberg will talk about how the search for life elsewhere is being conducted and what strides are being made on that front. He’ll describe what it would take to confirm signs of life on such a world, what challenges remain, and how the next wave of observations could ultimately tip the scales. Dr. Holmberg also will look at the role being played by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), how it uses infrared light to decode the chemical composition of strange atmospheres, and how it has left us closer than ever to answering the question of whether life exists elsewhere. He’ll discuss astronomers’ growing interest in a new class of exoplanets known as “Hycean worlds”—ocean-covered planets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres that could be surprisingly hospitable to life. We’ll visit K2-18 b, a distant world around twice the size of Earth that orbits in the habitable zone of a cool red-dwarf star 120 light-years away, and discuss why it has become one of the most interesting exoplanets in the search for life. Recent observations from JWST have revealed something extraordinary: the atmosphere of planet K2-18 b contains carbon-based molecules like methane and carbon dioxide and possibly even dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a gas that, on Earth, is almost exclusively produced by life. Dr. Holmberg will discuss what makes DMS a compelling (though not yet definitive) biosignature candidate. You’ll emerge from the talk with a much richer appreciation of the immense possibilities out there among the stars. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: An illustration showing what the exoplanet K2-18 b might look like. Source: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI) / Wikimedia Commons

Social Sips & Bites family We’re checking out a brand new place for the group and you know what that means… fresh vibes, new energy, and another excuse to gather. Join us for Happy Hour at Mission Dupont, a lively DC favorite known for bold Mexican flavors, handcrafted margaritas, and a fun, social atmosphere that’s perfect for mixing and mingling. Let’s show up strong, explore somewhere new together, and make it a classic SSB night. New place. Same amazing people.

World Learning Toastmasters Club meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. We are a fun loving group of professionals looking to develop our public speaking and leadership skills. Take a break from your work and come join us for a fun afternoon. All guests are welcome! Closest Metro station: Either McPherson Square (white house exit) or Farragut North. For more information about the club, please visit http://worldlearningtoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/

At this event you'll discover how to better understand and control your subconscious mind, helping you overcome doubts and fears. If you have anger issues, depressions and anxieties. this event will show you how to overcome them.

Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters is conducting a 5-session Public Speaking Workshop. The sessions will be held in person on Wednesdays March 4-April 1, 2026 at 5:00-7:00 pm. This workshop will (1) help you overcome nervousness, (2) boost your self-confidence, (3) make you a more organized speaker, and (4) teach you 'secrets' of public speaking. Email contact-3039@toastmastersclubs.org for more information. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ARE YOU READY FOR A LIFE-CHANGING, CAREER-ENHANCING EXPERIENCE? The Agricultural Research Center Toastmasters in Beltsville, Maryland meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month to practice our communication and leadership skills. We follow the educational program of Toastmasters International. We have great success individually and as a group. Our members are from different cultures and backgrounds. Several of us are scientists for the US Department of Agriculture. Others work at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Our members also are tax preparers, translators, and teachers. Each year in the spring we hold a beginners class. The next class will be in March 2026. Visit our webpage at http://arc.toastmastersclubs.org/ .

Franconia Orators Toastmasters OPEN HOUSE! Observe how a Toastmasters meeting works. Everyone is welcome! Bring a friend! Come visit us for a fun filled meeting about communication and leadership skills. We will have planned and impromptu speeches with a range of speakers and styles, with a special guest speaker, and refreshments. Come 15 minutes early to find a god seat! No commitment necessary -- please join us !

Free Event. Join the National Capital Astronomers and Meadowside Nature Center (Rockville) to gaze upon the stars at this nighttime watch party! Viewing scopes and binoculars will be provided for guests to observe planets, the moon, stars, and more. The viewing area is on an open lawn; **guests must walk about five minutes along uneven trail to reach the viewing area**. Please either register on the MoCo park website (https://montgomeryparks.org/events/star-party/) **OR** sign a waiver when you arrive at the nature center. Feel free to bring your own telescope and/or binoculars as well.

This is a perfect venue to mingle. The restaurant boasts an expansive outdoor patio, trendy lounge and contemporary dining area. A fusion of Sports Bar, Night Club and Hookah joint. All in one! FAB SINGLES, GOOD VIBE & GOOD MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. We socialize up until kick off. • Half Price Drafts; • $ 5 Domestic Bottled Beers • $5 Wines; • $5 House Drinks; • $6 Select Bar Bites; • $6 Margarita http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/4/600_308043572.jpeg

Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.

Please join us at Whino in Ballston on Thursday March 26th from 6PM to 8PM for a casual happy hour at the bar. Venue info and menus can be found [here.](https://www.whinova.com/menus) *\*\* Please note that each person will be responsible for their own tab. \*\**

• What we'll do On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy....

RSVP here: **[https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=)[RHCTN1260000475092](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3558153/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000475092)** Is configuration drift silently killing your stability? Join us for the next Red Hat User Group (RHUG) event in Washington D.C. and discover the future of IT infrastructure management with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 Image Mode. This isn't just another operating system update—it's a new paradigm. You’ll learn how to treat your entire OS as a versioned, container-native artifact, bringing the speed and control of DevOps to your foundational layer. **Event Highlights:** * Deep Dive: Deploying and maintaining a truly immutable, compliant operating system. * Expert Insight: How to use familiar container-native tools to build bootable RHEL images. * Networking: Connect with peers, Linux administrators, security engineers, and infrastructure architects. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your IT services. Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST Location: Red Hat Tysons Corner, McLean, VA Secure your spot today and get ready to eliminate operational "noise" for good. We look forward to seeing you there! Your RHUG Team

To secure your spot, RSVP on Eventbrite link for free ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-live-band-karaoke-and-contest-tickets-700432962847](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-live-band-karaoke-and-contest-tickets-700432962847)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Live band Karaoke on Rooftop! Grab your friends and get ready to be the star of the show. The whole band will be your background. You don't necessarily do singing. You just come to enjoy the party and get your weekend to a good start. With the right party. Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life (anniversary/promotion/graduation/bachelorette/Proposal.....) with us. Sing it to that special someone, on your proposal or engagement! Groups are highly encouraged to get a table/bottle service. It would be much less expensive than spending individually. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀! 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 **a bar tab**! 1st Place - $50 2nd Place - $25 3rd place - $15 \*\*\*𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙈𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧!\*\*\* Judging is based 50% on an independent panel of judges weighted by 50% votes from the crowd. **\*\*\*Bring more friends and get more votes! \*\*\*** The winners will be announced at the end of the night. Dress code : Weekend Casual. As this is a weekend kick-off party. Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances We will have a registration station and check you in. \* \* METRO & PARKING INFO : Closest Metro Station is Dupont Circle (take Dupont South Exit). Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking, we highly recommend you to get a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY! http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/5/6/600_434918742.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/1/3/6/600_418768982.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/7/9/c/600_434918812.jpeg **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Let’s get together at the Crowne Plaza and talk deals, creative finance, problem solving, whatever you want! Hubert Bruce Hosts, COREE members share ideas and resources. Open to the public!

This meeting will be a discussion of the book "the Science of Aliens" by Mark Brake

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: Type Annotations with John Cassidy We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.