As a bonus, those who attend may explore the museum’s space and astronomy exhibition.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is a gathering of the Davis Astronomy Club, which is sponsored by Explorit. All ages are welcome. Free, lighted parking is available.

The talk will take place upstairs at Explorit in the Gumerlock Family Gallery, currently home of the exhibition “What’s Out There? Exploring Our Universe.”  Popular exhibits include a rocket-launcher, a remotely controlled model Mars rover and NASA artifacts, including meals created for astronauts.   

Robinson, a Davis resident, will discuss his new book, “Galileo’s Dream” (Random House, $26). Published Dec. 29, it mixes biography with a sci-fi story set in the 31^st century. Galileo, who lived in the 1600s, is visited one night by a mysterious stranger. The visitor gives him a telescope that allows him to see the future – on Jupiter.

Robinson is a winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards. He has written 19 previous books, including the bestselling Mars trilogy. Last year he was named a "Hero of the Environment" by Time magazine.

We hope to see you there!