September 21, 2005 Press Release

The Astrobiology and the Sacred project announces a national poetry competition sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation, the Metanexus Institute, and The University of Arizona.

Themes:

• How did life come to be on Earth?
• What is the future of life on Earth?
• Is there life elsewhere in the universe?
• How strange might life be beyond Earth?
• What would it mean if we were truly alone?
• Do art or ethics have a universal meaning?
• Would the discovery of aliens affect our self-image?
• Can we communicate with an alien intelligence?
• In what way is life in the universe sacred?

Awards:

FIRST PRIZE: $1,000 plus an invitation, including travel and lodging to read at The
University of Arizona in the Astrobiology and the Sacred Lecture Series, and publication in Isotope: A Journal of Literary Nature and Science Writing.

SECOND PRIZE: $500

THIRD PRIZE: $250

Guidelines:

• Deadline: December 2, 2005
• One or more unpublished poems not to exceed 3 pages each on the theme of life in the universe
• Poems which have been previously published are not eligible
• Manuscripts must be typed. Author’s name, address, email address, and phone
number should be printed on cover page only and not on the poems.
• No email or fax submissions.
• Winner will be notified in February 2006.
• Manuscripts will not be returned.
• To receive acknowledgement that your entry has been received, please send a
stamped self-addressed postcard with your entry.
• Award notification will be sent by email.
• Student entries are encouraged.

Please send 3 copies of submission to:
The University of Arizona, Steward Observatory
Attn: Astrobiology and the Sacred Poetry Competition
933 N. Cherry Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721