Extraterrestrial Archaeology - lunchtime talk
North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin, SG5 1JE
Thursday 10th December 2026
Extraterrestrial Archaeology: Martian monuments, megaliths on the moon and Beyond the Infinite
From the mysterious Face on Mars to the enduring legend of the Roswell crash, stories of alien encounters and ancient structures beyond Earth have captured imaginations for decades. But what happens when these claims are examined not by science fiction writers, but by an archaeologist?
In this thought‑provoking talk, we explore reports of strange surface features on Mars, alleged monumental forms on the Moon, and even the idea that some of Saturn’s moons might not be entirely natural. Through dramatic imagery, archaeological reasoning and a healthy dose of scepticism, Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews investigates how these ideas arise, what the evidence really shows, and why humans are so fascinated by the possibility of ancient activity beyond our planet.
Expect surprising images, sceptical inquiry, and a journey to the boundary between science, speculation and the very edges of our solar system.
Talk by: Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews - Museum Curator and Heritage Access Officer
You can present your ticket or receipt at our café on the day of the talk to receive 10% off your order.
We aim for our talks to be approximately 1 hour long, but please be aware that they can sometimes overrun.
Ticket sales close 1 hour before the start of this event.
From the mysterious Face on Mars to the enduring legend of the Roswell crash, stories of alien encounters and ancient structures beyond Earth have captured imaginations for decades. But what happens when these claims are examined not by science fiction writers, but by an archaeologist?
In this thought‑provoking talk, we explore reports of strange surface features on Mars, alleged monumental forms on the Moon, and even the idea that some of Saturn’s moons might not be entirely natural. Through dramatic imagery, archaeological reasoning and a healthy dose of scepticism, Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews investigates how these ideas arise, what the evidence really shows, and why humans are so fascinated by the possibility of ancient activity beyond our planet.
Expect surprising images, sceptical inquiry, and a journey to the boundary between science, speculation and the very edges of our solar system.
- Thursday 10th December, 12pm
Talk by: Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews - Museum Curator and Heritage Access Officer
You can present your ticket or receipt at our café on the day of the talk to receive 10% off your order.
We aim for our talks to be approximately 1 hour long, but please be aware that they can sometimes overrun.
Ticket sales close 1 hour before the start of this event.
Price
Ticket price
£7.50
