Buffalo County Historical Society
Trails & Rails Museum
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Just how many planets are out there beyond our own Solar System? The answer may be far more than we ever imagined! The Trails & Rails Museum invites the public to explore the fascinating world of exoplanets during a special presentation by Dr. Adam Jensen on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
As recently as the 1980s, scientists strongly suspected that planets existed around other stars, but had not yet confirmed their existence through observation. Today, astronomers have discovered thousands of planets beyond our Solar System, known as exoplanets. Research suggests that planets orbit nearly every star, meaning our Milky Way galaxy alone may contain hundreds of billions of planets.
In his presentation, "Planets Are Everywhere," Dr. Jensen will explore the history and latest discoveries in the search for exoplanets. He will discuss the methods astronomers use to detect planets around distant stars, how scientists measure and study their characteristics, and what these discoveries can tell us about the incredible diversity of planetary systems throughout the universe. He will also examine one of astronomy's most intriguing questions: Could any of these distant worlds be capable of supporting life?
About Dr. Adam Jensen
Dr. Jensen joined the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2014. He earned his bachelor's degrees in Physics and Computer Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, followed by master's and doctoral degrees in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on the atmospheres of exoplanets and the use of spectroscopy to study their chemical composition and characteristics. His work includes the first-ever detection of hydrogen-alpha absorption in an exoplanet's atmosphere, published in 2012. His research has also provided opportunities to work with some of the world's most renowned telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope. He was an inaugural member. of NASA's NExSS research consortium, which investigates exoplanetary systems and their potential for habitability.
The Buffalo County Historical Society and Trails & Rails Museum are delighted to invite the community to the 39th Annual Christmas Tree Walk, a cherished local tradition celebrating creativity, community spirit, and the magic of the holiday season. This year’s event will take place December 5–13, 2026, open daily from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Guests are invited to stroll through a festive forest of uniquely decorated trees designed by local individuals, organizations, and businesses. Each display brings its own creativity and personality to the season, creating a warm and inviting holiday experience for visitors of all ages. As always, attendees are encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite tree. Voting tickets are just 25 cents each or 5 for $1, making it easy and fun for everyone to get involved.
The Christmas Tree Walk continues to be a highlight of the holiday season in Buffalo County, bringing together community members and visitors alike in celebration of tradition, artistry, and giving.