Ever wonder how scientists distinguish between -5 F and -50 F? (Answer: how fast shivering happens!) Maintaining body temperature is only one of the many challenges facing researchers in the polar regions.

Steve Baer, a polar explorer and researcher at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, will share his experiences and challenges conducting research in both the Arctic and Antarctica on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House. Baer investigates how nutrients are affecting microbial ecology and diversity in the polar regions.

The public is invited to come have a conversation with Baer about the challenges of researching at the top and bottom of the planet at the Opera House, 86 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. Baer’s presentation is the fifth in Bigelow Laboratory’s weekly summer “Café Scientifique” series. This year the focus is on “Extreme Environments/Extreme Science.”

Café Scientifique is an international movement designed to encourage discussion about topical science issues between scientists and the public. There are more than 150 science cafés organized over 42 countries. All Café Scientifique events are open to the public free of charge, and members of the press are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact dcrist@bigelow.org or call 207-315-2567, ext. 103.