The Discovery Center for Science and Technology opens its second season of talks, “Science Everyone Can Understand,” at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Oct. 15, at Baxter BioSciences in Thousand Oaks.

Terry Murphy, president of SolarReserve Inc. in Santa Monica, will discuss “Energy for the 21st Century,” how renewable sources can be used to meet energy needs without damaging the environment or the economy.

Murphy, who recently testified before Congress on the issue, will talk about various options.

“We are thrilled to broaden our offerings for adults with this fabulous speaker series,” said Wayne Davey, Discovery Center board member and past president. “We hope to impact people’s thinking and encourage discussion about these profound and important scientific and environmental issues that affect all of us.”

On Nov. 19, Erik Pounders of the United States Geological Survey will speak about earthquakes, why they happen, when the next one will occur and how to be prepared.

On Feb. 11, Dr. Richard Elsley will speak about the state of the Earth and how humans are affecting the planet.

On March 11, Ian McLean, a professor in the physics and astronomy department at UCLA, will speak about astronomical discoveries from the world’s largest telescopes.

On April 22, Dr. Dennis Clegg, deputy director of UC Santa Barbara, will discuss the potential and challenge of stem cell research.

The Discovery Center, based in Westlake Village, operates as a “museum without walls,” providing educational science and technology programs in schools and at community venues. Center leaders hope to build a permanent science and technology museum in the Conejo Valley.

All talks run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Baxter BioSciences. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, teachers and seniors. For information or tickets, visit the website www.ScienceSpeakerSeries .org or call (805) 905-8168