Exoplanets and the Search for Life in the Universe - With Chris Impey
Offered By: The Royal Institution via YouTube
Course Description
Overview
Explore the fascinating world of exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life in this comprehensive 50-minute lecture by Chris Impey, a distinguished professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. Delve into the definition of life, the potential for artificial intelligence, and the possibility of life on Mars and other nearby planets. Discover the methods used to search for exoplanets and assess their habitability. Learn about the estimated number of habitable worlds, nomad planets, and techniques for detecting life on distant planets. Contemplate whether we are alone in the universe and examine the parallels between technological and biological development. Engage with thought-provoking concepts about Earth-like planets and the future of space exploration, including the role of private industry and the potential for space as a solution to environmental challenges on Earth.
Syllabus
Intro – the search for life in the universe
How do we define life?
What about artificial intelligence and robot life?
Is there life on Mars, or other planets near us?
Searching for exoplanets
Are any exoplanets habitable by life?
What would it like on other planets?
How many habitable worlds might there be?
Nomad planets sailing through space
How would we find life on other planets?
Are we alone in the universe?
The analogy between technology and biology development
Imagining an Earth-like planet
Taught by
The Royal Institution
Related Courses
Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial LifeUniversity of Edinburgh via Coursera Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy
University of Rochester via Coursera Emergence of Life
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera Alien Worlds: The Science of Exoplanet Discovery and Characterization
Boston University via edX Super-Earths and Life
Harvard University via edX