This course explores the search for alien life and the tools used by scientists in this quest. Participants will learn about detecting exoplanets, microbial life, the conditions necessary for life elsewhere, and communication basics from extremophiles. The teaching method includes presentations by experts in the field, discussions, and Q&A sessions. This course is intended for individuals interested in astronomy, planetary science, chemistry, computer science, genetics, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Overview
Syllabus
Carl Sagan and the future of finding alien life.
John Hockenberry's Introduction.
Participant Introductions.
How close are we to finding aliens?
How can you detect exoplanets that far away?
Kepler 186 system.
What are the tools you use to find Exoplanets?
Detecting beer drinkers at a football game.
What are we looking for on the microbial level?
What starts life on any planet?
Who will we call when aliens land on earth?
Processing in analog and digital with a two denominational cellular optometer.
The "awakening" of extraterrestrial life from the Vatican.
How we may have cheated to form life from other planets?
If we look for life where water is located are we ignoring life everywhere else?
Can you elaborate on the possibility life on ancient mars?
What are the new tools coming online today?
What is the direct imaging technique?
Testing the pedals on a space telescope.
The conditions on earth that we need for life elsewhere.
Communication basics from extremophiles.
Taught by
World Science Festival
