Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Chris Impey
Spring 2024
Tuesdays |  
10AM - 12PM
January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2024
Course Format: Hybrid
Location: Main Campus
Tuition: $195

 

How are astronomers approaching their search for life in the universe? What have we learned from the surge of exoplanets discoveries? How likely is it that Earth does not host the only life in the Universe? In this course we explore the field of astrobiology, an emerging multidisciplinary field. Progress in astrobiology is driven by telescopes on the ground and in space, and by new insights on how biology emerged on Earth and its diversity. The first detection of life beyond Earth might happen in the Solar System or by seeing biology’s alteration of an exoplanet’s atmosphere. A longshot approach is the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The topics in this course range from the science of how exoplanets are detected, to the definition of habitability, to the chemistry that supports the argument that the ingredients for life are common in the universe. Astrobiology aims to answer one of the most profound questions we can ask in science: are we alone?

 

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Meet Your Instructor

University Distinguished Professor

Chris Impey is a University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. He has over 220 refereed publications, and his research has been supported by $20 million from NASA and NSF. He has won eleven teaching awards and teaches online classes (or MOOCs) with over 350,000 enrolled. He has written over 90 popular articles, two introductory textbooks, a novel called Shadow World, and nine popular science trade books.

Location

POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States

Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.

Street map image of Poetry Center

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