2013

S1.E1 ∙ The Search for a New Earth

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Lair Close examines the question of how common are Earth-like planets in the universe. He considers the definition of a planet (it must be a certain size and dominate its orbit of the solar system) and discusses the techniques astronomers use to discover planets outside out solar system. He concludes that solar systems like ours are rare since Jupiter sized planet typically have orbits that would disrupt an Earth-like world.

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S1.E2 ∙ The Planet Hunter: Kepler Spacecraft

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Lair Close examines how the Kepler Space Observatory allows for the discovery of Earth-like planets outside the solar system. Looking at an area of space near the Cygnus constellation, the Keplar Observatory can detect changes in star light from which we can infer the existence of even small planets.

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S1.E3 ∙ A Tour of Alien Solar Systems

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Lair Close examines the types of planets that inhabit solar systems outside of our own. These planets fit into several categories: Hot Jupiter sized Gas Giants, Hot Neptune-like objects, Super-Earths, and rocky Earth-like objects. He talks about examples of such planets that have been discovered outside our solar system.

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S1.E4 ∙ Calling All Life Forms

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Laird Close looks at how common simple life and intelligent life are in the universe. He argues that the best answer to this question involves looking at the history and diversity of life on Earth. He looks at the Rare Earth theory which argues that intelligent life in the universe may be rare even if microbial life in the universe is common.

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S1.E5 ∙ SETI: The Search for Intelligent Life

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Lair Close examines the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He considers the Drake Equation which attempts to estimate of the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy and looks at optimistic and pessimistic estimates for the equation.

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S1.E6 ∙ Fermi's Paradox: Where Is Everyone?

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Professor Lair Close looks at the Fermi paradox which is the apparent contradiction between estimates of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for such civilizations. He considers UFOs and argues that there is no reliable evidence that they are actually connected to extraterrestrial intelligence.

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