Into the Impossible With Brian Keating How Kepler Found One Planet Every Day: Jason Steffen [Ep. 470]
Dec 10, 2024
Join Jason Steffen, author of "Hidden in the Heavens" and a pivotal figure in the Kepler Mission, as he shares his insights on exoplanet science. Discover how the Kepler Mission unveiled over 5,000 exoplanets, reshaping our understanding of planetary diversity. Steffen discusses the mission's challenges and successes, the surprising nature of newly discovered worlds, and what the future holds in our search for life beyond Earth. His compelling tales of scientific exploration inspire aspiring scientists to embrace curiosity and perseverance.
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Exoplanets and Solar System Formation
- Studying exoplanets reveals paths our solar system didn't take.
- This broadens our understanding of planet formation beyond a solar system-centric view.
Steffen's Unexpected Journey
- Jason Steffen's path to exoplanet science was unplanned.
- He shifted from cosmology to gravity experiments and ultimately joined the Kepler mission.
Choosing a Research Path
- Focus on finding a research advisor who asks interesting questions.
- Being useful in addressing those questions outweighs pursuing passion projects.