TED Talks Daily Are we alone in the universe? We're close to finding out | Lisa Kaltenegger
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Jan 28, 2025 
Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger, an expert in the search for extraterrestrial life, dives into the thrill of discovering life beyond Earth. She discusses how innovations like the James Webb Space Telescope enable us to examine distant planets for signs of life. Kaltenegger emphasizes how analyzing these 'alien earths' could transform our understanding of the universe. With advancements in technology, she believes we are closer than ever to uncovering evidence of life forms beyond our planet.
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Light's Passport Stamps
- Light and matter interact, revealing the cosmos' mysteries.
- Missing light reveals molecules encountered, like passport stamps for light.
Stardust Connection
- We're all made of stardust, connecting us to each other and the cosmos.
- This fundamental connection extends to the search for other organisms made of stardust.
Life's Light Fingerprint
- Earth's biosphere has shown signs of life for 2 billion years.
- If this pattern repeats elsewhere, we have a chance to find it.