Why This Universe?
84 - The Search For New Worlds (ft. Josh Winn)
Jun 3, 2024
Josh Winn, an expert in the search for exoplanets, discusses the evolution of exoplanet discovery methods, the surprises found with hot Jupiter planets, the impact of the transit method, and the comparison of different telescopes for sky monitoring. The conversation delves into the search for habitable planets, the potential discovery of Earth-like planets with signs of life, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, ultimately exploring the potential of life across stars in the Milky Way.
45:05
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Quick takeaways
- Exoplanet studies evolved with surprising discoveries like hot Jupiters, challenging previous assumptions about planetary systems.
- Efforts in exoplanet exploration include searching for life with biosignatures, while the future holds potential for targeted SETI investigations.
Deep dives
Evolution of Exoplanet Studies
Exoplanet studies have evolved significantly over the years, particularly with the discovery of the first exoplanet around a Sun-like star in 1995. These discoveries were preceded by surveys in the 1980s that hinted at exoplanet signals, although the interpretation was challenging due to uncertainties. The Doppler method, observing star motion caused by exoplanets, was a key technique in these early studies. Another older method, astrometry, focusing on star motion in the sky, also played a role in exoplanet searches, but proved less successful due to systematic errors. The willingness to explore various methods eventually led to significant breakthroughs.
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