Futurity

Are we alone in the universe? This generation could finally find out

On this podcast episode, a planet hunter talks about our chances of finding alien life and other habitable worlds.
A young woman looks curious as she reaches her hand out while an image of space is projected on her face

Since the beginning of human history, we’ve looked up at the stars and wondered: Are we alone?

No other generation has been able to find an answer, but David Charbonneau, an astronomer at Harvard University and a recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Chicago this year, thinks we may be the first.

Charbonneau, an astronomer at Harvard University and a recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Chicago this year, has made it his life’s goal to search the stars for habitable planets and alien life.

“And we might find out that we’re totally alone,” he says. “We really could be it as far as we can measure. Or it may turn out that we live in the Star Trek universe and essentially every star has a bunch of planets with life on them.”

On this podcast episode, he tells his fascinating story about the history of exoplanetary research, his journey as a planet hunter, and the stunning discoveries he’s made along the way:

Here is a transcript of the episode.

Source: University of Chicago

The post Are we alone in the universe? This generation could finally find out appeared first on Futurity.

More from Futurity

Futurity5 min read
Immigration Benefits Local Economies, Including Wages
With immigration dominating politics and voter concerns, new research shows immigration boosts local wages and that having neighbors of foreign descent can reduce prejudice. When Americans mark their presidential election ballots later this year, imm
Futurity3 min read
Fitness Trackers And Phones Can Help Monitor Multiple Sclerosis
Monitoring and treating multiple sclerosis requires reliable and long-term data on how the disease is progressing. A new study finds fitness trackers and smartphones can supply the needed data. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an insidious disease. Patient
Futurity3 min read
New Model Reveals Hidden Patterns In Alzheimer’s
A new mathematical model offers hope for better prediction and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers report. Most mathematical models of Alzheimer’s are theoretical, focusing on short term molecular and cellular-level changes that cannot be m

Related Books & Audiobooks