Speaker: Katherine Bennett (Johns Hopkins University)

The simple, significant question, "Do other planets like Earth exist?" has slowly pushed from science fiction speculation into serious scientific inquiry. Having discovered thousands of planets around other stars, astronomers now think rocky planets are common in our Milky Way galaxy.

The detailed and difficult exploration of these small worlds is boosted by the James Webb Space Telescope's ability to examine their atmospheres. Are these atmospheres thin and cold like Mars, thick and hot like Venus, or perhaps just right for life, like Earth?

Katherine Bennett of Johns Hopkins University will discuss how the answers will come over the next several decades as we survey and measure the landscape of rocky planets, and the important steps toward understanding habitability in the Milky Way.

Recorded live on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

The STScI Public Lecture Series offers talks on a diverse selection of cosmic topics, typically held the first Tuesday of every month. The 2023 Public Lecture Series is continuing an online-only format. This lecture will be presented with a livestream to YouTube, and questions can be asked in the YouTube chat. As usual, the recording will also be posted on our YouTube channel. We will, as necessary, adjust from the traditional first Tuesday at 8 PM schedule to accommodate our speakers.

Live and archived recordings:

• News and introductions
• Exploring Rocky Worlds: On the Precipice of a New Frontier (YouTube)