Astronomy: Life in the Universe

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Astronomy Life in the Universe

• 15 PHYS 122
• Prof. Michael Sitko

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• Why do we search?
• We are curious about the possibility of life
  elsewhere in the universe
• We can test our ideas of life's origin on Earth
• We might better understand our place in the
  universe

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Why cover this material in an astronomy class?

• By the subjects very nature, astronomers study
  possible environments suitable for life
• Due to the technology used, searches for signals
  are a natural byproduct of radio astronomy

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Setting the Stage Early speculations to the
present day (i.e. the Fermi-Hart Paradox) -
Philosophy
Enrico Fermi
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Some Background Physics The Physics of Light
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• Things Astronomical
• Evolution of the Universe
• Galaxy and Star formation
• Star Lives Origin of the Elements

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• Things Biochemical
• The Chemical Basis of Life - DNA, RNA, Amino
  Acids, Proteins
• Organized Life - Metabolism, Reproduction,
  Mutation, Evolution
• Unity History of Life on Earth

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• Life in the Solar System
• Formation Evolution of the Solar System
• Venus, Mars, Europa, Titan
• Looking for Life

young solar system
Titan
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• Life Outside the Solar System
• The Drake Equation
• Habitable Zones around Stars
• Extrasolar Planetary Systems

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• Interstellar Space Travel
• Fiction Versus Fact
• Dangers of Spaceflight
• Is it Possible?

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SETI Search for Extra- Terrestrial Intelligence
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The Fringe UFOs Ancient Astronauts Crop
Circles Alien Abductions
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The Fermi-Hart Paradox Where Is Everyone?