Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025

The Search for Life

Video Recording of the Event

5:00-6:00pm: Reception

6:00-730pm: Talk, Discussion, Q&A

Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory, 4222C Young Hall

The search for life on other celestial bodies is one of the ultimate scientific endeavors. Is life unique to our planet, Earth? What are the conditions necessary for life to form and evolve? What factors are required for complex life forms to develop? Answering these questions requires a multi-faceted approach to identifying signs of life—known as biosignatures.
Although the search for life has been ongoing for decades, the recent discovery of minerals on Mars that could potentially indicate chemical interactions between organic life and rock marks a significant breakthrough. Further progress will depend on returning samples to Earth for detailed analysis. Professor Jonathan Lunine will present a 45-minute talk on the search for life in our solar system and the future of biosample return missions.

While the vast distances make it challenging to search for life elsewhere in our galaxy, scientists have developed techniques using optical/infrared spectroscopy and highly sensitive radio telescopes to detect biosignatures from afar. Following the talk, there will be a 30-minute panel discussion moderated by Dr. Emily Cardarelli on the search for life around other stars in our galaxy, featuring Professors Björn Benneke, Jean-Luc Margot, Hilke Schlichting, and Jonathan Lunine. The evening will conclude with a 15-minute audience Q&A.