How do you discover life on exoplanets?
Astrophysics (IPA)
What new telescopes are needed for this? In recent years, astronomers have discovered thousands of planets outside our solar system – so-called exoplanets. They orbit stars other than our sun. Some of them could offer conditions that make life possible.
Apple trees in space?
How do you search for biological activity on distant planets outside our Solar System? Special attention is paid to the detection of simple plants; apple trees are thus meant symbolically in this context. The question of where life can be detected in space is being researched worldwide, including at ETH Zurich. With new methods and more sophisticated telescopes, previously undiscovered things can be explored. Listen to the lecture by ETH Professor Sascha Quanz as part of the programme “Treffpunkt Science City” in spring 2022. He heads the research group “Exoplanets and Habitability” at the department of physics.