How to Hunt for Distant Worlds

Embark on a captivating journey through the cosmos in this 1-hour 28-minute lecture by Dr. Emily Rickman from the European Space Agency and Space Telescope Science Institute. Explore the fascinating world of exoplanet discovery, from the groundbreaking first detection in 1995 to the over 4,000 distant worlds identified today. Delve into the various methods astronomers use to hunt for these elusive planets, including radial velocity, transit, microlensing, direct imaging, and astrometry techniques. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of exoplanet research, the importance of advanced telescopes and adaptive optics, and the implications these discoveries have on our understanding of planetary system formation and evolution. Learn about the Nobel Prize-winning work in this field and how these findings are shaping our search for extraterrestrial life. Featuring stunning artists' impressions and real images of exoplanets, this comprehensive lecture offers a thrilling exploration of humanity's quest to uncover the secrets of distant worlds in our Milky Way galaxy.