Searching for Earth-like Planets in Our Solar System and Beyond

Explore the search for Earth-like planets within our solar system and beyond in this 53-minute AGU Fall Meeting lecture. Delve into comparative climatology, examining the complex interactions between Earth's interior, surface, oceans, biosphere, atmosphere, and the Sun. Investigate the climates of Mars, Venus, and Titan to gain insights into Earth's climate processes. Learn about ice loss, drought, and climatology on Earth before venturing to Venus to discuss its high emissivity anomalies and volcanism. Journey to Mars to explore Gale Crater and ongoing exploration efforts. Discover Titan's dynamics, liquid distribution, and morphology. Compare these four worlds and their potential habitability. Examine the Kepler mission's field of view, the James Webb Telescope, and future exoplanet missions. Contemplate the question of extraterrestrial life, discuss emissivity, and explore explicit links between Titan and Mars. Consider public support for space exploration and NASA's path to Mars in this comprehensive overview of planetary science and the search for habitable worlds.