ReThinking: Searching for life on other planets with astrophysicist Sara Seager

Astrophysicist and planetary scientist Sara Seager discusses exoplanets, planets outside our solar system, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Seager details how exoplanets are detected by observing the brightness of stars, noting the role of AI in refining this process. She estimates trillions of exoplanets exist in our galaxy alone, making it statistically probable that intelligent life exists elsewhere. They explore the Fermi paradox, considering why, if advanced civilizations exist, we haven't encountered them. Seager also addresses the ethical considerations of actively searching for alien life, balancing potential discoveries against existential risks. She argues that astronomy encourages people to enter STEM fields and that pure science is needed for discoveries that were not conceivable before.