Escape Velocity 2019

There are a handful of fundamental questions that remain to be answered. The answers to these questions, besides generating more questions, have the power to change every element of society, our belief systems, and our sense of who we are. Among these sits the question “Are we alone?” Is the Earth the only life sustaining planet in the universe? Is extraterrestrial life possible? Is it probable? Could it be intelligent? The information needed to answer these questions span the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and, of course, astronomy.

In this panel discussion, we will explore the current state of knowledge surrounding extraterrestrial life and habitability, and what it may suggest about the possibilities for life beyond Earth. We will discuss potential life sustaining environments within the solar system and look further out at extrasolar planets and planetary systems.