TED: How we found hundreds of potential Earth-like planets | Dimitar Sasselov

The talk explores the impact of Copernicus on science, the role of the Kepler telescope in discovering exoplanets, and the potential for life on other planets. It reflects on the significance of life in the universe and the potential for synthetic biology to transform our future.

What was the significance of Copernicus's work in the context of the scientific revolution?

• He discovered DNA.

• He placed the Earth at the center of the universe.

• He invented the telescope.

• He replaced the Earth with the Sun at the center of the solar system.

What is the primary mission of the Kepler telescope?

• To find planets that orbit other stars in our galaxy.

• To capture images of black holes.

• To study the atmosphere of Jupiter.

• To explore the surface of Mars.

How does the Kepler telescope detect planets?

• By measuring the dimming of a star's light when a planet passes in front of it.

• By analyzing the sound waves from planets.

• By capturing images of planets.

• By detecting gravitational waves.

What was a significant finding of the Kepler telescope regarding Earth-like planets?

• Earth-like planets are extremely rare.

• Earth-like planets are abundant in our galaxy.

• Earth-like planets do not exist.

• Earth-like planets are only found in our solar system.

What is the estimated number of Earth-like planets in the Milky Way galaxy?

• 1 million

• 100,000

• 100 million

• 10,000

What is the main question regarding life on other planets?

• Are there intelligent beings on other planets?

• Is life on other planets similar to life on Earth?

• Do other planets have water?

• Can humans live on other planets?

What is one of the key experiments being conducted to understand the conditions necessary for life?

• Observing the behavior of animals in space.

• Forming bubbles with membranes similar to cells.

• Creating artificial atmospheres in labs.

• Studying the surface of the Moon.

What does the speaker suggest about the significance of life in the universe?

• Life is insignificant in both size and time.

• Life is significant in time but not in size.

• Life is insignificant in both size and time.

• Life is significant in size but not in time.

What is the potential impact of redefining life as we know it?

• It will change our understanding of space travel.

• It will profoundly change our worldview.

• It will have no impact on our worldview.

• It will only affect scientific communities.

What is the speaker's call to action regarding the future of life on Earth?

• To ignore the potential of life.

• To focus solely on technological advancements.

• To become stewards of our planet and its biosphere.

• To abandon efforts in synthetic biology.