TED: How we'll find life on other planets | Aomawa Shields

The video discusses the search for exoplanets that could support life, emphasizing the importance of a planet's atmosphere over its distance from its star. It highlights the challenges in studying exoplanet atmospheres due to their distance and size. The speaker uses climate models to predict suitable conditions for life and explains how ice affects planetary climate. Personal insights into the speaker's background and educational initiatives are shared, promoting diversity in astronomy through the integration of science and art.

What is the primary reason astronomers search for planets at specific distances from their stars?

• To find planets with the right temperature for liquid water

• To locate planets with the most moons

• To discover planets with the largest atmospheres

• To identify planets with the strongest magnetic fields

Why is Venus not suitable for life despite its distance from the sun?

• It has no water

• It is too far from the sun

• Its atmosphere causes an extreme greenhouse effect

• It has a very thin atmosphere

What makes measuring the atmosphere of exoplanets challenging?

• Exoplanets have no atmospheres

• Exoplanets are too bright compared to their stars

• Exoplanets are too close to Earth

• Exoplanets are small and dim compared to their stars

How do computer models help in the study of exoplanets?

• They measure the planet's distance from Earth

• They simulate the star's temperature

• They predict the planet's size

• They calculate potential atmospheres for suitable climates

Why does ice appear blue?

• It absorbs green light

• It reflects blue light

• It absorbs blue light

• It reflects red light

What is a contradiction mentioned about planets orbiting cooler stars?

• They are closer to their stars

• They are always colder than planets orbiting hotter stars

• They have no atmospheres

• They can be warmer due to ice absorbing longer wavelengths

How does the Rising Stargirls organization combine science and art?

• By conducting only art classes

• By focusing only on scientific experiments

• By teaching astronomy through theater, writing, and visual art

• By organizing art exhibitions