The Search for Signs of Life Beyond Earth

Each year, Northwestern University's Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) invites a renowned speaker to campus for our Annual Public Lecture. This year's speaker is astrophysicist Professor Sara Seager, North Star Distinguished Professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto.

For thousands of years, inspired by the starry night sky, humanity has wondered about what lies beyond Earth. Today, the search for signs of life is a key motivator in planetary exploration. Astronomers have discovered thousands of exoplanets orbiting stars other than the Sun and are studying their atmospheres for gases that could indicate life. Closer to home, renewed interest in Venus has led to investigations of its cloud layers, where temperatures are right for life. New discoveries in both exoplanets and Solar System bodies are bringing us closer to answering ancient questions about life beyond Earth. Professor Seager will share the latest advances in this exciting field.

This event is generously supported by The Alumnae of Northwestern University.

If you have any questions about this event, or would like to make an accessibility request (e.g. ASL interpretation), please contact ciera-events@northwestern.edu.

For those unable to make it to Evanston, the lecture will be livestreamed on CIERA's website: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/ciera-livestream/

Proof of tickets not required upon arrival. Seating is first-come, first serve.

About the Speaker

Sara Seager is an astrophysicist and North Star Distinguished Professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Astronomy & Astrophysics. She joins CITA following a distinguished career at MIT, where she held the Class of 1941 Professor Chair as Professor of Physics, Planetary Science, and Aeronautics and Astronautics.

A pioneer in the study of exoplanets, Professor Seager's research spans the detection of exoplanet atmospheres, the search for signs of life beyond Earth, and the development of novel space mission concepts. She served as Deputy Science Director for NASA's TESS mission, led the Starshade Rendezvous Mission concept for direct imaging of Earth-like exoplanets, and leads the Morning Star Missions to Venus, a series of privately and publicly funded missions searching for signs of life in Venus's atmosphere.

Her honors include a MacArthur Fellowship, membership in the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the Kavli Prize in Astrophysics, and recognition as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She is the author of The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir.

About CIERA

CIERA promotes research and education in astrophysics through support of independent postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate and undergraduate research, a vigorous visiting researchers program, and multi-faceted seminars, education, and public outreach programs. Special emphasis is given to interdisciplinary connections with computer science, applied math, statistics, electrical and mechanical engineering, planetary science, education and the arts.