For nearly 60 years, Star Trek has sent its crews toward the same question that working astrobiologists ask every day: What does life look like somewhere that isn't Earth?
In this Neighborhood Lecture, join astrobiologist Mike Wong—who studies the chemical fingerprints that could reveal life on distant worlds and hosts a podcast on the science of Star Trek—for a look at how the franchise's imagined planets stack up against what we actually know about worlds beyond our Solar System. You'll also hear from other Carnegie scientists about how their own research intersects with the Trek universe, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
We're thrilled to welcome Philip Plait back to the stage for his second Neighborhood Lecture. Better known as "The Bad Astronomer," Plait is an astronomer, DC-area native, science communicator, and a devoted Star Trek fan.