13 June 2017

Future in Space Hangout 15 June: TRAPPIST-1

Alberto Conti Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

The TRAPPIST-1 Planetary System and the Search for Habitable Worlds

NASA’s Kepler mission breathtakingly revealed that our galaxy was filled with stars surrounded by planetary systems of all kinds. The search for planets includes seeking planets that might harbor life. Join regular hosts Tony Darnell, Alberto Conti, and Harley Thronson as they describe the remarkable TRAPPIST-1 planetary system and its significance in the search for Earth-like worlds with Eric Lopez and Joshua Schlieder, both at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

The best place to hangout with us will be on YouTube, broadcast on the Deep Astronomy Channel. You can also take part in the live chat that will open one hour before the hangout, join the hangout via the Deep Astronomy Facebook page, and join the conversation on Twitter with #FutureInSpace. Archives of previous hangouts in this series can be found in a Deep Astronomy YouTube playlist.

Future in Space Hangout 15 June

What Are "Afternoon Astronomy Coffee" and "Future in Space" Hangouts?

"Future In Space” and "Afternoon Astronomy Coffee" Hangouts are part of a weekly series, held every Thursday, that also includes a segment called "Footsteps to Mars." We bring the the latest research in astronomy, highlights from the future of space astronomy and astronautics planning, as well as updates on the exploration of Mars to you every week via Hangouts on Air. With the sponsorship of both the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Astronautical Society (the other AAS), our hosts Tony Darnell, Carol Christian, Alberto Conti, and Harley Thronson examine today's breakthroughs in research and peer into the unfolding possibilities of what we may learn about the universe and Mars exploration. We join with members of the American Astronomical Society to chat, in an informal online setting modeled after "science coffee" events held in universities and research organizations across the country. We will examine what we hope to learn about exoplanets, black holes, the early universe, quasars, and life in the universe along with what technologies might help us — and reflect upon the scientific endeavors occurring today that uncover amazing astrophysics and lay the groundwork for studies to come.

We will also explore the technology and engineering used today as well as possibilities for future space travel and research with members of both societies, and probe what our future in space may look like and how we might get there. We will examine the underlying technologies of space telescopes, orbiters, landers, and human space vehicles now and in the years to come. We will delve into topics that help us understand the possibilities and limitations of human space flight and eventual human colonization of other worlds.

We hope you can join us each month as we bring experts from both societies — people who think about and plan for our future in space — to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. We invite you to bring your questions and comments and get ready to learn about the amazing possibilities for the future of space astronomy and exploration.