Astrobiology and Space Exploration (Winter 2009)

Dr. David McKay, Chief Scientist for Astrobiology at the Johnson Space Center, lectures on his scientific experience with meteorites, more specifically ALH 84001. (February 26, 2009)

Fr. George Coyne, Director Emeritus of the Vatican Observatory, speaks about the interplay in relationship between the universe and science. He fields tough questions regarding faith and Catholic doctrinal beliefs. (February 19, 2009)

Rocco L. Mancinelli, a Senior Research Scientist with the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, discusses organisms' potential for survival, adaptation and biological evolution in the atmosphere and beyond to outer space. (February 17, 2009)

Dr. Davd Deamer, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California -Santa Cruz, speaks about the self-assembly process and the beginning of life. He draws on his own field and laboratory research in this discussion. (February 5, 2009)

Eric J. Devor, Senior Research Scientist of Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics at Integrated DNA Technologies, talks about the discovery and characteristics of microRNA. (February 5, 2009)

Guest lecturer Dr. Geoff Marcy gives the third lecture, "Planetary Systems Around other Stars," for Professor Lynn Rothschild's Astrobiology and Space Exploration course. Dr. Marcy discusses how astronomers can detect planetary systems. (February 17, 2009)

Guest lecturer Rusty Schweickart gives the second part of the tenth lecture, "The Asteroid Challenge: Will We Be Ready?" for Professor Lynn Rothschild's Astrobiology and Space Exploration course. (February 10, 2009)

Guest lecturer Rusty Schweickart gives the first part of the tenth lecture, "Life in Space, Life on Earth," for Professor Lynn Rothschild's Astrobiology and Space Exploration course. (February 10, 2009)