Dr. Sara Seager: Discoverer of Distant Worlds and Hunter of Alien Life | 2024 Kavli Prize (#001)

2024 National Champion Dr. Sara Seager, a renowned astrophysicist and professor at MIT was awarded the prestigious 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics worth $1M.

She discusses her groundbreaking work in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system, particularly focusing on Venus and the potential for life there. She shares insights into the challenges of funding space exploration, the importance of scientific inquiry despite skepticism, and her personal journey in the field of astrophysics. Dr. Seager also highlights the significance of her recent Kavli Prize award and her memoir, 'The Smallest Lights in the Universe,' which intertwines her life experiences with her scientific endeavors.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Introduction and Dr. Sarah Seager's Background
03:00 Discovery of Phosphine on Venus
09:00 The Giggle Factor and Challenges in Astrobiology
14:00 Pursuing Compelling Ideas Despite Skepticism
16:00 Dr. Seager's Journey into Astronomy
25:00 Thoughts on Education and Institutions
32:00 Exploring Exoplanets and the TESS Mission
43:00 The Starshade Project and Finding Earth Twins
50:00 Studying Exoplanet Atmospheres and the Kavli Prize
57:00 "The Smallest Lights in the Universe" and Personal Reflections
1:00:00 Closing Remarks