The Living Universe / Science’s Search for Habitable Planets and Life in the Cosmos
Research and exploration into the possibility of life beyond Earth have never been more intense. But how close are we to an answer?
Type
Event
Info
Please note that the event is held in Danish
Program:
19:15: Part 1 – The planets in our Solar System
20:00: Break
20:20: Part 2 – Exoplanets and the search for life
21:15: Q&A
21:30: Thank you and goodnight
- dk
In the coming decades, scientists hope to get closer to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Is there life elsewhere in the universe?
With new space telescopes and advanced techniques, we can now study distant worlds in ways that once seemed impossible. It’s no longer just science fiction: we’re beginning to identify exoplanets with liquid water, atmospheres, clouds — and maybe even the conditions needed for life.
During this evening, we’ll dive into the latest research that brings us closer to an answer:
Where are the most promising places to find life? How can we detect biosignatures like oxygen and methane — or techno signatures like artificial light and radio waves? And what would it take before we could say with certainty that we’ve found life?
We’ll explore billion-dollar tools like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which searches for exoplanets close to Earth, and the James Webb Space Telescope, which analyzes their atmospheres. We’ll also look ahead to future missions such as ARIEL, which will map the chemistry of exoplanet atmospheres, and the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile, soon to become the world’s largest optical telescope, offering unprecedented detail of distant worlds.
Along the way, we’ll discuss how this research also changes our perspective on Earth — the only planet where we know for sure that life exists.
But we won’t stop there. We’ll also ask:
If we do find alien life, will we ever be able to hold it in our hands and study it directly — rather than only through remote measurements? Could we send probes to bring samples back — or maybe even travel there ourselves one day?
The evening concludes with a look at the future of exploring both our Solar System and potential exoplanetary systems.
Join us on a journey into the distant universe, where the search for life brings us not only closer to new worlds — but also to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
This talk is designed for anyone curious about astronomy, space exploration, and life’s biggest questions. No prior knowledge is required, and it is suitable for ages 14 and up.
Guiding us through the galaxies this evening is astrophysicist Cecillie P. Knudsen, known for her engaging communication style and deep expertise in exoplanets, astrobiology, and the technological future of space travel.
Price
Standard, 225 DKK / Annual pass holder, 112 DKK
As an annual pass holder, you get a 50% discount on your entrance ticket.
It is not possible to use free and discounted tickets for special events such as this, unless otherwise stated.
Your ticket gives access to our exhibitions and activities, so arrive early if you want to experience this before the special event.
Tickets cannot be reserved and purchased tickets are non-refundable.
This purchase is covered by section 18(2) of the Danish Consumer Contracts Act, which means that the right of withdrawal lapses when your order is completed.
