Calculating the odds of intelligent alien life - Jill Tarter
1,251,789 Views
5,895 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Could there be intelligent life on other planets? This question has piqued imagination and curiosity for decades. Explore the answer with the Drake Equation -- a mathematical formula that calculates the possibility of undiscovered life.
WatchThink 5 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
0 Open Discussions
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
0 Open Discussions
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Astronomers believe that every star in the galaxy has a planet, one fifth of which might harbor life. Only we haven't seen any of them — yet. Jeremy Kasdin and his team are looking to change that with the design and engineering of an extraordinary piece of equipment: a flower petal-shaped "starshade" that allows a telescope to photograph planets from 50,000 kilometers away. It is, he says, the "coolest possible science."
Visit the SETI Institute online to learn more about their work, the scientists on their team, and the initiatives they are spearheading in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Explore the SETI@home project, which harnesses the power of home computers around the world to aid in the search for alien life.
Watch Jill Tarter's call to join the SETI search on TED.com.
Visit the SETI Institute online to learn more about their work, the scientists on their team, and the initiatives they are spearheading in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Explore the SETI@home project, which harnesses the power of home computers around the world to aid in the search for alien life.
Watch Jill Tarter's call to join the SETI search on TED.com.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Animator Jeremiah Dickey
- Educator Jill Tarter
- Narrator Jill Tarter
