God and the Astronomer: Exoplanets, Life and Human Significance

In recent years, astronomers have detected over 600 planets outside of our own solar system, and many more are being identified as possible planets. Thus very rapidly the study of these "exoplanets" has moved from being in the realm of science fiction to being a top priority of the world's astronomical programs. Actual images of extra solar planets are now being revealed for the first time. The NASA-ESA Hubble Space Telescope is already characterizing the atmospheres of Jupiter-like planets in other systems. And the recent launch of the NASA Kepler space telescope is enabling the first statistical assessment of how common solar systems like our own really are.

Will we find planets like "Earth"? How will we know if there's life beyond Earth? And what will finding (or not finding) other life-friendly planets mean for our understanding of human significance and our relationship to God? As we begin to characterize these "other worlds" and assess their habitability, the question of the significance and uniqueness of life on Earth will impact our society as never before. I will provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques and status of exoplanet detection, followed by reflections as to the societal impact of finding out that Earths are common, or rare. Will finding other potentially habitable planets create another "Copernican Revolution"? Will perceptions of the significance of life on Earth change when we find other Earth-like planets? I will discuss the intriguing implications for humans of searching for life elsewhere.

Jennifer Wiseman