What lies beyond the edge of the solar system? Does life exist on other planets? Why is the universe constructed the way it is? Drawing on new insights and technologies, scientists are probing these unknowns in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This month, DISCOVER presents a three-part investigation of the astonishing results. First up: In conjunction with the National Science Foundation, Caltech, and the Thirty Meter Telescope, DISCOVER brought together four leading astronomers to describe their studies of wayward comets, alien worlds, black holes, and the expanding universe. The panel discussion was held at Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium and moderated by DISCOVER’s Bad Astronomy blogger, Phil Plait. The four-part video from the panel is included in the two-page article below; to see video interviews with the four panelists, see the homepage for the event.
Also see the other articles in the three-part package on what's out there in the universe: ▪ The Biocentric Universe Theory: Life Creates Time, Space, and the Cosmos Itself ▪ A Scientist's Guide to Finding Alien Life: Where, When, and in What Universe (to be published tomorrow)
Phil Plait: When each of you started your research, you were trying to answer some big questions. Can you explain those initial questions and tell us if you have different big questions now?
