"Finding Black Holes in Space," Dr. Debra Fischer, San Francisco State University

Astrobiology, the study of life in the universe, is still a science without any specimens. However, ongoing research in planetary science, biology, and astronomy is sharpening our estimates for the probability of life elsewhere and highlighting the weakest links in our understanding. In astronomy, the discovery of more than 200 planets orbiting other stars has helped us to see our own solar system in context. What does it take to make a world habitable? Key issues in understanding the possibilities for life on other worlds will be highlighted and the missing exoplanet link -- potentially habitable rocky worlds -- will be discussed. Dr. Fischer will explain how her team hopes to bridge that gap and find other Earths.