Topic: Sara Seager

Space exploration: Will budget cuts stall search for other Earths?

Astronomers are on the cusp of new discoveries in the search for distant planets that could have life. But budget cuts are forcing this branch of space exploration to turn to smaller, less-ambitious projects.

Lunar eclipse tonight: How it helps the search for extraterrestrial life

The moon's ruddy color during the lunar eclipse tonight is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. It's what astronomers look at when distant planets pass in front of their own stars.

Gliese 581g, a new planet like Earth: Could humans live there?

Gliese 581g would be the first Earth-like planet found orbiting in a star's habitable zone. The new plant is located in a region where temperatures could sustain life and liquid water on its surface.

Kepler passes first test - ready to hunt for other Earths

By gauging the subtle differences in light given off by a planet 1,000 light-years away, it shows that it's up to the job.

How an alien might look at Earth and say: 'Yep, could be life there.'