糖心TV

I will describe my research in various aspects of astrobiology. The seminar will be split into two parts. In the first I will illustrate, using my work on climate modelling of planets in binary systems and exomoons, precisely how "habitability is a four letter word". I will show that the habitable zone concept is worn very thin in these cases, and I will counsel against over-reliance on it.

In the second, I will detail some of my work on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). I will outline my development of new techniques for leveraging current and future astronomical surveys to obtain constraints on intelligent activity, and their subsequent use in analysis of the anomalous Tabby's star (KIC 8462582). Despite my belief that the SETI endeavour will fail, I will end by presenting an argument for continuing, a "pessimist's plea for SETI".