Jeremy Kasdin: The flower-shaped starshade that might help us detect Earth-like planets

The video discusses the goal of building a space telescope to image Earth-like planets around other stars, highlighting the challenges posed by light diffraction and distance. Inspired by solar eclipses, Lyman Spitzer proposed using a starshade to block starlight, allowing telescopes to capture images of distant planets. Recent advancements in starshade technology, including successful tests, suggest that this approach could soon enable the imaging of other solar systems, potentially identifying planets that could harbor life.

What is the primary goal of the space telescope project discussed in the video?

• To explore the surface of Mars.

• To capture images of Earth-like planets around other stars.

• To study the atmosphere of Jupiter.

• To map the Milky Way galaxy.

Why is it challenging to directly image planets around other stars?

• Stars are too far away.

• Planets are too small to be seen.

• Stars are much brighter than the planets.

• Planets move too quickly.

What inspired the concept of using a starshade to block starlight?

• A solar eclipse.

• The phases of the moon.

• The aurora borealis.

• The rings of Saturn.

What is the shape of the starshade that helps control diffraction?

• Flower petal

• Square panel

• Circular disc

• Triangular prism

How far must the starshade be positioned from the telescope to effectively block starlight?

• 5 kilometers

• 5,000 kilometers

• 500 kilometers

• 50,000 kilometers

What was a significant achievement during the starshade testing phase?

• The starshade was launched into space.

• The starshade captured images of Mars.

• The petals unfurled with precision to a tenth of a millimeter.

• The starshade was tested on the moon.

What potential discovery could the starshade technology lead to?

• Mapping the asteroid belt.

• Identifying other solar systems with Earth-like planets.

• Discovering new elements.

• Finding new galaxies.