"Life in Our Universe" Prof. Laird Close (DVD) (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture /  4x DVD - The Great Courses)
The ultimate search for life among the stars and our true place in the cosmos takes center stage in Professor Laird Close’s high-impact series, Life in Our Universe. This exploration synthesizes the latest breakthroughs in astrobiology, astronomy, and planetary science to evaluate the delicate conditions required for life to flourish. By examining the extreme environments of our own solar system and the thousands of exoplanets discovered orbiting distant stars, you will analyze the chemical and physical signatures that reveal whether a world is truly habitable.
 
An authoritative scientific lens replaces conjecture as you investigate the revolutionary technology used to detect "biosignatures" across the light-years. Through the expert guidance of a University of Arizona astronomer, you will explore the compelling evidence for life on icy moons like Europa and the rust-colored deserts of Mars. This isn't just a survey of celestial bodies; it is an invitation to view the universe as a vast, dynamic laboratory where the laws of physics and chemistry are constantly being tested to see if life is a universal inevitability.