Reach Podcast

Habitable Planets

Dr. Eric Ford, director of Penn State’s Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds, explains the search for planets beyond our solar system, focusing on those in the “habitable zone” where liquid water can exist. They use advanced telescopes to detect and analyze exoplanets, focusing on biosignatures like oxygen and methane. Current research combines indirect methods with new technology aiming for direct imaging, paving the way for future missions like the Habitable Worlds Observatory in the 2040s.

Listen on your favorite platform:

 

Next Episode: Human and Environmental Health »

 

 

More Reach Podcast

Creek water running over rocks.

Mine Water Runoff

9/29/25 | 34m 28s

Monotone blue image of historical family photo.

The Family

6/27/19 | 33m 29s

Monotone blue image of a spotted lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly

7/31/19 | 29m 3s

Close up of a white bone-like structure.

3D Bioprinting

9/22/25 | 25m 18s

Monotone blue image of glacier.

Climate Change

7/31/19 | 24m 24s

Monotone blue image of virus.

Diseases and Wildlife

7/31/19 | 17m 26s

Helping Developing Countries

Helping Developing Countries

11/18/19 | 32m 24s

Monotone blue image of fingers pressing screen of smart watch.

Materials and You

7/31/19 | 30m 18s

 

« Digital Home Page