Searching for Life: Defending Our World:
How Exoplanetary Science is Powering Planetary Defense
November 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Join the R. Frank and D. Schuman Astronomy Lecture of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. for a talk with Professor Julien de Wit (MIT). This talk presents breakthroughs in the study of exoplanetary systems and highlights key targets in our search for habitable worlds. De Wit shows how the James Webb Space Telescope revealed its capabilities for planetary defense; we plan to use JWST in March 2026 to refine the probability of a 2032 lunar impact for asteroid 2024 YR4—which would disrupt Earth’s satellite infrastructure. This work is challenging our views and seemingly shepherding us towards planetary stewardship.
This talk is intended for a general audience including enthusiasts of all backgrounds and ages.