Planets and Exoplanets: The Search for Life

This microcourse explains how astronomers study the Solar System and search for exoplanets that could host life. Students learn the concept of habitable zones, the transit method, and how scientists evaluate candidate worlds such as Mars and Europa. The course also introduces major observatories and missions, including JWST, and connects observations to the broader question of habitability. After completing the course, students will be able to describe how exoplanets are detected, interpret basic transit ideas, and summarize why certain targets are considered promising for life.