The Search for Life
Are solar systems like ours rare? Dr Richard Parker uses stars and simulations to find out. Discover how planets form and what it means for life in space.
Are planetary systems like ours rare in the universe?
Dr. Richard Parker, a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield, is investigating one of the biggest questions in planetary science: how common are planetary systems like our own Solar System? Stars like the Sun are born not in isolation, but alongside tens to thousands of stellar siblings, each potentially forming its own planetary system. These young stars interact dynamically before dispersing into the wider galaxy.
Using a combination of computer simulations and observational data, Dr. Parker's research traces the full life story of planetary systems, from their beginnings in stellar nurseries to their long, quiet evolution in the Milky Way. A key focus is on how interactions between stars can disrupt developing planetary systems, which provides clues to the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe.
The research aims to uncover what fraction of these systems might be similar to ours, and what that means for the potential habitability of planets orbiting distant stars.
Credits
- Presenter: Dr Richard Parker (Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield)
- Presenter: Jessica Diamond (Physics and Astrophysics Master’s Graduate at the University of Sheffield)
- Producer: Juliette Holmes (Digital Content Production Assistant at the University of Sheffield)
- Filming: Sam Bowers (Digital Media Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Filming: Theo Burgoyne (Digital Media Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Filming: Alex Stevenson (Digital Media Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Editing and Animation: Sam Bowers (Digital Media Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Graphics: Phil Drury (Visual Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Support: Phil Drury (Visual Designer at the University of Sheffield)
- Support: Malcolm Roberts (Head of Student Communications & Creative Content at the University of Sheffield)
- Support: Shaun Oliver (Science Faculty Marketing and Communications Manager at the University of Sheffield)
- Special thanks to The Royal Society for funding this research
