Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Chris Impey, a British-born astronomer and University Distinguished Professor at the University of Arizona, has established himself as a leading figure in astronomy education and public outreach. Born in 1956, he completed his education at Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh before joining the University of Arizona in 1986. His research portfolio includes over 180 refereed publications focused on observational cosmology and extragalactic astronomy, supported by $20 million in NASA and NSF grants. On Coursera, he offers three highly-rated courses: "Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space" with over 245,777 enrolled students, "Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds" with 33,798 students, and "Knowing the Universe." His teaching excellence is evidenced by eleven university teaching awards and his selection as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor in 2014. Beyond academia, he has authored eight popular science books, including "The Living Cosmos" and "How It Began," and gives numerous public talks annually to diverse audiences. His commitment to science education extends to digital platforms, with his Teach Astronomy website attracting thousands of weekly visitors and his YouTube content garnering over half a million views. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the position of Vice President of the American Astronomical Society.