STIA 4280: Habitable Planet Lab

This class explores the concept of extreme environments as a window into the potential habitability of other planets while also teaching students to look more closely at our own world.

We will learn what types of environments on Earth are used as analogs for planetary exploration, and in what ways: testing rovers and instruments that will be sent into space, probing the limits of life at extremes of temperature, water availability, and salinity, and improving our methods of life detection.

We will also practice the skill of close and careful observation, learning how to investigate Earth as though it were an alien planet during a week-long, hands-on journey through several noteworthy planetary analog sites in the Mojave Desert. 

Please note: Students must be free to travel over Georgetown’s spring break.

Application

Applications are due November 9th, 2025.