Ideas worth spreading

What a planet needs to sustain life

2,036,147 views | Dave Brain • TEDxBoulder

"Venus is too hot, Mars is too cold, and Earth is just right," says planetary scientist Dave Brain. But why? In this pleasantly humorous talk, Brain explores the fascinating science behind what it takes for a planet to host life -- and why humanity may just be in the right place at the right time when it comes to the timeline of life-sustaining planets.

"Venus is too hot, Mars is too cold, and Earth is just right," says planetary scientist Dave Brain. But why? In this pleasantly humorous talk, Brain explores the fascinating science behind what it takes for a planet to host life -- and why humanity may just be in the right place at the right time when it comes to the timeline of life-sustaining planets.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBoulder, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

About the speaker

Dave Brain

Planetary scientist

See speaker profile

Dave Brain studies the plasma environments and atmospheres of unmagnetized planets.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBoulder, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.