On April 17, 2025, a Smart lecture on the topic “Exoplanets: Is There Life on Them?” was held for students of the Classical Professional College of SumDU who study in the specialties “Electronics, Electronic Communications, Instrumentation and Radio Engineering” (Bachelor and Junior Specialist) and “Computer Engineering” (Junior Specialist). The lecture was delivered by Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, and renowned science popularizer Anatolii OPANASIUK.
Before the lecture, Deputy Head of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering Ihor KULYK introduced students to the educational programs offered by the department. It was noted that the modern world is impossible without the development of electronics and telecommunications. These are precisely the skills provided by the department’s lecturers within the specialty G5 “Electronics, Electronic Communications, Instrumentation and Radio Engineering” in the educational programs “Electronic Systems and Components” and “Network and Internet Technologies”. Particular attention was paid to the new educational program in the specialty F7 “Computer Engineering,” the first intake for which is open this year. Future specialists in the field F7 “Information Technologies” within this educational program will gain professional knowledge in the development, configuration, and operation of system software and hardware of computer technology, as well as general and special-purpose computer systems and networks.
The purpose of the Smart lecture was to introduce students to modern methods of searching for exoplanets; to address the question of the possibility of life beyond the Solar System; and to stimulate students’ interest in current problems of physics, astrophysics, and astrobiology. The lecture by Professor Opanasiuk A.S. was devoted to reviewing modern achievements in the field of exoplanet discovery and assessing their suitability for life.
You can view the lecture presentation here: “Exoplanets: Is There Life on Them?”
During the lecture, the following key aspects were covered:
History of exoplanet discovery: The lecturer briefly described the first successful discoveries of planets outside the Solar System and the evolution of methods for their detection.
Main methods of exoplanet detection: The transit and radial velocity methods were discussed in detail, including their advantages and limitations. The lecturer visually demonstrated light curve graphs and Doppler spectra.
Classification of exoplanets: A modern classification of exoplanets by size, mass, and other characteristics (hot Jupiters, super-Earths, Neptune-like planets, etc.) was presented.
Habitable zone and conditions for life: The lecturer explained the concept of the habitable zone around a star and discussed the main factors necessary for life as we know it (liquid water, energy source, organic molecules).
Biomarkers: Potential biomarkers—chemical compounds in planetary atmospheres that may indicate the presence of life—were discussed.
Current and future exoplanet exploration missions: The lecturer spoke about the successful Kepler and TESS missions, as well as the prospects of future research using the James Webb Space Telescope and other instruments.
The Smart lecture proved to be extremely interesting and informative for the students. According to feedback from the attendees, the lecture significantly expanded their understanding of the current state of research in the field of exoplanet exploration and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life.
Head of the Departmental Commission “Bachelor of Engineering Specialties” (BIS) of the Separate Structural Unit “Classical Professional College of SumDU” Maksym Ivashchenko.