Donald Brownlee

Donald Brownlee is an American astronomer renowned for his work in planetary science and astrobiology. He is best known for co-developing the "Rare Earth Hypothesis," which explores the delicate conditions necessary for complex life to exist elsewhere in the universe. Brownlee has contributed significantly to the study of comets, asteroid impacts, and the origins of our solar system. His research helps scientists understand how planets form and why Earth might be uniquely suited to support life. He has also been involved in space missions, including the Stardust mission that collected particles from a comet.