Life on Other Planets with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Aomawa Shields – Cosmic Queries

If scientists discovered that we are not alone, what would they do with that information? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice learn about the search for life, habitability around M stars and more with astrophysics professor and author Aomawa Shields. We explore the work being done after exoplanet discovery, how do we tell if it's habitable? We go over the main conditions that life needs and some of our Earth biases. How would you modify your search for life around an M star? We break down the letter classifications of stars and what they mean. Could life survive on a planet that is tidally locked in synchronous rotation with its star? We discuss Aomawa’s new book Life on Other Planets, her organization Rising Stargirls, and her interdisciplinary background. How does being a trained actress factor into her life as a scientist? We dive into fan questions: what locations in our solar system are most promising for life? Learn about Europa, Enceladus, and why Aomawa is skeptical about Mars. How do different types of stars impact the planets– and the potential life– around them? How can diverse experiences help accelerate the progress of science? We discuss the universal human experience and the impact of uplifting all minds. Find out about the concept of panspermia, Oumuamua, and whether Earth’s life comes from somewhere else. All that, plus we explore scientific moral quandaries, if scientists found something with potential to destroy would they still enlighten the public? Thanks to our Patrons Pepper Horton, annie brown, Lance Cardwell, Natalie waugh, firestorm960, and Daryl Spencer for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Introduction: Life on Other Planets 03:20 - The Life of an Astrobiologist: Figuring Out Habitability 6:23 - M Dwarf Stars & Synchronous Rotation 9:54 - Star Classifications 12:12 - Terminator Habitability 15:14 - Astrophysics & Acting 23:08 - Potential Life in Our Solar System 25:05 - Requirements for Life Around Other Stars 29:05 - Colors of Stars 32:32 - Perspectives in Astronomy & Rising Stargirls 38:57 - Evidence of Panspermia? 39:49 - Is Every Discovery Worth Publicizing? 41:50 - What Would We Do If We’re Not Alone?