If a tree fell on another planet, would we be able to detect it? Not quite yet – but we might be able to tell if the planet was habitable. A living-planet is the promise of newly-discovered Gliese 581g. But does the planet exist at all?
Discover how we learn a planet’s geology and chemistry from afar. Also, what we learn about a civilization from what it discards, beginning with our own sloppy habits.
Plus, the hunt for derelict alien spaceships… and a man who sketches alien creatures for a living – based on real science.
Guests:
- Lisa Kaltenegger – Astronomer, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
- Brad Bebout – Biologist, NASA Ames Research Center
- Robin Nagle – Anthropologist, New York University
- Robin Hanson – Economist, George Mason University
- Joel Hagen – Computer graphics instructor, Modesto Junior College
