Mars and the Search for Life

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This chapter explores the intriguing field of astrobiology, focusing on recent discoveries of Mars that may indicate past environments suitable for life. The speakers discuss the significance of volcanic and hydrothermal sites on both Mars and Earth, drawing parallels in extreme conditions that could foster life. They also elaborate on the challenges of effectively communicating scientific discoveries to the public, emphasizing the excitement and potential connections between Martian and terrestrial life.

NASA's Perseverance rover recently discovered a rock on Mars that could be the key to finding evidence of life beyond Earth. Coupled with the recently discovery that hundreds of millions of other planets exist in the "habitable zone" of their stars, it’s becoming increasingly likely that we’re not alone in the universe. While finding extraterrestrial life would be one of the most groundbreaking scientific achievements ever, the ongoing search is already shedding light on our own origins and place in the cosmos. This week, Adam sits with Nathalie Cabrol, director of the Carl Sagan Center at SETI and author of The Secret Life of the Universe: An Astrobiologist's Search for the Origins and Frontiers of Life. Together, they explore the probability of discovering alien life in our lifetimes, whether there could be a form of life so alien we wouldn't even recognize it, and the possibility that life on Earth might not have started here. Find Nathalie's book at factuallypod.com/books

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