Making Sense with Sam Harris #252 — Are We Alone in the Universe?
Jun 10, 2021
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an acclaimed astrophysicist and science communicator, joins the discussion on humanity's role in the cosmos. He elaborates on the intriguing Fermi Paradox and potential advanced civilizations. The conversation touches on the latest findings of exoplanets and amino acids in meteorites, hinting at the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Tyson also critiques current media narratives around UFOs and examines societal issues, like the flat-Earth belief. This lively talk challenges listeners to expand their understanding of the universe.
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Astronomy vs. Physics
- Astronomy constantly makes new discoveries, such as water on the moon or black holes.
- These discoveries don't always revolutionize the field but generate excitement.
Extrasolar Planets
- Discovering extrasolar planets was a pivotal moment in astronomy. We've confirmed over 4,000 planets beyond our solar system.
Biases in the Search for Life
- We hold biases when searching for extraterrestrial life, such as assuming it needs planets or specific Goldilocks zones.
- Life might thrive on moons, atmospheres, gas clouds, or vagabond planets with alternative energy sources.
