Conan O’Brien hopes for lizard-like aliens, Greg Proops imagines little green girls from Star Trek. Debate ensues on best way to talk to aliens - equations or Bach music?
The podcast discusses the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the use of radio telescopes to capture signals from potential civilizations.
Communication with alien life presents challenges due to the vast universe and limitations imposed by the cosmic horizon, raising questions about the efficacy of the search.
Deep dives
Foundation of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
The podcast delves into the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence facilitated by astronomers like Seth Shostak. With over a trillion planets in the Milky Way galaxy alone, the likelihood of other intelligent life forms is substantial. The podcast highlights the use of radio telescopes to capture signals from potential extraterrestrial civilizations, drawing parallels to the movie 'Contact.' This foundational premise drives the ongoing search for alien signals amid technological advancements.
Challenges in Contacting Alien Life
Despite the vast expanse of the universe, communication with alien life presents significant challenges. The exponential growth in technology aids in expanding the search across millions of star systems over time. The episode explains the limitations imposed by the cosmic horizon, where galaxies move away faster than the speed of light, hindering direct contact. This existential perspective raises questions about the efficacy and longevity of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Expectations versus Reality in Alien Communication
The podcast explores the public's fascination with potential extraterrestrial encounters, contrasting science fiction expectations with the plausible reality. Opinions vary on the anticipated form of alien life, from microbial organisms on Mars to vivid depictions reminiscent of sci-fi movies. The episode humorously discusses the need for funding by addressing public hunger for cinematic-style extraterrestrial beings, emphasizing the complexities of searching for alien signals amidst scientific challenges and public expectations.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on a mission to discover whether extra-terrestrials exist. But if there really is other life out there, what would it look like?
Comedian Conan O’Brien is hoping for lizard-like creatures with superhuman strength, while Greg Proops imagines little green girls, like the ones in the Star Trek series he grew up with. Or possibly Ewoks. Either way, nobody can agree on the best way to communicate with them if we do ever make contact. Should we send them complicated equations so they realise how intelligent we are, and is playing Bach to aliens too much like showing off?
New episodes will be released on Wednesdays. If you’re in the UK, listen to the full series on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF
Producer: Marijke Peters
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
Episodes featured:
Series 1: Extraterrestrial Life
Series 25: Exploring Our Solar System
Series 12: San Francisco Special
Series 9: To Infinity and Beyond
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode