Big Think The beauty of our improbable existence with a NASA expert, physicist & futurist
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Oct 13, 2025 
Join Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist known for his stunning insights into quantum mechanics, Kevin Kelly, a futurist and co-founder of Wired, and Nina Lanza, a planetary scientist unlocking the mysteries of Martian geology. They discuss NASA's robotic exploration of Mars and the implications for life beyond Earth. Carroll reflects on humanity's place in the cosmos, while Kelly unveils his vision for a future of long-term thinking. Lanza shares fascinating ideas from studying Martian rocks, showcasing our relentless curiosity about existence and innovation.
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Early Astronomy Spark
- Nina Lanza shares how her fascination with space began unexpectedly when looking at Halley's Comet at age seven.
- This moment sparked her lifelong desire to study the universe and planetary geology.
Mars Sample Return Importance
- Mars sample return missions involve complex coordination of landers, rovers, and orbiters to bring samples back to Earth.
- Studying returned Martian rocks can answer whether Mars was habitable or inhabited.
Long-Term Thinking Projects
- Kevin Kelly’s Long Now Foundation focuses on long-term thinking via projects like a 10,000-year clock.
- Such initiatives inspire thinking beyond immediate timescales to impact future generations.