Space Rocks, Star Stuff, and Tom Selleck's Mustache with Greg Brennecka
Feb 10, 2022
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Guest Greg Brennecka, a staff scientist and cosmochemist, discusses his research on how things from space have the potential to create life on Earth. He explores the role of meteorites in shaping the evolution of life, the formation of our solar system, and the presence of biomaterials from outer space. The podcast also touches on the cultural significance of Tom Selleck's mustache and promotional announcements.
Meteorites have played a significant role in shaping human culture throughout history, from being used as decorative ornaments by the ancient Egyptians to being worshiped as a primary deity by the Romans.
Meteorites have delivered essential ingredients for life on Earth, such as organic materials and pre-solar grains, playing a crucial role in the development of life and shaping the biosphere as we know it.
Deep dives
Meteorites: More than Planetary Destruction
Meteorites, often associated with planetary destruction, can actually give birth to life. Greg Brenica, a cosmo chemist, reveals that meteorites have played a significant role in shaping human culture. From ancient Egyptians using meteorites as decorative ornaments to the Romans worshiping a meteorite as their primary deity, meteorites have left a profound impact on societies throughout history. In addition to their cultural influence, meteorites bring organic materials from outer space to Earth, which has been essential for the development of life on our planet. These extraterrestrial rocks contain complex organic molecules and pre-solar grains that existed even before our solar system formed. Studying meteorites provides insights into the formation of our solar system and the ingredients that make up life itself.
Meteorite Variability and Collection
Meteorites exhibit a wide range of compositions and characteristics. While around 80% of meteorites are of a specific type that is abundant in collections, there is a vast variety found within meteorites. Some are large chunks of iron and nickel, resembling the cores of planets. Others are formed in the outer solar system and contain ices, organic materials, and even fossils of dead stars. Meteorites from Mars and the Moon are also found, having been ejected from these celestial bodies and delivered to Earth through impacts. Collecting meteorites is an important task, often done in Antarctica, where the icy landscape makes it easier to spot these extraterrestrial rocks.
Meteorite Impact on Earth's Evolution
Meteorites have had a profound impact on Earth's evolution. One of the most significant events was the meteorite impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and paved the way for the rise of mammals. This impact reset the planet and allowed mammals to flourish and eventually become the dominant species. Meteorites have also influenced the formation of our moon, which was likely created from debris resulting from a massive impact on Earth. Furthermore, meteorites have delivered essential ingredients for life on Earth, such as organic materials and pre-solar grains, playing a crucial role in the development of life and shaping the biosphere as we know it.
Meteorites in History and Religion
Throughout history, meteorites have captured human fascination and played vital roles in various cultures and religions. Ancient Egyptians regarded meteorites as sacred and incorporated them into their culture and language. Roman society once worshiped a meteorite as their primary deity for several years. Meteorite impacts have even found their way into religious texts, such as the biblical accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah, where meteoritic air bursts are believed to have caused destruction. These cosmic events have influenced cultural beliefs, shaped religious practices, and left lasting marks on human history.
More than a hundred million people watched the Netflix movie Don’t Look Up, which focused on our fear that something could crash into our planet from space and destroy it. But what if things that come from space don’t just have the potential to destroy life but also to create it? That’s Greg Brennecka’s argument, and he joins Indre on today’s episode to talk all about it. Greg is a staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, whose research has appeared in Science, Nature, and The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS). He won the prestigious Sofja Kovalevskaja fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to study the early solar system and is a leader in understanding how things from space affect us down here on Earth. His new book is Impact: How Rocks from Space Led to Life, Culture, and Donkey Kong, and he discusses it and so much more (including Tom Selleck and his famous mustache) with Indre here today.
