Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

Confessions of an Alien Hunter with Seth Shostak (2021)

Aug 27, 2024

Seth Shostak, an astronomer and author who leads the search for extraterrestrials at the SETI Institute, shares intriguing insights about the ongoing quest for alien life. He discusses the resurgence of interest in UFOs following military reports and the skepticism that often surrounds such claims. Shostak also reflects on the evolving role of the SETI Institute, the implications of the Drake Equation, and how advancements in technology might reshape future explorations. With humor and engaging anecdotes, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity in both science and personal pursuits.

47:28

Episode guests

Seth Shostak

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Investigations into UFOs indicate that 80% to 90% of sightings are explainable, challenging the expectation of clear governmental disclosure of extraterrestrial evidence.

The SETI Institute's expansion into astrobiological research highlights an integrated scientific approach to understanding extraterrestrial life potential beyond traditional intelligence searches.

Deep dives

The Complexity of UFO Investigations

Investigations into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have revealed that a significant majority, often cited as 80% to 90%, can be attributed to mundane phenomena. Only a small fraction remains unexplained, leading to implications about the notion of 'disclosure' concerning extraterrestrial technology. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of claims that definitive proof of UFO existence will come through governmental transparency. Consequently, it challenges the perception that such disclosures will conclusively verify the presence of extraterrestrial life.

Intro

2min

Post-Pandemic Reflections and Literary Insights

5min

The Transformative Journey of the SETI Institute and the Recognition of Scientific Pioneers

3min

The Irony of Extraterrestrial Politics in Nevada

2min

The Rising Attention on UFOs and Government Disclosure

5min

Exploring the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

26min

The Importance of Following Your Passions and Interests

3min

What is the current state of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)? Why do scientists often raise their eyebrows at UFO sightings? And what might the future of SETI look like with ongoing technological advancements?

I had the privilege of diving into these fascinating topics with the professional alien hunter Seth Shostak!

Seth Shostak is an astronomer and author who directs the search for extraterrestrials at the SETI Institute in California—trying to find evidence of intelligent life in space. He is also committed to getting the public, especially young people, excited about astrobiology and science in general.

Seth hosts “Big Picture Science,” the SETI Institute’s weekly radio show. The one-hour program uses interviews with leading researchers and lively and intelligent storytelling to tackle big questions like: What came before the Big Bang? How does memory work? Will our descendants be human or machine? What’s the origin of humor? Big Picture Science can be found on iTunes and other podcast sites.

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Key Takeaways:

00:00 Intro
02:05 Judging a book by its cover
06:49 The Carl Sagan Directors Award and the reorganization of the SETI Institute
09:45 Area 51, Harry Reid and the resurgence of interest in UAPs
11:59 What do you think about new scientific pursuits around UAPs and SETI?
16:47 What do you think about the Drake Equation?
21:18 When can we stop looking?
24:52 What technology could alien civilizations be using?
30:34 How do you handle the criticisms that you are anti-alien?
33:26 What are the latest SETI projects?
37:22 Final questions
44:09 Outro