Science Weekly Life beyond Earth? Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock on the mysteries of space
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Dec 18, 2025 
Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned space scientist and educator behind instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope, discusses her upcoming Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. She passionately argues for the probability of life beyond Earth while exploring the challenges of searching for it. The conversation delves into Webb's groundbreaking discoveries and the excitement of exoplanets. Maggie shares her enthusiasm for space travel, contrasting it with the hosts' preferences for Earth, while also offering stargazing tips for the holiday season.
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Instruments Change What We Know
- New instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope let us view the universe in different electromagnetic bands and reveal unexpected phenomena.
- These observations challenge models, for example by showing surprisingly large early galaxies and new kinds of black holes.
Most Of The Universe Is Unknown
- We currently understand only around 6% of the universe's composition, leaving dark matter and dark energy as major mysteries.
- That gap underpins fundamental questions like whether we are alone in the universe.
Sci‑Fi Fuels Scientific Desire
- Human fascination with visiting exoplanets reflects cultural influences like science fiction and personal dreams.
- Maggie admits Star Trek inspired her desire to explore, linking culture to scientific curiosity.