In this Currents episode, Jim talks to astrophysicist Christopher Conselice about his recent paper that estimates the number of communicating intelligent civilizations in the galaxy. Topics include: the history of the 'life off earth' question, current methods of looking for extraterrestrial intelligence, how Chris builds on and modifies the Drake equation, supernovas & star formation, possible communication methods, estimating intelligent civilization lifespans, SETI and METI, dangers and benefits of contacting intelligence, technology signatures, astronomy's future, the Fermi paradox, and more.
Episode Transcript
The Jim Rutt Show