If scientists discovered that we are not alone, what would they do with that information? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice learn about the search for life, habitability around M stars and more with astrophysics professor and author Aomawa Shields. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-life-on-other-planets-with-aomawa-shields/Thanks to our Patrons Pepper Horton, annie brown, Lance Cardwell, Natalie waugh, firestorm960, and Daryl Spencerfor supporting us this week.Photo Credit: Original ESO/M. Kornmesser  (+ background position from original change by Nagualdesign), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

Daniel talks to Prof. Aomawa Shields, author of 'Life on Other Planets', about the climate of exoplanets and her unusual path to astronomy. They discuss searching for life on exoplanets, the criteria for habitability, techniques for finding exoplanets, complexities of habitability, and Professor Shields' personal journey into academia.

Astronomer and author Aomawa Shields explores her career as a scientist and actor, discusses being an African American woman in STEM, and examines the intersection of science and culture in her memoir. She also highlights the importance of characterizing habitable planets and the search for extraterrestrial life.