Can there be life on planets without magnetic fields? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice discuss exoplanets, extraterrestrials, and answer extraordinary questions from our fans with astrobiologist, David Grinspoon. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/cosmic-queries-silicon-aliens-with-david-grinspoon/Thanks to our Patrons el EC Podcast, neutronforce, Jim Crutcher, S Mokry, and Sly Sparkane for supporting us this week.Photo Credit: NASA/Goddard/Francis Reddy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

David Grinspoon, also known as Dr. Funkyspoon, is a NASA astrobiology strategist who dives into the mysteries of alien life. He discusses the Drake Equation and its implications for understanding extraterrestrial civilizations. The conversation touches on humanity's potential role in seeding life beyond Earth, and explores the intriguing liquid oceans of moons like Enceladus and Europa. Grinspoon also highlights how comedy can bridge the gap between science and the public, while reflecting on the portrayal of aliens in cinema and the search for intelligent life.

"Chasing New Horizons" features Alan Stern and David Grinspoon, sharing insights on the New Horizons spacecraft mission to Pluto. They discuss the challenges of obtaining funding, naming the planet, and the incredible excitement surrounding the Pluto flyby. The podcast also dives into Pluto's fascinating features and the development of software for spacecraft hibernation.