Jonathan I. Lunine
Chief Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Professor of Planetary Science at Caltech, specializing in planetary formation, habitability, and participation in major space missions; delivered the lecture on Georges Lemaître and cosmology for the Thomistic Institute.
Best podcasts with Jonathan I. Lunine
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Nov 12, 2025 • 54min
George Lemaitre: The Catholic Priest Who Proposed the Big Bang Theory – Prof. Jonathan Lunine
In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Jonathan Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s JPL and Professor at Caltech, delves into the remarkable life of Georges Lemaître, the Catholic priest who proposed the Big Bang theory. He explores how Lemaître's faith and science intertwined, challenging misconceptions about their conflict. Lunine uncovers Lemaître’s groundbreaking ideas on cosmic expansion and the implications of the primeval atom. He also emphasizes Lemaître’s belief in two paths to truth, advocating for the harmony between science and religion.
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
How Planetary Science Unifies the Search for Life Beyond Earth – Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine
In this discussion, Prof. Jonathan I. Lunine, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a leading expert in planetary science, explores how various scientific fields converge in the search for extraterrestrial life. He highlights Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and Titan as prime candidates for harboring life, sharing insights from groundbreaking missions like Juno and Europa Clipper. Lunine emphasizes the importance of in-situ exploration and the promise of returning samples to Earth, envisioning a future where we could uncover signs of life within a couple of decades.
