Rebecca Charbonneau

Dr. Rebecca Charbonneau, a historian of astronomy and author of "Mixed Signals," dives into the fascinating collaboration between American and Soviet astronomers during the Cold War. She discusses the groundbreaking partnership between Carl Sagan and Iosif Shklovsky and their quest for extraterrestrial intelligence. Delving into bizarre experiments, political tensions, and the philosophical implications of their work, Rebecca highlights how curiosity can unite humanity, even amidst global strife.

Dr. Rebecca Charbonneau, a historian of science with a PhD from Cambridge, discusses the fascinating intersection of extraterrestrial communication and Cold War politics. She uncovers how American and Soviet scientists collaborated despite geopolitical tensions, revealing untold stories from the Soviet perspective. The conversation highlights the dual role of scientific pursuits in military contexts and the impact of national biases on messages intended for alien life. Charbonneau's insights transform our understanding of the quest for cosmic connection against a backdrop of rivalry.