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Join the StarTalk All-Stars as we investigate exoplanets in this mashup episode. To start, SETI Senior Astronomer Seth Shostak, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and astronomer Jason T. Wright explore Proxima b, our “neighboring” exoplanet, including how long it would take to get there and what makes it special. They also explore Breakthrough Starshot and the unique information about star KIC 8462852, or as Seth calls it, “Bob.” After that, join cosmochemist Natalie Starkey, Chuck, and planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton as they investigate the requirements for a planet to exist in the Goldilocks zone, the likelihood of life and possibilities of liquid water on other planets in the universe, and the formation of primordial ice in space. You’ll then hear astrobiologist David Grinspoon and Chuck answer a question from Daniel Peluso’s 8th grade class about what makes Earth unique to foster life, and the benefits of exploring Mars, a place that was once vibrant and lush. Lastly, astrophysicist Emily Rice, Chuck, and astronomy professor David Kipping talk about TRAPPIST-1: the system’s M dwarf star, the snow line and possibility of an asteroid belt, what planets would look like from the surface of others, and using radio signals to detect intelligent life.
NOTE: All-Access subscribers can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: Exoplanets Mashup.
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