Startalk Radio – Cosmic Queries – Life on Other Planets with Aomawa Shields

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, Neil DeGrasse Tyson sits down with Aomawa Shields, an associate professor of astronomy specializing in astrobiology at UC Irvine. They discuss the search for life on other planets and the factors that influence habitability. The conversation also includes questions from Patreon members on the topic of cosmic queries.

Main Takeaways

Exploring Habitable Planets

• Astrobiologists are searching for planets that may be habitable and have liquid water on their surfaces, which is necessary for life as we know it.
• There are currently close to 6,000 planets that have been found, but we don’t know much about their habitability.
• Astrobiologists are also exploring the possibility of non-earth-like life forms that may not require water or carbon in their backbone.
• The majority of stars in our galaxy are cooler, smaller, and redder than the sun, so astrobiologists are focusing on those stars to find potentially habitable planets.
• There is controversy over whether the cooler stars that have been discovered are actually stars.

Life Along the Terminator

• Planets orbiting close to their star can experience synchronous rotation, where one side is always day and the other is always night.
• There is a dividing line between the day and night side called the terminator, which could be a potential spot for life.
• Aumila Shields’ team has new work that shows life could exist along the terminator.
• Stars are classified based on their temperature and luminosity.
• Spectra of stars were first classified using letters, which were later rearranged based on temperature.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Exoplanet Study

• Interdisciplinary fields such as atmospheric science, climate science, astronomy, geology, and glaciology are used to study exoplanets.
• Understanding the effects of different types of atmospheres can help prioritize which planets to look at for signs of life.
• Different types of ice reflect sunlight differently, which affects how much energy enters the system.
• Climate models used to predict climate change can also be used to model terminator habitability.

Pursuing Passions and Reconciliation of Self

• Pursuing what you love rather than what others think is important can lead to a reconciliation of self and enrich your life and the lives of others.
• Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Aomawa Shields discuss their personal experiences and backgrounds.
• They met in acting grad school and discuss the challenges of pursuing their passions.
• The guest struggled academically due to a disconnect between her heart and head.
• Pursuing acting was a freeing experience, but also emotionally challenging.

Education and Inclusivity

• Rising Star Girls program teaches astronomy and astrobiology through a creative arts-based lens, allowing girls to develop a personal connection with the universe.
• Workshops for middle school girls of color held virtually, with participants from all over the country and other countries too.
• Educator webinars held to show how to use activities in the handbook with girls in their own communities.
• Incorporating a spectrum of perspectives in astronomy could accelerate our understanding and exploration of the final frontier, as demonstrated by Dr. Shields’ work with Rising Star Girls.
• Science and arts are not as disparate as many people might think, and weaving them together can create imaginative thinkers and enlightened scientists/artists.

Summary

Exploring Habitable Planets

Astrobiologists are actively searching for planets that may have the conditions necessary for life. With close to 6,000 planets already discovered, the focus is on identifying those that may be habitable and have liquid water on their surfaces. This includes exploring the possibility of non-earth-like life forms that may have different requirements. Cooler, smaller, and redder stars are of particular interest as they make up the majority in our galaxy. However, there is ongoing controversy regarding the classification of these cooler stars.

Life Along the Terminator

Planets that orbit close to their star can experience synchronous rotation, resulting in one side always facing the star while the other remains in darkness. The line separating the day and night side, known as the terminator, is a potential location for life. Aumila Shields’ team has conducted new research suggesting that life could exist along the terminator. Stars are classified based on their temperature and luminosity, with their spectra providing valuable information for understanding their characteristics and potential habitability.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Exoplanet Study

Studying exoplanets requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving fields such as atmospheric science, climate science, astronomy, geology, and glaciology. By understanding the effects of different atmospheres and ice types, scientists can prioritize which planets to investigate further for signs of life. Climate models used for predicting climate change can also be utilized to model terminator habitability, providing insights into the potential conditions on exoplanets.

Pursuing Passions and Reconciliation of Self

The conversation between Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Aomawa Shields delves into their personal experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the challenges of pursuing passions and the importance of following what one loves rather than conforming to societal expectations. Aomawa Shields shares her struggles with academic disconnect and the emotional challenges of pursuing acting. Ultimately, pursuing one’s dreams can lead to a reconciliation of self and positively impact not only one’s own life but also the lives of others.

Education and Inclusivity

The Rising Star Girls program exemplifies the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in astronomy. Through this program, middle school girls of color are engaged in astronomy and astrobiology through creative arts-based activities. Workshops and webinars are held to ensure accessibility and provide educators with tools to inspire girls in their own communities. By integrating science and arts, the program aims to foster imaginative thinkers and enlightened scientists/artists who can contribute to our understanding and exploration of the universe.

Conclusion

With the search for life on other planets gaining momentum, astrobiologists are exploring various factors that contribute to habitability. From investigating planets orbiting cooler stars to studying the potential for life along the terminator, scientists are constantly expanding our understanding of the universe. Additionally, the importance of pursuing passions and embracing inclusivity in education has been emphasized, highlighting the potential for diverse perspectives to accelerate our exploration of the final frontier.