1050: Lisa Kaltenegger | In Search of Alien Life and Livable Worlds

Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life. What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger: The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability. Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane. The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface. The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang. Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!