Alien Earths: The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos ft. Lisa Kaltenegger

Are we alone? This question continues to tantalize and mystify scientists and the public alike, wondering if Earth contains not only the one known sample of life in the Universe but also the ONLY life in the Universe. In her new book, Alien Earths, astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger (founding director of Cornell University's Carl Sagan Institute) "demonstrates how we can use our homeworld as a Rosetta Stone, creatively analyzing Earth's history and its astonishing biosphere" to inform our search for life beyond Earth. Communications specialist Beth Johnson chatted with Dr. Kaltenegger about her research, her writing, and the ever-improving tools available in our quest for answers. (Recorded 13 June 2024.)