Possible biosignature detected
Have scientists found evidence of life on Venus? Known for its scorching temperatures and acidic atmosphere, Earth’s twin hardly seems a promising place for living things. But could a discovery of phosphine by researchers at MIT point to a high-altitude biosphere on this nearby world?
Guests:
- Clara Sousa–Silva - Research scientist in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. She and Sara Seager co-authored a paper in January 2020 titled, “Phosphine as a Biosignature Gas in Exoplanet Atmospheres”
- Sara Seager - Professor of physics and planetary science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of “The Smallest Lights in the Universe”
- Nathalie Cabrol - Planetary Scientist and Director of the Cal Sagan Center at the SETI Institute
- David Grinspoon - Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, author of “Earth in Human Hands.”
Segments (via bigpicturescience.org):
Part 1: Clara Sousa-Silva / Phosphine Biosignature
Part 2: Sara Seager / Venusian Phosphine
Part 3: Nathalie Cabrol / Wait and See
Part 4: David Grinspoon / Life on Venus