#159 Ian Crawford: Astrobiology, Space Exploration, and Big History
Dr. Ian Crawford is Professor of Planetary Science and Astrobiology at Birkbeck College, University of London. His research activities mostly lie in the fields of space exploration (especially lunar science and exploration), and the science of astrobiology (the search for life in the Universe).
In this episode, we talk about astrobiology and Big History. What is astrobiology, and the criteria that are used to search for life in the Universe, and also the limitations of those criteria, including the Goldilocks conditions (or the habitable zone). Also, the life forms that we should expect to find on other planets, and the places in our solar system which have the highest probabilities of hosting life. The special case of looking for intelligent life, and the many complications of it. The scientific, societal and political relevance of lunar and space exploration, and why it’s not in conflict with other human social and political endeavors. And, finally, Big History, and the relationship between astrobiology and Big History.
Time Links:
What is astrobiology?
The criteria for searching for life in the Universe
Goldilocks conditions, or the “habitable zone”
What extremophiles tell us about life
The life forms we should expect to find
Places in our solar system most likely to host life
How to know if there was life on a planet that no longer has it
When should we stop looking for life on a particular planet?
The special case of intelligent life
The scientific, societal and political relevance of lunar and space exploration
Space exploration is not that costly
Why terraforming other planets (including Mars) is not a viable strategy to counter climate change problems
Big History and Astrobiology
Our position as humans in the Universe
Follow Dr. Crawford’s work!
Follow Dr. Crawford’s work:
Faculty page: https://tinyurl.com/6fc74ra
Articles on Researchgate: https://tinyurl.com/y4nywjc6
How ‘Big History’ can save the world: https://tinyurl.com/y4f5jk9p
Why looking for aliens is good for society (even if there aren’t any): https://tinyurl.com/yxhcjhww
The long-term scientific benefits of a space economy: https://tinyurl.com/y6fxyco7