The show begins with Art expressing his enthusiasm for hosting the program, which he refers to as “extra-terrestrial radio.” He announces that the chief astronomer at Surrey will be the guest for the night, promising an exciting show. Art then addresses a technical issue related to Sirius XM radio timeouts, offering advice to listeners on how to avoid these interruptions, such as moving something on their screen or adjusting the volume. He acknowledges the rationale behind Sirius XM’s streaming policy, which aims to prevent continuous streaming if a listener falls asleep.
Art also humorously mentions the possibility of catching a cold from his daughter, who has been absent from school due to illness. He then shares a story about his friend Scottie, a fellow ham radio operator in Las Vegas. Scottie decided to install a large ham radio tower at his home, leading to a humorous situation where the tower had to be moved through his house while his wife was away at a spa. Art comments on the photos of this event available on his website.
The conversation shifts to the topic of comets, particularly a significant one expected to be visible in November. Art discusses the historical association of comets with doom and catastrophe, suggesting that there might be a genetic memory in humans that causes a sense of dread at the sight of a comet. He speculates on the cultural and historical significance of comets in various societies, including Native American cultures.
Art touches on a political event, mentioning a Republican senator’s intention to filibuster against Obamacare by speaking in the Senate until he can no longer stand. CNN’s coverage of this event is highlighted, with Art noting the network’s anticipation of the senator’s potential collapse during his prolonged speech.
Art briefly returns to the topic of the Republican senator filibustering against Obamacare, humorously speculating that the senator might eventually need Obamacare himself after collapsing from exhaustion.
Art then shifts focus to international news, mentioning Kenya’s president declaring victory over terrorists after a four-day siege at a mall in Nairobi, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. He finds the president’s use of the word “ashamed” to describe the defeat of the attackers interesting.
The conversation moves to Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who broke his silence to write a lengthy letter to a well-known Italian atheist. In the letter, Benedict addresses accusations of covering up sexually abusive priests and discusses topics like evolution and the figure of Jesus Christ. Art expresses curiosity about Benedict’s views on evolution.
Next, Art mentions Hillary Clinton’s warning against a government shutdown, interpreting her comments as suggesting that such a shutdown would anger many people and potentially harm Republicans more than Democrats.
Art introduces a product, a small FM transmitter that can be connected to various devices like iPhones and iPads, allowing users to listen to the program anywhere in their house. He emphasizes the convenience and affordability of the product.
The segment concludes with Art introducing his guest, Seth Shostak, the senior astronomer at the SETI Institute. He gives a brief overview of Shostak’s impressive credentials, including his education, research on galaxies, numerous publications, and his role as a host of the SETI Institute’s science radio show. Art teases that he has some great questions lined up for Shostak, hinting at an engaging discussion to come.
In this part Art and his guest, Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, discuss the latest developments in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Seth shares updates on new experiments being conducted by SETI and the exciting news about the discovery of planets around other stars that might support life. However, he also mentions the perennial problem of funding, which hampers their experiments.
Seth addresses a common criticism of SETI’s work: that despite years of searching, they haven’t found evidence of aliens. He recalls a previous conversation with Art, where Art expressed concern that if SETI doesn’t find something in 50 years, it might be time to reconsider their approach. Seth clarifies that he believes if no signal is found by 2050, it would be discouraging for the current approach, but he remains optimistic.
The discussion then turns to innovative methods in the search for extraterrestrial life. Seth talks about a project to develop a large telescope capable of detecting the lights or heat of alien cities. This telescope would focus on stars within 60 light years of Earth, a distance that includes potentially hundreds of Earth-like planets. Seth explains that the goal is to detect the waste heat from an advanced alien civilization, which would be distinguishable from natural planetary heat.
Seth and Art delve into the technical aspects of how this detection would work, discussing the challenges of differentiating between heat generated by a planet’s natural processes and that produced by an advanced civilization. Seth is confident that it’s possible to make this distinction, noting that the rotation of the planet would play a key role in the analysis.
Seth explains the process of detecting heat signals from alien civilizations. He describes how a big city on an alien planet, like a New York-sized metropolis, would produce a spike in heat as it rotates into view, differentiating it from natural planetary features like forests, lakes, or deserts.
Art then raises a question about the discovery of exoplanets, specifically those that are Earth-like, and whether the lack of signals from these planets is discouraging. Seth responds that while many planets have been discovered (around 900 confirmed and several thousand more suspected), only a few hundred have been closely examined for signals. He remains optimistic, considering the small number of planets studied in detail.
Seth shares that SETI is indeed focusing its antennas on these newly discovered planets. However, some limitations exist due to the geographical location of the antennas; for instance, some planets visible from the southern hemisphere cannot be observed from SETI’s northern California location. He also mentions a special project targeting planetary candidates found by the Kepler space telescope, particularly in the constellation of Cygnus.
The conversation shifts to the Kepler telescope itself. Seth shares the unfortunate news that Kepler is essentially out of action. He explains that Kepler’s method of finding planets involved continuously measuring the brightness of 150,000 stars to detect dips in brightness caused by planets crossing in front of them. This precise work required highly accurate pointing, which was achieved using reaction wheels. Unfortunately, two of Kepler’s reaction wheels failed, rendering the telescope unable to continue its mission.
Art expresses sadness over Kepler’s situation, and the segment ends with a reflection on the challenges of space missions and the impact of equipment failures on scientific exploration.
They begin by discussing the Kepler space telescope. Seth explains that although Kepler can no longer be used for its primary mission of finding planets due to its inability to point accurately, it’s still usable for other astronomical projects. NASA is soliciting ideas from the astronomical community for its potential uses. Additionally, there are about two years’ worth of data from Kepler that are still being processed, which could lead to the discovery of more planets.
Art then shifts the conversation to cultural perceptions of comets. He mentions how many cultures, including Native American, associate comets with doom and speculates whether there might be something deep in human DNA that triggers this association. Seth responds by suggesting that anything unusual in nature, like a comet, is often perceived as a bad omen. He also references the Bayeux Tapestry and the appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1066 as an example of comets being seen as portents of significant events.
The discussion moves to Comet ISON, which some people say could be 15 times as bright as the moon, while others believe it might fizzle out. Seth talks about the unpredictability of comets, explaining that their brightness depends on various factors, including their size, composition, and how they interact with the sun. He notes that there have been comets in the past that were bright enough to cast shadows, similar to the moon. Comet ISON, discovered by a Russian observatory, is expected to be very bright by the end of November or early December.
They discuss Comet ISON’s potential brightness. Seth estimates that if ISON becomes as bright as predicted, it could be a significant topic of discussion for a couple of months. He notes that comets don’t remain bright for extended periods as they move quickly, whip around the sun, and then dim as they head back out into space.
Art then suggests that increased public interest in the night sky, possibly due to Comet ISON, could lead to a spike in UFO reports. Seth agrees, noting that any event that draws people’s attention to the sky can heighten interest in astronomy and potentially increase UFO sightings.
The conversation shifts to Hollywood’s interest in alien life. Seth points out that many scientists were inspired by science fiction films they saw as children. He reveals that he and other scientists often consult with Hollywood to ensure the scientific accuracy of sci-fi films. They discuss the typical questions filmmakers have about aliens and the reasons behind the popularity of alien-themed movies. Seth attributes this popularity partly to the fall of the Soviet Union, which left a void in Hollywood’s portrayal of antagonists, subsequently filled by aliens.
Art and Seth then delve into the deeper human fascination with the existence of extraterrestrial life. They agree that there’s an innate human interest in “others,” whether they be other tribes or potential alien civilizations. This curiosity is likened to the interest in predators, as often depicted in nature documentaries.
The segment concludes with Art Bell expressing his appreciation for having Seth Shostak as a guest, highlighting his expertise in the field of astronomy.
Art and Seth Shostak delve into the influence of science fiction on the public’s perception of science and the role of scientists in Hollywood.
Art begins by mentioning Jill Tarter’s retirement from her day job, though she still holds a chair for SETI research at the SETI Institute. Seth confirms this and notes that Jodie Foster’s character in the movie “Contact,” Ellie Arroway, was partially modeled on Jill Tarter, among others that Carl Sagan knew.
Art expresses his admiration for “Contact,” calling it his favorite movie of all time. Seth reveals that he, along with other colleagues, were advisors to the film. Warner Brothers frequently contacted them for fact-checking and to ensure the authenticity of the SETI Institute’s portrayal in the movie. Seth humorously recounts how the film’s casting director observed the scientists and engineers at the Institute, noting their fancy coffee mugs and the fact that many were a bit overweight due to sedentary jobs.
The conversation then shifts to the accuracy of scientific portrayal in movies. Art, being a radio operator, expresses frustration with the inaccurate depiction of radio communication in films and TV shows. Seth shares his experience on a panel discussing the importance of getting science right in movies. They agree that while it’s nice to have accurate science, it’s not always crucial, except in medical shows where misinformation could be harmful.
Seth and Art conclude that while scientific accuracy in films like “Contact” is commendable, the entertainment value and the ability to inspire interest in science are equally important.
Art expresses his skepticism about whether the public would be informed if contact with extraterrestrial intelligence were made. He believes that the government might keep such a discovery secret due to its magnitude and importance, drawing a parallel to the incident in the 1960s when two hydrogen bombs were accidentally dropped on North Carolina, a fact that was kept secret for many years.
Seth, however, disagrees with the notion that the government would or could keep the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence a secret. He points out that many SETI projects in the U.S. are not run by the government but by universities and private nonprofits like the SETI Institute. He also shares that in his many years at the SETI Institute, no government official has ever approached him about protocols for handling the discovery of extraterrestrial signals.
The conversation then turns to the public’s reaction to such a discovery. Seth argues that the public would not panic, citing historical examples like the belief in Martian canals and the 1938 “War of the Worlds” broadcast, which caused some panic but was not widespread. He suggests that the discovery of a signal from space, even if it’s from a nearby star system, would not pose an immediate danger and thus would not warrant secrecy.
Seth explains the actual protocols in place for handling the discovery of extraterrestrial signals. He emphasizes that the first step would be to verify the authenticity of the signal using other telescopes and instruments to ensure it’s not interference or a software bug. He mentions that they could quickly contact observatories in other countries for confirmation. Seth shares that in his experience, the astronomical community is cooperative and would likely assist in verifying a signal.
Seth also clarifies that the protocol involves informing the entire astronomical community first, as this would allow for immediate and widespread observation and study of the signal. The goal is to gather as much information as possible. He notes that the protocol does not specifically mention notifying the government or the media first but focuses on scientific verification and collaboration.
Art inquires about how the movie “Contact” portrayed the unraveling of the SETI signal and compares it to what might happen in real life. Seth explains that in reality, the identification of an artificial signal would be based on its narrow-band characteristic, which differentiates it from natural radio noise. He suggests that sending prime numbers or the value of pi, as depicted in the movie, might be unnecessary and a waste of the transmitter’s power.
Seth theorizes that an intelligent civilization, likely hundreds of light-years away, would send a lot of information at once, recognizing the impracticality of two-way communication due to the vast distances involved. He likens receiving such a signal to reading a book rather than having a conversation, suggesting that the transmission might include a lot of data, possibly repeated, and designed to be easily decipherable, potentially even including pictures.
Art raises the possibility of detecting a signal from a source one light-year away, pondering whether it’s moving towards Earth. Seth explains that determining the direction of movement would require high-resolution observation to detect any side-to-side motion. If the source is moving directly towards or away from Earth, it would be indicated by a Doppler shift in the signal.
Seth notes that if such a signal were detected, it would require collaboration with astronomers worldwide to confirm its nature and trajectory. He suggests that keeping such a discovery quiet would be challenging, especially if international teams are involved. Seth also mentions that if the government were the one to discover such a signal, they might have more control over the information.
Art then speculates about the government’s response if they were to discover an extraterrestrial signal. Seth admits uncertainty about whether the government would disclose such information to the public, especially if there were concerns about potential dangers.
The conversation shifts to the impact of such a discovery on society. Art suggests that the revelation of extraterrestrial intelligence could challenge many people’s religious beliefs and create significant societal changes. He questions whether the public would be informed about such a monumental discovery.
Seth agrees that a signal indicating extraterrestrial intelligence would be different from a mere signal, as it implies a physical entity moving towards Earth. He also touches on the theory of panspermia, which suggests that life on Earth might have originated from extraterrestrial sources. This theory has gained attention due to recent claims by some academics who found organic material in the stratosphere.
Seth explains the panspermia theory, which suggests that life on Earth could have originated from biological material coming from space. This idea extends beyond the possibility that life might have been seeded from Mars to the notion that it could have originated from a planet 50 light years away. Seth points out that if extraterrestrial beings were our “makers,” they would have had to seed Earth with life forms billions of years ago.
Art expresses skepticism about the public’s ability to accept such a revelation, considering the profound impact it would have on religious beliefs and the understanding of human origins. He doubts whether such information, if discovered, would be released to the public due to its potentially disturbing nature.
Seth acknowledges that the idea of panspermia is a legitimate scientific hypothesis and discusses the possibility of life spreading from one planet to another through space debris. He also entertains the idea that life could be deliberately sent to other planets by advanced civilizations, comparing it to humanity’s accidental introduction of life to Mars.
The conversation then shifts to how the discovery of a message from extraterrestrial intelligence claiming to be our “makers” would be received. Art speculates that such a message would be too disruptive to announce, while Seth considers the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe.
Art then shifts the conversation to UFO sightings, questioning Seth’s skepticism about them. Seth acknowledges that he receives daily communications from people claiming to have seen or experienced something related to UFOs. He emphasizes the need for concrete evidence to substantiate these claims. Seth explains that while he tries to help people understand what they might have seen, often the explanations are more mundane than extraterrestrial visitations.
Art shares his personal experience of witnessing a triangular UFO, emphasizing how such an encounter can profoundly change one’s perspective. He wonders if Seth would alter his focus on SETI if he had a similar experience. Seth acknowledges that while he remains skeptical, he is open to changing his stance if presented with undeniable evidence.
The conversation then shifts to the argument that extraterrestrial beings might be monitoring Earth, especially following the detonation of the first atomic bomb. Seth points out that this idea requires speculation about alien behavior, which we have little data on. He suggests that if extraterrestrials wanted to monitor Earth, they could do so from a distance by intercepting our broadcasts, rather than sending spacecraft.
Art notes the spike in UFO sightings after the first atomic bomb, suggesting a possible correlation. However, Seth remains cautious, emphasizing the need for solid evidence to support such claims.
The segment concludes with Art discussing the Super Wi-Fi Antenna, a product designed to significantly boost Wi-Fi signals. He describes its benefits, particularly for truckers and those in high-rise buildings, and provides details on how to purchase it.
Seth acknowledges that the topic of UFOs often elicits highly emotional responses from people. He notes that while most feedback he receives is positive, skepticism about UFOs in public forums like the radio show can lead to negative reactions, including personal attacks. Seth finds it interesting how emotionally charged the UFO subject is and suggests that if aliens were to land on Earth, there might be people who would react aggressively.
Art then asks Seth if he would fear for the safety of aliens if they landed on Earth. Seth hadn’t considered this before but admits it’s a legitimate concern. He speculates that any civilization capable of reaching Earth would be technologically advanced enough to protect themselves, comparing it to a modern army helicopter landing among Neanderthals.
The conversation shifts to the topic of asteroids, prompted by recent events such as the Chelyabinsk meteor in Russia. Seth describes the incident, highlighting the significant damage caused by the shockwave even though the meteor did not hit the ground. He points out the potential danger of asteroids and the need for awareness and preparedness for such events.
Seth explains that while large asteroids could potentially wipe out significant portions of life on Earth, as evidenced by the extinction of the dinosaurs, smaller ones could cause localized destruction. He notes that while we have identified most large asteroids, many smaller ones remain unknown.
Art expresses concern about the instances where asteroids are only detected after they have passed close to Earth, indicating a lack of sufficient advance warning. Seth acknowledges this concern but points out that the likelihood of being killed by an asteroid is still relatively low compared to other risks.
The conversation then turns to the efforts being made to track asteroids. Seth mentions that NASA has been using automated telescopes to map all large asteroids, which are the ones capable of causing widespread damage. He clarifies that while we have a good understanding of the trajectories of most asteroids, there is always the possibility of a “rogue” asteroid being perturbed into a collision course with Earth.
Art raises the issue of long-period comets, which come from far away and are only seen once, making them harder to track. He refers to the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet that collided with Jupiter, creating a massive impact. Seth agrees that such comets pose a threat, but he emphasizes that the overall risk of an asteroid or comet impact is relatively low.
Seth explains that asteroids vary in size, with the larger ones capable of causing significant destruction, potentially wiping out entire urban areas. He notes that while we have mapped most large asteroids, smaller ones, such as those the size of the Rose Bowl, could still pose a serious threat.
Art expresses concern about asteroids that are only detected after they have passed close to Earth, indicating a lack of sufficient advance warning. Seth acknowledges this concern but points out that the likelihood of being killed by an asteroid is still relatively low compared to other risks.
The conversation then turns to the efforts being made to track asteroids. Seth mentions that NASA has been using automated telescopes to map all large asteroids, which are the ones capable of causing widespread damage. He clarifies that while we have a good understanding of the trajectories of most asteroids, there is always the possibility of a “rogue” asteroid being perturbed into a collision course with Earth.
Art raises the issue of long-period comets, which come from far away and are only seen once, making them harder to track. He refers to the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet that collided with Jupiter, creating a massive impact. Seth agrees that such comets pose a threat, but he emphasizes that the overall risk of an asteroid or comet impact is relatively low.
Seth explains that if a large asteroid were detected heading towards Earth, the key would be to slightly alter its trajectory to ensure it misses the planet. This could be achieved by various methods, such as using a laser to exert light pressure on the asteroid or employing a “gravity tractor” – a spacecraft that uses its gravitational pull to nudge the asteroid off course. Another approach could involve attaching a rocket engine to the asteroid to push it away.
Art expresses concern about the feasibility of these methods, given the current state of the space program. Seth acknowledges this concern but is optimistic that a rapid space program could be developed in response to such a threat. He suggests that multiple missions might be necessary to ensure success.
The conversation then shifts to the likelihood of encountering such a scenario. Seth points out that while the chances are low, the consequences of an asteroid impact are severe enough to warrant preparation and research into these deflection techniques.
Seth speculates that if extraterrestrial beings are more advanced than us, they might have moved beyond biological intelligence and could be machine-like in nature. He suggests that the classic depiction of “gray” aliens in popular culture might be a projection of what humans think they will evolve into in the future, with features adapted to a less physically demanding lifestyle.
Art then raises the question of whether these depictions could be based on actual encounters with extraterrestrial beings. Seth remains skeptical, suggesting that such images are more likely a result of human imagination and cultural influences.
The conversation shifts to the topic of actively transmitting messages to potential extraterrestrial civilizations. Seth discusses the debate within the SETI community about the merits and risks of such transmissions. He mentions Stephen Hawking’s caution against broadcasting signals into space, as it could alert malevolent extraterrestrial beings to our presence.
Seth argues that it might already be too late to worry about such risks, as Earth has been emitting radio signals into space since World War II. He humorously notes that if extraterrestrials were to judge us based on the quality of our television shows, they might not have a high opinion of humanity.
Art Bell and Seth Shostak continue their discussion on various topics, including the potential appearance of extraterrestrial beings, the feasibility of transmitting messages into space, and the concept of Planet X or Nibiru.
Seth suggests that extraterrestrial beings, if more advanced than humans, might have evolved beyond biological intelligence and could resemble machines. He also addresses the common depiction of aliens as “gray” beings, theorizing that this image might be a projection of what humans expect to become in the future, with features adapted to a less physically demanding lifestyle.
The conversation shifts to the idea of actively transmitting messages to potential extraterrestrial civilizations. Seth supports this idea, arguing that any civilization capable of reaching Earth would already be able to detect the signals Earth has been emitting since World War II. He also responds to Stephen Hawking’s warning about the dangers of transmitting signals, suggesting that the risk is minimal since Earth has been unintentionally broadcasting signals for decades.
Art then brings up the topic of Planet X or Nibiru, a hypothetical planet that some believe visits the inner solar system every few thousand years, causing havoc. Seth dismisses this idea as “goofy,” explaining that any such planet would have been detected by telescopes and would have significantly disrupted the orbits of other planets in the solar system if it had been visiting for billions of years.
One caller inquires about upcoming comets visible from Earth. Seth explains that new comets are discovered regularly, but most are detected far enough in advance to provide ample warning. He reassures that we usually have at least a year’s notice for long-period comets.
Another caller questions whether humans might be too primitive to recognize signals from advanced alien civilizations. Seth acknowledges this as a valid concern, noting that our current methods of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence might seem primitive in the future. He suggests that while we can’t experiment with physics we don’t yet understand, it’s still worthwhile to use the knowledge we have now.
The next caller speculates about the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations using technologies or physics beyond the speed of light, which could change the dynamics of communication and travel. Seth responds that while Einstein’s theory of relativity, which sets the speed of light as the ultimate speed limit, has consistently held up, there’s always the possibility of new physics discoveries that could alter our understanding.
A caller inquires about the potential use of lasers for communication with extraterrestrial beings. Seth explains that there are ongoing projects, such as one at Harvard, looking for flashing laser lights in the sky. This method, known as optical SETI, could be a promising area for future advancements in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Another caller questions the classification of human civilization. Seth and Art discuss the Kardashev scale, which categorizes civilizations based on their energy consumption. Seth initially suggests that humans are a Type 1 civilization, but Art corrects him, stating that we are closer to Type 0 and aspiring to reach Type 1.
The conversation then shifts to the work of Dr. John Mack, a Harvard researcher who studied UFO phenomena and abduction stories. Seth shares that he had met Dr. Mack and discusses an experiment Mack conducted to verify abduction claims. Seth mentions that Mack’s lab assistants indicated that the results of the experiment were not encouraging for the hypothesis of alien abductions.
A listener named Donna asks about the progress of SETI’s sky survey. Seth explains that SETI has carefully examined a few thousand star systems with high sensitivity and a wide range of radio frequencies. However, this is a small fraction of the hundreds of billions of star systems in our galaxy. The completion of the entire sky survey depends largely on funding.
Another listener, John, brings up quantum entanglement as a potential means of faster-than-light communication. Seth clarifies that while entanglement occurs instantaneously, it is not a viable method for transmitting information faster than light. He recounts a conversation with a physicist who emphasized that quantum entanglement cannot be used for this purpose.
A caller questions why SETI doesn’t focus more on Sirius, the Dog Star, given its significance in Egyptian mythology and its alignment with certain historical events. Seth responds that decisions in scientific research are not based on mythological or historical significance but on scientific evidence and rationale. He emphasizes the importance of a scientific basis for choosing research targets.
Art brings up a photograph presented by Richard Hoagland, which he believes shows an unnatural formation on Mars, including what appears to be a pipe. Seth, who hasn’t seen this particular photograph, remains skeptical. He points out that while the idea of finding artifacts on Mars is legitimate, many of the objects people claim to be artificial are often natural formations that coincidentally resemble man-made objects.
Art questions why it’s hard to believe there might have been a civilization on Mars, given that the planet once had a thicker atmosphere and liquid water. Seth explains that while Mars was indeed more hospitable billions of years ago, the timeline for the development of an advanced civilization seems implausible. He compares it to Earth, where it took billions of years for complex life to evolve from simple life forms. Mars, having lost its hospitable conditions relatively quickly, would not have had enough time for such an advanced civilization to develop.
Seth also addresses the lack of evidence for any extensive biota on Mars. He argues that if there had been a significant amount of life on Mars, some evidence would likely remain, just as it would on Earth if all life were suddenly wiped out.
A caller named Roger asks about the most efficient and fastest way to send signals off the planet. Seth suggests using the Arecibo antenna in Puerto Rico, which has a powerful transmitter and a large diameter, making it ideal for sending strong signals. However, its fixed position limits the portion of the sky it can target.
Roger also inquires about the distance Earth’s first signals, like the “I Love Lucy” show from 1953, have traveled. Seth explains that these signals are now 60 light years away, as radio waves travel at the speed of light. Art then raises a concern about signal path loss over such vast distances, questioning whether these signals would still be detectable.
Seth acknowledges that while the signals become weaker due to the inverse square law, they would still be detectable with sufficiently large antennas. He estimates that to pick up “I Love Lucy” at 60 light years away, one would need an array of antennas covering an area the size of Ohio. While this is impractical for humans, it might be feasible for an advanced alien civilization.
A caller inquires about the hypothetical scenario of a red dwarf star entering our solar system and impacting the sun. Seth explains that while there are many red dwarf stars, the likelihood of such a collision is extremely low. He compares it to the improbability of a piano falling on someone in Kansas, emphasizing that it’s not something to worry about.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of gamma-ray bursts, particularly from two stars known as R104i that are expected to collide. Seth explains that gamma-ray bursts are powerful and can cause significant damage even from thousands of light years away. However, he notes that life on Earth has persisted for billions of years despite numerous gamma-ray bursts, suggesting that the risk to Earth is relatively low.
A caller then asks about the possibility of extraterrestrial life forms already living on Earth, as depicted in comedy films. Seth responds skeptically, arguing that if such advanced life forms were present, they would likely be noticeable given the number of humans on Earth. He also touches on the concept of a “shadow biosphere,” which posits the existence of a separate, hidden biosphere on Earth with a different genesis from known life forms. This idea is considered a trendy topic in scientific circles but remains speculative.
A caller brings up the concept of a “shadow biosphere,” suggesting the existence of life forms on Earth that are fundamentally different from known life and undetectable by conventional methods. Seth acknowledges this as a possibility, though no evidence has been found yet.
Another caller inquires about the hypothetical scenario of a red dwarf impacting our sun. Seth explains that while there are many red dwarfs in the universe, the likelihood of such a collision with our sun is extremely low. He compares it to the improbability of a piano falling on someone in Kansas, emphasizing that it’s not something to worry about.
Art then shifts the conversation to Comet ISON, asking Seth about its visibility and size. Seth advises listeners to check astronomy websites for the best times and locations to view Comet ISON. He explains that the comet’s size is difficult to determine without a spacecraft visiting it, but its brightness and tail size can provide indirect clues. As Comet ISON approaches the sun, it will become more visible, potentially even to the naked eye.
A caller from Wisconsin raises concerns about extraterrestrial beings bringing viruses to Earth, which could be harmful due to our lack of immunity. Seth acknowledges this as a possibility but explains that it’s unlikely because a virus from another world would not be adapted to human biology. He also mentions NASA’s precautions when bringing samples back from Mars to avoid potential pathogens.
Art then shifts the discussion to biohacking, expressing concern about individuals creating dangerous pathogens. Seth agrees that biohacking poses a more immediate threat than extraterrestrial viruses.
Another caller, Zach, proposes the theory that UFO sightings could be humans from the future using time travel. Seth responds skeptically, noting the difficulty of going back in time and the lack of evidence supporting this theory. Art playfully suggests that if Seth were to embrace the idea of extraterrestrials visiting Earth, he might be ostracized from the SETI community. Seth humorously responds, indicating that the SETI Institute does not enforce such policies.
A caller questions Seth about what would constitute sufficient evidence for extraterrestrial life. Seth emphasizes the need for physical evidence rather than anecdotal accounts or eyewitness testimony, which he considers unreliable due to the fallibility of human perception. He explains that even if he personally witnessed a craft defying gravity, he would remain skeptical unless there was additional, tangible evidence.
Art challenges Seth on this point, asking if he would believe his own eyes if he saw an unexplainable aerial phenomenon. Seth maintains his skepticism, noting the difficulty in accurately judging the speed and distance of an object without proper reference points. He admits that while such an experience might be intriguing, it would not be conclusive without further evidence.
Another caller brings up the topic of light speed as the current pinnacle of communication technology and suggests that it might be fundamentally too slow for effective interstellar communication. Seth acknowledges this limitation but argues that it’s still worth pursuing with the technology available, comparing it to historical explorers who didn’t wait for advanced technology before embarking on their journeys.
A caller questions why we don’t explore alternative forms of communication beyond electromagnetic waves. Seth mentions gravity waves and neutrinos as potential alternatives but acknowledges the difficulty in exploring unknown forms of physics that we currently don’t understand. He compares our current use of electromagnetic radiation for communication to the continued use of the wheel, suggesting that it might still be the best option available.
Another caller inquires about the possibility of traveling faster than the speed of light and whether there’s any evidence or theoretical basis for such travel. Seth confirms that, as far as current knowledge goes, there is nothing that suggests we can travel or communicate faster than the speed of light. He mentions past observations in radio astronomy that seemed to indicate faster-than-light phenomena, but these were later understood as geometric and relativistic effects.
Art then asks if something traveling faster than light would be visible to us. Seth responds that it might be, referring to the search for tachyons, hypothetical particles that move faster than light. However, no evidence for tachyons has been found.
A caller from Arizona, Jim, compliments Art on his return to the airwaves and asks Seth about the most scientifically accurate movie related to SETI. Seth mentions “Contact,” written by Carl Sagan, as a film that accurately portrays the process of SETI research. He notes that while the wormhole travel depicted in the movie is fictional, the depiction of SETI work is quite accurate. Art and Seth discuss the ending of “Contact,” where Jodie Foster’s character encounters an image of her father, and Seth clarifies that the SETI aspects of the film were guided by Sagan’s input and advice.
Art and Seth also discuss hidden references and inside jokes in “Contact” related to SETI technology. Seth reveals that certain pieces of equipment in the film are referred to by names like “Elmer,” which is an inside joke referring to a follow-up detection device used in SETI research.
The conversation then shifts to the nature of skepticism in science. Art playfully teases Seth about his skeptical approach, suggesting that it’s a fundamental aspect of his personality. Seth acknowledges the importance of skepticism in scientific inquiry, emphasizing the need for evidence and critical thinking.
In the final segment of “Coast To Coast AM,” Art Bell wraps up the show with Seth Shostak. Art expresses his appreciation for the discussion and the pleasure of hosting Seth on the program. He humorously remarks about his own beliefs in contrast to Seth’s skepticism, indicating that he might not fully take on the lesson of skepticism despite recognizing its importance in scientific inquiry.
Art concludes the show by thanking the listeners and teasing the possibility of another show the following night, provided that the desert winds don’t interfere.