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Science Friday > Archives > 2001 > August > August 10, 2001:

Hour Two: Early Universe / Astrobiology Update

Bacteria live in some of the harshest environments known, from Antarctic ice to deep sea vents. Now some researchers believe they may exist on Mars, and that previously unrecognized signs in data from the Viking lander missions may reveal their presence. We'll talk about that idea, and about the controversial theory that bacteria from elsewhere in the universe may be found floating in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

Is there life beyond Earth? Join Ira Flatow as the talk turns to the possibility of extraterrestrial microbes.

Plus, we'll take a look at the dark days of the universe, and talk about new data that reveal the state of the universe at a time before there were stars.

Call in with your comments and questions at 1-800-989-8255, and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).

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Guests:
Michael Turner
Chair, Department of Astrophysics
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Chandra Wickramasinghe
Director, Cardiff Center for Astrobiology
Cardiff University
Wales, United Kingdom

Gilbert Levin
Chief Executive Officer
Spherix
Beltsville, Maryland

Jay Melosh
Professor of Planetary Science
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

Books/Articles Discussed:

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Related Links:
Rethinking Viking: The Life on Mars Debate Rages On
BBC News | SCI/TECH | Scepticism greets 'space bugs' claim
One Giant Leap for Spacekind?
Could Life Exist in Cosmic Dust? -- Discovery Channel -- space, microbe
The Astrobiology Web | Your Online Guide to the Living Universe
Astrobiology At NASA
NASA Astrobiology Institute
Astrobiology Institute at Arizona State University

This segment produced by: Trevor Thieme
Web Producer: Charles Bergquist


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