Curious Minds: Extraterrestrial Life

Episode 2

Extremophiles

Michael Summers, Professor of Planetary Science & Astronomy at George Mason University, explains how creatures that survive in extreme conditions on earth give us a broader perspective on what's possible elsewhere.

Episode 3

How Do Radio Wave Signals Look Engineered?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, explains the technology behind artificial looking radio waves.

Episode 4

If A Signal Is Detected, Who Replies?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, debates the merits of transmitting signals to outer space. If we receive a response, who speaks for Earth?

Episode 5

Life As We Imagine It

Michael Summers, Professor of Planetary Science & Astronomy at George Mason University, wonders if alien life forms may be utterly different from life as we know it.

Episode 6

SETI Has Been Listening A Long Time

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, describes the organization's historical search for extraterrestrial life.

Episode 7

SETI: The Archaeology Of The Future?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, explains why the organization's role is that of universal historians.

Episode 8

The Mystery Of Life

For Michael Summers, Professor of Planetary Science & Astronomy at George Mason University, the big surprise will be if we DON'T find alien life in the next 30 years.

Episode 9

What If An Alien Signal Is Detected?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, outlines the process that would occur, should SETI's goal of detecting life be successful.

Episode 10

What Is A Radio Telescope?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, describes radio telescopes and their importance in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Episode 11

Why Do We Search For Other Planets?

Jill Tarter, co-founder of the SETI Institute, describes the purpose behind her livelihood.