StarTalk Podcast: Cosmic Queries – Life on Venus, with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Is there life on Venus? Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Paul Mecurio, and astrobiologist David Grinspoon investigate the recent discovery of phosphine gas in Venus’s atmosphere and answer your Cosmic Queries.

We gathered up all your Cosmic Queries about the recent news and we start with the big question: Does this mean there’s life on Venus? Could there be a habitable zone? David tells us why the answer is…maybe. We explore the discovery of the phosphine gas and the possible explanations behind its existence in Venus’s atmosphere.

You’ll explore what’s next after a discovery like this. Can we bring samples back to Earth? David gives details on the complexity of a mission to the Venusian atmosphere. We also explore Venus’s volcanoes and its geologically-active surface. David explains why, if we want to know what’s going on in the atmosphere, we have to know what’s happening on the surface.

Then, we take a look at Earth: Can we use Earth to help us deduce what’s happening on Venus? We ponder the best way to search for life in the universe. We also ponder whether life needs water to thrive or if life just needs liquid. David gives us the top three gases that could be used to signify life elsewhere.

Find out why Venus’s atmosphere is so thick. We discuss Venus’s runaway greenhouse effect and the viscous circle of its carbon cycle. We also wonder if a probe from Earth might have introduced microbes to Venus’s atmosphere. All that, plus, we ask the very important question: Is the Wicked Witch of the West actually from Venus?

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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[davidt]

Acid loving organisms? Aren't those usually found on university campuses?

[EzFlyers]

David Grinspoon is hands down my favorite guest each time he appears. More Grinspoon!!

[ArlentMaster]

Paul and Chuck are the only ones that work for this show. Also BRING DAVID BACK MORE OFTEN THIS DUDE IS GREAT!

[anewman]

All three of these guys are slinging zingers this podcast. Great comedy to go with the science!

[saucxyfijian]

Is anyone else watching these in lockdown and are actually really interested. I am

[Olga-jmxf]

Neil, you shall live forever!! What an inspiring educator! Been following you for at least 7 years. You are an inspiration along with my beloved Dr. Jordan Peterson, educators from the heart and mind! There is much love for you here, Neil ! Greetings from a border town in Mexico!

[halxdiaz]

I know nothing about astrophysics and sometimes even struggle with some really complex words since isn't my native language and still love Neil he's so fun to listen and made everything easy to diggest.

[jamiboothe]

Acid Loving Venusian Blues. That is gorgeous

[PoeRacing]

Dr. Tyson has Pacific Northwest Costal Native Salish art on his My favorite art style in the world!!!

[Thetruthiscosmic]

I had been waiting for this episode of Star Talk from the moment the phosphine gas discovery was made!!! ❤

[cameronhall]

Neil you’ve inspired me to love science when no school teacher over could you bring hard facts in a way anyone can understand my favourite so far war big numbers

[apoorvchoudhary]

Ever since the news of discovery of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus were out, I haven't watched ANY since related channels commenting on it, just because I was waiting for the StarTalk edition of it!! Off we go!!

[SurfingTheSoundwaves]

Love the beautiful Haida art on the wall.

[bredemeijer]

Another great episode. Funky spoon is awesome.

[Historyww-]

Thank you for bringing me joy during these trying times. I have been a fan of yours since I was 5. You and bill nye are the sole reason I love science and why I question life and how it works. from the bottom of my heart thank you.🙂

[sthippe]

The guest were awesome. One of the best episodes

[grizzlehatchet]

Thank you @Startalk for keeping the videos rolling!

[OliverFlinn]

i always listen to star talk at work, excellent podcast!

[pudermcgavin]

He mentions his 6th grade science teacher, love it mine were my 7th and 8th grade science teachers they were amazing and got me hooked also got me watching the science guy lol

[georgecortes]

Glad ive found your videos. Now my 10 hour shift at work is gonna go by 10x easier lol