Cosmic Queries – Life on Other Planets with Aomawa Shields
Jul 31, 2026 · 47m
Summary
Astrophysicist and astrobiologist Aomawa Shields joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice to discuss the search for life on exoplanets, specifically focusing on habitability around M-dwarf stars and the potential for life along the terminator line. Shields also shares her new memoir, *Life on Other Planets*, which chronicles her unique journey reconciling her passions for acting and astronomy. The conversation covers the interdisciplinary nature of climate modeling in astrobiology, the importance of diverse perspectives in science, and the ethical implications of discovering extraterrestria…
Topics discussed
Intro and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe promo
Guest Aomawa Shields and her new memoir
The search for life and bias toward Earth-like conditions
M-dwarf stars and tidally locked planets
The Terminator Habitable Zone concept
Climate modeling for exoplanets and interdisciplinary science
Sponsors and ads
Aomawa's journey from acting to astronomy
Top candidates for life in our solar system
Rising Star Girls and ingredients for life
Star colors and their effect on planetary climate
Integrating arts and sciences in education
Panspermia and the origin of life
Ethics of discovering alien life and Oumuamua
Outro and final sponsor messages
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