The following is a conversation with Clara Suza Silva, a quantum master chemist at Harvard,

specializing in spectroscopy of gases that serve as possible signs of life on other planets.

Most especially the gas phosphine.

She was a co-author of the paper that in 2020 found that there is phosphine in the atmosphere

of Venus and thus possible extraterrestrial life that lives in its atmosphere.

The detection of phosphine was challenged, reaffirmed, and is now still under active research.

Quick mention of our sponsors.

On it, Grammarly, Blinkist, and Indeed.

Check them out in the description to support this podcast.

As a side note, let me say that I think the search for life on other planets is one of

the most important endeavors in science.

If we find extraterrestrial life and study it, we may find insights into the mechanisms

that originated life here on Earth.

And more than life, the mechanisms that originated intelligence and consciousness.

If we understand these mechanisms, we can build them.

But more than this, the discovery of life on other planets means that our galaxy and

our universe is teaming with life.

This is humbling and terrifying, but it is also exciting.

We humans and natural explorers.

For most our history, we explored the surface of the Earth and the contents of our minds.

But now, with space-faring vessels, we have a chance to explore life beyond Earth.

Their physics, their biology, and perhaps the contents of their minds.

...