Are We Alone? SETI Institute Science Radio: 23 August 2006 Edition: Lost and Found Astronomy

Are We Alone? SETI Institute Science Radio

Hosted by Dr. Seth Shostak

August 23, 2006 (available for download August 24, 2006) Lost and Found Astronomy

Poor Pluto – talk about losing your identity. This punk world was hailed in 1930 as the first planet found in the 20th century, only to be dismissed as a hunk of icy rock by the start of the 21st. Now, astronomers have changed their minds: Pluto and three other solar system bodies are official members of the planetary pantheon. But, for how long? We’ll hear the new definition of a planet as proposed at the International Astronomical Union meeting in Prague.

Also, NASA, have you checked the Lost and Found? Seven hundred boxes of original Apollo moon landing tapes have gone missing. We’ll find out where the “one small step” videos might be.

Plus, why you can find good science in science fiction, and how historians are re-discovering the contributions of the ancient alchemists. And, how to make a mint: Find a meteorite, log onto eBay, and let the bidding begin.

Guests:
John Logsdon – Director of the Space Policy Institute, George Washington University
Andrew Fraknoi – Astronomer at Foothill College
Lawrence Principe  – Historian of Science, Johns Hopkins University
Sharon Cisneros – Corporate Vice President, Mineralogical Research Corp.
Ron Ekers – President of the International Astronomical Union