Clara Sousa-Silva is a professor of physics at Bard College, where she is a quantum astrochemist and molecular astrophysicist. The focus of Clara’s work is on investigating the interaction of particular molecules with light so that they can be detected on exoplanets, where, in addition to giving us atmospheric information, these chemicals may indicate the existence of life. In this episode, Robinson and Clara discuss her research on a specific molecule—phosphine—which may play a key role in identifying planets that are home to aliens, including some that may be very close to earth.

Clara’s Website: https://clarasousasilva.com

Clara’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrPhosphine

OUTLINE

00:00 In This Episode…

01:15 Introduction

03:46 Clara’s Interest in Astrophysics

14:08 What Is Phosphine?

27:15 A Stinky Gas and the Search for Aliens

38:37 Have We Encountered Aliens?

45:33 Aliens and Phosphine

50:46 The Daily Work of a Quantum Astrophysicist and Astrobiologist

01:00:36 Are There Aliens on Venus?

01:19:26 Finding Life Outside the Solar System

Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between.