We're closer than ever before to discovering if we're not alone in the universe. The host for this episode of Transistor, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller, visits the NASA lab that discovered that comets contain some of the very same chemical elements that we contain. Then, Michelle talks to a Vatican planetary scientist about how science and religion can meet on the topic of life beyond Earth.

This episode of Transistor is hosted by astrophysicist Michelle Thaller. It was produced by Lauren Ober and edited by Katie Davis. Mix and sound design by Whitney Jones.

Episode extras can be found at transistor.prx.org.