Episode 52: Neutrino Geophysics: Journey to the Centre of the Earth

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Feature Guest: Norman Sleep

normansleepHave you ever wondered what the massive internal hot core of the Earth has to do with space? Enter the world of neutrino geophysics. It might sound technical, but in probing the nature of the mysterious centre of the earth scientists are getting closer to determining the habitability of other planets in space. Co-host Denise Fong opens the program as Professor Norman Sleep joins Justin Trottier at The Star Spot.

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Current in Space

Dave reports on the next stepping stone in our search for Earth’s twin, the discovery of the first habitable Earth-sized planet within the habitable zone of its star. Anuj asks if the Martian atmosphere was ever a biosphere, citing studies of the chemical composition of Martian rocks found on Earth that are telling us about changes in the Martian atmosphere over time. And finally The Star Spot’s poet-in-residence Benjamin shares a paean to recent geological work that contributes to our understanding of the Red Planet.

About our Guest

Norman H. Sleep is a professor of geophysics at Stanford University. He has collaborated with NASA on topics related to life on the ancient Earth and on other planets. Dr. Sleep studies how the insides of planets work and he was a member of a committee to advise NASA on planetary habitability. He has made ​​major contributions to problems of plate tectonics and many other areas of geology and planetary sciences. Sleep has won numerous awards and hounours around the world, including the 2008 Wollaston Medal of the Geological Society of London. He is also the author, with Kazuya Fujita, of the book, Principles of Geophysics.

Links

Standford School of Earth Sciences Page

Principles of Geophysics (Amazon)

Scientists Reconstruct Ancient Impact That Dwarfs Dinosaurs Extinction Blast

‘Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey’ — “The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth” (Preview & Background)

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