Penelope Boston: There might just be life on Mars

The speaker discusses their work in extreme environments, particularly caves, and their implications for finding life on other planets like Mars and Europa. They share their personal journey inspired by the Sputnik launch and emphasize the importance of transitioning to a solar system-going civilization. The talk covers the challenges of finding extraterrestrial life, the potential of cave environments, and the development of robotic tools for exploration. The speaker also highlights the possibility of using caves on Mars and the Moon as future habitats.

What initially captured the speaker's interest in extreme environments?

• The beauty of the landscapes

• The potential for scientific discovery

• The danger and thrill of exploration

• The opportunity to travel

How did the launch of Sputnik influence the speaker's career?

• It led to increased funding for science education

• It inspired a focus on engineering

• It encouraged a career in politics

• It sparked an interest in astronomy

What event turned Mars from a dot in the sky into a destination for the speaker?

• The launch of Sputnik

• The Viking Landers landing on Mars

• The discovery of water on Mars

• The first human mission to Mars

What is the speaker's view on the likelihood of life existing in the universe?

• Life is rare and unique to Earth

• Life is unlikely to exist elsewhere

• Life is a common planetary phenomenon

• Life only exists in our solar system

What recent discoveries on Mars have increased the likelihood of finding life there?

• Presence of sub-surface ice and sedimentary rocks

• Discovery of intelligent signals

• Detection of large animal fossils

• Finding of advanced technology

What are Snottites, as described by the speaker?

• A type of cave crystal

• Mineral formations in caves

• Bacteria producing sulfuric acid

• A type of cave fish

What makes the biology in extreme caves special, according to the speaker?

• They are similar to surface organisms

• They thrive in hostile environments

• They are devoid of life

• They are easy to study

Why are robotic missions preferred for initial exploration of Mars caves?

• They are cheaper than human missions

• They are faster than human explorers

• They prevent contamination of potential life

• They can operate without oxygen

What is the potential benefit of using lava-tube caves on Mars for human habitation?

• They provide natural light

• They are rich in minerals

• They offer protection from harsh surface conditions

• They are easy to access

What is one of the burning questions about life on Mars?

• If Mars can support human life

• Whether Mars has more water than Earth

• If life on Mars is related to life on Earth

• Whether Mars has intelligent life