SciShow Talk Show: Jimmy Henderson & The Red Eyed Skinks

The video discusses Project Minerva, an initiative to find Earth-like exoplanets using methods like radial velocity. It compares ground-based and space telescopes, highlighting the challenges and benefits of each. The conversation shifts to crocodile skinks, exploring their characteristics and the idea of alien pets.

What is the primary goal of Project Minerva?

• To map the Milky Way galaxy

• To study the Sun's atmosphere

• To find Earth-like planets around nearby stars

• To explore the surface of Mars

Which method does the Kepler Space Telescope use to find exoplanets?

• Radial velocity method

• Transit method

• Direct imaging

• Gravitational microlensing

What physical principle is crucial for the radial velocity method?

• Newton's third law

• The law of conservation of energy

• The Doppler effect

• Einstein's theory of relativity

What is a major disadvantage of ground-based telescopes compared to space telescopes?

• They cannot detect exoplanets

• They are affected by Earth's atmosphere

• They have limited access to the night sky

• They are more expensive

Where are Project Minerva's telescopes located?

• On the Moon

• In the Amazon Rainforest

• On a mountain in southern Arizona

• In the Sahara Desert

What is the estimated cost range for all the telescopes and equipment in Project Minerva?

• $5-10 million

• $50-100 million

• $1-2 million

• $20-30 million

What humorous concern is raised about naming stars?

• They could be named after historical figures

• They might be named after fictional planets

• They could be named after someone's pet

• They might be named after cartoon characters

What is a red-eyed crocodile skink?

• A kind of amphibian

• A rare reptile

• A species of fish

• A type of bird

What is a common feature of skinks?

• They have long tails that cannot regrow

• They have cylindrical bodies and short legs

• They are primarily aquatic

• They are known for their bright colors

What is the PC term for 'aliens' as mentioned in the video?

• Space beings

• Martians

• Extraterrestrials

• Cosmic travelers