A better equation to estimate number of life friendly planets

The title is a bit misleading (no it’s not “exact”) but here is an interesting discussion of new formula from Prof. Sara Seager (MIT) that provides an estimate of “the number of planets with detectable biosignature gases” using data from exoplanet searches like that done with the Kepler space observatory along with a few guessed parameters:   A New Equation Reveals Our Exact Odds of Finding Alien Life – io9.com.

The Space Show this week

Here are the shows coming up on The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, June 24, 2013: 2-3:30 PM PDT (5-6:30 PM EDT, 4-5:30 PM CDT): We welcome SARA MESCHBERGER to discuss the upcoming NewSpace 2013 Conference (http://newspace.spacefrontier.org).

2. Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 7-8:30 PM PDT (10-11:30 PM EDT, 9-10:30 PM CDT): RAND SIMBERG RETURNS to discuss his newly completed book, “Safe Is Not An Option.”

3. Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 9:30-10:30 AM PDT (12:30-1:30 PM EDT, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM CDT): This is a  discussion on the Teachers In Space SFF program Space Medicine Workshop at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Guests will be Dr. Jason Kring, Elizabeth Kennick, Bob Werb, and Rebecca Zgorski.

4. Friday, June 28, 2013:, 9:30-11AM PDT (12:30-2 PM EDT, 11:30 AM-1 PM CDT). We welcome back retired astronaut JERRY CARR to discuss the 40th anniversary of Skylab and the Astronaut Scholarship Organization.

5. Sunday, June 30, 2013, 12-1:30 PM PDT, (3-4:30 PM EDT, 2-3:30 PM CDT). OPEN LINES discussion. All space and STEM topics welcome. First time callers welcome. Please be succinct, to the point, and let’s make room for everyone who wants to call. Listeners, remember, we have only one toll free line. If the line is busy, please keep trying.

See also:
/– The Space Show on Vimeo – webinar videos
/– The Space Show’s Blog – summaries of interviews.
/– The Space Show Classroom Blog – tutorial programs

The Space Show is a project of the One Giant Leap Foundation.

Rainn Wilson and Peter Diamandis to have Cosmic Debate in Google hangout

Here’s a message from Peter Diamandis and Planetary Resources:

Actor Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight Schrute from The Office) and Peter Diamandis (aka “me”) will square off on a COSMIC DEBATE:

TopicTo Search for Alien Planets or Not…

Rainn’s point of view: This is very dangerous business – If we find them, will they come and attack us?
Peter’s point of view: An Abundance of resources and opportunity awaits!

JOIN US!  This will be FUN & very educational.

When:   Tuesday, June 25th, 1:30pm PT
Where:  http://bit.ly/14qPfay — Google Hangout, follow our G+ for the live YouTube link just before Tues, 1:30pm PT.

In addition to the Alien Planet debate… Rainn & Peter will discuss:

  • Pros/Cons of moving to an asteroid
  • Precautions to take before giving Rainn control of the ARKYD Space Telescope
  • Rainn’s plans for cosmic domination
Join us… this will be an important viewing for any Earthling.

Best wishes,
Peter H. Diamandis
Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, Planetary Resources
Advocate for Alien Planet Research

Copenhagen Suborbitals: Sapphire launch report

The Copenhagen Suborbitals team is thrilled by yesterday’s successful launch and flight of the Sapphire actively guided rocket : Launch Success of Active Guided Rocket Sapphire – Next Stop Space – Wired Science/Wired.com.

The parachute deployment problem is understood and the sinking of the rocket into the ocean is a minor cost for the main goals of the project.

sapphire_launch_850_bt_500x294

Update: A video with multiple views of the launch:

Space policy roundup – June.23.13

Some space policy related items this Sunday:

Everyone can participate in space