Jun 27, 2016
Feature Guest: John Rummel
Ever consider moving to Mars? The Star Spot did. Along with the
University of Toronto Astronomy and Space Exploration Society, we
co-hosted a panel event exploring one of the most fascinating
questions in which science meets science fiction. The great
terraforming Mars debate.
We were joined by a 5 member panel of experts, representing a wide
range of backgrounds. We approached the issue from all angles:
physics, astronomy, philosophy, ethics, commerce and
politics. Now over the course of 4 episodes I’m being joined
at The Star Spot by each of our guests from that event. We
covered the science of Mars with planetary scientist Paul Delaney.
We then turned questions of Martian and Earthling biology with Dr.
Olathe MacIntyre.
Now it’s time to switch gears. Even if we could make Mars
habitable, we must confront the equally profound question, should
we do it? If Mars already habours life, even just microbes, does
that make terraforming off limits? If Mars has dormant life, should
we reawaken it? And do humans have an imperative to spread life to
the barren worlds of our solar system and beyond?
To tackle these biggest of questions today we’re joined at The Star Spot by Professor John Rummel of NASA’s Planetary Protection Subcommittee.
Current in Space
What’s the best way to study the largest volcano in the solar system? Anuj explains. And while every major galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre, have you ever wondered just where do they come from? Tony sheds some light.
About Our Guest
John Rummel is a
Senior Scientist with the SETI Institute and a Visiting Scholar at
McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law. A retired
Professor of Biology at East Carolina University, he has been a
member of the NASA Advisory Council’s Planetary Protection
Subcommittee. He previously worked at NASA Headquarters, as Senior
Scientist for Astrobiology and Exobiology Program Manager. Rummel
is Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science. He has received the Life Sciences Award from the
International Academy of Astronautics. He received his PhD in
community ecology and evolution from Stanford
University.