NAI: Ask an Astrobiologist

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Life on Earth

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Questions about Life on Earth

I have been really scared about this 2012 conspiracy. I am writing because I would like you to make another YouTube video to explain how you know from a scientists’ point of view that nothing is going to happen. Here are some of the things I am scared of. 1) Planet X Theory 2) Mayan Calendar 3) Rotation of the Earth 4) Earth coming off Its axis 5) Galactic Alignment 6) Asteroid heading toward Earth. Could you make another video about this theory again please?

Please recommend a 'lay' book about the origin of life on earth. Did it come from asteroids? From volcanic vents in the deep ocean? Panspermia? I have read several books including those by De Duve, Dyson, Schopf and Cech. Didn't enjoy Davies' much. Any other good books?

How come the mainstream media talks about an "end of all technology" doomsday scenario after the May 2013 solar flare event, even quoting Nasa. I saw it first on the History Channel, then that now famous Michio Kaku video, and after that, pretty much every newspaper website I could find ran the same story, quoting Nasa scientist Richard Fleischer and reporting the same data: 7% chance of end-of-tech doomsday happening. Yet you say we have nothing to worry about. Who should I believe? Yours is the only voice I could find on the internet that isn't saying we will be living in Mad Max mode by May 2013, and I'm really terrified of this story!

I know how rare a super-eruption is at Yellowstone, but is it likely if there was that there would be a volcanic winter?

From what i know the earth needs co2 and the more the better. I am not a scientist but from what i read the earth goes threw stages of ice ages and warm stages. What is the evidence that man made co2 is warming the earth and what caused earlier ice ages etc because that can't be blamed on co2?

Is it true that on December 21 2012 that there will be a shift in the earth due to the sun and moon lining up

I just read the fascinating interview you gave to Dan Duray, and I wanted to let you know that I found it very inspiring. Know that young scientists such as myself respect your candor and the time and energy you give to an occasionally unappreciative public. AND I just read an article about what you are doing here. This American taxpayer -- and I am sure millions of others -- thanks you for your efforts. AND I just read a profile about your column on theawl.com, and I'm deeply, deeply sorry that you have to deal with the apocalypse people. Keep up the good work, and don't let the crazies get you down. AND The ability you maintain to keep going, speaks volumes about your love for science and education. I will remember how a single NASA scientist took it upon himself to field such questions and spread his knowledge.

I watched a documentary saying all the water on earth came from meteors containing water crystals hitting earth for millions of years. This left me wondering how the oceans became salty? Did those meteors contain sodium, or did it get there by some other process?

I recently read that a Pompeii supervolcano was supposed to erupt soon. I am a mother of 5 and really don't know if i should prepare for a catastrophe! I’m very worried. AND Is it true that there is an Italian Supervolcano and a Supervolcano believed to be simmering under Yellowstone in U.S.?

I see on many websites that a new Mayan calendar has been found and the world won't end. Is it true? AND Why do other civilizations have the same date as the Mayans for the end of the world?

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