How are exoplanets found? Are there other Earth-like planets? Could there be aliens on them? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Exogeology ROCKS! Episode 5.

You can watch the previous four episodes here.

During one of my television interviews last year, I was asked who some famous people I would like to meet are. I listed off several scientists and novelists I admire including J. K. Rowling, Brian Greene, Michio Kaku, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Diane Duane. If I ever got the chance to see any of these people in person, I would be thrilled.

When I heard that Michio Kaku was going to give a talk in Berkeley, which is relatively near where I am currently, I knew I had to go. Last Thursday, February 23rd, I drove to Berkeley with my dad to hear about the Physics of the Future.

According to his website, “Dr. Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist, best-selling author, and popularizer of science. He’s the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory.”

After a somewhat lengthy introduction along those lines, Michio Kaku took the stage with a joke. “That was a great introduction. I’d love to hear the speaker!” He kept up the humor for the entire talk, which I found very entertaining and impressive.

I’ve been learning a lot about what makes a good speaker lately as I improve my own speaking skills. Repeating important points, using humor, customizing for your audience, using visual aids and avoiding filler words are all important for a speaker. Michio Kaku demonstrated all of this and more.

Following the theme of his latest book, Physics of the Future, he discussed technology which may become commonplace in the near future. What will the world be like in the year 2100? A few of the many subjects discussed include: nuclear power, computers in contact lenses, biotechnology, and Moore’s Law.

In the near future, we could have computers as thin and as cheap as paper. We could talk to our wallpaper computers and access the Internet at literally the blink of an eye.

While answering questions from the audience, he mentioned types of civilizations—planet-hopping Type I civilizations, Type II civilizations capable of building Dyson spheres, and the galactic scale Type III civilizations—and how a kid had once told him he was wrong. “No, mister,” the kid had said, “there are four types! What about the power of the continuum?”

He asked the audience, “If there are any Star Trek fans out there, can you think of a Type IV civilization who uses the power of the continuum?”

There were a few mutters and some laughter, and being a Trekkie, I knew the answer. I shouted, “Q!”

A few audience members looked back to see who had shouted, but I wasn’t paying much attention. I was giddy from having correctly answered a question asked by a brilliant scientist I happen to be a huge fan of.

I stayed afterwards for the book signing. I had brought Hyperspace with me to be signed, plus a camera and my business cards. I was both excited and nervous as I waited in line.

Finally, it was my turn. I handed over my book to be signed and luckily remembered everything I wanted to say. I asked for a picture, explained that I have a website about science and wrote a book, and gave business cards for both of those. It’s not often that you give your business card to one of your heroes!

Physics of the Future was for sale nearby, so I bought it and got right back in line to have it signed. My dad and I were two of the very last people to stick around and we had time to ask a couple questions. I asked about how much say he had in the material on his television show, Sci Fi Science. The answer was that the first twelve episodes basically followed the table of contents of Physics of the Impossible, while the second dozen episodes were about the science behind various science fiction movies.

Overall, this was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, I came home with two signed books, and I interacted with one of the top people I’ve wanted to meet.

Who would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them?

Yesterday’s video was the final clue of this Zoe’s Geo Party! game! I call it: Finale Geo Party! Today’s video is the correct question to yesterday’s answer.

Finale Geo Party! is a little bit different from the previous Geo Party!, because there’s only one clue. After today, Zoe’s Geo Party! will be taking a break. We’ll be back with another game in 2012.

Become a fan of Exogeology ROCKS! on Facebook for more updates about geology, astronomy, and Geo Party! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate, a novel co-written by Zoe’s Geo Party! host Zoë Bentley. Fractured Fate makes a great gift for the holidays!

Click here to watch the previous episodes.

Today’s video is the final clue of this Zoe’s Geo Party! game! I call it: Finale Geo Party!

Finale Geo Party! is a little bit different from the previous Geo Party!, because there’s only one clue. You’ll see the correct response tomorrow. After Tuesday, Zoe’s Geo Party! will be taking a break. We’ll be back with another game in 2012.

Write your guess on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page and enjoy the finale. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Click here to watch the previous episodes.

There’s only one clue left before this game of Zoe’s Geo Party! comes to an end.

Today on Zoe’s Geo Party!, I’m somewhere in the U.S.A., but I’m not entirely sure where. I’ve figured out where I was in yesterday’s clue and written the answer at the end of the video below. Can you help me out by telling me where today’s clue was filmed? Tell me where you think I am on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page and enjoy the category. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Click here to watch the previous episodes.

Today on Zoe’s Geo Party!, I’m somewhere in the U.S.A., but I’m not entirely sure where. I’ve figured out where I was in yesterday’s clue and written the answer at the end of the video below. Can you help me out by telling me where today’s clue was filmed? Tell me where you think I am on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page and enjoy the category. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Today on Zoe’s Geo Party!, I’m somewhere in the U.S.A., but I’m not entirely sure where. I’ve figured out where I was in yesterday’s clue and written the answer at the end of the video below. Can you help me out by telling me where today’s clue was filmed? Tell me where you think I am on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page and enjoy the category. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Today on Zoe’s Geo Party!, I’m somewhere in the U.S.A., but I’m not entirely sure where. I’ve figured out where I was in yesterday’s clue and written the answer at the end of the video below. Can you help me out with today’s clue? Tell me where you think I am on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page along with your response to this clue and enjoy the category. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Today on Zoe’s Geo Party!, I’m somewhere in the U.S.A., but I’m not entirely sure where. Can you help me out? Tell me where you think I am on the Exogeology ROCKS! Facebook page along with your response to this clue and enjoy the category. Remember to phrase your response to each clue in the form of a question! While you’re there, be sure to become a fan of Fractured Fate on Facebook.

Image from NASA

It’s been over eight years now since the last Mars rover launch, Opportunity’s in 2003. Now, Curiosity will set off on a mission to determine if life could have ever arisen on Mars, characterize the climate of Mars, characterize the geology of Mars, and prepare for human exploration. Those are the four main goals, but this newest and largest rover has eight more specific scientific objectives. There’s a lot in store for the MSL!

JPL cleanroom where Curiosity was built. Image credit Zoe Bentley.

Curiosity’s equipment ROCKS! It’s taking a drill, several cameras for steering and gathering data, a robotic arm, and even a tool called SAM with a laser in it which vaporizes rocks. No, I’m not kidding. The MSL is also powered by plutonium. This means dust buildups won’t keep Curiosity from getting the energy to explore. Even the way it lands is pretty cool. I can’t wait until Curiosity reaches Gale Crater in August next year.

Curiosity is scheduled to launch today at 10:02 EST from Cape Canaveral on board an Atlas V rocket. I can’t wait for this ROCKIN’ rover to get on its way!

Check out these webpages to learn more about Curiosity:
The Mars Science Laboratory’s website
NASA’s MSL Mission Page
Watch Curiosity Launch Live!