I had the incredible opportunity to join the legendary Coast to Coast radio talk show, where we delved into the fascinating topics of human evolution and the future of space colonization. If you missed the live conversation, don’t worry – you can catch the full episode by signing up as a member.
In the first half, we discussed the evolution of life, and how humans might colonize space. For life to evolve as far as it has on this planet, it needs a long, stable environment. And we’ve had that here on the Earth for several billion years in spite of various catastrophes and mass extinctions, adding that many other planets may have far more volatile existences. I highlighted Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere as crucial for sustaining life, contrasting this with other planets like Mars and Venus. While the conditions for life likely existed on many planets and moons, if “you have a supernova or some event like that, there’s going to be a burst of radiation that probably will sterilize any life within 100 light-years or so, so that’s another factor that could snuff life out after it has started,” he noted.
The conversation also explored the concept of rotating cylinders in space, which he termed “islands in the void,” designed to create Earth-like environments for long-term human habitation. These structures would address challenges like gravity, health, and ecological balance. Additionally, I touched on the potential of the asteroid belt for resource extraction and the practicality of space-based manufacturing, underscoring the need for infrastructure in space to support future space colonization. After we’ve developed a presence in space, it could be practical to start a colony on Mars, he suggested. I shared my novel, Outbound, which explores using technology to increase the gravity on the Red Planet to be similar to Earth, and then creating orchards and small lakes in the Valles Marineris canyon system.
January, 23 2024
Richard Anderson
Earth, Space, SciFi, Book Review, Midwest Book Review