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We might be close to discovering we're not alone in the universe, and we talked to one University of Wisconsin astronomer who is on the forefront of helping make that discovery.

UW-Madison Astronomy Professor Dr. Thomas Beatty joined to discuss his work on the James Webb Space Telescope, why he believes proof of life on another planet is less than 30 years away, plus we got his take on the best space movies and what exactly is "black hole hair."

Beatty explains his four years as an instrument scientist on the James Webb Space Telescope, helping to prepare the telescope camera—and how UW-Madison uses a major telescope in Arizona to confirm new planet discoveries. We also talk “exoplanets”—those planets out there that look similar enough to ours that they could carry life. Beatty gets into what scientists look for in those planet’s atmospheres, such as oxygen, to determine if it is in the "Goldilocks Zone" and capable of supporting life.

Lastly, we throw some fun questions at Beatty, including dark energy, the historical Hubble Tension, and the bizarre concept of "black hole hair." We also had to ask the astronomy expert his professional take on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs or better yet, UFOs), why most sightings are likely detector glitches, and what his favorite space movies are.

We might be close to discovering we're not alone in the universe, and we talked to one University of Wisconsin astronomer who is on the forefront of helping make that discovery.
UW-Madison Astronomy Professor Dr. Thomas Beatty joined to discuss his work on the James Webb Space Telescope, why he believes proof of life on another planet is less than 30 years away, plus we got his take on the best space movies and what exactly is "black hole hair."
Beatty explains his four years as an instrument scientist on the James Webb Space Telescope, helping to prepare the telescope camera&mdash;and how UW-Madison uses a major telescope in Arizona to confirm new planet discoveries. We also talk &ldquo;exoplanets&rdquo;&mdash;those planets out there that look similar enough to ours that they could carry life. Beatty gets into what scientists look for in those planet&rsquo;s atmospheres, such as oxygen, to determine if it is in the "Goldilocks Zone" and capable of supporting life.
Lastly, we throw some fun questions at Beatty, including dark energy, the historical Hubble Tension, and the bizarre concept of "black hole hair." We also had to ask the astronomy expert his professional take on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs or better yet, UFOs), why most sightings are likely detector glitches, and what his favorite space movies are.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.