“THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE ” 1966 NASA SCIENCE REPORTER TV SHOW EPISODE XD82555

Join this channel to get access to perks: Want to learn more about Periscope Film and get access to exclusive swag? Join us on Patreon. Visit Visit our website This film “The Search for Extraterrestrial Life“ is an episode from the series the “The Science Reporter” which was a regularly recurring report on the latest scientific developments and had a special focus on the U.S. space program. This episode focuses on the potential for extraterrestrial life and the current programs that the U.S. has to investigate other planets such as Mars. It was hosted by graduate John Fitch. It was produced by NASA in association with WGBH-TV Boston. It was directed by Russell Morash. Official description: The topic of this episode is exobiology, the new science that explores the possibility of, and prospects for, life in outer space. John Fitch is host on location at Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. The idea of life existing elsewhere in the universe has intrigued scientist for centuries. At Ames Research Center in Moffet Field, California, Dr. Richard Young, Chief of the Exobiology Division, shows Reporter Fitch some unique research techniques that may disclose the chemical evolution of life on Earth and perhaps on other planets. Dr. Young then explains how, once life has begun, it is capable of adapting to diverse and hostile environments, such as that on Mars. Finally, Reporter Fitch is shown a fully automated laboratory that one day may be landed on a planet and return data to Earth about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The episode opens with a male scientist sitting in front of a globe (0:09). Scientist uses a “Mars box“ which crudely simulates temperature conditions on Mars; the box contains scientific instruments (0:27). Scientist operates a scientific instrument and touches one of the cords (0:52). John Fitch, wearing a suit, stands in front of the Ames Research Center which is just south of San Francisco, California (1:23). Dr. Richard Young with glasses and a tie speaks about the possibility of extraterrestrial life (2:07). Young talks to John Fitch, the interviewer with glasses (2:36). Dr. Young walks in front of a black board with images of weather and the sun (7:39). Scientist points to NH3 (Nitrogen), CH4 (Ammonium), H2O (water), H2 (Hydrogen) on a picture of mountains and lightning (8:05). Scientist points to picture that shows the ultraviolet light coming out of the sun (8:17). Dr. Young stands in front of black board and points to diagrams (8:29). Diagram with words “organic compounds” on it (8:51). Diagram shows organic compounds and how they are present in the atmosphere (8:56). Dr. Richard Young walks away from the black board and towards the interviewer (10:10). Scientific instrument in laboratory (10:22). Dr. Richard Young leads the interviewer into the laboratory and shows him a box with scientific instruments (10:27) Upper part of the chamber (10:41). Bottom of the flask (10:47). Dr. Richard Young explains the process (10:53). The scientist opens the Mars box (11:27). Turns off lights and begins to turn on the machine (11:33). Sparks from the electrodes can be seen (11:38). Scientist turns on light (11:54). Dr. Young speaks in his lab (12:03). Dr. Richard Young shows the interviewer a paper chromatogram and explains his scientific process (12:09). Dark spots on a piece of paper (12:49). Hand points at dot that signifies Adenine (13:03). Dr. Young speaks with John Fitch (13:16). Dr. Young presents a photograph of the surface of Mars (14:43). Photograph showing the terrain of Mars (15:07). Chamber that can simulate the surface conditions of Mars (16:33). Dr. Young points at the features of the instrument with a stick (17:09). Red lamp bulb (17:39). Wires give a temperature read out (18:03). Strip chart reads the temperature (18:14). Dr. Young points to a chalk diagram on the chalkboard that talks about the polar cap and permafrost (19:15). Young writes 100 degrees and -80 degrees on the board (19:30). Squiggly line representing water evaporating (20:06). Young speaks in front of the chalkboard (20:17). Scientific instrument with wires (20:54). Young presents the different aspects of the small device (21:13). Young presents another small device called the “wolf trap“ (22:47). A model for a craft that could land on Mars and take samples (24:14). John Fitch at Ames Research Center, states that the physical exploration of Mars won’t happen until at least 1973 (27:05). This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit