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Everyday science

Everyday science

Battle of the Elements round three, ultracold atoms in space, life on other planets

27 Jun 2019 Hamish Johnston

Excitement is mounting in our Battle of the Elements as we reach the third and final knockout round.

In the latest Physics World Weekly podcast, Margaret Harris argues the case for lithium, Liz Kalaugher explains why nitrogen should top the table and Hamish Johnston flies the flag for iron. After listening to the arguments, you can help us celebrate 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table by voting for your favourite out of these three in our latest Twitter poll.

We also hear from the theoretical physicist Jose D’Incao, who explains why he is part of a team that is doing ultracold-atom experiments on the International Space Station. Moving even further away from Earth, we chat about astrobiology and the scientific and philosophical implications of life on other planets.

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