Can we grow food on Mars? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Paul Mecurio learn about a new NASA project Plant Trek and the challenges of surviving on other planets with astrobiologist Kennda Lynch. Thanks to our partners at Ford for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E® SUV at https://www.ford.com/suvs/mach-e/ Learn how scientists are trying to work with Martian regolith to discover solutions for farming on the red planet. What are the major differences between Earth soil and Martian or Lunar regolith? We discuss perchlorate, The Martian, and the main challenges of Martian regolith. Could Matt Damon in The Martian have really survived on home-grown Martian potatoes? We break down what he got right, what step he was missing, and the health effects of eating Martian produce. What would Kennda do as an astrobiologist if aliens came to Earth? What is in the Martian regolith? Learn what compounds we are working with, what similarities it has with what we have on Earth, and what we plan to do about radiation. We discuss the potential of terraforming Mars and what is the coolest part of being an astrobiologist. What can plants grown on Mars teach us about Earth? Thanks to our Patrons Konrad Kalinko, Shawn Allison, Kevin Mitchell, Skylar Gravatt, Terry Sullivan, Carol Anklam, and Chantal for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Introduction: Astrobiology 1:30 - Plant Trek: In-Situ Farming 4:31 - Soil v. Martian Regolith 10:30 - Is This a Step Toward Terraforming? 13:52 - A Word From Our Sponsor 15:25 - Thoughts on “The Martian” 17:34 - Would Poop Potatoes Be Possible? 24:19 - If Kennda Met Aliens 30:00 - What is in the Martian Regolith? 34:12 - Could We Create an Atmosphere? 49:24 - Being an Astrobiologist 41:18 - Astrobiology Helping Us on Earth