The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation tells us so much about the Universe. After that era, the Universe went dark. Then, as gas pulled together into the first stars and eventually galaxies, light returned, beginning the Age of Reionization.
Our Hosts
Fraser Cain
Universe Today
Dr. Pamela Gay
CosmoQuest
Production by
- Richard Drumm, Audio Engineer
- Ally Pelphrey, Video Engineer
17 Seasons
700+ Episodes
2018 Winner Parsec Award
Ep. 664: The First Stars
The Sun is a third generation star, polluted with the metals from long dead stars. Astronomers have also discovered second generation stars, with very low metallicity. But theories suggest there must be a first generation, with stars made from only pure hydrogen and helium. Can we ever find them?
Ep. 663: End of Year Observing Events
We generally save our stargazing suggestions for the summer, when it’s warmer in the northern hemisphere. But you’re tough, you can handle a little cold. And it’s worth it because there are some wonderful things you can see in the night sky this time of year.
Ep. 662: Looking Ahead at New and Recycled Missions
Last week we talked about the missions we’re saying goodbye to. This week, we’re going to talk about some upcoming missions to say hello to. Some are brand new ideas, others are, uh, recycled.
Recent Episodes
Ep. 424: Lightning
It turns out that nature figured out how to use electricity long before humans did. Lightning storms are common across the Earth, and even the Solar System. What causes this electricity in the sky, and how can science use it? We usually record Astronomy Cast every...
Ep. 423: Cyclones
As Hurricane Matthew reminded us, cyclonic storms are a force to be reckoned with. What causes these storms, and how can they form across the Solar System. We usually record Astronomy Cast every Friday at 1:30 pm Pacific / 4:30 pm Eastern / 8:30 PM UTC (20:30 GMT)....
Ep. 422: Geysers
So if you've been to Yellowstone National Park, you've seen one of the most amazing features of the natural world - geysers. In today's episode, we're going to talk about geysers on Earth, and where they might be in the solar system. We usually record Astronomy Cast...
Ep. 421: Space Games!
As you probably know, Fraser is an avid video gamer, especially if it has anything to do with space. Today we turn things around, as Fraser talks about the games he plays, and what he thinks you should be playing too. We usually record Astronomy Cast every Friday at...
Podcast Listeners – Please Help CosmoQuest!
As part of gathering information for our CosmoQuest NASA Grant fulfillment, we need to gather information from several groups. Podcast listeners are a major part of our audience, so if you listen to our show, please click this link and fill out this short survey....
Ep. 420: FIRE!
One of the most dangerous things that can happen inside a spacecraft is fire. Seriously, it's NASA's worst nightmare, and for good reason. Fire acts differently in space, and astronauts are always on alert. Here's why. Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes |...
Ep. 419: DragonCon 2016 Live – Rocket Girls
Welcome back to our new season of Astronomy Cast! This episode is a special live show that took place at DragonCon 2016 in Atlanta, GA. Pamela hosted a panel of amazing scientists and engineers who all happen to be women, and they discussed the unsung women of NASA...
New Season Coming September 12!
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Ep. 418: Error 418 – I'm a Teapot!
One of the most familiar asterisms in the night sky is the Teapot, in Sagittarius. Today we're going to talk about that and have a bonus conversation about Bertrand Russell's Teapot Argument. Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to Transcript This...
Ep. 417: Error 417 – Expectation Failed
In all fields of science, sometimes more is learned when you fail at what you're trying to do than when you succeed. So what new science discoveries have failed expectations given us in astronomy? Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to Transcript This...
Ep. 416: Fireballs from the Sky!
Every now and then we look up and see bright fiery balls falling from the sky. Don't panic, these are just bolides. Sometimes they leave trails, sometimes they explode, and sometimes they survive all the way to the ground. Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes |...
Ep. 415: Temperature of the Universe
The temperature of the Universe can vary a dramatic amount from the hot cores of stars to the vast cold emptiness of deep space. What’s the temperature of the Universe now, and what will it be in the future? Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to...
Ep. 414: Navigating Far
In our last episode, we talked about what it’ll take to navigate across the Solar System. In this episode we scale things up and speculate how future civilizations will navigate to other stars and even other galaxies. Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump...
Ep. 413: Navigating Near
It’s hard enough finding your way around planet Earth, but what do you do when you’re trying to find your way around the Solar System? Today we’ll talk about how spacecraft navigate from world to world. Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to Transcript...
Ep. 412: The Color of the Universe
What color is the Universe? Turns out this isn’t a simple question, and one that scientists have really been unable to answer, until now! Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to Transcript This episode is sponsored by: Swinburne Astronomy Online, 8th...
Ep. 411: Science of Sunset Colors
We all enjoy beautiful, multicolored sunsets. But what causes the brilliant oranges, pinks and purples that we see, and why does it change from day to day and season to season? Download the show [MP3] | Jump to Shownotes | Jump to Transcript This episode is sponsored...
Ep. 410: Planet 9 Facts and Fiction
The discovery of Planet 9 has caused a wonderful, confusing uproar and a flood of misinformation in the news and social media. We'll sort out what we actually know, what things just aren't true, and what things might be possible! Download the show [MP3] | Jump to...
Ep. 409: Spin in the Solar System
The Solar System is a spinny place. Everything’s turning turning. But if you look closely, there are some pretty strange spins going on. Today we talk about how everything started turning, and the factors that still “impact” them today. Download the show [MP3] | Jump...
Ep. 408: Universe Cannibalism
We’ve talked about stellar cannibalism and galactic cannibalism, but now it’s time to take this concept to its logical extreme – universe cannibalism. In the multiverse theory of physics we live in just one of a vast range of universes which might interact with each...
Ep. 407: Galactic Cannibalism
Remember when we told you that the Universe is a big place, and anything that can go wrong, inevitably does? Today we talk about what happens when galaxies come together. This is particularly pertinent because our Milky Way will collide with Andromeda in the future!...