#750: Supernova Early Warning System

If we can accurately detect neutrinos being emitted during supernova, we might be able to get on target before the light show even starts.

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Fraser Cain
Universe Today

Dr. Pamela Gay
CosmoQuest

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#733: Euclid of Alexandria

#733: Euclid of Alexandria

Let’s look at the Euclid of Alexandria, the father of geometry and his contributions in celestial mechanics and orbital calculations.

#731: Neil Gehrels

#731: Neil Gehrels

Last week we talked about the Neil Gerhels Swift Telescope, this week we’ll be talking about the man behind the mission.

Recent Episodes

Ep. 672: Space Debris Removal

We’ve talked about the rising problem of space junk. Okay, we know it’s an issue. So what can be done about it? Today we’ll talk about ideas to remove space junk, making sure space is open to use for the centuries to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RxmX5eDY4...

Ep. 671: The Consequences to Breaking Space Laws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wni5--mzw2Q Last week we talked about the laws that govern space exploration. This week the rubber hits the road. What are the consequences for actually breaking these rules? Are they really going to stop anyone? Download MP3 | Show...

Ep. 670: Governing Space – The Outer Space Treaty of 1967

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZOYKDGglo8 The Universe was inaccessible for most of human history, but the first tentative steps to space in the 20th century made humanity realize that science fiction was becoming science reality. New rules would have to be written...

Ep. 669: Challenges to Dark Energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_1L_P24gT4 It’s been over 20 years since astronomers first discovered that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating thanks to dark energy. And in these decades, astronomers still don’t have much evidence for what could be causing...

Ep. 668: The Crisis in Cosmology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n6HKpWaEEE Astronomers have made extremely accurate measurements of the expansion rate of the Universe and come up with different results. And the error bars for the observations don’t overlap, so there’s something strange going on....

Ep. 667: JWST First Science Results

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbMBAivcnes Astronomers came together in January to present their newest research, and not surprisingly, the Winter AAS meeting was heavy on news from JWST. What were some of the new results that were announced? Show Notes | Transcript...

Ep. 666: Solar System References to the Underworld

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QwZoy58ZR8 Well, we did it. We made it to episode 666, an auspicious number to be sure. What can we do to celebrate this accomplishment? An episode all about things in the Universe that have been named after mythological people and...

Ep. 665: The Age of Reionization

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....

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...

Ep. 663: End of Year Observing Events

https://youtu.be/ImwJ1FblRhU 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...

Ep. 662: Looking Ahead at New and Recycled Missions

https://youtu.be/shKSE47JmjY 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. Show Notes | Transcript Show Notes Moon...

Ep. 661: Looking Back on the Missions That Ended

https://youtu.be/TicUn1-ak3Y It’s always sad to say goodbye, but when we send our robotic emissaries out into the cosmos, it’s just a matter of time before they shut down. Today we’re going to say goodbye to a few missions which have reached the end of their lives....

Ep. 660: Runaway! Runaway! Escaping Stars, Planets & Small Bodies

https://youtu.be/_jE0X9eb-54 Moons orbit planets, planets orbit stars, stars orbit within galaxies. It’s orbits all the way down. But occasionally objects can receive a powerful kick that sends them off on a journey, never to return. PART II PART III Show Notes |...

Ep. 659: Clear Skies, Bright Satellites

https://youtu.be/PbOnrSZbRjA Light pollution is a big problem, and it’s only getting worse -- not just near cities but everywhere thanks to increased satellite constellations. How bad is the problem, and how can we fix it? Show Notes | Transcript Show Notes Universe...

Ep. 658: Space Exploration Horror Stories

https://youtu.be/sdQF-jHLVpk We’re recording this episode on Halloween, so how could we resist but take advantage of this opportunity. Space is already terrifying enough, you know, with the vast endless emptiness, incomprehensible mysteries, and uncaring coldness. But...

Ep. 657: Astronomical Naming Schemes

https://youtu.be/caF8-BCJGPc Space is a big place, with a lot of galaxies, stars, planets and moons, and that means a lot of names. How do astronomers name stuff, like comets, asteroids, exoplanets, craters? Show Notes | Transcript Show Notes Thanksgiving Day in...

Ep. 656: Smashing Asteroids for Science!

https://youtu.be/QNZmj1XfpmA This week we saw the incredible image of DART smashing into asteroid Dimorphos. Beyond avenging the dinosaurs, what can we learn scientifically from this and other asteroid/comet impact missions? Show Notes | Transcript Show Notes Jupiter...

Ep. 655: 65 Years of Space: Sputnik 1 Anniversary

https://youtu.be/f1ysu0nH1eY It’s been about 65 years since the Soviets launched the first orbital satellite into low Earth orbit: Sputnik 1. Now there are thousands of satellites in orbit, with tens of thousands on the way. Let’s look at the impact that Sputnik had...

Ep. 654: Side Effects of Clean Energy

https://youtu.be/zk8JkaOdnUY To battle climate change, we’ll need to rapidly move to carbon-free sources of energy. But this technology isn’t a free lunch. They require metals, generate waste and deplete the environment. What’s the best way to balance this shift? Show...

Ep. 653: Climate Change: Looking at the Variables

https://youtu.be/RmqwHtTzpzM Climate change is on our minds these days, with increasing wildfires, droughts and floods. What are the variables that play into a planet’s changing climate, and what can this teach us about the search for habitable planets across the...