

#184 – Katherine de Kleer: Planets, Moons, and Asteroids in Our Solar System
4 snips May 17, 2021
Katherine de Kleer, a Professor of Planetary Science and Astronomy at Caltech, dives into the intriguing world of celestial bodies. She discusses the reclassification of Pluto and its implications. The podcast explores volcanic activity on Jupiter’s moon Io and examines the potential for life in the subsurface oceans of Europa. Katherine also touches on the complexities of Saturn's moons, including their organic compounds, and reflects on the daunting yet exciting challenges of colonizing Mars. Get ready for a cosmic journey through our solar system!
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The Journey to Planetary Science
- Katherine de Kleer initially had a childhood fascination with telescopes instead of rockets.
- This unique perspective shaped her path to becoming a planetary scientist.
Pluto's Status
- Pluto was once considered a planet but was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
- This decision stemmed from the realization that many similar-sized objects exist in the Kuiper Belt.
Io's Volcanic Activity
- Io is the most volcanically active object in the solar system.
- It features hundreds of active volcanoes with magma flow significantly exceeding Earth's.