Robert Massey

Join Robert Massey, Deputy Director of the Royal Astronomical Society, Joe McNeil, a Martian geologist, and Sian Prosser, an archivist, as they dive into Mars' fascinating watery history. Discover when Mars last had liquid water and the evidence for its rivers and lakes. Joe reveals the geological features shaped by water, while Sian shares intriguing historical maps and the myth of Martian canals. The trio also discusses water's significance for potential human missions and its implications for life, past and present, on the Red Planet.

Scott Boulton and Emma Bunce, experts in Jupiter missions, join the podcast to discuss the planet's unique characteristics, the upcoming Juice mission to explore its icy moons, and the challenges of traveling to Jupiter. Stargazing expert Robert Massey shares April night sky observations.

Robert Massey, deputy director at the Royal Astronomical Society, talks Starlink launches, orbital congestion, and impacts on the night sky and astronomy. Alice Auerzberg, researcher in animal innovation, describes discovering Veronica the tool-using cow and experiments probing her scratching techniques. They explore policy, sky protection, and surprising animal cognition.

Dr Nicola Fox, Head of Science at NASA, and Dr Daniel Mueller, Project Scientist for Solar Orbiter, join hosts Izzie and Dr Becky to discuss the latest efforts in studying the sun. They delve into the importance of understanding the sun's relationship with Earth, unraveling the mysteries of the solar cycle, and the potential impact of solar weather on technology and life on Earth. Dr Robert Massey answers questions about the structure of the sun and its composition.

Astrophysicist Cecelia Payne Gaposchkin's discovery of star structure discussed along with the latest NASA rover on Mars, exploring the topics of first stars, formation of black holes, and the challenges faced by Payne as a woman in a male-dominated field.