The 365 Days of Astronomy

Dive into groundbreaking discoveries as researchers unveil nearly 300 candidates for intermediate mass black holes in dwarf galaxies. Explore star formation in fascinating clusters and uncover Mars' geological secrets, including its seismic activity. Delve into the latest trends in space exploration, with highlights from successful missions by Rocket Lab, SpaceX, and more. Experience the challenges and triumphs of recent space endeavors, with tales from the launch pad and the resilience needed to push the boundaries of our cosmos.

April is packed with astronomical wonders! Discover how to spot the crescent moon with Pleiades and the smallest full moon this year. Marvel at the pairing of Mars and Antares, plus don’t miss the Lyrid meteor shower. Get tips on catching elusive planets like Venus, Saturn, and Mercury in the morning sky. Explore fascinating deep sky objects like galaxy M83. The hosts also share insights on astrophotography, making it easier to embrace the celestial beauty!

Ron Rosano, a suborbital astronaut and seasoned astronomy educator, shares his inspiring journey from space novice to spaceflight participant. He discusses the transforming experience of viewing Earth from space and its implications for environmental awareness. Ron highlights the need for educational outreach in underrepresented communities, sharing his extensive work in schools globally. Additionally, he sheds light on the contrast of astronomy education practices across countries, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in academia.

Explore the intriguing world of TRAPPIST-1e, a rocky exoplanet that could harbor life. It's located in the habitable zone of a distant ultra-cool star, just 40 light-years away. The discussion highlights the planet's size and mass while emphasizing the critical role of atmospheric conditions. Ongoing observations from the James Webb Space Telescope are revealing potential biosignatures. Join the quest to understand if we're not alone in the universe!

Dive into the intriguing dilemma of the Hubble Tension, where astronomers struggle to measure the universe's expansion rate with conflicting data. Explore the potential for dark energy to be variable over time, challenging our understanding of cosmic forces. Witness the joy of scientific discovery as hosts reflect on how new evidence might transform existing theories. Plus, enjoy lighthearted anecdotes, like an unexpected encounter with a skunk, that remind us science is both serious and fun!

A winter storm unexpectedly hit Mt. Lemmon, resulting in impressive discoveries by astronomers. Teammate Greg Leonard located a new asteroid, 2017 BV93, which might be crucial for future human exploration. Meanwhile, Eric Christensen found a much larger asteroid, 2017 CH1, which is being closely monitored for safety, even though it poses no immediate threat to Earth. These findings highlight the dual nature of space exploration: the excitement of discovery and the responsibility of ensuring planetary safety.

Discover how telescopes serve as cosmic time machines, unraveling the universe's past through the speed of light. Learn about the fascinating JADES-GS, the farthest known galaxy, and its unexpected oxygen richness, challenging our understanding of galaxy formation. This exploration reveals exciting insights into cosmic history and the evolution of elements. Dive into the wonders of the universe and see how ancient celestial bodies shape our knowledge of life's beginnings!

Discover how stars in the Orion Nebula Cluster compete for materials, affecting their size rather than just their initial core. Explore NASA's groundbreaking missions, including the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars and the Lucy probe studying Trojan asteroids. Delve into the mysteries of fast radio bursts and the peculiar properties of neutron stars, challenging existing theories. Plus, learn about the celestial alignments of ancient civilizations and how they intertwined with astronomy, enriching our understanding of humanity's ties to the universe.

Dr. Jamie Rankin, Voyager Deputy Project Scientist and space physics lecturer at Princeton, shares her insights on interstellar exploration. She discusses the historical significance and ongoing communication with Voyager 1 and 2 as they traverse interstellar space. Dr. Rankin also reflects on the foundational work that made the Voyager missions possible and highlights intriguing findings regarding particle variations at the heliopause. Listeners will get a glimpse of future missions like IMAP that aim to unveil more mysteries of our solar system's boundary.

Is it better to embark on interstellar missions now or wait for revolutionary technology? The debate brings to light the phenomenal distances to stars, illustrated by the slow journey of Voyager 1. With organizations like Breakthrough Starshot pushing boundaries, the discussion highlights risks and benefits. Innovations in materials and reusable rockets may soon change the game, but what does the future hold? The exploration of energy needs, speed, and human experiences during long voyages adds to the intrigue of venturing beyond our solar system.