

The 365 Days of Astronomy
365DaysOfAstronomy.org
The 365 Days of Astronomy podcast launched in 2009 as part of the International Year of Astronomy. This community podcast continues to bring you day after day of content across the years. Everyday, a new voice, helping you see the universe we share in a new way. This show is managed by Avivah Yamani, edited by Richard Drumm. This podcast is funded through Patreon.com/CosmoQuestX and produced out of the Planetary Science Institute.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 25, 2025 • 17min
Cheap Astronomy - Implausible Engineering, Ep. 3: We All Need Some Space
Dive into the fascinating world of interstellar travel, where science fiction meets the intricacies of physics. Explore the challenges of establishing space colonies, from energy demands to location considerations like the Moon and Mars. Discover the tensions of Martian colonization, including sustainability issues and the impact of dust storms. Envision a future where the Moon becomes an industrial hub, harnessing asteroid resources and innovative structures to support human endeavors in space.

Mar 24, 2025 • 29min
Astronomy Cast Ep. 748: Fast Radio Bursts
Explore the dazzling mysteries of fast radio bursts, phenomena that can outshine entire galaxies for brief moments. Discover their origins dating back to 2007 and the role of dedicated radio arrays in unraveling their complexities. Dive into the mysterious connection between magnetars and these cosmic signals, shedding light on recent discoveries. The hosts also discuss the support from their audience and the vibrant community that fuels their exploration of the universe's enigma.

Mar 23, 2025 • 29min
Ask A Spaceman - Ep. 240: Does the Great Filter Explain Why We’re Alone?
What is the Fermi Paradox? How rare is non-intelligent vs intelligent life? What are the challenges a species must overcome to colonize the galaxy? Where is everybody? I discuss these questions and more in today’s Ask a Spaceman! Support the show: http://www.patreon.com/pmsutter All episodes: http://www.AskASpaceman.com Follow on X: https://x.com/PaulMattSutter Read a book: http://www.pmsutter/book Keep those questions about space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, physics, and cosmology coming to #AskASpaceman for COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF TIME AND SPACE! Big thanks to my top Patreon supporters this month: Justin G, Chris L, Alberto M, Duncan M, Corey D, Robert B, Naila, Sam R, John S, Joshua, Scott M, Rob H, Scott M, Louis M, John W, Alexis, Gilbert M, Rob W, Jessica M, Jules R, Mike G, Jim L, David S, Scott R, Heather, Mike S, Pete H, Steve S, wahtwahtbird, Lisa R, Couzy, Kevin B, Michael B, Aileen G, Mark R, Alan B, Craig B, Mark F, Richard K, Stace J, Stephen J, Joe R, David P, Sean M, Tracy F, Sarah K, Ryan L, Ella F, Thomas K, James C, Syamkumar M, Homer V, Mark D, Bruce A, Bill E, Tim Z, Linda C, The Tired Jedi, Gary K, David W, dhr18, Lode D, Bob C, Red B, Stephen A, James R, Robert O, Lynn D, Allen E, Michael S, Reinaldo A, Sheryl, David W, Sue T, Josephine K, Chris, Michael S, Erlend A, James D, Larry D, Matt K, Charles, Karl W, Den K, George B, Tom B, Edward K, and Catherine B! Hosted by Paul M. Sutter. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Mar 23, 2025 • 6min
Travelers in the Night Eps. 311E & 312E: Comet Johnson & Space Salsa
Dive into the mysteries of Comet C2/2015 V2 Johnson, a celestial wanderer discovered in 2015 that may offer a breathtaking view from Earth. Explore its unique orbit that brings it close to Mars but won't bring it closer than 75 million miles. Transitioning to agricultural innovation, discover how a satellite aims to cultivate tomatoes in lunar and Martian conditions. This pioneering project not only highlights the future of space farming but also the potential for tasty snacks in space!

Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
Cosmic Savannah Ep. 67: A Stroll to the Edge of the Universe
Dr. Tshiamiso Makwela, a postdoctoral researcher at UCT, dives into the challenges of understanding astronomical concepts like distance and size in education. She discusses her groundbreaking work in astronomy education and the importance of experiential learning. Joining her is Francois Campher, the new podcast manager, who shares his amusing experiences in the quirky recording studio. Together, they explore innovative teaching strategies and the significance of community engagement in unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

Mar 21, 2025 • 21min
EVSN - Overlooked Exoplanet Found by Citizen Scientists
From December 10, 2021. Using data provided by the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen science project, volunteers found a possible large planet or brown dwarf orbiting its star at a distance of more than 1,600 astronomical units. Plus, NASA launches the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, and we review Ghostbusters: Afterlife. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Actual Astronomy - A History of Planetary Motion
Dave Chapman, an expert on planetary motion and contributor to the Griffith Observatory Annual Science Writing Award, dives into the history of our understanding of planetary motion. He traces the evolution from ancient observations through the works of giants like Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton, to modern astronomical breakthroughs. Discussing controversies like the discovery of Neptune, he highlights the shift from geocentric to heliocentric models, and how cultural context influenced our cosmic views. It's a captivating journey through time and discovery!

Mar 19, 2025 • 57min
Big Impact Astronomy - Olayinka Fagbemiro
Hosted by Mike Simmons. In this episode of #BigImpactAstronomy, Mike Simmons talks with Olayinka Fagbemiro about her inspiring work bringing STEM education to underserved communities in Nigeria. From IDP camps to classrooms, she’s empowering young minds—especially girls—to see a future in science. (From the Karman Project) Olayinka Fagbemiro has dedicated over 17 years to advancing space science and technology as the Chief Scientific Officer at the Nigerian Space Agency. She currently leads the Space Education Outreach Unit and is a vital member of the Planning, Policy, and Research team. Her leadership extends to her role as the Founder, CEO and National Coordinator, Astronomers Without Borders Nigeria, an NGO leveraging astronomy to foster STEM education and address educational inequalities across Nigeria. Olayinka is pursuing a PhD in Geoinformatics at the African University of Science and Technology, where her research focuses on the use of deep learning algorithms for urban development studies. Her expertise in spatial sciences is further augmented by her academic background, with a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Technology Management from Obafemi Awolowo University. Mike Simmons is the founder of Astronomy for Equity ( https://bmsis.org/astro4equity/ ). Others on the team, including people around the world in astronomy and space exploration, authors and philosophers, designers and artists and more will be added as the website is developed. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Mar 18, 2025 • 29min
Ask A Spaceman Ep. 244: What’s the Most Important Wavelength in All Astronomy?
What is 21-cm radiation? What (and who) produces it? What causes it, and what does it tell us about the universe? I discuss these questions and more in today’s Ask a Spaceman! Support the show: http://www.patreon.com/pmsutter All episodes: http://www.AskASpaceman.com Follow on X: https://x.com/PaulMattSutter Read a book: http://www.pmsutter/book Keep those questions about space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, physics, and cosmology coming to #AskASpaceman for COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF TIME AND SPACE! Big thanks to my top Patreon supporters this month: Justin G, Chris L, Alberto M, Duncan M, Corey D, Michael P, Naila, Sam R, John S, Joshua, Scott M, Rob H, Scott M, Louis M, John W, Alexis, Gilbert M, Rob W, Jessica M, Jules R, Jim L, David S, Scott R, Heather, Mike S, Pete H, Steve S, wahtwahtbird, Lisa R, Couzy, Kevin B, Michael B, Aileen G, Toho Warrior, Steven W, Brian O, Mark R, Alan B, Craig B, Mark F, Richard K, Stace J, Stephen J, Joe R, David P, Robert B, Sean M, Tracy F, Sarah K, Ella F, Thomas K, James C, Syamkumar M, Homer V, Mark D, Bruce A, Bill E, Tim Z, Linda C, The Tired Jedi, Gary K, David W, dhr18, Lode D, Bob C, Red B, Stephen A, James R, Robert O, Lynn D, Allen E, Michael S, Reinaldo A, Sheryl, David W, Sue T, Josephine K, Chris, Michael S, Erlend A, James D, Larry D, Matt K, Charles, Karl W, Den K, George B, Tom B, Edward K, Catherine B, John M, Craig M, and Scott K! Hosted by Dr. Paul M. Sutter. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Mar 17, 2025 • 30min
Astronomy Cast Ep. 747: Rogue Planets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evnwMG85VeY Streamed live on Mar 10, 2025. Hosted by: Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela L. Gay Most planets orbit stars. That’s the rule, right? Well, maybe not. In fact the vast majority of planets could be floating freely through the Milky Way. Today we’re gonna talk about rogue planets. Sometimes planets just go rogue. Let's learn about planets living free from stars. Show Notes: Earth's Dust Storms Mars' Global Dust Storms Dust Storms on Titan Potential Dust Storms on Exoplanets SUPPORTED BY YOU This Episode is made possible thanks to our Patrons on Patreon. Join at the Galaxy Group level or higher to be listed in our YouTube videos. Thanks to: BogieNet, Stephen Vei, Jeanette Wink, Siggi Kemmler, Andrew Poelstra, Brian Cagle, David Truog, Ed, David, Gerhard Schwarzer, Sergio Sancevero, Sergey Manouilov, Burry Gowen, David Rossetter, Michael Purcell, Jason Kwong We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.