Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Explore the rarity of solar eclipses and their potential experiences on other celestial bodies. Reflect on the impact of Mars missions in redefining our understanding of the planet. Discover scientific findings and unexpected beauty on Mars. Learn about the formation of a geographic meridianic plenum and evidence for ancient hot springs. Marvel at the serendipitous discoveries and longevity of the Mars rovers. Discuss the challenges and triumphs of operating the spacecraft. Contemplate the immense size and power of the sun.

Blazing a Trail to the Moon features guests Casey Dreier, Jack Kiraly, and Kate Howells. They discuss the Japanese space agency's successful lunar landing, upcoming solar eclipse, and the importance of advocacy and funding for space missions. The podcast also explores NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission and the significance of mapping the moon's water resources. Additionally, it discusses the framing issue in Apollo 11 images and announces a future episode on solar eclipses.

This week on the podcast, Sabine Stanley, Professor of planetary physics at Johns Hopkins University and author of the book 'What's Hidden Inside Planets?', discusses the amazing things that lie beneath the surfaces of planets. Topics include studying planetary interiors, mantle blobs, plate tectonics on Mars, seismic activity and composition of planets, Jupiter's interior structure, and exploring the internal workings of gas giants and ice giants. The podcast also touches on NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and the naming origins of space shuttles.

Guest Knicole Colón, deputy project scientist for exoplanet science for JWST, discusses the discovery of methane and carbon dioxide on exoplanet K2-18 b, potentially transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. They explore the limitations of the Hubble Space Telescope, the promising capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope, variations in composition and characteristics of the exoplanet, and the potential for life on sub-neptunes.

India's space program has evolved from practical programs to symbolic feats of spaceflight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ambitious plans for Indian space stations and lunar missions. The podcast explores India's history, motivations, and ambitions in space. It discusses India's focus on meeting social needs and its growth in parallel with the economy. The episode also delves into India's Mars Orbiter Mission, its collaboration with Israel, and its increasing commitment to commercial and human spaceflight.

Chris Glein, lead scientist at Southwest Research Institute, joins to discuss the discovery of phosphorus on Enceladus, its implications for the search for life, abundance of phosphorus on Enceladus, Cassini spacecraft's exploration of potential habitability and possibility of life on Enceladus, proposed mission Enceladus Lifefinder, importance of studying natural geological experiments on Insolidus, significance of studying Enceladus and interconnectedness of Earth, Enceladus, and exoplanets, and discussion on learning from Martian samples and sulfur dioxide clouds on Venus.

Members of The Planetary Society staff revisit some of 2023's most exhilarating moments and groundbreaking discoveries in space this week on Planetary Radio. Kate Howells, Public Education Specialist, announces the winners of The Planetary Society's Best of 2023 awards. Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, shares the strides made in space advocacy. Then Rae Paoletta, Director of Content and Engagement, and Mat Kaplan, Senior Communications advisor and former host of Planetary Radio, return to break down their favorite space moments of the year. Stick around until the end for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist of The Planetary Society, as he looks forward to the next year of space science and exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-looking-back See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab's Space Exploration Sector, Bobby Braun, and other key individuals give an update on NASA's Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan. They discuss the mission's progress, design challenges, operational details, and the excitement of exploring a distant world without maps or GPS. The podcast also includes a lighthearted conversation about popular names and random space facts.

Sometimes, when you want to learn more about other worlds, all you have to do is step out your door. Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio's creator and former host, takes us on an adventure with planetary geologist Kirby Runyon as they tour New Mexico, U.S.'s varied geology and compare it to other worlds. They'll explore the dunes of White Sands National Park, the Mars-like geology of Kilbourne Hole, and the rocks in the Carrizozo Lava flow. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed discuss the most otherworldly places they've been in this week's What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-astrogeologic-expedition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Fernando from the University of Oxford discusses the largest marsquake ever recorded by NASA’s InSight Mars lander. The podcast explores the international effort to determine the quake's cause. Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed also share their earthquake experiences.