Astronomy Cast
Astronomy Cast offers you a fact based journey through the cosmos. Each week Fraser Cain (Universe Today) and Dr. Pamela Gay (SIUE / Slacker Astronomy) take on topics ranging from the nearby planets to ubiquitous dark matter.
Visit Show Website http://www.astronomycast.com/Recently Aired
-
HD
Ep. 264: Hazards of Spaceflight
We hold all these romantic notions about humans exploring the ...
We hold all these romantic notions about humans exploring the Solar System, turning humanity into a true spacefaring race. But the cold hard reality is that space, really the entire Universe, is trying to kill you. Any humans venturing out into space will
-
HD
Ep. 263: Radioactive Decay
Nothing lasts forever, even atoms. Heavier elements decay into lighter ...
Nothing lasts forever, even atoms. Heavier elements decay into lighter elements, releasing energy as radiation. But thanks to this radiation, astronomers can get a glimpse into what's going on inside distant start. Let's take a look at the whole process o
-
HD
Ep. 262: Solar Sails
Wouldn’t it be cool to explore the cosmos, powered only ...
Wouldn’t it be cool to explore the cosmos, powered only by sunlight caught by your shimmering solar sail? It sounds like science fiction, but it’s serious science – a test sail has even been sent to orbit. It might even be a way to travel from star to sta
-
HD
Ep. 261: Lasers and Masers in Astronomy
Last week we introduced the science of lasers and masers. ...
Last week we introduced the science of lasers and masers. This week we apply that knowledge to our favourite field: astronomy. Learn how naturally forming masers teach us about the cosmos, and how the artificially produced lasers help us gather better sci
-
HD
Ep. 260: The Technology of Lasers and Masers
Just when you think you understand it, light will do ...
Just when you think you understand it, light will do some amazing things. Just look at the discovery of lasers, and their use in almost every technology you can think of: from cutting, to transmitting information to, yes, astronomy. And nature has figured
-
HD
Ep. 259: Exploration of Venus
Mars gets all the attention, but you might be surprised ...
Mars gets all the attention, but you might be surprised to know how much Venus has been explored. From initial telescope observations and the early flyby missions, to the landers… yes landers and orbiters. We know quite a lot about Venus, but the planet s
-
HD
Ep. 258: Viking Landers
Last week we talked about the orbiter portion of the ...
Last week we talked about the orbiter portion of the Viking Missions. But that was only half the adventure. Each Viking spacecraft carried a lander as well, which touched down on the surface of Mars, searching for evidence of past and current life. And wh
-
HD
Ep. 257: Viking Orbiters
Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity get all the news now, but ...
Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity get all the news now, but it was NASA's Viking Missions that gave us our first close up view of the surface of Mars. These twin missions, both made of orbiter and lander set the stage for the exploration of Mars, demonstr
-
HD
Ep. 256: Resolution
When it comes to telescopes, astronomers really just care about ...
When it comes to telescopes, astronomers really just care about resolution: how much can you see? Your resolution defines how much science you can get done, and it depends on your gear, wavelength, and conditions. Putting a telescope in space really helps
-
HD
Ep. 255: Observing Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, formed ...
Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, formed at the beginning of everything in the Big Bang. It's the raw material of stars, gathering together through mutual gravity into vast nebulae. Astronomers can learn so much looking for hydrogen in
