Episodes

  • 229: What do asteroids smell like?
    Dec 1 2025
    A question from Sabine, age 5. Dr. Christopher Snead answers. For more on Dr. Snead's work, see Episode 184 of Spacepod. Do you know a kid with a space question? Upload it at listentospacepod.com and I'll do my best to get an answer!
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    7 mins
  • 228: Do other planets really have diamond rain?
    Nov 20 2025

    Dr. Sabine Stanley answers. For more about planetary insides, check out her book, "What's Hidden Inside Planets".

    Do you know a kid with a space question? Upload it at listentospacepod.com and I'll do my best to get an answer!

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    7 mins
  • 227: What is the fastest asteroid?
    Oct 15 2025

    Dr. Michael Busch answers. Do you know a kid with a space question? Upload it at listentospacepod.com and I'll do my best to get an answer!

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    6 mins
  • 226: The intersection of computer science and astronomy with Dr. Kubica
    Mar 2 2025

    Dr. Jeremy Kubica talks about his work on the LINCC Frameworks project, and how he brings together astronomers and computer scientists to create software tools. He shares advice for students and talks about his books, which explain computing concepts in fun and accessible ways.

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    22 mins
  • 225: A newly discovered Martian volcano with Dr. Lee
    Dec 22 2024

    Dr. Pascal Lee tells the story of how he and his collaborators found a new volcano on Mars. He tells us about the "convergence of lines of evidence" that led to this discovery. He also explains why this site may be a good place to look for life.

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    41 mins
  • 224: Aurora borealis with Tina Ibsen
    Oct 30 2024

    Astrophysicist Tina Ibsen tells us about the northern lights. She talks about her research and gives tips on how to observe the lights. She tells us how Denmark is a space nation and shares her thoughts about the future of space exploration. We also talk about RumSnak, the space podcast she co-hosts with Anders Høeg Nissen.

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    54 mins
  • 223: Preparing for something we haven't seen yet with Dr. Holt
    Oct 13 2024

    Dr. Carrie Holt talks about how she's getting ready for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. She explains how astronomers are using simulated and real data to prepare in advance of this new data.

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    23 mins
  • 222: Measuring the emptiness of space with Dr. Becker
    Aug 4 2024

    Dr Tracy Becker tells us about solar system science using ultraviolet light. She explains how the color of a planet's northern lights depends on the planet's atmosphere. She also describes how scientists repurposed the New Horizons spacecraft to measure how empty space is.

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    22 mins