Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: The Search for the Theory of Everything

Einstein and Relativity
Albert Einstein

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At the earliest moments of the Universe, there were no separate forces, energy or matter. It was all just the same stuff. And then the different forces froze out, differentiating into electromagnetism, the strong force and the weak force. Today we’ll look at the problem that has puzzled physicists for generations: is there a single equation that explains all the forces we see in the Universe. Is there a theory of everything?

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The Search for the Theory of Everything show notes.

Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: The Strong and Weak Nuclear Forces

Nuclear reactor
Nuclear reactor

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After a quick Dragon*Con break, we’re back to our tour through the fundamental forces of the Universe. We’ve covered gravity and electromagnetism, and now we’re moving onto the strong and weak nuclear forces. We didn’t think they’d really need to be separate episodes, so we’re putting them together. And then we’ll cap the whole series with the quest for the theory of everything.

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The Strong and Weak Nuclear Forces show notes.

Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: Science Fiction at Dragon*Con with Plait and Grazier

Dragon*Con Logo

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Pamela left Fraser behind (with sorrow) and took on Dragon*Con and the facts (or lack there of) in Science Fiction. Helping her out were special guests Phil Plait and Kevin Grazier.

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Science Fiction at Dragon*Con with Plait and Grazier show notes.

Posted on by Ian O'Neill

Tune into Paranormal Radio with Captain Jack Tonight at 9pm (EST): 10 Mysteries of the Solar System (Updated)

Paranormal Radio banner

Update (Sept. 7th): The show is now available online for your listening pleasure (via Astroengine.com)

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For my fourth appearance on Captain Jack’s Paranormal Radio show, I’ve been invited back to discuss a recent Universe Today article I wrote detailing some of my favourite Solar System mysteries. These mysteries include the coronal heating problem, the “Mars Curse” and Uranus’ tilt. I don’t have many answers, but there should be some surprises thrown in. Most likely Jack and I will meander into different topics, so it should be fun to listen in!

For more information on the show, see tonight’s profile. Remember, the show will be airing live over several US cities, satellite radio and the Internet. For more information on where it will be airing, check out the Paranormal Radio homepage. To listen to the live podcast, starting at 6pm (PST), 9pm (EST) or 2am (GMT), download the .pls file to activate your podcast-listening software, or use the popup Media Player (plugin needed).

Cheers! Ian

Update (Sept. 7th): The show is now available online for your listening pleasure (via Astroengine.com)

Posted on by Nancy Atkinson

Podcast: Electromagnetism

Lightening at McDonald Observatory credit: Pamela L. Gay

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Our series on the basic forces of the cosmos continues! Last week we discussed gravity, and this we’ll handle electromagnetism. Electricity and magnetism are just two aspects of the same force, and you can’t talk about astronomy without understanding these two keys aspects of physics.

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Electromagnetism show notes.

Posted on by Nancy Atkinson

Podcast: Gravity

Topics about Gravity
Earth's Gravity Map

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You seem to like a nice series, so here’s a new one Fraser and Pamela have been thinking about. Over the course of the next 4 weeks, they’re going to cover each of the basic forces in the Universe. And this week, they’re going to start with gravity; the force you’re most familiar with. Gravity happens when masses attract one another, and we can calculate its effect with exquisite precision. But you might be surprised to know that scientists have no idea why gravity happens

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Gravity Show notes.

Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: Advanced Propulsion Systems

Artist's impression of a solar sail. Image credit: NASA

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Last week we talked about rockets. How they work and their limitations. This week we’re going to look at the future of propulsion systems. From the ion engines that are already working to explore the Solar System to the prototype solar sails to futuristic technologies like magnetic sails, and bussard ramjets. This is how we’ll travel to other stars.

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Advanced Propulsion System – Show notes and transcript

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Posted on by Ian O'Neill

Live Now on Paranormal Radio: “The Lucifer Project”

Paranormal Radio banner

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In response to the recent articles on the Universe Today detailing the “Lucifer Project” doomsday scenario, I’ve been invited back as a guest on Paranormal Radio with Captain Jack. The twist is, that the show is starting now (6pm PST, 9pm EST)! Apologies for the late announcement.

The articles:

Listen live to Paranormal Radio. I’ll update this post with the recording of the show when it becomes available…

Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: Rockets

Saturn V rocket. Image credit: NASA

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To move around in space, you need some kind of propulsion system. And for now, that means rockets. Let’s learn the underlying science of rockets, and how they work. And learn why a rocket will never let us reach the speed of light.

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Rockets – Show notes and transcript

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Posted on by Astronomy Cast

Podcast: The Milky Way

Artist illustration of the Milky Way. Image credit: NASA

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The Milky Way is our home. An island of stars in a universe of other galaxies. But you might be surprised to learn that astronomers have only known the Milky Way’s true nature for just a century. Let’s learn the history of discoveries about the Milky Way, and what today’s science tells us. And let’s peer into the future to learn the ultimate fate of our galaxy.

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Milky Way – Show notes and transcript

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