AWESOME ASTRONOMY

The Discussion: Our practical astronomy gathering is back – join us in Wales on 2-5th October Jen is contributing to Andy Oppenheimer's book Stars of Orion Submit your support for Lego to create a clockwork solar system Watch Jen's free online exoplanet talk for the Open University Space Society Emails from our good friends: Casey Ash in Thailand, about the perennial issue of satellite constellations Conor Brian from Texas about the first Martian settlers The News: Ongoing problems with the James Webb Space Telescope as it nears launch. The first NASA Artemis moon mission suffers a setback The International Space Station's new module is now functional Inspiration4 - the first civilian mission to space Commercial rocket companies Astra & Firefly put on the firework show NASA's Perseverance rover collects its first Mars samples for a return to Earth The news discussion: Is commercial spaceflight just a billionaires' plaything? Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. This month we reach the last major solar system body to have moons: Pluto.

The Discussion: Jeni Nearly joined a cult Farewell to Carolyn Shoemaker The Room of Doom at Redditch Astronomical Society The new updated Sky Guide app (that Jen works on) Listeners' emails on how annoying we are and nebulae The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in September, we have: A new classification of habitable exoplanets Astronomers find thousands of new galaxies Red Dwarf stars might not be as hostile to life as previously thought Have we found a new spiral arm to the Milky Way? Why last year's Comet ATLAS wasn't the comet of a generation The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Aquarius with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in September. Q&A: Why is the CMB microwave light still visible if it was first emitted 13billion-ish years ago? From our good friend Graeme Durden of Kent in the UK.

This podcast extra is all about our favourite topic of them all, exoplanets. Thanks to our good friends Ian and Billy, we'll be taking a look at the very exciting upcoming low-Earth orbit space mission Twinkle. This small satellite will help us better understand the chemical composition of known exoplanets, which in turn will help us understand their history - and even their weather! Guests: Ian Stotesbury - master of astrophysics and lead systems engineer at Blue Skies Space. Ian has a background in low Earth orbit Earth monitoring missions and constellations, but is now making the leap to other planets. Dr Billy Edwards - gained his PhD in Astrophysics from UCL, specialising in observing exoplanet atmospheres with space based telescopes. He's stayed on at UCL and is now a project scientist for the Twinkle Space Mission. In this podcast extra, we discuss: The origin of the Twinkle Space Mission and Blue Skies Space, the company behind the satellite, including an enlightening discussion on why some space missions are chosen, and why some seem to just always miss out. Twinkle's unique science instruments (including an astonishingly wide wavelength range), exoplanet science goals, and surprising but very carefully considered size. Twinkle's construction and launch window Ian and Billy's wildest hopes and dreams for Twinkle observations (including Uranus and Neptune!!) and future follow-up missions An invitation for YOU to join in with the ExoClock mission. Help professional astronomers monitor transiting exoplanets!

The Discussion: Presenting on the BBC The importance of dust to astronomy The News: A round up of current Mars exploration from Perseverance, Ingenuity, Hope & Zhurong. The mystery of the disappearing Mars rock The Boeing gremlins continue Bezos joins the billionaire space tourism club Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto the moons of Neptune. Q&A: Why would anyone want to venture to Mars? From our good friend Richie Melton of Formby, Merseyside, UK, Earth.

The Discussion: Star Wars marathon Observing the ISS & the Nauka Module NAM 2021 Amateur recreation of the Antikythera Mechanism Spectrum analysing the new audio anomaly The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in August, we have: Detecting light from behind a black hole New Insights shows Mars' interior is very different to Earth's Evidence of an ocean beneath the surface of Jupiter's moon Ganymede The Oort Cloud could be filled with extrasolar debris Earth rock may contain extraterrestrial Plutonium First clear detection of a moon-forming disc around an exoplanet The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Lyra with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in August. Q&A: Could dark matter exist in a different dimension, and we only feel the gravitons they emit? From our good friend Dan Scholes of no declared location.

The Discussion: Hubble's still in trouble Jeni's presenting on the BBC's Weatherman Walking Ideas for a new segment to replace the moons of the solar system The News: Ingenuity helicopter is exceeding all expectations Russia looks to expand its real estate on the ISS NASA's Artemis 1 is being stacked for a November launch China's sending Taikonauts to the moon & Mars Bezos & Branson Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto the moons of Uranus. Q&A: Are summers in the southern hemisphere hotter than in the northern hemisphere because they're close to the sun at perihelion?' From our good friend Krista Bowen from Arkansas via email.

The Discussion: Can you help out the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory? Combining sports & astronomy The hive mind responds to the new audio anomaly The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in July, we have: Hubble in trouble Incredible new images of Jupiter's moon Ganymede A glimpse of the first ever stars Cosmic twisters The biggest comet ever seen comes barreling into the solar system The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Aquila with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in July. Q&A: How does Europa have a salty ocean & how do we know?? From our good friend @AlistairFrith on Twitter.

To illustrate the epic saga of the Great Dimming of Betelgeuse, in this podcast extra, we revisit all our previous discussions of the red supergiant – collated just for you in one handy dandy place! We cover all the previous major studies of the Great Dimming event from the past year and a half, to let you relive the glorious adventure that is scientific investigation! Tune in to see how this amazing story has evolved and remind yourself of the previous theories; from coincidental pulsation cycles, to surface temperature drops, and, of course, cosmic dust (as predicted by the Dust Queen herself). We finish with a brief summary of the newest research published in Nature, using data from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT). **Also download Episode 109 Part1 on 1st July 2021 to hear our full discussion of the seemingly final instalment of this incredible adventure.**

The Discussion: A new audio anomaly to get your investigative teeth into Jeni moving from TV interviewee to presenter on the BBC A look back at this month's solar eclipse Listeners' emails about our sound quality and night time radio propagation The News: Blue Origin's space tourism auction New experiments launched to the ISS NASA looking for extra cash for another lunar lander 3 new missions to explore Venus US DoD look at reusable rockets for military logistics ESA's large mission planning for the next decade Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto Saturn's 80 lesser explored moons Q&A: 'Once fully reusable Starships are complete, will all ground based observatories become obsolete?' From our good friend Evan Slater.

The Discussion: Buying and selling astronomy kit A possible resolution to the Wiltshire Audio Anomaly The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in February, we have: Heavy metal vapours detected around comets A weird supernova Seafloor volcanoes on Europa The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Ophiuchus with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in June. Q&A: What's the difference between a nova and a supernova? From our good friend Steven Age in Derby.

The Discussion: Farewell to Michael Collins Jeni back on the radio, other podcasts and TV - cc/crhxtz Listeners' emails The News: Blue Origin prepares to take space tourists The launch of China's new Space Station & falling space debris Can you help the Royal Astronomical Society find the UK's moon trees? cc/rrhxtz SpaceX reaches a production/economic milestone with a 10th reuse of a Falcon 9 booster The big news story: NASA awards and then pauses the contract to develop the next lunar lander. Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto Saturn's enigmatic satellites, Titan and Enceladus. Q&A: 'What is the future for Hubble once the JWST launches and could there be new servicing missions with the development of the SpaceX Starship' From our good friend Mark de Vrij in the UK.

The Discussion: Binocular observing Do you want Ralph's 115 triplet refractor & goto mount? The Wiltshire Audio Anomaly Listeners emails on historical images and refractor rivalry The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in February, we have: An update on that life on Venus story Life around Proxima Centauri is in for a blast More data to add to the universe's expansion rate conundrum Was Oumuamua really an interstellar comet? Main News story: The US' Fermi National Accelerator follows CERN with a muon discovery that also hints at a big anomaly in the Standard Model of Physics. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Ursa Major with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in May. Q&A: I'm getting into my 50s, and hearing Ralph say what good times we're in as regards gaining knowledge of the Universe leads me to wonder.... what will I be around for? From our good friend Peter Jeal from London, UK.

This week we saw the first ever powered flight on another planet. So this is a podcast extra episode to mark this remarkable achievement, explain what happened and why this is such a paradigm shift for future space exploration.

The Discussion: The 'Wiltshire Audio Anomaly' 20% off the book Vera Rubin – A Life for US listeners using url: hup.harvard.edu/exhibits/HX7578 @StargazerRob's alternative astrophotographer of the year award Listeners' emails The News: April Fools research papers Commemorating 60 years since Yuri Gagarin's 1st Spaceflight An update on @NASA's Mars Ingenuity copter Rounding up @SpaceX's metal toilet roll tube developments & explosions NASA's Artemis program update and presidential priorities for NASA Cluttered & congested orbits leading to satellite collisions Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto Jupiter's 75 less fashionable moons. Q&A: 'How are satellite licences awarded and by who? And can/should they make requirements of companies to make them responsible for their space junk and their impact on ground based astronomy?' From our good friend Matt Rayment in London, UK.

The Discussion: Jen finally becomes Dr Jen – bow down pitiful Earthlings! Binocular astronomy Get the book Vera Rubin - A Life by Jacqueline and Simon Mitton with 25% off by emailing [email protected], and quoting the discount code H0350 (mentioning Awesome Astronomy probably wouldn't go amiss too) Emails from listeners correcting a possible error and posing a teasing question about US refractors. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in February, we have: UCL researchers unravel the mystery of the Antikythera mechanism The Event Horizon Telescope improves the image of a supermassive black hole by revealing its magnetic fields Confirming the existence of the furthest major solar system object An exoplanet that lost its atmosphere and then gained another one! Main News story: CERN's LHC spots a quirky quark that hints at a big anomaly in the Standard Model of Physics The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Coma Bereneces with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in April. Q&A: You mentioned recently that a comet was a long period comet? What does this mean? How do we know if a comet is a long period comet? From our good friend Arliss Evans in Texas, USA.

The Discussion: Vaccination cometh to Awesome Astronomy The UK's unorthodox meteor sample return mission A listener's email follow up to last month's Q&A The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: SpaceX launch and land a 13 storey Starship Japan joins NASA's moon programme NASA releases its science goals for Project Artemis Northrop Grumman begins work on NASA's Mars sample return The OSIRIS-REx mission prepares for May asteroid departure Moons of the Solar System: Our show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we move onto Jupiter and the four Galilean moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Calisto. Jupiter's other moons next month. Q&A: 'Do you think the first crewed Mars mission will be to land or would it make any sense to do an Apollo 8 (or indeed 10) stylee close approach?' From our good friend Alex Bell in Bath, UK.

The Discussion: Paul becomes the new Vice President of Wycombe Astronomical Society Jen gets a date for her PhD viva Jen promoting NASA's Perseverance rover on the BBC Get ready for Teentech Live on 5th March Emails from listeners highlighting the good and bad in Awesome Astronomy The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in February, we have: The Cygnus X-1 black hole must be much bigger than we thought A single neutrino detection reveals a super-supermassive blackhole Was the impact that killed the dinosaurs an asteroid or comet? Earth's regular magnetic pole reversals may be catastrophic to life Main News story: A return to the mythical Planet 9 and a new paper casting further doubt on the evidence in favour of an undiscovered massive object in the outer solar system. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Gemini with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in March. Q&A: Wouldn't it be awesome if there was some sort of collective effort to digitise and share the historic astronomical records held in observatories' glass plates? From our good friend Tony Horton in the UK.

As the European Space Agency gears up to opening its next recruitment campaign from 31 March to 28 May 2021, we take you through: The entry requirements The selection process The missions successful candidates are expected to fly The first astronaut recruitment trawl for candidates with physical disabilities If you want to take a look and see if being an astronaut suits you, go to www.esa.int/YourWayToSpace. If you want to apply, applications should be submitted to the ESA Careers website, from 31 March, at https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

The Discussion: Correcting the orbits of Jupiter's moons Welcoming Galaxy Rise's Dustin Ruoff onto the Podcast Crew Causing terrorism scares with telescopes The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: NASA provides more details for its lunar space station plans China's space station plans Turkey look to become a spacefaring nation The European Space Agency looks for more astronauts The UAE's Hope Mission & China's Tianwen-1 make it into Mars orbit Moons of the Solar System: Our new show segment exploring the discovery, exploration and our knowledge of the solar system's moons. And we begin with Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos. Q&A: 'Will commercial ventures, render SLS useless at some stage?' From our good friend Steven Sean Spyvee in Leeds, UK.

The Discussion: Jeni on the Highbrow Drivel podcast More astronomy goodness at Sky Guide The amateur astronomy/dogging connection A review of George Clooney's The Midnight Sky Listener emails about the birth of amateur astroimaging & 'Arecedos' The News: Rounding up the astronomy news in February, we have: A hot Jupiter world with a totally transparent atmosphere New research suggest the most abundant stars can fuel photosynthesis Elliptical galaxies forming new stars hundreds of times faster than our Milky Way Citizen scientists creates a 3D map of largely invisible brown dwarf stars Main News story: @ESA's #CHEOPS satellite looks at a star with exoplanets and finds even more planets in a system that should be able to exist. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Perseus with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in February. Q&A: Are there any other planets in the solar system that could support geostationary communications satellites? From Steve Carter in Welwyn Garden City, UK.

The Discussion: If you like your introductions rambling, you're in for a real treat! We discuss the Jeni's PhD thesis submission, The Real Right Stuff documentary on Disney+, Jeni's foray into book writing and read some listeners questions, which devolves into discussions of whether Queen Elizabeth is Elizabeth I in Canada, the colonisation of the New World, the entertainer Nosmo King and insurance fraud. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: Puerto Rico stumps up funds to decommission and scope out a replacement for Arecibo China opens up FAST Telescope access to other nations Hyabusa 2 asteroid and Chang'e 5's lunar samples Progress update on the 3 Mars-bound missions & where to follow them SpaceX accelerate Starship rocket production in Texas Q&A: 'How and where did the Awesome Astronomy team first meet?' From our good friend Paul Weiler in Pennsylvania USA.

The Discussion: As we welcome in the New Year, we discuss the holiday season and your suggestions to replace the Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum section of the show. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news at the beginning of 2021, we have: Finding exoplanets that have a good chance of being able to see us The 'Missing Lithium Problem' Chasing down the Hubble Constant A new method for detecting exoplanets Was there another dwarf planet in the inner solar system? Main News story: That intriguing radio signal found coming from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the great winter constellation of Auriga with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in January. Q&A: We know there is a lower temperature limit (absolute zero), but is there an upper temperature limit? From Matt in California.

A jolly romp around viruses and tasers! We look back at the astronomy and space exploration highlights of 2020: Phosphine in Venus atmosphere The saga of SpaceX Chang'e 5 at the Moon Comets Atlas & Neowise 3 missions to Mars The lows of 2020 in astronomy and space exploration: Cancellation of SPICA The loss of the Arecibo radio telescope We look forward to the anticipated events of 2021: Luna 25, Chandrayaan-3 & Artemis 1 to the Moon 3 Mars arrivals Vera C Rubin telescope & Maybe JWST And we run through our own predictions for next year before signing off with our customary end-of-year outtakes.

The Discussion: We discuss National Geographic's The Right Stuff series on Disney+, get a little bit ranty about the use of jokey titles in research papers and read out a few of your emails. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: An update to the Geysers on Jupiter's moon Europa Another asteroid flies scarily close to Earth The latest developments in Muskworld China's ambitious chang'e-5 mission en-route to the moon Main News story: The Hayabusa 2 mission and the imminent return of samples from asteroid Ryugu The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the great winter constellation of Orion with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in December. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In November we concluded our look at the electromagnetic spectrum. But as we now have a new method of detecting events beyond the electromagnetic spectrum, this month we explain gravitational wave astronomy.

The Discussion: The ongoing saga of Jeni's PhD thesis and a couple of listener emails. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: More destruction to the giant Arecibo radio telescope Keeping in touch with our intergalactic emissaries More information from the Rosettta mission. A new exoplanet characterising spacecraft gets the go ahead form ESA NASA's Mars sample return mission plans China picks its Mars landing zone for February's arrival Lockheed propose a new space launch facility in Scotland Main news story: Congratulations to OSIRIS-REx at asteroid Bennu. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The gamma ray end of the spectrum. How these telescopes were developed and became ever more powerful. Christmas gift ideas: We replace the Q&A section this episode as the holidays are getting closer and we thought you might appreciate some suggestions for the young, new or amateur astronomer in your life.

The Discussion: Beginning the show droning on about us for bit, we cover Jen presenting her latest paper at the dust conference (yes, there is such a thing) in Marseilles, and filming in the wilds of Wales at night for the BBC's Weatherman Walking TV programme. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: A return to the phosphine on Venus story for an update Earth gets a litterbug mini-moon Water abundance on The Moon The nearest black hole to Earth might not be a black hole after all Citizen science project finds the coolest stars of all in our galactic backyard Main News story: Did humanity narrowly escape extinction in 1908? The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Cassiopeia with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in November. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In November we conclude our look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the gamma-ray part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. Q&A: How do you tell the difference between a star that is nearer to the end of its lifecycle, and a younger star that is actually travelling away from us at a faster speed? From Tony Horton in Herefordshire, England.

As the exciting news of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus turns into a point of contention in the astronomy world, we caught up with the study's lead scientist Professor Jane Greaves for the inside track. In this interview we discuss: Getting time on a range of professional telescopes time for a risky hypothesis How life could survive in the extreme environment of Venus' highly acidic atmosphere Floating graphite balloons in Venus' atmosphere Scientific challenges to this discovery being helpful rather than unwanted Blinding NASA pilots in the name of science

The Discussion: The publication of Jeni's new research paper, a review of Netflix shows Challenger and Away (sublime and ridiculous). The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: ESA and JAXA's future infrared space telescope cancelled Mercury-bound Bepi-Colombo is passing Venus – with sensors… Get ready for next month's launch of China's epic Chang'e 5 moon mission. A change in crew for Boeing's creed Starliner test flight to the ISS NASA's shiny new plan for Artemis and human exploration of the moon A gallop through SpaceX's achievements Main news story: Astrophysicists scoop up Nobel Prizes again this year. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The ultraviolet and X-ray parts of the spectrum. How these telescopes were developed and became ever more powerful. Q&A: If you had to choose just one mission or big science experiment to proceed in your remaining lifetimes, what would you choose and why? Victor Carroon, London, UK via email.

The Discussion: Helping us celebrate our 100th(ish) episode, we have a live(ish) audience to join in with us. Anna Lanteri from Gröningen University discusses a new Zooniverse citizen science project, called Space Fluff where you can soon classify dwarf galaxies. And Tom Bridgman from the Goddard Space Flight Centre tells us about NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: Astronomers find an exoplanet in another galaxy using x-rays A group of underground liquid water reservoirs found on Mars The first exoplanet observed around a white dwarf star Asteroid Vesta litters other asteroids Main News story: We are finally out of solar minimum and the sun will get more active again. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Cetus with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in October. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the x-ray part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy.

The Discussion: No time for discussions, we've important news to discuss! The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: Rocket Lab lowering the cost of small launches SpaceX accelerating development of super heavy lift Vera Rubin Telescope takes a step closer Main news story: A new detection raises the distinct possibility of life in Venus' upper atmosphere. The Interview: Jeni talks to Dr Emily Drabek Maunder, a co-author on the paper that demonstrates phosphine in concentrations that we can only currently attribute to microbial life in the atmosphere of Venus.

At your suggestion we did something we should have done years ago and reached out to @universetoday and @AstronomyCast's Fraser Cain (@fcain) to wax and yarn about all things space and astronomy. We think you'll enjoy!

The Discussion: This month Jeni's latest paper has a journal reviewer prior to publishing, we take a look at the critical science of cow-cats and a listener brightens our day The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: Damage to the Arecibo observatory and the prognosis Hubble Helps Uncover the Mystery of the Dimming of Betelgeuse Mars' water deluge during its habitable phase The search for the missing matter in the Milky Way Main News story: The US National Science Foundation report on the impact of satellite constellations on astronomical science. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Cygnus with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in August. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the ultraviolet part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. The Interview: A 5 minute preview of the hour chat with Fraser Cain of Universe Today and Astronomy Cast. This will be released in full as a podcast extra later this month.

The Discussion: Jen on the radio discussing the Perseids Starlink satellites flaring over our heads TV shows From the Earth to the Moon and For All Mankind Sputnik V Jeni's latest paper is submitted for journal review Submit your experiences of how diversity is perceived in the amateur astronomy community at tinyurl.com/y28ebdu2 The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have: Protecting other worlds from our germs and bugs Space Force's Star Trek-esque logo The Curiosity rover celebrates its 8th year on Mars New Zealand's Rocketlab pursue reusability Skyrora begin rocket testing in Iceland SpaceX's Starship prototyping and testing continues Main news story: America gets back to launching people into space Q&A: Will the James Webb Space Telescope actually launch and will it still be worth launching? Lana Visser from Heerenveen in the Netherlands.

The Discussion: This month astrologers are getting upset about their tattoos; why the Babylonians are at fault for ruining the majesty of astrology; Jeni spreads the astronomy word on the BBC; her latest research paper nears peer review; Paul continues promoting space education in schools and we have a chat about sparking science interest in kids. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: - ESO image two gas giants orbiting their star - Have we solved the mystery of why the sun's atmosphere is hotter than the surface? - Using old methods as new measures of the age of the universe - Another way to measure the Hubble constant suggests there may be something a bit strange with our part of the universe or we need new physics to explain it - Unravelling how supermassive black holes form. Main News story: The latest on Comet NEOWISE and how to see it for yourself The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Aquarius with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in August. Q&A: What's the dumbest misreported science you've ever seen in a newstory? From our good friend Brochyn James.

The Discussion: What Einstein would have made of an iPhone The goods and ills of social media Free teaching for teachers to teach space and astronomy Jeni talking Pluto on the BBC A trip down technology Memory Lane And get out and look at Comet Neowise! The News: Rounding up the space exploration news we have a Mars launch window and NASA storming ahead with Artemis plans so this month is all about the moon and Mars: The Kennedy Space Centre takes delivery of rocket engines for their SLS rocket Funding for more SLS moon rockets A new lunar rover to help plan human missions New modules for the lunar orbiter NASA innovation funding for new long duration mission capabilities United Arab Emirates' Mars orbiter launching this month China's Tianwen-1 Mars mission with an orbiter, lander and rover Main news story: Getting ready to launch the biggest ever rover to Mars The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The visible light part of the spectrum. How telescopes were developed and became ever more powerful. Q&A: Do you think we will see humans space exploration beyond Mars in our lifetimes? Pieter Johnson @Nascothornet on Twitter.

The Discussion: This month Jeni's getting frustrated with the politics of peer review, Paul's seen an uptick in noctilucent cloud hunting and public interest in astronomy in general during lockdown. We ask 'Is Starlink actually a good thing for astronomy outreach and public engagement?', while Paul wonders if Elon Musk is aware of the fate of the Duke of Buckingham. And we delve into listeners' emails about the future of AstroCamp in a pandemic and collaborations with other podcasts. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: Have gravitational waves revealed the first 'Black Neutron Star'? Jen sees the error of her ways about Betelgeuse's recent dimming Odd white spots on Saturn's moon Titan could be dried up methane lake beds Hunting for the first ever stars in the universe CERN's next generation supercollider Main News story: Has NASA discovered parallel universes? The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Sagittarius with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round-up of the solar system views on offer in July. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the visible part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. Q&A: What are arc seconds? How do we know how far away things are like planets and galaxies? What's the measuring system? From our good friend Jeremy Hanson.

The Discussion: Struggling to get the media excited about astronomy How history will record the clusterf**k that is 2020 Skyrora looking to join the smallsat launch market SpaceX' Teletubby costumes The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: Starship prototype goes Kablooey Britain returns to rocketry Goodbye to Japan's ISS resupply spacecraft The European Space Agency look to 'natural resources' for moonbases Virgin Orbit attempt to slash the cost of launching to Low Earth Orbit NASA chooses 3 commercial consortia to develop lunar landers Main news story: American commercial crewed launches have finally arrived Q&A: Will the Lunar Gateway be visible from Earth? From Alex Bell @BLT_Astro on Twitter. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The near and mid-infrared part of the spectrum. How it became so important for astronomy and by whom.

The Discussion: The wonderful generosity of amateur astronomers trying to get the name Pair Instability Supernova changed to your suggestions Jen's talk for Café Scientific, which you can watch here Jeni talking about SpaceX' historic crewed flight with the BBC History 101 and looking forward to Space Force on Netflix What beginners should and shouldn't do to get started in stargazing The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: The first galaxies seemed to form in about half the time we originally thought Finding the nearest stellar mass black hole to Earth How normal or unusual is our sun? A star orbiting a black hole like Mercury does to the sun More gravitational waves from a black hole merger Main News story: Capturing a huge exoplanet – or a low mass star - forming in Auriga. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Serpens with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system views on offer in June. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the near infrared part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. Q&A: Is there life on Mars? From our good friend Dave in Australia.

The Discussion: Ralph channels his inner Churchill, while Jen goes on about Tiger King and her upcoming Cafe Scientifique talk. And we hear from listener Mark Grundy about the Welsh Room in the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburg. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: China's mission to Mars and the patch that suggests further ambitions Musings on Starlink visibility and what is being done to help astronomers. Commercial Crew Launch 27th May News about disaster and success at SpaceX with Starship Main news story: NASAs proposals for how Artemis Moon missions will work and go much further than Apollo The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The Far IR and Sub millimeter part of the spectrum. How it became so important for astronomy and by whom. Q&A: A brief return for the Hat of woo dispelling the 5G coronavirus conspiracy From @LynchSeanP on Twitter.

The Discussion: The live recording of our monthly astronomy show to provide a bit of extra entertainment and interactivity while people are cooped up at home sitting out the coronavirus. We discuss a burgeoning love-hate relationship with Starlink, Jeni being the BBC's go to person for Starlink and meteor showers, and Apollo 13 filling up Twitter timelines and giving us a bit of a respite from coronavirus The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: A round up of astronomy-based April fools gags found in research papers Hubble marks its 30th birthday Fomalhaut b might not be a planet after all Centaurs might well be asteroids from other star systems And Pluto looks to have had a 'hot start' Main News story: Earth 2.0 found in old ignored data. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Ursa Major with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system views on offer in May. Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the sub-millimetre and far infrared part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. Q&A: How do scientists work out the trajectories for putting satellites in orbit around other bodies, or on trajectories that take them past numerous objects? From our good friend Kevin Morgan in the UK.

You can watch the video of this recording (and our live Episode 95 recording on 27th April) at https://www.youtube.com/user/AwesomeAstroPod/videos (midday PST, 3pm EST, 8pm UK, 9pm Central Europe) This show is a response to the many requests we get to do an episode dedicated to answering listeners' space & astronomy questions. Producer John thought lockdown would be the perfect time to do it, when we can try and help ease the stress, boredom and isolation. The Guests: We invited some of our friends from the astronomy world to answer your questions too: University of Oxford Professor of Astronomy, Creator of the Zooniverse and BBC's The Sky at Night Presenter, Chris Lintott. We asked him: Are there ways for an amateur astrophotographer to get involved in contributing to actual science? From David Schlaudt Square Kilometre Array or JWST. Which is going to generate the most exciting science? And if each one could answer just 1 question about the Universe, what would you like it to be? From Mark De Vrij Director of Public Engagement for Cardiff University's Gravity Exploration Institute, Dr Chris North. We asked him: Why are astronomers so sure that Oumuamua and Borisov are from outside the Solar System? From Derry North (Chris' Dad!) Square Kilometre Array or JWST. Which is going to generate the most exciting science? And if each one could answer just 1 question about the Universe, what would you like it to be? From Mark De Vrij Senior Astronomer and Institute Fellow at the SETI Institute, Seth Shostak. We asked him: What's currently big in the world of extraterrestrial hunting? What happens when we discover possibly habitable planets? From @WrathfulTumbles Square Kilometre Array or JWST. Which is going to generate the most exciting science? And if each one could answer just 1 question about the Universe, what would you like it to be? From Mark De Vri US Spaceflight researcher and chronicler, Gavin Price. We asked for: An overview of the Apollo 13 mission that was limping back to Earth 50 years ago today The key Apollo 13 decisions and preparations that were underway at this point - a day before splashdown A discussion about, and nod to the BBC World Service podcast 13 Minutes to the Moon. From Peter Ellinger Other listener inspired topics discussed by the podcast crew: What astronomy equipment do we use? Are the current clear skies a product of fewer airplanes and lower pollution? What would happen if a small stellar-mass black hole collided with a much more massive star? Could the star ever 'win'? From Glenn Diekmann in California You talk about the ELT in April part 1. But how on God's green Earth do you keep a mirror like that clean? From @SeamasterGMT A discussion on the 'Ashen light of Venus' inspired by @Blixbuller

Don't forget to join us for our live shows on 16th and 27th April at https://www.youtube.com/user/AwesomeAstroPod/videos (midday PST, 3pm EST, 8pm UK, 9pm Central Europe) The Discussion: Jen fangirling on The British Interplanetary Society and acing the Soyuz ISS docking simulator at the Student Space Conference; a ramble about Wales; the TV show For All Mankind, our live Q&A show, our poor etiquette and listener shout-outs. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: The impact of coronavirus on current and future NASA missions Some research showing the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy The UK's space spiders to explore the moon's lava craters Lockheed Martin developing helicopters to catch spent rocket boosters Main news story: Is Europe's ExoMars Rover on borrowed time? The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The microwave part of the spectrum. How it became so important for astronomy and by whom. Q&A: Where's the Tesla Roadster? From @TJRobinson on Twitter.

We're hosting a live Q&A on Thurs 16th April. Go to awesomeastronomy.com to see how to watch & get involved! The Discussion: Jeni's sent the final proofs off for her research paper which is now on archive at https://arxiv.org/abs/2003.01727 and will soon be in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Sadly, we have to say goodbye to Apollo 15 command module pilot Al Worden. The Cradle of Aviation Museum cancel their Apollo 13 anniversary event, but you can relive Apollo 13 (recreating the launch from 11th April) as if you were in mission control with https://apolloinrealtime.org/13/. A shout out to Galaxy Zoo at a time when there are fewer thing more productive you could be doing with your time than adding to science and human knowledge: https://www.zooniverse.org/projects. A round up of listeners' reviews and comments. A couple of Awesome Astronomy live-stream shows at 8pm on Thursday 16th and Monday 27th Because, let's face it, you're not going to be busy! The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: The European Southern Observatory's new behemoth telescope takes a step closer An exoplanet found to be raining iron 139 new minor planets found in our own outer solar system Observing material at the event horizon around our supermassive black hole Could life actually be viable on planets around red dwarf stars after all? An update on the recent dimming of Betelgeuse Main News story: A full discussion on the impact of social distancing and economic depression on professional astronomy. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Leo with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system views on offer in April. A guide to the electromagnetic spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the microwave part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy. Q&A: Do you think C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) is going to be bright enough to be spotted with the naked eye? From our good friend Raffael de Palma in Italy

(Warning: please skip this episode if you're offended by occasional Tesla-based puerile humour) The Discussion: Balancing the argument between love and hate of SpaceX and drawing a line under the argument over when the current decade starts and what constitutes a decade. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: SpaceX is cleared for a crewed launch in April Further problems for Boeing Christina Koch takes the female spaceflight record. The dullest space news story ever (involving biscuits/cookies) A Japanese mission to return samples from Phobos! ESA's launch & deployment of the Solar Orbiter. Main news story: The import of NASA's 2021 FY Budget. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The radio part of the spectrum. How it became so important for astronomy and by whom. Q&A: What do you think was the greatest astronomical/scientific advancement that came about due to a dubious past, and do you think it was worth it? By email from Alan Beech in the UK.

The Discussion: Paul's favourite bit of the coronavirus, the Cradle of Aviation Museum's upcoming Apollo 13 anniversary event, a @CunningCosmos space art exhibition and a talk from Jen in Bromsgrove for British Space Week, from the sublime to the ridiculous with the passing of Katherine Johnson and Mad Mike Hughes, and listeners' emails. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: Finding the remnants of the progenitor star after a Type 2b supernova Solving the puzzle of giant planets orbiting low mass stars More clues to Mercury's oversized iron core A galaxy that has stopped producing stars after a period of prolific star birth Mars seems to be more active than we thought Debate over Mars' very long formation history Main News story: ESO images of Betelgeuse and the more recent evidence for why the star's dimmed so impressively. The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Cancer with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system views on offer in March. A guide to the electromagnetic spectrum: In this series we take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we explain the radio part of the spectrum and its relevance to astronomy.

The Discussion: The reason we have leap years; a look at Ad Astra, Lucy in the Sky and Picard; and the history of the Stonewall Riots (don't think it's just astronomy here – you get a fully rounded education, dear listener); and a look at your reviews and emails. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: Direct TV's ticking timebomb in space DARPA's XS-1 reusable spaceplane gets cancelled ESA's Solar Obiter heads off to the sun NASA ask you to vote for the official name of their Mars 2020 rover (www.mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/participate/name-the-rover/) NASA's costs for the 2024 moon landing are imminent Main news story: SpaceX gears up for crewed spaceflight following successful abort tests The Electromagnetic Spectrum: How parts of the EMS outside visible light were discovered, who discovered them and what that means for us today. Q&A: Have the crew of the ISS (or any other spaceflight with room to try it) propelled themselves through their craft using flatulence? From Brychan James from Wales on Twitter (@BrychanJames)

The Discussion: Ralph visits and records from The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island, New York, we enjoyed some great skies with good weather in the UK, Betelgeuse still hasn't gone pop – though we're still watching, and NASA have an open day that you can attend. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: An evidence based look at Starlink Tracking molecules from birth to arrival in our solar system An enigmatic Type 1a supernova An interesting 14 millisecond gravitational wave detection Goodbye Spitzer Space telescope The Sky Guide: This month we're taking a look at the constellation of Lynx with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system objects on offer in February. A Guide to the Electromagnetic Spectrum: In this series we'll take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, what, it is, what is shows us and why it's so important to astronomers. This month we start with a quick and simple explanation.

This is the history of flight told from the perspective of the amateurs and hobbyists who allowed humankind to slip the surly bonds of Earth and set out towards the stars. To tell this story Ralph journeyed to the Cradle of Aviation museum in Garden City, New York, to get a tour of the early flight and exhibits from the museum's curator and speak with an engineer who worked on the lunar modules before they flew. Our thanks in making this episode goes to the wonderful people at https://www.cradleofaviation.org/.

The Discussion: New Year resolutions, veganism, a little spoiler-free chat about the latest/last Skywalker movie and the new series of Dr Who, before some listeners' emails. The News: Rounding up the space exploration news this month we have: Christina Koch racks up a flight time record on the ISS China's moon rover breaks a lunar endurance record Ethiopia becomes the 10th African nation to send a satellite into orbit ESA launches their CHEOPS Exoplanet characterising spacecraft Space Force is go – and the world joins in NASA's new (22nd!) intake and what skills are needed to become an astronaut OSIRIS-REx now has a target for return samples on asteroid Bennu Main news story: Boeing's test of its Starliner space capsule Q&A: Why does NASA search for signs of life rather than directly looking for life? From Gavin Price in the UK on Twitter (@pilliarscreatio)

The Discussion: As we begin the new decade we struggle to find a consensus on whether it actually is a new decade. We discuss the busy Xmas period and thank any listeners who helped Dartmoor Skies reach their funding target for a new telescope. Then we take a look at a few listeners' emails and tweets. The News: Rounding up the astronomy news this month we have: An old galaxy containing as much dust as one third the amount of its stars Mapping the magnetic fields around the Whale Galaxy An interstellar comet makes its way back out of the solar system A burst of supernovae in the Milky Way's not-to-distant past Is Betelgeuse about to go supernova? The Sky Guide: Shaking up the format of the sky guide, we're taking a look at the constellation of Monoceros with a guide to its history, how to find it, a couple of deep sky objects and a round up of the solar system objects on offer in January. Q&A: If there are no plate tectonics on the moon, how did the lunar mountain regions form? from @gkt_wales on Twitter