Astronomy Cast - Ep. 114: The Moon, Part 2

Ep. 114: The Moon, Part 2 – Exploration of the Moon

Surveyor Lander. Image credit: NASA

Let's continue on our journey to the Moon. Last week we talked about the physical characteristics of the Moon, its appearance in the sky and how it interacts with the Earth. This week we're going to take a look at how scientists have expanded our understanding of the Moon. From ancient astronomers using nothing more than their eyes and the first telescope observations of Galileo to the exploration by robotic spacecraft. And of course, the first tentative steps by the human explorers of the Apollo program.

Ep. 114: The Moon, Part 2 – Exploration of the Moon
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Ep. 113: The Moon, Part 1

Hey, here's a topic we haven't really gotten around to yet… the Moon. Today we look at our closest astronomical companion: the Moon. What impact does the Moon have on our lives, where did it come from, who walked on it, and are we ever going to walk on it again? We're going to learn about the phases, the tides, and even a little bit about NASA's plans to send humans back to the Moon.

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Ep. 108: The Life of the Sun

We've talked about the Sun before, but this time we're going to look at the entire life cycle of the Sun, and all the stages it's going to go through: solar nebula, protostar, main sequence, red giant, white dwarf, and more. Want to know what the future holds for the Sun, get ready for the grim details.

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Ep. 96: Humans to Mars, Part 3 – Terraforming Mars

And now we reach the third part of our trilogy on the human exploration and colonization of Mars. Humans will inevitably tire of living underground, and will want to stretch their legs, and fill their lungs with fresh air. One day, we'll contemplate the possibility of reshaping Mars to suit human life. Is it even possible? What technologies would be used, and what's the best we can hope for?

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Ep. 95: Humans to Mars, Part 2 – Colonists

After astronauts make the first tentative steps onto the surface of Mars, a big goal will be colonization of the Red Planet. The first trailblazers who try to live on Mars will have their work cut out for them, being in an environment totally hostile to life. What challenges will they face, and how might they overcome them?

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Ep 94: Humans to Mars, Part 1 – Scientists

We're learned about the failed missions to Mars in the past, and the current spacecraft, rovers and landers currently exploring the Red Planet. But the real prize will come when the first human sets foot on Mars. Robots are cheaper, but nothing beats having a real human being on the scene, to search for evidence of water and life.

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Ep. 93: Missions to Mars, Part 2

I know last week was a bit of a dry history lesson, but we wanted to give you some understanding of past efforts to explore Mars. Now we'll look at the missions currently in orbit, and crawling around the surface of Mars, and help you understand the science that's happening right now.

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Ep. 92: Missions to Mars, Part 1

With last month's safe arrival of the Phoenix Mars Lander, Mars enthusiasts breathed a collective sigh of relief… phew. Now it's time to search for evidence of organic molecules in the ice at Mars' north pole. But this is just the latest in a long series of missions sent to the Red Planet. Let's have a history lesson, and look back at the missions sent to Mars, successful and unsuccessful.

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Ep. 91: The Search for Water on Mars

$A view underneath NASA\'s Mars Phoenix Lander. Image credit: NASA/JPL$
With the successful touchdown of the Phoenix Lander, NASA is continuing its quest to find evidence of past and present water on Mars. This week we discuss the geologic history of Mars, and explain why NASA thinks the story of water on Mars is so important. And how this ties into the search for life on the Red Planet.

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Ep. 86: The End of the Universe Part 1: The End of the Solar System

This is a show we wanted to do since we started Astronomy Cast but we always thought it was too early. We wanted you to know that we're positive, happy people with enthusiasm for astronomy and the future. It's time for some sadness. It's time for a grim look to see what the future holds for the Universe. This week we stay close to home and consider the end of humanity, the Earth, the Sun, and the entire Solar System. Next week we'll extend out to the very end of the Universe.

Episode 86: The End of the Universe Part 1: The End of the Solar System
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Ep. 114: The Moon, Part 2 – Exploration of the Moon

Ep. 113: The Moon, Part 1

Ep. 108: The Life of the Sun

Ep. 96: Humans to Mars, Part 3 – Terraforming Mars

Ep. 95: Humans to Mars, Part 2 – Colonists

Ep 94: Humans to Mars, Part 1 – Scientists

Ep. 93: Missions to Mars, Part 2

Ep. 92: Missions to Mars, Part 1

Ep. 91: The Search for Water on Mars

Ep. 86: The End of the Universe Part 1: The End of the Solar System