#762: Science in Crisis – NASA’s New Budget

Normally we try to end the season on a high note. But here’s the unfolding news: NASA’s new budget is here, and it’s 25% smaller.

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Fraser Cain
Universe Today

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CosmoQuest

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Ep. 265: Arthur Eddington

We can thank Arthur Eddington for much of our current understanding of stars. He provided some of the breakthrough concepts that explain what’s going on, deep inside the hottest places in the Universe. Sadly, the spacecraft associated with his name wasn’t so successful.

Ep. 264: Hazards of Spaceflight

We hold all these romantic notions about humans exploring the Solar System, turning humanity into a true space-faring 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 face all kinds of hazards.

Ep. 263: Radioactive Decay

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 of radioactive decay, the different events that happen, and how humans use this fundamental force of nature for our own needs.

Ep. 262: Solar Sails

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 star.

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