Episode notes
A question from Issac, age 4. Dr. Jeff Rich answers. For more on Dr. Rich's work, see episodes 14 , 81 , 118 , or 159 , or visit the Carnegie Observatories website . Find the pocket solar system instructions here .
Podcast
Spacepod
Carrie Nugent · Tech & Science · English
Hear stories about the alien moons orbiting our Sun, of cold stars, and the future of space exploration. Every week, scientist Dr. Carrie Nugent chats about an amazing part of our universe with an expert guest. Spacepod is the podcast that gives you an inside look into space exploration. Learn more
More from Spacepod All episodes →
-
E236 · 1 Jul 2026 · 16 min
236: Are there rainbows on other planets? (Part II)
We try, a second time, to answer a question from Maeve, who is almost 3 years old. Dr. Matthew Kenworthy answers. For more on rainbows on other planets, see episode 232 .
-
E235 · 1 Jun 2026 · 9 min
235: Why is the sun hot?
A question from Ida, age 4. Miho Janvier answers. Find out more about the Solar Dynamics Observatory , the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) , Solar Orbiter , and Proba-3 . For more on Dr. Janiver's work, see episode 121 .
-
E234 · 1 May 2026 · 10 min
234: How many stars are there in space?
A question from Kellan, age 6. Professor Kim McLeod answers. To learn more about Wellesley College's Whitin Observatory, including public visit nights, go here . For more on what you can do to reduce light pollution, see these resources from Dark Sky International.
-
E232 · 1 Apr 2026 · 11 min
232: Are there rainbows on other planets?
A question from Maeve, who is almost 3 years old. Dr. Alejandro Soto answers. For more on Dr. Soto's work, see episodes 44 and 136 .
-
E232 · 2 Mar 2026 · 6 min
232: How many potholes are on an asteroid?
A question from Issac, age 5. Dr. Nancy Chabot answers. For more on Dr. Chabot's work, see episodes 7 and 152 . For more on the Planetary Defense, see this NASA website . For more on the DART mission , see the mission website.
-
E230 · 1 Jan 2026 · 5 min
230: What is the fastest planet?
A question from Renny, age 4. Dr. Jessie Christensen answers. For more on Dr. Christensen's work, see episodes 42 and 102 .
-
E229 · 1 Dec 2025 · 7 min
229: What do asteroids smell like?
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!
-
E228 · 20 Nov 2025 · 7 min
228: Do other planets really have diamond rain?
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!
-
E227 · 15 Oct 2025 · 6 min
227: What is the fastest asteroid?
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!
-
E226 · 2 Mar 2025 · 22 min
226: The intersection of computer science and astronomy with Dr. Kubica
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.
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
