Kalam Astro

We share some amusing anecdotes from astronauts about funny moments that occurred during spaceflights. Our discussion explores the quest to discover life elsewhere in the cosmos and the top candidate locations scientists are investigating. This week's information segment provides an overview comparing capabilities of the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. During Q&A, listeners have their...

We contemplate what would happen if our planet Earth somehow became a massive black hole in an imaginative "what if" scenario. This week's facts cover rogue planets drifting through interstellar space, sounds detected in orbit, and stunning auroras seen from astronauts' vantage point. Our information segment illuminates the icy, dusty nature and behaviors of comets in our solar system and beyond....

We discuss why intelligent extraterrestrials may already know of humanity's presence in the cosmos. This week's facts uncover four real exoplanets with bone-chillingly hostile environments, from scorching tidal locks to perpetually pitch-black skies. Our research segment explores NASA's ambitious ongoing plans to establish a sustainable lunar base by 2030. During Q&A, we field listener questio...

We explore insights from the groundbreaking NASA Twins Study that compared effects of spaceflight on astronaut Scott Kelly to his earthbound identical twin. Our update discusses new estimates from astronomers on the total number of galaxies within the vast cosmos. Former NASA astronaut Story Musgrave shares memories of transiting the South Atlantic Anomaly, the so-called "Bermuda Triangle of space...

We marvel at the James Webb Space Telescope's newly released image depicting a shining galaxy 30 million light-years away. News shares NASA's plans to potentially utilize lasers for live lunar transmissions in the future. This week's information segment explores a once proposed 10th planet in our solar system - the mysterious Eris. Stargazing notes the Full Moon on August 19th nicknamed the "Sturg...

We marvel at dashing meteors from the annual Perseid meteor shower that illuminated desert night skies over the weekend. Our update shares news of reservoirs of liquid water detected under Mars’ surface, crucial findings for possibilities of past or present life. This week's research explores a new theory for the origins of asteroids with enigmatic “watermelon” shapes like Dimorphos and Selam. Dur...

We explore the unique and photogenic Hoag's Object, a rare ring galaxy over 750 million light-years away that is nicknamed "the best ring in the galaxy." Our update covers NASA's consideration to bring Boeing's stranded Starliner astronauts home aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule following the orbital flight mishap. This week's stargazing highlights the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower on Augu...

We kick off in segment 1 with answering listener questions on black holes, planets and stars. Segment 2 features part 1 of our exclusive interview with meteorite researcher Alreem Abdallah Alzarouni of Sharjah Academy. Segment 3 shares part 2 where Alreem discusses favorite celestial bodies, research methods and challenging problems solved. Segment 4 concludes our interview with a discussion of an...

We take listener questions on topics like what are black holes made of, how do planets form, and how long do stars live to provide a casual primer on basic space science. News shares footage captured by a space-junk tracking satellite of a discarded rocket floating in orbit, highlighting the growing orbital debris issue. Our update details Hubble's observation of a magnificent face-on spiral galax...

We discuss the Space Research Conference hosted by the UAE Space Agency, including the official visit of a delegation from Chile's space programs. Research shares insights from scientists estimating Saturn's iconic rings have less than 100 million years remaining based on analysis of ring-material dissipation rates. Our update examines the harrowing scenario faced by Boeing's Starliner astronauts...

We Plan to wish NASA's Curiosity Mars rover a happy 10th birthday since landing on the Red Planet back in 2012. News details NASA's discovery that Mercury holds a solid inner core estimated to be 10 miles of pure carbon in the form of diamond. Our update covers JWST achieving a direct imaging of one of its coldest exoplanet targets yet, further demonstrating its unprecedented observational power....

We commemorate Americans landing the first humans on the Moon in 1969, beating the Soviets in the space race. Also marking the anniversary of the 2020 launch of the UAE's Hope Mars orbiter, the Arab world's first interplanetary mission. News reports Turkey's inaugural domestically produced comms satellite now orbiting Earth. A feature shares how JWST detected dusty, wind-swept atmospheres on two b...

We discuss NASA transmitting Run-DMC's 'It's Tricky' to Venus via the Deep Space Network, the farthest a hip-hop song has ever travelled. News shares NASA has cancelled its VIPER lunar rover mission due to budget constraints, postponing plans to map water ice at the Moon's south pole. Our update examines the growing threat of space debris collisions in low Earth orbit, with implications for satell...

We discuss a new study finding that a lava tube cave on the moon could sustain human habitation, sheltering astronauts from radiation and micrometeoroids. Interview with Eng. Mohammed Al Zarouni from Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST): Introducing his role at SAASST and passion for space technology Contributions to enhancing academy's space assets & capabilit...

We discuss a new study revealing how intense particle bursts from the Sun could deplete Earth's protective ozone layer with impacts on life. News shares Hubble's discovery of the closest known massive black hole to our planet, frozen in time just 3,000 light-years away. In facts, we count down the five most insane exoplanets found in the cosmos based on extreme conditions and properties. For our l...

We discuss Boeing's Starliner astronauts now ready for an unplanned long-duration mission aboard the ISS due to continuing delays in the craft's return. Our update reveals the UAE-constructed airlock module for NASA's future lunar Gateway station. News shares JWST's stunning observation of embedded rings in the emission nebula NGC 3132, illuminating stellar lifecycles. This week's stargazing segme...

We discuss the Space Research Conference 2024 and the UAE space agency's invitation for submissions on recent findings. Our update delves into new insights about magnetic lava streams that may be shaping lunar swirls hidden beneath the moon's soil. A special segment shares three mind-blowing space facts for 2024 and beyond, along with one false statement - can our listeners determine the lie? In c...

We discuss astronomers' exciting new finding of a habitable Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting a cool red dwarf star, analyzing its potential for alien life. Our update on Boeing's Starliner reports its landing date remains uncertain as engineers work to resolve issues from its recent orbital test flight. News shares an unexpected rocket launch occurred when a private Chinese launch vehicle fired up d...

We highlight James Webb Space Telescope's stunning new images of star clusters in its 'Cosmic Gems' composite arc, marveling at the observatory's views of early galaxy formation. In our update, a planned spacewalk outside the ISS was scrapped when a spacesuit coolant leak was discovered, underscoring safety precautions. News shares that Perseverance has used its drill to sample an intriguing Marti...

We chat with Emirati pilot Shareef Al Romaithi who has emerged from a 45-day simulated Mars mission. Your hosts discuss this successful analog expedition. In news, China's Chang'e-6 probe returns with the first lunar samples ever retrieved from the far side of the Moon. In facts, a Florida family files a claim with NASA after space junk from the International Space Station crashes into their home....

We begin by discussing the UAE's recent election to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, recognizing the country's growing achievements in advanced science and technology. In our update, Boeing's Starliner capsule is scheduled to undock from the ISS and begin its return to Earth on June 26th at 12pm UAE time. We'll have landing details. NASA's Perseverance rover has en...

We chat about Emirati pilot Sultan Al Neyadi preparing to complete a 45-day simulated Mars mission. We discuss this important analog expedition. Segment 2 features an interview with Scientific guide at the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space sciences & Technology who will talk about the Planetarium. She shares the most fascinating astronomical objects visitors can see and learn about. Continui...

We start with a sobering discussion - over time, light pollution may cause the night sky to become completely black. We explore this dismal prospect. Did you know meteors can strike Earth with no warning at all? A scary fact about these natural space rocks is covered. For our facts segment, listeners will enjoy learning fun facts revealed by studying our trusty moon, from its role in the early sol...

We start with exciting news - a bright meteor was captured by cameras in Liwa as part of the UAE Meteor Monitoring Network on June 5th. guide you to see footage and analysis. NASA unveiled plans to keep the legendary Hubble telescope operating through 2035. We discuss the value of this iconic observatory. The James Webb Space Telescope has begun its reconnaissance of potentially habitable exoplane...

We kick off discussing the new research collaboration between AD's Khalifa University and the Australian Universities Space Agency. Your hosts explore potential areas of cooperation. In lunar news, China's Chang'e 6 mission launched samples collected from the far side of the moon into orbit. We cover details of this technical feat. Japan is preparing to launch the world's first satellite made of w...