The Milky Way Podcast

What powers earthquakes? Why does Earth have moving tectonic plates while most other planets do not? And could the geology hidden deep inside a planet determine whether life can exist there at all? In this episode, Prof. Chhavi Jain joins us for a deep dive into planetary interiors, tectonics, and planetary quakes across the Solar […] The post #40 Beneath the Surface – Planetary Interi...

In this episode, we explore the Moon from a scientific perspective, its origin, its role in shaping Earth, and why it is once again the focus of global space missions. From Apollo to Chandrayaan to Artemis, we discuss how our understanding of the Moon has evolved and why it is central to the future of […] The post #39 Understanding the Moon From Formation to Exploration and the Path to Artem...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO), about her journey into astronomy and her work at the intersection of research, education, and global engagement. We discuss how astronomy extends beyond academia into public outreach and international collaboration, and how the IAU […] The post #38 D...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachana Agrawal (Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur) about the early stages of space exploration — where missions are imagined, analysed, and designed long before launch. We discuss what goes into planning planetary missions, including renewed interest in Venus, and then turn to her journey into aerospace, from IIT Bombay […] The post #37 The Science Behind...

In this episode, we explore how astronomers observe the Milky Way using radio telescopes. A new large-scale radio map of our galaxy reveals structures that are hidden in visible light, including star-forming regions, supernova remnants, and large-scale magnetic features. We discuss how radio telescopes work, why resolution matters, and what this new map tells us about […] The post #36 Mappin...

This episode features Prof. Renu Malhotra, the planetary scientist whose pioneering work on Pluto’s orbit and planetary migration transformed the understanding of the Solar System. A main-belt asteroid, Asteroid 6698 Malhotra, is named in her honour. The conversation covers orbital resonances, Jupiter’s influence in the solar system, asteroid impacts, exoplanets, the uniqueness of Earth, and [&#82...

When we think of dust, we usually imagine something to wipe off our tables. But in space, dust is far more than a nuisance—it is the very building block of stars, planets, and maybe even life itself. In this episode, Prof. Hiroaki Katsuragi from Osaka University joins us to explore the fascinating world of cosmic […] The post #34 How Dust Shapes the Universe appeared first on Kanal K .

Volcanoes aren’t just found on Earth—they erupt across the solar system in the most unexpected ways! From fiery lava fountains on Jupiter’s moon Io to icy geysers on Saturn’s Enceladus, these cosmic volcanoes tell us amazing stories about distant worlds. In this episode, we explore how and why volcanoes erupt beyond Earth—and what they reveal […] The post #33 Volcanoes in the Solar Sys...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ana Heras, Project Scientist for the European Space Agency’s PLATO mission. PLATO is a space telescope designed to find Earth-like planets around distant stars and help us understand which of them might be habitable. Dr. Heras shares how the mission works, what makes it special, and what it […] The post #32 Searching for New Earths with Dr. Ana Heras appeare...

Exoplanet science has come a long way, but we are still searching for a true Earth twin. In this episode, we explore what’s changed in the past year, from JWST’s atmospheric breakthroughs to the rise of super-Earths, and set the stage for ESA’s PLATO mission—a bold step toward finding habitable worlds around Sun-like stars. Stay tuned […] The post #31 The New Exoplanet Era appeared first on...

In this episode, I talk with Professor Herbert Huppert, renowned geophysicist and Fellow of the Royal Society. We explore his journey from growing up in Sydney to becoming a leading figure in applying fluid mechanics to Earth sciences. It’s a relaxed conversation about his life, career, and the ideas that shaped his scientific path. Podcast […] The post #30 From Sydney to Cambridge: The Jour...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, as she takes us through the remarkable legacy of IIA—from its historic foundations to its pivotal role in shaping Indian astronomy. Dr. Subramaniam sheds light on India’s growing presence in global space science through landmark missions […] The post #29 Dr. Annapur...

With thousands of inactive satellites, rocket fragments, and other debris orbiting Earth, space debris has become a growing challenge for space missions. How does it impact satellites and future exploration? What are the latest advancements in debris removal? In this episode, we sit down with Professor Arun K. Misra, a leading expert in satellite dynamics, […] The post #28 Understanding Spac...

In this episode, we journey to the heart of our solar system to uncover the groundbreaking story of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe—the fastest human-made object and the first to „touch“ the Sun. Join us as we explore why studying our „average“ Sun is anything but ordinary. Discover the mysteries of the Sun’s corona, the origins […] The post #27 Exploring the Su...

In this episode, we will talk about how dinosaurs were wiped out from our planet Earth by an Asteriod and how we can save our planet if anything like that ever happens again. We will also discuss about a few famous Asteriods and future mining missions. Sendung vom 05.01.2025 Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur The post #26 Rocks from the Space, Vol. II appeared first on Kanal K .

In this episode of the Milky Way Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of asteroids! Have you ever wondered why some meteors light up the sky in vibrant colours and where they come from? What are asteroids made of, and how do they connect to Earth’s history? I will answer all my curious friend […] The post #25 Rocks from the Space appeared first on Kanal K .

Diese Folge erforscht unsere kosmische Nachbarschaft, von den vertrauten Sternen und Planeten in unserer Nähe bis hin zu den riesigen Superhaufen der Galaxien weit darüber hinaus. Beginnend mit den nächsten Nachbarn – den Planeten und Sternen in der Milchstrasse – geht die Reise weiter zur „Lokalen Gruppe“, in der die Milchstrasse neben Andromeda und Dutzenden […] The...

In dieser Folge geht Tejpreet auf die Prozesse ein, die beim Wachstum von Galaxien eine Rolle spielen. Von den Bestandteilen der Galaxienbildung über die Rolle des James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) bis hin zu Radiobeobachtungen mit dem Square Kilometre Array (SKA) erforscht diese Folge die komplizierten Prozesse, die unser Universum formen. Tejpreet spricht auch über […] The post #23 How do...

In dieser Folge geht es um das Square Kilometre Array, auch bekannt als SKA, das größte und fortschrittlichste Radioteleskop der Erde. Dieses Radioobservatorium erstreckt sich über drei Kontinente und soll die Geheimnisse des Universums entschlüsseln. In dieser Folge geht es um die bahnbrechende Technologie, unglaubliche Standorte und die Wissenschaft hinter der Radioastronomie. This episode delve...

In dieser Folge geht es um die faszinierende Welt der Nord- und Südlichter, die auch als Polarlichter bezeichnet werden. Die energiereichen Teilchen, die bei Sonneneruptionen von unserer Sonne ausgestossen werden, erzeugen diese atemberaubenden Erscheinungen in den Polarregionen der Erde. Neben diesen wunderschönen Lichtspielen können die Sonnenstürme auch unsere Technologie beeinträchtigen, indem...

Die Sonne entstand vor etwa 4,6 Milliarden Jahren in einer riesigen, sich drehenden Gas- und Staubwolke, dem sogenannten Sonnennebel. Als der Nebel unter seiner eigenen Schwerkraft kollabierte, drehte er sich schneller und flachte sich zu einer Scheibe ab. Alle Planeten bildeten sich innerhalb dieser Scheibe. Radioaktive Isotope helfen uns zu wissen, was zur Zeit der Entstehung […] The post...

Wir alle wissen, dass wir in einer Galaxie namens Milky Way leben. Aber weisst du, dass esMilliarden anderer Galaxien in diesem Universum gibt? Alle Galaxien haben unterschiedliche Formen undphysikalische Eigenschaften. In dieser Folge werden wir besprechen, wie diese Galaxien aussehen. Was sagen uns die verschiedenen Formen über die Galaxien? We all know that we live in […] The post #19 Cos...

Tejpreet interviewed Dr. Nikos Prantzos, from the Institute of Astrophysics, Paris. He is a leading scientist in nuclear astrophysics, astronomy, galactic evolution and search for extraterrestrial life. In their talk, they explore the profound questions surrounding the existence of alien life. Dr Prantzos shares his perspectives on the methodologies employed in the quest for extraterrestrial [&#82...

This episode delves into the captivating realm of astrobiology, the science that seeks to answer the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe? From ancient speculations to cutting-edge techniques, we explore the quest for life beyond Earth. Tune in to discover the mysteries of distant exoplanets, innovative life-detection methods, and the future of this […] The post #17 Astrobiology: S...

In this episode, Tejpreet will discuss the Interstellar medium also known as ISM in short. ISM is the celestial glue holding galaxies together. Discover its different types, the cosmic processes within, and its impact on space exploration. In dieser Folge spricht Tejpreet über das Interstellare Medium, auch kurz ISM genannt. Das ISM ist wie ein […] The post #16 The Interstellar Medium: Unrav...