Episodes

  • 237: Why does an asteroid hit the Earth? And why so big?
    Aug 1 2026

    A question from Lyla, age 5. Dr. Federica Spoto answers. For more on Dr. Spoto's work, see episode 190.

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    14 mins
  • 236: Are there rainbows on other planets? (Part II)
    Jul 1 2026

    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.

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    16 mins
  • 235: Why is the sun hot?
    Jun 1 2026

    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.

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    9 mins
  • 234: How many stars are there in space?
    May 1 2026

    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.

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    10 mins
  • 232: Are there rainbows on other planets?
    Apr 1 2026

    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.

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    11 mins
  • 232: How many potholes are on an asteroid?
    Mar 2 2026

    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.

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    6 mins
  • 231: How big is space?
    Feb 1 2026

    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.

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    10 mins
  • 230: What is the fastest planet?
    Jan 1 2026

    A question from Renny, age 4. Dr. Jessie Christensen answers. For more on Dr. Christensen's work, see episodes 42 and 102.

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    5 mins