May 2026: Astronomy in the North

Explosive Stars, Less Explosive Planets. In this month’s episode, we talk to Jane Greaves about finding phosphene on Venus and her work on PEBBLES. We also talk about searching for transients with Conor Omand. Finally, we talk about extragalactic science with attendees at the latest Extragalactic Meeting jointly held by University of Manchester, Liverpool John Moores university and Lancaster university.

Darkened Skies and Nebulous Space. This month, we talk to experts about searching for transients, multiprobe cosmology and planetary nebulae. We also discuss what it’s like doing a PhD with some of our guests and talk about what we got up to over the summer.

Teaching Machines the Cosmos. In this month's episode, we talk to Dr Seshardi Nadathur from the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth about his work in cosmology. Then, from the University of Nottingham we talk to Dr Maggie Lieu about her endeavours to use machine learning in her work on galaxy clusters. Also this month, Josh and Louis interview attendants of the Euclid-UK and LSST:UK Meetings.

Reach to the Moon. In this month’s episode, we talk to Dr Harry Bevins from the University of Cambridge about the cosmology experiment REACH. Then, from the University of Exeter, we talk to Dr Claire Davies about her experiences as a queer person in academia. In the jodbite, we talk to JBCA’s own Dr. Soheb Mandhai about his simulation research and post-doc experience at the University of Manchester.

Astronomy in the North. In this month’s episode, we talk to Jane Hurley from RAL Space about how the space sector shapes daily life. Then, from our live event at the Chester Astronomy Society in March, we listen to Jodcasters Phoebe and Josh talk about their research.

Dawn of the Very Luminous Dinosaurs. In this month’s episode, we talk to John Weaver about EUCLID, galaxies, and black holes. Then, from our live event at the Chester Astronomy Society in March, we listen to Jodcaster Jamie’s talk about their research We want to hear more from our listeners, so if you would like to feature on one of our episodes, we will be releasing questions throughout the year and we want to hear what you think! Next month’s episode features an interview from RAL space, and so we want to know - ‘What would you like to see from the space sector in the next 10-20 years? (A future mission you look forward to, will space research solve a global problem or develop new technology for the future).’ Send your answers to our social media accounts or via our email.

Into the Cosmic Void. This month, we have a double cosmology interview special where Sohini and Jamie chat with Marika Asgari about her work on cosmic shear with KiDS and the future of KiDS, and her favourite models of dark matter and dark energy. Whilst Jamie talks with Leon Koopmans about his work on LOFAR, why LOFAR as an instrument will still have its own niches even in the post-SKA era.

Blue Skies Ahead! This month, we have an interview with Professor Jonathan Tennyson where he chats to Louisa and Lily about his founding of the satellite launching company Blue Skies Space, and in our Jodbite, Louis and Josh talk to postdoc Will McGenn about his work here at the Advanced Radio Instrumentation Group. In December, we also had an invite to attend RAL Space’s 21st Appleton Conference where Louisa and Phoebe chatted to some of the conference attendees.

Same Planet, New Year. This month, we are kicking off the new year with a special interview with Science communicator and climate advocate, Dr Simon Clark. He talks to Jessy and Louisa about why climate literacy is important, and what a day in the life of a YouTuber really like. In our Jodbite, Phoebe sits down with Dr Vasu Shaw about her research in Galactic magnetism and cosmic rays.

Feeling the Cosmic Pulse. In this month's episode, Jessy and Barbara had the opportunity to speak to Dr Kai Schmitz of the University of Munster about the first results from the Pulsar Timing Array and how this could affect our understanding of early universe cosmology. Louisa and Sohini provide an end of year round up for the Jodcast, talking about the highlights of 2025 and where we are going in 2026. In our Jodbite, Louisa and Phoebe speak to PhD student Kathryn Edmundson about her work detecting and characterizing exoplanets.