S2. Ep. 11 — Binary Stars

Discovering International Space Week in New Mexico.  What is Space Week? Why does it exist? And how can it help us understand our place in the universe? We answer these questions and more on a special episode especially for Space Week! Join us in discovering what space week means in New Mexico, outlining the events that will be held in NM during space week, and the importance of seeing space in a multifaceted manner.

Art has always been prevalent in New Mexico, as has the study of space. Join Havilah and Pascal in tonight’s episode as they discuss the history and future of these two pillars of New Mexico culture. As well as how they propel each other to greater limits.

When NASA's Swift Observatory began losing altitude after two decades in orbit, engineers faced a difficult challenge. Join Wyatt and Havilah as they explore how an innovative robotic rescue mission could extend Swift's life, the science it has revealed, and why perseverance is one of the most important tools in space exploration.

How can astronomers figure out what distant stars and planets are made of without ever visiting them? In this episode of Space on Earth, Havilah and Lacey explore the fascinating science of spectroscopy, the study of light, and how it allows scientists to uncover the composition, motion, and even the atmospheres of worlds across the universe.

In this episode of Space on Earth, Wyatt, Taylor, and Ophelia explore Artemis III, NASA’s first major test of the hardware and procedures that will enable humanity’s return to the Moon. From Orion’s role in Earth orbit to the involvement of Blue Moon and Starship, the team breaks down how this mission is paving the way for the next giant leap in lunar exploration.

For over a decade, NASA's MAVEN spacecraft orbited Mars, helping scientists uncover how the Red Planet lost its atmosphere and transformed from a potentially habitable world into the cold desert we see today. In this episode of Space on Earth, Wyatt and Pascal explore MAVEN's groundbreaking discoveries, its cultural impact, and the legacy it leaves behind following the recent loss of contact with the spacecraft.

Join Taylor and Tulsi as they explore how paired stars orbit, interact, and shape our understanding of the cosmos. This episode breaks down the science behind binary systems—from visual pairs to supernovae—and their vital role in modern astronomy.

This episode explores how space science has shaped modern pop culture through movies, books, and music. From the sci-fantasy worlds of Star Wars to the physics-driven realism of Interstellar, the conversation examines how filmmakers balance scientific accuracy with imagination. The episode also dives into the survival science of The Martian and the hopeful, problem-solving spirit of Project Hail Mary, discussing concepts like time dilation, black holes, orbital mechanics, astrobiology, and the challenges of long-distance space travel. Beyond film, the discussion explores how science fiction books such as Dune, Ender's Game, and stories like Arrival use space to reflect on humanity, communication, and the unknown. The episode concludes by looking at the influence of space on music, especially the work of David Bowie and Space Oddity, exploring how artists have used space as a metaphor for hope, isolation, identity, and imagination.

In this episode, hosts Wyatt and Sirena interview science communicator Summer Ash about radio astronomy, the Very Large Array, light pollution, and the growing debate around projects like Reflect Orbital. The conversation explores how astronomers study invisible light, why dark skies matter for science and ecosystems, and how new satellite technologies could reshape humanity’s relationship with the night sky.

This episode explores the field of astrogeology, explaining how scientists use the principles of Earth’s geology to study planets, moons, asteroids, and other solid bodies across the solar system. The hosts discuss key questions about planetary formation, impact craters, volcanic activity, water evidence, and rock composition, highlighting how these clues reveal the history of other worlds and our own. They also introduce pioneers like Eugene Shoemaker and connect the science to local training sites in the American Southwest, while explaining how tools like spectroscopy allow scientists to study distant planets through light.