Podcast Club: Space

Like a book club, but for podcasts!

Every month we listen to a curated list of podcast episodes (see list below) on a particular topic or theme and then we meet to discuss them. It’s the perfect discussion for time-starved folks. No long books to read! Listen to the podcasts while you commute, do chores or go for a walk. Listening to podcasts is such a great way to learn something new and then further reinforce that knowledge by discussing with others.

To register: email Heather at hgoldik@nelson.ca

In February, we’re looking up into space and how it relates to life on earth. We’ll explore our long connection to the night sky, find out about the seasons of the sun, what killed Venus and take a look at the ethics and challenges of space travel.

Podcast Club Space Listening List:

Science Weekly:

Looking up in wonder: Humanity and the cosmos part one (20 minutes)

https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2021/jan/05/looking-up-in-wonder-humanity-and-the-cosmos-part-one-podcast

The history of humanity is intimately entwined with the cosmos. The stars have influenced religion, art, mathematics and science – we appear naturally drawn to look up in wonder. Now, with modern technology, our view of the cosmos is changing. It is in reachable distance of our spacecrafts and satellites, and yet because of light pollution we see less and less of it here on Earth.

Unexplainable:

How Venus Went to Hell (28 minutes)

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unexplainable/id1554578197

Venus is the hottest, scariest place in the solar system, but billions of years ago it may have been a lot like Earth, complete with an ocean of water. So, what killed Venus? And could Earth be next?

Are we there yet?

Delusions of space enthusiasts (28 min)

https://www.wmfe.org/neil-degrasse-tyson-on-balancing-the-ambitions-of-space-exploration-with-the-reality-of-global-politics/192606

Astrophysicist, author and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson says space enthusiasts are delusional. Exploration is aspirational, and the reality of geopolitics, economy and culture are huge challenges keeping us planted firmly on the ground.

Quirks and Quarks:

Pathway to Mars Is it ethical to go to the Red Planet? (15 minutes)

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/jun-13-what-if-we-hadn-t-locked-down-the-return-of-race-science-and-more-1.5606494/is-it-ethical-to-go-to-the-red-planet-1.5606508

Bob Macdonald talks to Dr. Lucianne Walkowicz about the ethical for humans to travel to Mars. Walkowicz is an astronomer and co-founder of the Just Space Alliance, whose mission is to “advocate for a more inclusive and ethical future in space, and to harness visions of tomorrow for a more just and equitable world today”.

NASA’s Curious Universe:

Seasons of the Sun (22 minutes)

https://www.nasa.gov/mediacast/seasons-of-the-sun

As Earth makes its annual trip around the Sun, we feel the impacts of its journey in the form of seasons. Our planet’s tilt in relation to the Sun determines what season we experience here on Earth. But, did you know that the Sun goes through seasons too?

How to listen to podcasts:
Click on the links above to listen or to download to your device, check out this how to article on downloading to your phone or tablet.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/oct/07/how-to-listen-to-podcasts-everything-you-need-to-know

If you’ve never listened to podcasts before and want to learn, call the library at 250-352-6333 to book an (online) appointment with one of our librarians.