When you think of a robot, you’re probably imagining some kind of human-shaped machine. And until now, the robotic spacecraft we’ve sent out into space to help us explore the Solar System look nothing like that. But that vision of robots is coming back, thanks to a few new robots in development by NASA and other groups.

448: Prepping for the Eclipse Astronomy Cast 448: Prepping for the Eclipse by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay

On Monday, August 21, 2017, there’s going to be a total eclipse of the Sun, visible to path that goes right through the middle of the United States. You should be making plans to see this, and we’re here to help you know where to go and what to do.

447: Animals in Space Pt. 3: Dogs, Monkeys and More Astronomy Cast 447: Animals in Space Pt. 3: Dogs, Monkeys and More by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay

For the final episode in our 3-part episode about animals in space, we look at the largest animals to go to orbit. And I’ll just warn you now, this is going to be a really sad episode.

446: Animals in Space Pt. 2: Mice and Other Small Animals Astronomy Cast 446: Animals in Space Pt. 2: Mice and Other Small Animals by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay

Last week we talked about how the smallest creatures behave in space, but now we move up in size a little to small animals, like mice. What missions have they flown on, and how does microgravity affect their biology?

445: Animals in Space Pt. 1: Insects and Arachnids Astronomy Cast 445: Animals in Space Pt. 1: Insects and Arachnids by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay

We've talked about animals traveling to space in the past, but it's time to take another look, with many other creatures making the trip to the void. Today we're going to talk about the spineless insects and arthropods, and those tough as nails waterbears – tardigrades.

444: Fractals Astronomy Cast 444: Fractals by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay