The Milky Way Podcast

What fuels the birth of stars and the evolution of galaxies? In this episode, Prof. Neeraj Gupta takes us into the world of radio astronomy, neutral hydrogen, and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), revealing how next-generation radio telescopes will transform our understanding of the Universe. Podcast vom 19.07.2026 Moderation und Redaktion: Mrinal Nankani (Gastmoderatorin)

The post #41 Listening to the Universe Through Radio Waves – with Prof. Neeraj Gupta appeared first on Kanal K.

What powers earthquakes? Why does Earth have moving tectonic plates while most other planets do not? And could the geology hidden deep inside a planet determine whether life can exist there at all? In this episode, Prof. Chhavi Jain joins us for a deep dive into planetary interiors, tectonics, and planetary quakes across the Solar […]

The post #40 Beneath the Surface – Planetary Interiors, Tectonics & the Search for Habitable Worlds appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, we explore the Moon from a scientific perspective, its origin, its role in shaping Earth, and why it is once again the focus of global space missions. From Apollo to Chandrayaan to Artemis, we discuss how our understanding of the Moon has evolved and why it is central to the future of […]

The post #39 Understanding the Moon From Formation to Exploration and the Path to Artemis appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kelly Blumenthal, Director of the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy Outreach (IAU OAO), about her journey into astronomy and her work at the intersection of research, education, and global engagement. We discuss how astronomy extends beyond academia into public outreach and international collaboration, and how the IAU […]

The post #38 Dr. Kelly Blumenthal on IAU OAO and Global Astronomy Outreach appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rachana Agrawal (Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur) about the early stages of space exploration — where missions are imagined, analysed, and designed long before launch. We discuss what goes into planning planetary missions, including renewed interest in Venus, and then turn to her journey into aerospace, from IIT Bombay […]

The post #37 The Science Behind Planning Space Missions appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, we explore how astronomers observe the Milky Way using radio telescopes. A new large-scale radio map of our galaxy reveals structures that are hidden in visible light, including star-forming regions, supernova remnants, and large-scale magnetic features.We discuss how radio telescopes work, why resolution matters, and what this new map tells us about […]

The post #36 Mapping the Milky Way in Radio appeared first on Kanal K.

This episode features Prof. Renu Malhotra, the planetary scientist whose pioneering work on Pluto’s orbit and planetary migration transformed the understanding of the Solar System. A main-belt asteroid, Asteroid 6698 Malhotra, is named in her honour. The conversation covers orbital resonances, Jupiter’s influence in the solar system, asteroid impacts, exoplanets, the uniqueness of Earth, and […]

The post #35 Pluto, Planets, and Resonances: A Conversation with Prof. Renu Malhotra appeared first on Kanal K.

When we think of dust, we usually imagine something to wipe off our tables. But in space, dust is far more than a nuisance—it is the very building block of stars, planets, and maybe even life itself. In this episode, Prof. Hiroaki Katsuragi from Osaka University joins us to explore the fascinating world of cosmic […]

The post #34 How Dust Shapes the Universe appeared first on Kanal K.

Volcanoes aren’t just found on Earth—they erupt across the solar system in the most unexpected ways! From fiery lava fountains on Jupiter’s moon Io to icy geysers on Saturn’s Enceladus, these cosmic volcanoes tell us amazing stories about distant worlds. In this episode, we explore how and why volcanoes erupt beyond Earth—and what they reveal […]

The post #33 Volcanoes in the Solar System appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ana Heras, Project Scientist for the European Space Agency’s PLATO mission. PLATO is a space telescope designed to find Earth-like planets around distant stars and help us understand which of them might be habitable. Dr. Heras shares how the mission works, what makes it special, and what it […]

The post #32 Searching for New Earths with Dr. Ana Heras appeared first on Kanal K.