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 OAO works across countries and cultures to make astronomy more accessible. The conversation also explores the broader role of astronomy in shaping curiosity, perspective, and scientific thinking in society.

Drawing from her experiences, Dr. Blumenthal reflects on how astronomy can serve as a bridge between science and the public, and why it continues to matter in a global context.

Podcast vom 12.04.2026

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 and the Pratham student satellite to her research career and return to India. Dr. Agrawal also shares reflections on working on long-timescale problems, building research directions at IIT Kanpur, and advice for students interested in the field.

Podcast vom 01.03.2026

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 structure and evolution of our galaxy.

This episode offers a closer look at how modern radio astronomy is helping us better understand our cosmic home.

Podcast vom 01.02.2026

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 several other key topics in planetary science.

Podcast vom 07.12.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 dust. From the formation of planets through the collision and sticking together of tiny dust particles, to the similarity between the dust around us and cosmic dust, Prof. Katsuragi shares insights from his research on dust, soft materials, and planetary formation.

Podcast vom 05.10.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 about the hidden secrets of our solar system.

Podcast vom 07.09.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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 takes to prepare for a mission like this. We also talk about her journey into space science, international teamwork, and the exciting question: Are we alone in the universe?

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about planets, space exploration, or how scientists search for new Earths beyond our Solar System.

Podcast vom 03.08.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

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

Exoplanet science has come a long way, but we are still searching for a true Earth twin. In this episode, we explore what’s changed in the past year, from JWST’s atmospheric breakthroughs to the rise of super-Earths, and set the stage for ESA’s PLATO mission—a bold step toward finding habitable worlds around Sun-like stars.Stay tuned for our upcoming interview in the next episode with PLATO’s Project Scientist, Dr. Ana Heras.

Podcast vom 06.07.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

The post #31 The New Exoplanet Era appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, I talk with Professor Herbert Huppert, renowned geophysicist and Fellow of the Royal Society. We explore his journey from growing up in Sydney to becoming a leading figure in applying fluid mechanics to Earth sciences. It’s a relaxed conversation about his life, career, and the ideas that shaped his scientific path.

Podcast vom 01.06.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

The post #30 From Sydney to Cambridge: The Journey of Prof. Herbert Huppert appeared first on Kanal K.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, as she takes us through the remarkable legacy of IIA—from its historic foundations to its pivotal role in shaping Indian astronomy. Dr. Subramaniam sheds light on India’s growing presence in global space science through landmark missions like Astrosat and Aditya-L1, as well as the country’s involvement in international mega-science collaborations. From stellar evolution to the role of women in science, this conversation offers a rich and inspiring perspective on India’s expanding cosmic journey.

Podcast vom 06.04.2025

Moderation und Redaktion: Tejpreet Kaur

The post #29 Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics. appeared first on Kanal K.