Walkabout the Galaxy

The center of our galaxy is producing more gamma rays than we can account for. Some say dark matter is the explanation, and others say no way. We explore the different scenarios for the high energy source of this extra light, and closer to home check in on Mars with updates from Perseverance, the Ingenuity drone, and Mars Insight quakes.

We explain the polarization of light in the context of the image of the black hole event horizon in M87 and take a new look at the interstellar object Oumuamua and what may have powered its peculiar motion through our solar system. Was it the dark side of the force? Tune in for a Dark Side themed episode to find out.

A supermassive black hole seems to be going on a walkabout its own galaxy, and dust from Mars (or its moons) seems to be going on a walkabout the solar system. We explain how that's possible and how we know about it on this episode which features space news updates and an elemental and historical trivia question.

If space is the final frontier, where does it begin? That deceptively simple question is one of many topics the Astroquarks ponder in this episode, as well as unusual supernovae, and planets that recycle their atmospheres. There's some other completely random and inappropriate trivia, and some nerd news ranting. In other words, your typical Walkabout the Galaxy.

The astroquarks explain the physics behind Warp Drive and a new solution to Einstein's general theory of relativity. Closer to home, the Moon showers the Earth with sodium atoms, and ancient comets may have provided the carbon necessary for life. Plus, we have a brain-twisting math trivia that unites economics and cosmology. Only on Walkabout the Galaxy.

The search for the elusive intermediate mass black hole (hundreds to thousands of times the mass of the Sun) has instead turned up a cluster of black holes within a cluster of stars. Just a few thousand light years from home, globular cluster NGC 6397 has a swarm of black holes at its core. Hear how astrophysical sleuths figured this out as well as catch up on space news, elemental trivia, and musings on vacation destinations with your friendly neighborhood astroquarks.

NASA's Perseverance rover successfully touched down on Mars last week, capping a perfect set of three arrivals at the red planet. Dr. David Brain joins us to tell us about the plans for one of those missions, and how it will help us unravel Mars' complicated climate history. Plus, we have a series of Mars trivia questions and a look at what the future holds for Mars exploration.

The astroquarks debate the relative merits of hair and baldness in the grand context of black holes and the ultimate question of the nature of information in the universe. Not bad for a cheeky title! We also take a look at some ancient craters on the Earth, and the Ham Sandwich Theorem, among others.

Dr. Zoe Landsman rejoins the Astroquarks to explain how creating simulated regolith or dirt helps scientists and engineers prepare for missions to the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and Phobos. We also take a look back in time on planet Earth to a continental growth spurt 3 billion years ago.

Three missions, including two rovers, are arriving at Mars this month. We preview some of the unique aspects of the Mars Perseverance rover, and we explore the curious case of a giant galaxy with, apparently, no central black hole. Hear how merging black holes might use gravitational waves to shoot across the cosmos, plus a poetic sponsor, and the word Scutum is said way too many times.