http://www.astrobio.net/news/index.php Search for life in the universe On life beyond Earth and the origin of life. Includes feature articles on a wide range of topics, including the discovery of new planets and terrestrial origins. en-us http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_May08.mp3#2008-2-11 Your Audio Sky Tour: May 2008 Sky and Telescope Monday, 4 May 2008 16:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_May08.mp3 Here's an introduction to the wonders of May evening sky, which features appearances by Saturn, Mars, and the elusive planet Mercury. Host: Kelly Beatty. (6MB MP3 download: running time: 6m17s) Monday, 4 May 2008 17:00:00 GMT 06:17 Your Audio Sky Tour: May 2008 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_Podcast_Apr_2008.mp3#2008-2-11 Your Audio Sky Tour: April 2008 Sky and Telescope Thursday, 3 April 2008 16:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_Podcast_Apr_2008.mp3 Here is an introduction to the wonders of January evening sky — Orion's last stand, Saturn and Mars, and plenty of springtime carnivores. Host: Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m46s) Thursday, 3 April 2008 17:00:00 GMT 06:10 Your Audio Sky Tour: April 2008 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Mar08.mp3#2008-2-11 Your Audio Sky Tour: March 2008 Sky and Telescope Monday, 10 March 2008 16:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Mar08.mp3 Download this podcast to your MP3 player, and you'll be able to navigate the March evening sky like a seasoned stargazer. Find Mars, Saturn, Orion, the Twins of Gemini, and more. (6MB MP3 download: running time: 6m10s) Monday, 10 March 2008 17:00:00 GMT 06:10 Your Audio Sky Tour: March 2008 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Feb08.mp3#2008-2-11 Your Audio Sky Tour: February 2008 Sky and Telescope Monday, 11 February 2008 16:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Feb08.mp3 Use this easy-to-follow guide to enjoy what's up in the February sky: Venus and Jupiter dancing in the dawn, Mars riding high among winter's evening stars, and a total lunar eclipse. Host: Kelly Beatty. (5MB MP3 download: running time: 5m21s) Tuesday, 05 February 2008 17:00:00 GMT 05:21 Your Audio Sky Tour: February 2008 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Dec07.mp3#2007-12-03 Your Audio Sky Tour: December 2007 Sky and Telescope Monday, 03 December 2007 17:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/AB_podcast_Dec07.mp3 Download this podcast to guide you to the wonders of December's evening sky — like Orion leaping up over the eastern horizon with gleaming Mars by his side. Host: Kelly Beatty. (7MB MP3 download: running time: 7m20s) Monday, 05 November 2007 17:00:00 GMT 05:32 Your Audio Sky Tour: December 2007 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/Comet_Holmes.mp3#2007-11-02 Finding Comet Holmes Sky and Telescope Monday, 22 January 2007 17:00:00 GMT Sky and Telescope Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/Comet_Holmes.mp3 Finding Comet Holmes and other great sky sights is a snap if you download this podcast to your MP3 player and head outdoors after dark. Monday, 05 November 2007 17:00:00 GMT 05:32 Comet Holmes http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2408.mp3#2005-07-22 The current mean temperature on the equator of Mars is a blustery 69 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Scientists have long thought that the Red Planet was once temperate enough for water to have existed on the surface, and for life to possibly have evolved. But a new study by Caltech and MIT scientists gives this idea the cold shoulder. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 22 July 2005 09:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff A short primer on meteorite and ancient martian climate cooling http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2408.mp3 In the July 22 issue of the journal Science, Caltech graduate student David Shuster and MIT assistant professor Benjamin Weiss (formerly a Caltech student) report that their studies of Martian meteorites demonstrate that at least several rocks originally located near the surface of Mars have been freezing cold for four billion years. Their work is a novel approach to extracting information on the past climate of Mars through the study of Martian meteorites. In fact, the evidence shows that during the last four billion years, Mars has likely never been sufficiently warm for liquid water to have flowed on the surface for extended periods of time. This implies that Mars has probably never had a hospitable environment for life to have evolved, unless life could have gotten started during the first half-billion years of its existence, when the planet was probably warmer. Friday, 22 July 2005 09:00:00 GMT 7:04 Mars space weather http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2456.mp3#2005-07-31 NASA's Cassini spacecraft has obtained new detailed images of the south polar region of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The data reveal distinctive geological features and the most youthful terrain seen on the moon. These findings point to a very complex evolutionary history for Saturn's brightest, whitest satellite. Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 31 July 2005 09:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff A short primer on Saturn's many moons. http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2456.mp3 NASA's Cassini spacecraft has obtained new detailed images of the south polar region of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The data reveal distinctive geological features and the most youthful terrain seen on the moon. These findings point to a very complex evolutionary history for Saturn's brightest, whitest satellite.. Sunday, 31 July 2005 09:00:00 GMT 4:04 Saturn moon http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3676.mp3#2005-08-04 Are microbes making the methane that's been found on Mars, or does the hydrocarbon gas come from geological processes? Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 04 August 2005 09:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Is Martian methane a sign of life? http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3676.mp3 On Earth, methane is mostly produced by life. The recent detection of methane on Mars therefore has led to much speculation about the possibility for life on the Red Planet. The strategies that may resolve this issue are revealed in the final part of this series on martian methane. Thursday, 04 August 2005 09:00:00 GMT 7:39 Mars methane http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2674.mp3#2005-08-05 A planet larger than Pluto has been discovered in the outlying regions of the solar system Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 05 August 2005 09:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Beyond Pluto http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2674.mp3 A planet larger than Pluto has been discovered in the outlying regions of the solar system. The planet is a typical member of the Kuiper belt, but its sheer size in relation to the nine planets already known means that it can only be classified as a planet. Friday, 05 August 2005 09:00:00 GMT 2:54 Solar system http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2052.mp3#2005-08-05 A new instrument should be able to generate three-dimensional images of fossils embedded in an outcrop of rock or beneath the soil of Mars or another planet. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 05 August 2005 10:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Probe for life http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2052.mp3 A new probe of embedded fossils may uncover what's really underneath a meteorite's surface.Astrobiologists, who search for evidence of life on other planets, may find a proposed Neutron/Gamma ray Geologic Tomography (NUGGET) instrument to be one of the most useful tools in their toolbelt. Friday, 05 August 2005 10:00:00 GMT 4:34 Meteorite http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1916.mp3#2005-08-05 Although no one can rule out abiogenic sources for the methane on Mars, when you find methane on Earth, you are usually seeing the work of methanogens, ancient anaerobic microbes that process carbon and hydrogen into methane. Could methanogens live on Mars? Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 05 August 2005 12:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Swampy signs of life http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1916.mp3 The detections of methane in the martian atmosphere have challenged scientists to find a source for the gas, which is usually associated with life on Earth. One source that can be ruled out is ancient history: Methane can survive only 600 years in the martian atmosphere before sunlight will destroy it. Friday, 05 August 2005 12:00:00 GMT 7:19 Mars Methane http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2036.mp3#2005-08-06 NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, headed toward the first study of Mercury from orbit, swung by Earth today for a gravity assist that propelled it deeper into the inner solar system. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 06 August 2005 1:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Exploring Mercury and Venus http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2036.mp3 This week's Earth flyby is the first of a number of critical mission milestones during MESSENGER's circuitous journey toward Mercury orbit insertion. MESSENGER will conduct the first orbital study of Mercury, the least explored of the terrestrial planets that include Venus, Earth and Mars. Saturday, 06 August 2005 1:00:00 GMT 3:53 Mercury Messenger http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3952.mp3#2005-08-06 In trying to understand the Mars-shaking news about methane on the Red Planet, astrobiologists look, as usual, to the home planet for instruction. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 06 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Mars-Shaking Biological News? http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3952.mp3 In recent years, new information -- all of it relevant to the Mars debate -- has emerged about both biological and non-biological sources of Earth's methane. Saturday, 06 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 7:15 Martian methane http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1592.mp3#2005-08-07 For several years geologists have been gathering evidence indicating that Earth has gone into a deep freeze on several occasions Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 07 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Cause of colder planet http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1592.mp3 For several years geologists have been gathering evidence indicating that Earth has gone into a deep freeze on several occasions, with ice covering even the equator and with potentially devastating consequences for life. The theory, known as "Snowball Earth," has been lacking a good explanation for what triggered the global glaciations. Sunday, 07 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 7:12 Earth climate http://www.astrobio.net/common/output676.mp3#2005-08-07 Mars is the planet that refuses to say "die." Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 07 August 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff What is Mars telling us? http://www.astrobio.net/common/output676.mp3 Within the last few years, however, two simple chemicals intimately associated with life on Earth have been discovered on Mars. Large amounts of frozen water were discovered at the surface, and traces of methane appeared in the atmosphere. Sunday, 07 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 7:06 Earth climate http://www.astrobio.net/common/output223.mp3#2005-08-07 The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, set to launch on August 10, will search for evidence that liquid water once persisted on the surface of Mars. This orbiter also will provide detailed surveys of the planet, identifying any obstacles that could jeopardize the safety of future landers and rovers. Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 07 August 2005 22:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter http://www.astrobio.net/common/output223.mp3 We've had a lot of orbiters since the Mariner missions, and not only do we see water features in the land, but we also see evidence of tectonics, or possibly volcanic activity. Sunday, 07 August 2005 22:00:00 GMT 9:19 Earth climate http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3004.mp3#2005-08-10 A study of the Haughton Impact Crater on Devon Island, in the Canadian Arctic, has revealed some very life-friendly features at ground zero. Astrobiology Magazine Tuesday, 10 August 2005 22:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Meteors, Alpha to Omega http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3004.mp3 Meteor impacts are generally regarded as monstrous killers and one of the causes of mass extinctions throughout the history of life. But there is a chance the heavy bombardment of Earth by meteors during the planet's youth actually spurred early life on our planet, say Canadian geologists Tuesday, 10 August 2005 22:00:00 GMT 4:15 Earth climate http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2900.mp3#2005-08-11 Mars today is a harsh place for life. It's cold, there's very little atmosphere, and what atmosphere is there is mostly carbon dioxide (CO2). Liquid water is not stable on the surface today. The water that's there is either in the form of ice or vapor. Astrobiology Magazine Wednesday, 11 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Rovers at Work http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2900.mp3 In their explorations of Mars, both the Spirit and Opportunity rovers found evidence that liquid water was once on the planet's surface. Joy Crisp, project scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, discussed the rovers' long journey and their surprising discoveries at a public lecture on May 19, 2005. Wednesday, 11 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT 10:17 Mars rovers http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3064.mp3#2005-08-12 The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) launched this morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It will take seven months to reach Mars, arriving at the planet in March 2006. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 12 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Seeking Water on Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3064.mp3 The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) launched this morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It will take seven months to reach Mars, arriving at the planet in March 2006. Friday, 12 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT 3:55 Mars orbiter http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2004.mp3#2005-08-17 Where do you go after you've been to the Moon? Astrobiology Magazine Wednesday, 17 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Investigation into the afterglow of the Apollo program. http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2004.mp3 Sending men to the Moon certainly changed the public perception of life on our own planet, thanks to the astronauts' photographs of the Earth looking like an illuminated blue marble suspended in the deep black emptiness of space. Wednesday, 17 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT 6:55 Moon astronauts http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1024.mp3#2005-08-18 One of the thousands of asteroids orbiting the sun has been found to have a mini planetary system of its own. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 18 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Triple Asteroids Discovered http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1024.mp3 One of the thousands of asteroids orbiting the sun has been found to have a mini planetary system of its own. Thursday, 18 August 2005 2:00:00 GMT 7:55 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2820.mp3#2005-08-18 Digital effects artist Dan Maas has a vision that " small teams... create works of spectacular scope and great complexity", a dream that he has now shown the world both on Mars and a comet. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 18 August 2005 4:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Dan Maas http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2820.mp3 In recognition of those Mars Rover graphics in the PBS/NOVA program "Mars Dead or Alive," Maas just received an Emmy Award nomination. His next big project was to simulate the dramatic impact of a bullet-like probe with a icy comet for the recent mission, Deep Impact. Thursday, 18 August 2005 4:00:00 GMT 6:25 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output280.mp3#2005-08-18 Bernard Foing, Project Scientist for the lunar satellite SMART-1, discusses the steps we need to take to develop bases on the Moon. Growing flowers is one step towards making the lunar desert an oasis for human life. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 18 August 2005 5:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Essay by Bernard Foing http://www.astrobio.net/common/output280.mp3 In this essay, Bernard Foing ponders what steps will need to be taken to establish future human bases on the Moon. The Moon has one-sixth of Earth's gravity and no atmosphere, but the difficulties of living there could be eased by something as beautiful and delicate as a flower. Thursday, 18 August 2005 5:00:00 GMT 9:06 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3568.mp3#2005-08-18 Signs we could look for to see if there is life in an alien environment. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 18 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Signs of bipolar life http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3568.mp3 Pamela Conrad, an astrobiologist with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has traveled to the ends of the Earth to study life. On June 16, 2005, Conrad gave a lecture entitled, "A Bipolar Year: What We Can Learn About Looking for Life on Other Planets by Working in Cold Deserts." In part 1 of this edited transcript, Conrad describes what sort of signs we could look for to see if there is life in an alien environment. Thursday, 18 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 10:40 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output4040.mp3#2005-08-18 The possibility that the Milky Way Galaxy has a long stellar bar through its center has long been considered by astronomers, and such phenomena are not unheard of in galactic taxonomy. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 20 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff No ordinary spiral galaxy. http://www.astrobio.net/common/output4040.mp3 With the help of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have conducted the most comprehensive structural analysis of our galaxy and have found tantalizing new evidence that the Milky Way is much different from your ordinary spiral galaxy. Saturday, 20 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 3:18 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2748.mp3#2005-08-18 For the first time in history, scientists will be able to observe how the Earth's gravity will disrupt a massive asteroid's spin. Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 21 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Spinning down an asteroid. http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2748.mp3 Scientists predict a near-miss when Asteroid 99942 Apophis passes Earth in 2029. An asteroid flies this close to the planet only once every 1,300 years. The chance to study it will help scientists deal with the object should it threaten collision with Earth. Sunday, 20 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 4:06 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3776.mp3#2005-08-21 Pamela Conrad, an astrobiologist with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has traveled to the ends of the Earth to study life. Astrobiology Magazine Monday, 21 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Cold Look for Warm Life http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3776.mp3 Conrad gave a lecture entitled, "A Bipolar Year: What We Can Learn About Looking for Life on Other Planets by Working in Cold Deserts." In part 2 of this edited transcript, Conrad describes how her work in cold deserts could aid the search for alien life. Monday, 21 August 2005 8:00:00 GMT 9:21 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3864.mp3#2005-09-02 The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launched on August 12, and when it arrives at Mars it will search for evidence of water in the martian atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. This orbiter also will provide detailed surveys of the planet, identifying any obstacles that could jeopardize the safety of future landers and rovers. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 2 September 2005 8:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Mars Reconnaissance http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3864.mp3 The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launched on August 12, and when it arrives at Mars it will search for evidence of water in the martian atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. This orbiter also will provide detailed surveys of the planet, identifying any obstacles that could jeopardize the safety of future landers and rovers. Friday, 2 September 2005 8:00:00 GMT 11:45 Mars orbiter http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3584.mp3#2005-09-02 Scientists searching for life on other worlds have not shown much interest in M dwarfs. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 2 September 2005 11:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff New Class of Stars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3584.mp3 M-dwarf stars, much smaller, dimmer and cooler than stars like our sun, are by far the most common type of star in our galaxy. Friday, 2 September 2005 11:00:00 GMT 10:09 New planets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3140.mp3#2005-09-02 Jupiter's moon Europa is thought to be one of the most likely abodes for microscopic life in our solar system. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 2 September 2005 12:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Life Search on Jupiter's Moon http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3140.mp3 The discovery that Europa most likely has a cold, salty ocean beneath its frozen icy crust has put Europa on the short list of objects in our solar system that astrobiologists would like to study further Friday, 2 September 2005 12:00:00 GMT 14:14 Europa http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1860.mp3#2005-09-02 Working atop a range of Martian hills, NASA's Spirit rover is rewarding researchers with tempting scenes filled with evidence of past planet environments. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 2 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Spirit Rover http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1860.mp3 When Spirit reached the base of the hills five months after landing, it immediately began finding rocks with wetter histories Friday, 2 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 4:38 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3344.mp3#2005-09-17 The most popular theories of the origin of life say the necessary chemistry occurred at hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor or in some sunlit shallow pool. However, discoveries in the past few years have shown that many of the basic materials for life form in the cold depths of space, where life as we know it is not possible. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Death of Stars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3344.mp3 Life on Earth was made possible by the death of stars. Atoms like carbon and oxygen were expelled in the last few dying gasps of stars after their final supplies of hydrogen fuel were used up. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 10:10 Origin of Life http://www.astrobio.net/common/output556.mp3#2005-09-17 Steve Squyres, the Principal Investigator for the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) project, has now published a book about what it took to get to Mars. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Reflection on Surface Exploration http://www.astrobio.net/common/output556.mp3 The Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity are the Energizer Bunnies of planetary exploration. Designed to last for only 90 days, they are still going strong after nearly two years. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 12:08 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2664.mp3#2005-09-17 Dr. Jack Farmer of Arizona State University is an astrobiologist whose attention is often focused on Mars. Farmer is a longtime member of a community of scientists working to understand both the geologic history of Mars and the planet's potential to support life. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Jack Farmer http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2664.mp3 At the recent Earth System Processes II conference, Farmer gave a talk on the current state of understanding about Mars: what we know and what we'd like to know. In this, the first of a three-part series, he explains why "following the water" is central to NASA's program of Mars exploration.. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 3:53 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1144.mp3#2005-09-17 Dr. Jack Farmer of Arizona State University is an astrobiologist whose attention is often focused on Mars. Farmer is a longtime member of a community of scientists working to understand both the geologic history of Mars and the planet's potential to support life. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Jack Farmer http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1144.mp3 At the recent Earth System Processes II conference, Farmer gave a talk on the current state of understanding about Mars: what we know and what we'd like to know. In this, the second of a three-part series, he discusses what scientists have learned from recent NASA and ESA missions to the red planet. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 3:53 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1712.mp3#2005-09-17 When Deep Impact smashed into comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005, it released the ingredients of our solar system's primordial "soup." Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Stuff of Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1712.mp3 Now, astronomers using data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and Deep Impact have analyzed that soup and begun to come up with a recipe for what makes planets, comets and other bodies in our solar system.. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 3:21 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2840.mp3#2005-09-17 Researchers have uncovered startling new evidence about an extreme period of a sudden, fatal dose of global warming some 180 million years ago during the time of the dinosaurs. The scientists' findings could provide vital clues about climate change happening today and in the future. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff A Dose of Global Warming http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2840.mp3 Researchers have uncovered startling new evidence about an extreme period of a sudden, fatal dose of global warming some 180 million years ago during the time of the dinosaurs. The scientists' findings could provide vital clues about climate change happening today and in the future. Saturday, 17 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 3:01 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1676.mp3#2005-09-18 scientists are convinced that evidence at last settles decades-long arguments about what objects bombarded the early inner solar system in a cataclysm 3.9 billion years ago Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 18 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Peppering The Earth http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1676.mp3 Ancient main belt asteroids identical in size to present-day asteroids in the Mars-Jupiter belt -- not comets -- hammered the inner rocky planets in a unique catastrophe that lasted for a blink of geologic time, anywhere from 20 million to 150 million years. Sunday, 18 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 6:52 Asteroids http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3572.mp3#2005-09-21 Brother Guy Consolmagno, astronomer to the Vatican, discusses his views of the controversy over intelligent design, as well as the historical clashes between science and religion. Astrobiology Magazine Tuesday, 21 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Brother Guy Consolmagno http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3572.mp3 Brother Guy Consolmagno, astronomer to the Vatican, discusses his views of the controversy over intelligent design, as well as the historical clashes between science and religion. Tuesday, 21 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 8:54 Terrestrial Origins http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2448.mp3#2005-09-22 When the Cassini-Huygens mission parted Titan's smoggy veil, it revealed a familiar and yet utterly alien landscape, one where now-dry methane rivers carved out channels in mountains of ice. There's no evidence for biology on Titan's frozen terrain, but in this interview with Astrobiology Magazine, David Grinspoon ponders whether life could exist there today. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 22 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Titan's Prospects http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2448.mp3 When the Cassini-Huygens mission parted Titan's smoggy veil, it revealed a familiar and yet utterly alien landscape, one where now-dry methane rivers carved out channels in mountains of ice. There's no evidence for biology on Titan's frozen terrain, but in this interview with Astrobiology Magazine, David Grinspoon ponders whether life could exist there today. Thursday, 21 September 2005 14:00:00 GMT 13:11 Titan http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2676.mp3#2005-10-06 Dr. Jack Farmer of Arizona State University is an astrobiologist whose attention is often focused on Mars. Farmer is a longtime member of a community of scientists working to understand both the geologic history of Mars and the planet's potential to support life. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 6 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Jack Farmer http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2676.mp3 At the recent Earth System Processes II conference, Jack Farmer gave a talk on the current state of understanding about Mars: what we know and what we'd like to know. In this, the third and final part of a three-part series, he outlines the options for future Mars exploration. Thursday, 6 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:31 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3224.mp3#2005-10-06 Earlier this month, a group of scientists and engineers converged in the Arizona desert near Meteor Crater to "practice" for future human missions to the moon and Mars. This year's experiments focused on interaction between space-suited "astronauts" and a very sophisticated rover named SCOUT. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 6 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Mars Instrumentation http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3224.mp3 Earlier this month, a group of scientists and engineers converged in the Arizona desert near Meteor Crater to "practice" for future human missions to the moon and Mars. This year's experiments focused on interaction between space-suited "astronauts" and a very sophisticated rover named SCOUT. Thursday, 6 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 8:29 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2960.mp3#2005-10-07 Jessica Sunshine is the Deep Impact mission scientist responsible for the onboard infrared spectrometer. In the first half of this two-part interview, she discusses what the comet's nucleus looked like before and after impact, and explains why it's so difficult to piece together the spectroscopic data. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part I http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2960.mp3 Jessica Sunshine is the Deep Impact mission scientist responsible for the onboard infrared spectrometer. In the first half of this two-part interview, she discusses what the comet's nucleus looked like before and after impact, and explains why it's so difficult to piece together the spectroscopic data. Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:45 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output164.mp3#2005-10-07 Jessica Sunshine is the Deep Impact mission scientist responsible for the onboard infrared spectrometer. In the second half of this two-part interview, she discusses whether Deep Impact has altered our ideas of how comets are formed and how important they've been in Earth's history. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part II http://www.astrobio.net/common/output164.mp3 Jessica Sunshine is the Deep Impact mission scientist responsible for the onboard infrared spectrometer. In the second half of this two-part interview, she discusses whether Deep Impact has altered our ideas of how comets are formed and how important they've been in Earth's history. Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:09 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3768.mp3#2005-10-07 The newly discovered 10th planet, 2003 UB313, is looking more and more like one of the solar system's major players. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Tenth Planet http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3768.mp3 The newly discovered 10th planet, 2003 UB313, is looking more and more like one of the solar system's major players. Friday, 7 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:14 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3656.mp3#2005-10-16 What's it like to walk around on Mars in a space suit? No-one knows for sure. But geologist Dean Eppler has come as close as anyone. In this interview, he talks about his experience working in the Mark III experimental suit, as part of this year's Desert RATS field season. Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 16 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Dean Eppler http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3656.mp3 What's it like to walk around on Mars in a space suit? No-one knows for sure. But geologist Dean Eppler has come as close as anyone. In this interview, he talks about his experience working in the Mark III experimental suit, as part of this year's Desert RATS field season. Sunday, 16 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:19 Moon to Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3800.mp3#2005-10-16 When you're on the moon, trying to fix some broken equipment, you don't want to waste time fumbling around in oversized gloves trying to read the instruction manual. NASA's solution: make the operations checklist electronic, and mount a display inside an astronaut's helmet. Geologist Dean Eppler, who recently tested just such a system (albeit on Earth), says it works pretty well. Astrobiology Magazine Sunday, 16 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Dean Eppler http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3800.mp3 When you're on the moon, trying to fix some broken equipment, you don't want to waste time fumbling around in oversized gloves trying to read the instruction manual. NASA's solution: make the operations checklist electronic, and mount a display inside an astronaut's helmet. Geologist Dean Eppler, who recently tested just such a system (albeit on Earth), says it works pretty well. Sunday, 16 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 6:29 Moon to Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3648.mp3#2005-10-17 How many technically advanced civilizations exist in our galaxy? With this essay by Steven Soter, Scientist-in-Residence in the Center for Ancient Studies at New York University, Astrobiology Magazine initiates the first in a series of 'Gedanken', or thought, experiments - musings by noted scientists on scientific mysteries in a series of "what if" scenarios. Astrobiology Magazine Monday, 17 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Essay by Steven Soter http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3648.mp3 How many technically advanced civilizations exist in our galaxy? With this essay by Steven Soter, Scientist-in-Residence in the Center for Ancient Studies at New York University, Astrobiology Magazine initiates the first in a series of 'Gedanken', or thought, experiments - musings by noted scientists on scientific mysteries in a series of "what if" scenarios. Monday, 17 October 2005 14:00:00 GMT 20:22 SETI http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1368.mp3#2005-12-01 Considering that space suits can weigh upwards of 200 pounds, you'd think that the lighter the suit, the easier it would be to work in. Not necessarily so, says geologist Dean Eppler. In this interview he explains why other factors can be more important than weight. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 1 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Dean Eppler http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1368.mp3 Dr. Dean Eppler is a geologist at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. For the past eight years, Eppler has participated in field tests of experimental spacesuits as part of the Desert RATS (Research and Technology Studies) project. The suits are being tested to provide input to the development of flight-ready suits for future human missions to the moon and Mars. Thursday, 1 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT 5:30 Mission to Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3504.mp3#2005-12-02 Astrobiology Magazine caught up with Sir Martin Rees as he ponders the effect of interplanetary travel on human evolution, the origin of life on Earth, and the limits of human intelligence. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 2 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Interview with Martin Rees http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3504.mp3 Astrobiology Magazine caught up with Rees as he ponders the effect of interplanetary travel on human evolution, the origin of life on Earth, and the limits of human intelligence. Friday, 2 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT 7:00 Stellar Evolution http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1096.mp3#2005-12-03 Chris McKay, a planetary research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, in which he talked about the scientific results of the Cassini-Huygens mission. In this first of four parts, McKay discusses Titan's atmosphere. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 3 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Chris McKay, Part I http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1096.mp3 Chris McKay, a planetary research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, in which he talked about the scientific results of the Cassini-Huygens mission. In this first of four parts, McKay discusses Titan's atmosphere. Saturday, 3 December 2005 14:00:00 GMT 8:55 Titan http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2808.mp3#2005-12-03 There is only one moon in our solar system that has clouds, Saturn's giant moon Titan. First discovered by a scientist using an earthbound telescope, the clouds were later confirmed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. Chris McKay, a planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, recently gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, about what scientists have learned about Titan from the Cassini-Huygens mission. In this, the second part in a four-part series, McKay talks about Titan's mysterious clouds, some of which are thought to appear only briefly every 15 years. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 3 December 2005 15:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Chris McKay, Part II http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2808.mp3 There is only one moon in our solar system that has clouds, Saturn's giant moon Titan. First discovered by a scientist using an earthbound telescope, the clouds were later confirmed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. Chris McKay, a planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, recently gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, about what scientists have learned about Titan from the Cassini-Huygens mission. In this, the second part in a four-part series, McKay talks about Titan's mysterious clouds, some of which are thought to appear only briefly every 15 years. Saturday, 3 December 2005 15:00:00 GMT 6:45 Titan http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2204.mp3#2005-12-03 Recently, Chris McKay, a planetary research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, in which he talked about the scientific results of the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan. In this, the third in a four-part series, McKay explains why Titan's greenhouse effect is unique and how its anti-greenhouse effect works. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 3 December 2005 16:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Chris McKay, Part III http://www.astrobio.net/common/output2204.mp3 Recently, Chris McKay, a planetary research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, in which he talked about the scientific results of the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and Titan. In this, the third in a four-part series, McKay explains why Titan's greenhouse effect is unique and how its anti-greenhouse effect works. Saturday, 3 December 2005 16:00:00 GMT 6:22 Titan http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3376.mp3#2005-12-03 Chris McKay, a planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, recently gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, about what scientists have learned about Titan from the Huygens probe. In this, the final part of a four-part series, McKay talks about the unsolved mystery of Titan's ice rocks. Astrobiology Magazine Saturday, 3 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Talk by Chris McKay, Part IV http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3376.mp3 Chris McKay, a planetary scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, recently gave a public lecture, sponsored by the Planetary Society, about what scientists have learned about Titan from the Huygens probe. In this, the final part of a four-part series, McKay talks about the unsolved mystery of Titan's ice rocks. Saturday, 3 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT 6:39 Titan http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1796.mp3#2005-12-22 Samples of the comet Wild 2 will come down to Earth on January 15, 2006. But what kind of shape will they be in? Worries about the sample return capsule's parachutes - and memories of the Genesis mission - add nail-biting drama to the event. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 22 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Comet Catching http://www.astrobio.net/common/output1796.mp3 Samples of the comet Wild 2 will come down to Earth on January 15, 2006. But what kind of shape will they be in? Worries about the sample return capsule's parachutes - and memories of the Genesis mission - add nail-biting drama to the event. Thursday, 22 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT 6:40 Comets http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3540.mp3#2005-12-23 A region of Mars that some planetary scientists believe was once a shallow lakebed and likely habitable for life may not have been so wet after all, according to a new University of Colorado at Boulder study. Astrobiology Magazine Friday, 23 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Chemistry Calls http://www.astrobio.net/common/output3540.mp3 A region of Mars that some planetary scientists believe was once a shallow lakebed and likely habitable for life may not have been so wet after all, according to a new University of Colorado at Boulder study. Friday, 23 December 2005 17:00:00 GMT 6:20 Mars http://www.astrobio.net/common/SouthFinal1f.mp3#2006-03-27 Welcome to Radio Astrobiology, the podcast of Astrobiology Magazine: each week we'll feature a new program, including Ask an Astrobiologist, Astrobiology in the News, and Great Debates. In Part I of an in-depth interview with the Director of Science for the European Space Agency, our host Simon Mitton discusses astrobiology and its exploration frontiers. Astrobiology Magazine Monday, 27 March 2006 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part I http://www.astrobio.net/common/SouthFinal1f.mp3 Host Simon Mitton unveils the science behind astrobiology in Part I of an in-depth interview with David Southwood, Director of Science for the European Space Agency Monday, 27 March 2006 17:00:00 GMT 25:20 Missions http://www.astrobio.net/common/SouthFinal2f.mp3#2006-04-13 Welcome to Radio Astrobiology, the podcast of Astrobiology Magazine: each week we'll feature a new program, including Ask an Astrobiologist, Astrobiology in the News, and Great Debates. In Part II of an in-depth interview with the Director of Science for the European Space Agency, our host Simon Mitton discusses astrobiology and its exploration frontiers. Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 13 April 2006 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part II http://www.astrobio.net/common/SouthFinal2f.mp3 Host Simon Mitton unveils the science behind astrobiology in Part II of an in-depth interview with David Southwood, Director of Science for the European Space Agency Thursday, 13 April 2006 17:00:00 GMT 22:40 Science Behind astrobiology Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/ConwayMorris1.mp3#2007-01-18 Join us for Astrobiology latest podcast: Naked Astrobiology with our host Simon Mitton, and the first part of his interview with Simon Conway Morris, a paleontologist renowned for his insights into early evolution Astrobiology Magazine Thursday, 18 January 2007 15:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part I http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/ConwayMorris1.mp3 Host Simon Mitton part I interview with Simon Conway Morris, a paleontologist renowned for his insights into early evolution Thursday, 18 January 2007 15:00:00 GMT 35:10 Naked Astrobiology Part 1 http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/ConwayMorris2.mp3#2007-01-22 Join us for Astrobiology latest podcast: Naked Astrobiology with our host Simon Mitton, and the second part of his interview with Simon Conway Morris, a paleontologist renowned for his insights into early evolution Astrobiology Magazine Monday, 22 January 2007 17:00:00 GMT NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Magazine editorial staff Part II http://www.astrobio.net/podcast/ConwayMorris2.mp3 Host Simon Mitton part II interview with Simon Conway Morris, a paleontologist renowned for his insights into early evolution Monday, 22 January 2007 17:00:00 GMT 34:40 Naked Astrobiology Part 2