Space on Earth

S2. Ep. 6 — Aurora Science and Art: The Northern Lights Explained

This episode explores the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, as both a scientific phenomenon and a source of artistic inspiration. The hosts explain how charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, producing colorful light displays that vary by gas type and altitude. They discuss where and when auroras are most visible, including rare sightings farther south during strong solar storms. The conversation also highlights how auroras help scientists study space weather and their potential impacts on satellites, GPS, and power systems. Finally, the episode connects science to creativity, examining how the Northern Lights inspire painting, photography, and music through their motion, color, and energy.

S2. Ep. 5 — The Sound of Space

In this episode, the hosts explore why space is silent and how we can still “hear” the universe. They explain that sound requires a medium like air, which the vacuum of space lacks, and describe how spacecraft such as Voyager 1 and Juno collect electromagnetic waves, plasma vibrations, and magnetic field data. Through sonification, scientists translate these signals into audible frequencies, producing the haunting cosmic tones often released by NASA. The conversation then turns to how these sounds inspire ambient music, film scores, and multimedia art. By transforming raw space data into sound, artists and scientists together create emotional experiences that help audiences feel the scale, mystery, and beauty of the cosmos.

S2. Ep. 4 — Dark Matter and the Universe

In 1933, Fritz Zwicky discovered that galaxies were moving as if they contained far more mass than we could see, a mystery later confirmed by Vera Rubin when she showed galaxies should spin apart if only visible stars were holding them together. This invisible mass became known as dark matter. In this episode, Wyatt, Pascal, and HattieRose explore how math and redshift revealed this hidden structure of the universe and how the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will help map its influence across the cosmos.

S2. Ep. 3 — The Art of Science Communication: A Conversation with Arwen Hubbard

Hosts Heidi Rose, Shaylee, and new co-host Lacey interview Arwen Hubbard about space science communication and why it matters. Arwen shares what she loves most: staying close to new discoveries and building community through shared curiosity. The conversation explores how communicating science changes with different audiences, why uncertainty is one of the hardest ideas to explain, and how to balance “we do not know yet” with evidence-based reasoning. Arwen reflects on the New Horizons Pluto flyby and her passion for connecting space to Earth, especially New Mexico landscapes. The episode wraps with practical advice for students: start communicating now.

S2. Ep. 2 — We're Going Back to the Moon!

Taylor and Wyatt break down Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit in over 50 years, exploring how it tests the Orion spacecraft, advances human spaceflight, and sets the stage for a sustained return to the Moon and future missions to Mars.

S2. Ep. 1 — A Look Into 2026

In this first episode of 2026, returning student hosts Shaylee, Wyatt, and HattieRose kick off the new year with a look at what’s ahead. They preview upcoming podcast themes, highlight major space and sky events for 2026, including Artemis II, eclipses, and planetary viewing, and share what excites them most about space science. The hosts also introduce changes for the new season, including new co-hosts and a move to weekly episodes. It’s a relaxed, behind-the-scenes welcome back to Space on Earth and the year ahead.

Ep. 17 - Comets: Cosmic Time Capsules

In this episode of Space on Earth, the team dives into the icy world of comets, the frozen leftovers from the birth of our solar system. They share what comets are made of, how their glowing tails form, and how these ancient travelers may have helped seed life on Earth. You’ll also learn how to spot two real comets visible right now, C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)and C/2025 R2 (SWAN), plus get tips for stargazing and tracking them in the night sky.

Ep. 16 - Mars

This episode dives deep into the wonders and mysteries of Mars, exploring the Red Planet from every angle. Listeners learn about its size, gravity, seasons, and extreme temperatures, as well as its dramatic surface features like Olympus Mons and Valles Marineris. The hosts discuss Mars’ thin atmosphere, shifting dust storms, and long-gone rivers and lakes, raising the question of whether life once thrived there. The conversation highlights robotic missions that have transformed our understanding of Mars, the cultural fascination with the planet in both myth and science fiction, and the ambitious plans to one day send humans through massive projects like Starship. Both scientific detail and cultural context come together, making this an engaging journey into why Mars captures so much human curiosity and imagination.

Ep. 15 - Gamma-Ray Bursts & Big Dreams with Dr. Nicole Lloyd Ronning

In this special episode, our hosts (Shaylee, Tulsi, Hattie Rose, and Wyatt) talk with Los Alamos National Lab astrophysicist Nicole Lloyd Ronning about gamma-ray bursts, black holes, and what the early universe can tell us today. We dig into career paths, astronaut dreams, and the big question—are we alone?

Ep. 14 - Jim Lovell: A Life Among the Stars

In this episode of Space on Earth, the team pays tribute to Captain James “Jim” Lovell Jr., legendary Apollo 13 commander and one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts. Hosts Taylor and Wyatt reflect on his remarkable career, from early days building model rockets to his four spaceflights that shaped the Space Age: Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and the dramatic Apollo 13 mission. Along the way, they explore Lovell’s legacy as a pioneer of spacewalking, lunar navigation, and teamwork under pressure, and why his story continues to inspire dreamers and explorers on Earth today.

Ep. 13 - From Solar Flares to Rocket Science: Exploring the Sun

In this episode of Space on Earth, the team takes a deep dive into our star, the Sun: its classification, life cycle, and how it compares to other stars. They explore the Sun’s role as the engine of the solar system, its magnetic storms and auroras, and its influence on Earth’s climate and technology. The hosts highlight groundbreaking missions like the Parker Solar Probe, SOHO, and Solar Orbiter, revealing how scientists study the Sun up close. From ultraviolet light to solar wind, rockets to red giants, this episode uncovers how the Sun shapes life, space travel, and our future.

Ep. 12 - Comparative Planetology

In this episode of Space on Earth, Taylor, Hattie Rose, Tulsi, and Wyatt dive into comparative planetology—the science of understanding other planets by comparing them to Earth. They explore how we use remote sensing, rovers, and past missions to study the geology of Mars, the Moon, and Venus, revealing insights about Earth’s own history. Wyatt shares how lunar samples from Apollo missions changed our understanding of the Moon’s formation and its role in stabilizing Earth’s climate. Hattie highlights Mars as a geologic time capsule, preserving features lost to time on Earth, and explains how missions from Viking to Perseverance are helping answer the big question: was Mars ever home to life? Tulsi contrasts Venus’s similarities and extreme differences with Earth, including its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and backward spin. The episode wraps with a look toward future missions and how New Mexico has contributed to planetary exploration. Curious about other worlds? Tune in to discover how studying the planets helps us understand our own.

Ep. 11 - Exploring Constellations Under the Taos Sky

https://www.stemarts.com/blog/ar-astrotours-launching-this-summer/
 
In this episode of Space on Earth, hosts Shaylee, Taylor, Wyatt, and Tulsi explore the wonder of constellations, from ancient myths and cultural meanings to their lasting importance in science and navigation. They highlight Ursa Major and Cygnus, sharing stories from Greek, Native American, and Indian traditions, as well as scientific insights like the Pinwheel Galaxy and Cygnus X-1, one of the first black holes discovered. The team also celebrates the clear, dark skies of Taos, New Mexico, and their deep connection to Indigenous stargazing traditions. Listeners are encouraged to look for Ursa Major or Cygnus in the sky this week and to join the upcoming STEMarts AstroTour on July 12th at 8:30 PM in Taos.

Ep. 10 - History of Spaceflight in New Mexico

In this episode of Space on Earth, student hosts Hattie, Tulsi, and Wyatt dive into the rich history of spaceflight in New Mexico. From V-2 rocket launches at White Sands and the first photos of Earth from space, to the role of Starliner landings and Virgin Galactic’s suborbital tourism, this episode explores how the Land of Enchantment became a key player in space exploration. Blending personal stories with powerful space science, the team highlights how New Mexico’s landscape and legacy continue to shape humanity’s journey to the stars.

Ep. 9 - From Shuttle to Starship: The Rise of Reusable Spaceflight

In this episode of Space on Earth, Wyatt, Hattie, and Shaylee dive into the world of reusability in aerospace—from the legacy of the Space Shuttle to the cutting-edge tech of SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab. They explore how reusable rockets are transforming the economics, sustainability, and future of space travel. Whether you're dreaming of Mars missions or curious about how launch costs are dropping, this episode brings big ideas down to Earth—one launch at a time.

Ep. 8 - Keeping Space Safe: Debris, Rockets, and Responsibility

What does it mean to keep space sustainable? In this episode, the team dives into the growing problem of space debris, the risks of overcrowded orbits, and what governments, companies, and global groups are doing to protect our future in space. They also explore how satellites help us here on Earth—from tracking storms to improving farming.

Ep. 7 - Space Is for Everyone: A Conversation with Bryce Kennedy

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Bryce Kennedy, founder of the Space Valley Foundation, to talk about space law, private spaceflight, and how New Mexico could become the heart of the global space industry. From billionaires and environmental impact to cultural identity and youth empowerment, this inspiring conversation explores what it really means to build a better future beyond Earth—and how you can be part of it.

Ep. 6 - Stars

In this stellar episode Taylor and HattieRose dive deep into the life and death of stars. From the fiery fusion at a star’s core to dazzling supernovas and mysterious black holes, they explore how stars are born, live, and transform the universe. You’ll learn how we know what stars are made of, what their colors tell us, and why we’re literally made of stardust. The team also discusses Beetlejuice’s strange dimming event, binary stars, and how supernovae seed the cosmos with the building blocks of life. Join us for an inspiring journey through the cosmos—led by the next generation of space storytellers.

Ep. 5 - Light Pollution and Dark Skies

In this episode of Space on Earth, student hosts from Taos, New Mexico dive into the topic of light pollution—what it is, where it comes from, and why it matters. They explore how artificial light impacts everything from stargazing to wildlife, pollination, human health, and even astronomical research. The conversation highlights real-world events like the 1994 L.A. blackout and global efforts such as International Dark Sky Week and France’s light pollution policies. With personal reflections, local examples, and actionable solutions, this episode is a compelling reminder of how reconnecting with the night sky can inspire wonder—and why protecting it matters.

Ep. 4 - Space as We See It

In this episode of Space on Earth, Taylor, Shaylee, and HattieRose explore the wonders of the night sky that you can see right from your own backyard. They discuss favorite constellations, the significance of the Moon, how to spot planets with the naked eye, upcoming meteor showers, and the surprising ways satellites have changed our view of space. Along the way, they share personal stories, cultural connections, and tips for stargazing — making space feel personal, accessible, and inspiring for everyone.