What is Gravity? Apr 24, 2025

This episode is a weighty one. Some might say massive. It’s all about gravity. What is it? Why does it matter? Izzie and Dr Becky explore Einstein and Newton’s different ideas on the subject, plus Izzie visits the Royal Society to see Isaac Newton's original manuscript for his works on gravity and the laws of motion.

Special thank you to listener Hanna_m_e for suggesting this episode topic and to Professor Tessa Baker, at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth, and to Keith Moore, head of collections at the Royal Society for appearing on the show.

See THAT coffee table here: https://youtu.be/5XlTkGEO564?si=9Z8KwTqOPk-Sf0xM

If you have a question for the team, or an episode suggestion, send them to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Can we gravitationally "hitch hike" out of the Solar System? Apr 11, 2025

What the bloomin’ hell is a Gravastar? Are fast radio bursts like solar flares on steroids? Plus an interesting question on multiverses that can't be summed up in a short sentence. Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey dive into The Supermassive Mailbox and take on your questions.

Keep sending in your wonderful ponderings. Email them to podcast@ras.ac.uk or via Instagram @Supermassivepod

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning to the Moon - with ESA Astronaut Matthias Maurer Mar 31, 2025

Climb aboard The Supermassive Rocket, Izzie and Becky are (talking about) sending humans back to the moon. Joining them on their trip is European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer and Jacki Mahaffey, the Chief Training Officer for NASA’s Artemis II mission. Plus, Dr Robert Massey, the Deputy Director of the Royal Astronomical Society, is there as well to answer your questions and share his top stargazing tips.

For more supermassive astronaut episodes, here's our episode with Samantha Cristoforetti and another with Gene Cernan.

Keep sending your questions to The Supermassive Podcast at podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @Supermassive Pod.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS - Can A Star Orbit Another Star? Mar 12, 2025

If black holes are so dense, how can gamma rays jet shoot out from it? At what point in space does our sun become invisible to the naked eye? And a question about CubeSats, black holes and detecting alien civilisations... It time for Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey to take on your questions!

Got a question to add to The Supermassive Mailbox? Email it to podcast@ras.ac.uk or message us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod. There's no such thing as a silly question. In fact, the sillier, the better!

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sample Return Missions - What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Feb 28, 2025

This time Dr Becky Smethurst and Izzie Clarke discover why it’s touch and go when it comes to returning asteroid samples to Earth and hear how we’ve been exchanging spit with Mars since the dawn of the Solar System.

The team is joined by Dr Sara Russell, a meteorite researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, and Dr Albert Haldemann, Mars Chief Engineer for the European Space Agency.

As ever, Dr Robert Massey is with us to answer your questions and look ahead to the next month in the night sky.

Keep you questions coming…you can email podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram, @SupermassivePod.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMERGENCY BONUS - Asteroid 2024 YR4 Feb 19, 2025

Scientists have detected an asteroid that has a small chance of hitting Earth. Resident expert Dr Robert Massey tells Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham why we shouldn't be worried.

Want to suggest a topic to the team? Contact podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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BONUS - Could we capture a primordial black hole? Feb 12, 2025

What are the implications on space exploration with a change of president? Did cosmic inflation come before the Big Bang? Are there sonic booms in space? Izzie, Becky and Robert take on your questions!
Keep sending your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram @SupermassivePod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Search for Space Aliens Jan 29, 2025

Hosts Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst are starting 2025 with a biggie. The scientific search for extraterrestrial life:
Where are scientists looking? How do they search for potential signals? And what the heck is the plan if they find one?! The Supermassive team hears from Seth Shostak from the SETI Institute about the search for life beyond Earth, and Dr John Elliot from the University of St Andrews explains what would happen if we were to detect them.
Thanks for all of your brilliant questions - keep them coming! You can email podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram, @SupermassivePod.
And, as promised, here's more information on National Astronomy Week 2025, running from 1st-9th February: https://astronomyweek.org.uk
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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Q&A - Space Potatoes and Christmas Stars Dec 21, 2024

Our final episode of 2024 is a SUPERMASSIVE Q&A.
Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey make their way through your questions. What’s the farthest star we can see with the naked eye? Why do black holes expand and shrink? And what would happen if we accelerated an uncompressed medium sized potato to 99% the speed of light?
And remember, do not confuse the ISS with Santa's Sleigh in the run up to Christmas. To avoid any confusion, find out when the ISS is flying over your home using https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/home.cfm
If you have any questions for a future episode, email podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram @SupermassivePod. And thank you to anyone who has listened or reviewed the podcast this year, we really appreciate it.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS - Why can't anything go faster than the speed of light? Dec 13, 2024

From planetary alignment through the galaxy to spacetime expansion, The Supermassive Team answer your questions.
Keep sending us your questions, email us on podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram @SupermassivePod

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The Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts Dec 05, 2024

The Supermassive Team are investigating strange blasts of energy in space called Fast Radio Bursts. What are they and where do they come from? Dr Stuart Ryder from Macquarie University in Australia joins Izzie, Dr Becky and Robert to help explain.
Christmas Present Ideas

Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s talk - A Journey into The Cosmos
Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition at Royal Museums Greenwich
Telescope SeeStar S50
Image stabilising binoculars
Cosmos (book) from DK
The Impossible Man by Patchen Barrs.
The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes by Sarah Webb
The Night Sky Almanac for 2025 by Radmila Topalovic, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion

Keep sending your brilliant questions and photos to podcast@ras.ac.uk or on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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BONUS - Nuclear Pasta & G-Astronomy Nov 19, 2024

... Potentially the silliest bonus episode we've ever recorded.
The Supermassive Team takes on your questions; What are Brown Dwarfs? How can photons have different energies? Do frozen stars exist? And they get extremely distracted by the concept of nuclear pasta. Even Producer Richard gets involved.
Here's the paper mentioned by listener Hanna, Thermodynamics of Frozen Stars
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Strange Stars and Bizarre Binaries Nov 06, 2024

From pulsating stars to those with diamond cores, Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring weird and wonderful stars. What are the different types of stars in our universe? And what are the oddballs? Plus Dr Robert Massey is here for your top stargazing tips.
With thanks to Professor Andrew Norton from the Open University for joining the team this episode.
Keep sending your brilliant questions and photos to podcast@ras.ac.uk or on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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BONUS - A Bumper Edition Oct 19, 2024

Auroras, and comets, and launches... Oh my! Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst, and Dr Robert Massey run through a MEGA month for the astronomy community. Plus, there's just enough time to squeeze in a few listener questions.
Here's our recommendations on news or journals sites to keep up with all things space and science:
space.com
Universe Today
Astronomy Now
Sky at Night
Sky and Telescope
NASA
ESA
ESO
The RAS Website and Journals
Dr Becky's YouTube channel
Astrobites.org
TheConversation.com
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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Untangling the Cosmic Web Oct 02, 2024

Izzie and Dr Becky are untangling the cosmic web - the large scale structure of the universe - with help from Dr Chiara Mingarelli from Yale University. What the heck is it? What do we know about it? And can we use gravitational waves to "see" it? Plus, Dr Robert Massey is on hand to answer your questions.
Got a question for the team? Contact us on podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS - What distorts time? Sep 26, 2024

What happens when a black hole and gravitational wave collide? How will the moon's gravity impact tides with rising sea levels? And "the Supermassive Wise Ones" discuss Einstein vs Newton in this bonus episode.
Send your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk.

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We Made It To Mercury! Sep 04, 2024

Izzie and Dr Becky complete their tour of the solar system with a trip to Mercury, the space spirograph (copyright: Dr Becky). Join them as they explore what we know about the planet so far and what ESA's current mission, BepiColombo, is hoping to find. Plus, Dr Robert Massey is on hand to answer your questions.
Special thanks to guests Dr David Rothery from the Open University and Dr Simon Lindsay from the University of Leicester.
Don't forget to send your questions to the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or Instagram @SupermassivePod
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS - Galaxy Spin and Saving Herstmonceux Observatory Aug 21, 2024

Does an instantaneous star map exist? Where are the perfect spheres in space? How did Venus get so close to the Sun? It's a bonus episode from The Supermassive team.
Sign the petition and support Herstmonceux Observatory here... https://www.change.org/p/save-the-observatory-science-centre-herstmonceux

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Venus aka "Earth's Evil Twin" Aug 01, 2024

This is Venus’ moment in the supermassive spotlight. What do we know about this hellish planet? And what missions are going there in the near future?
Izzie and Dr Becky speak with Dr Phillipa Mason from Imperial College London about EnVision, an upcoming mission to Venus, as well as RAS librarian Sian Prosser to explore the archive. Plus Dr Robert Massey is here to take on your questions.
The paper about the sounds on Venus can be found here.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Overmassive Galaxies Jul 20, 2024

The ~~Supermassive~~ Overmassive Podcast has a special bonus episode. Join Izzie, Dr Becky, Dr Robert and Richard as they discuss the last two years of JWST and share their recommendations for Space Book Club.
Recommendations:

Unseen Universe: New Secrets of the Cosmos Revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope by Dr Caroline Harper
The Possibility of Life by Jaime Green
When Galaxies Were Born - Richard Ellis
Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space By Adam Higginbotham

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Q&A - Black Hole Special Jul 03, 2024

Have black holes existed since the beginning of the Universe? Could we produce a black hole in the lab? Could we use gravitational waves to probe beyond the event horizon?
It's a black hole Q&A as Izzie put your questions to Becky and Robert. Plus, author and broadcaster, Marcus Chown, runs through a potted history of discovering black holes. His latest book on the same topic, A Crack In Everything, is out now: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/crack-in-everything-9781804544303/
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Lumpy Space Potatoes Jun 21, 2024

In this month's bonus episode Izzie, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey tackle questions on pulsars, woo woo sounds from black holes, imperfect spheres and alien aurorae. Send your questions to: podcast@ras.ac.uk, and we’re also on instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive podcast is produced by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham and is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Major Lunar Standstill Jun 04, 2024

Every 18.6 years, our moon reaches its farthest northern and southern point, known as a major lunar standstill. This month, Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring why this might be significant to Stonehenge in the UK and another historical site in the US called Chimney Rock. With special thanks to Dr Heather Sebire, Dr Amanda Chadburn and Dr Erica Ellingson.
The southernmost Moonrise at Stonehenge will be livestreamed, allowing viewers to witness this celestial spectacle firsthand. Plus, there'll be events throughout the standstill season which include talks, a pop-up planetarium, stargazing sessions, storytelling, and a new exhibition display at the Stonehenge visitor centre in October. To find out more, visit...
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/major-lunar-standstill/#:~:text=Stonehenge%20is%20famous%20for%20its,'major%20lunar%20standstill'%20occurs.
Or have a look at Chimney Rock in Colorado:
https://www.chimneyrockco.org/puebloan-resources/lunar-standstill/
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Why does the Aurora Borealis look better on my phone? May 23, 2024

The UK witnessed the most amazing Northern Lights in years.... And Izzie missed it.
In this bonus episode, Dr Becky Smethurst, Dr Robert Massey and Izzie Clarke talk about those Northern Lights and answer your questions. What is Jupiter's giant blue dot? If the sun is losing mass (by giving out energy) will that affect the gravity and orbit of the solar system? And how do you date a rock?

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Voyager: Where no-one has gone before... Apr 29, 2024

Two of the most remarkable spacecraft ever launched are the stars of this month’s episode: Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Izzie and Dr Becky talk to Dr Jamie Rankin, the mission’s current Deputy project scientist, and editor Richard gets to chat to Ann Druyan, the original Creative Director of the Golden Record project, who worked alongside her husband Carl Sagan.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Wobbly Planets and Baby Names Apr 10, 2024

Can wobbly planets have more than two solstices? Are we earthlings receding from the sun and the other planets? What is dark flow and why is it controversial? When stars die, is their energy lost forever?
Send your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Into The Interstellar Mar 26, 2024

Izzie and Dr Becky are venturing into interstellar space. What is it? Where is it? And what do we know about it?
With special thanks to Professor Martin Barstow from University of Leicester and Professor Chris Lintott from the University of Oxford. Chris' new book "Our Accidental Universe" is out now.
Check out the RAS's video on Pons Brooks here: https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/12ppons-brooks-how-and-when-see-devil-comet
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Dust, stars and alien streetlights Mar 13, 2024

What is cosmic dust? Could we reignite a dying Sun with a nuclear weapon? How do we know what galaxies stars are in, and can the JWST see streetlights on alien worlds?
If you have a question for the Supermassive team, send them to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quakes in Space Feb 28, 2024

Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring shaky ground, whether that’s on Earth, other planets and even on our neighbour the Moon. This month is all about quakes.
With special thanks to Mark Panning, the project scientist for NASA's InSight mission, and Dr Jess Johnson from the University of East Anglia.
Join Izzie and the UK Space Education Office for Mars Day on Tuesday 5th March, sign up to the virtual event here.
Explore the North Tyneside Solar Trail and discover models representing planets from our solar system, 16 & 17 March 2024
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Double Yolker Galaxies Feb 12, 2024

Do we see black hole mergers as a result of galaxy mergers? What did the night sky look like to the dinosaurs? Is a gas giant just a rocky planet with a huge and dense atmosphere? Do all orbits eventually end up in resonance?
The Supermassive Team is back with the first bonus episode for 2024! Send in your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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The End of the World Jan 30, 2024

The Supermassive Podcast is back for 2024 and putting the "happy" in Happy New Year! What could be a cheerier start to the year than an episode about the End of the World… Astronomically speaking!?
From supernova explosions, to super volcanoes, Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey are running through the checklist of big bad things that put our planet at risk. Special thanks goes to Professor Chris Impey from the University of Arizona and author of How It Ends, and Dr Mike Cassidy from the University of Birmingham.

Things we promised we'd put in the show notes:
NASA worksheet - https://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/earth/10Page5.pdf
Recent Betelgeuse paper - Saio et al. (2023; Betelgeuse in carbon fusion stage) - https://arxiv.org/pdf/2306.00287.pdf
Don't forget to leave us a review, send in your questions ,or share your astrophotography using podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for The Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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Do We Live In A Multiverse? Dec 22, 2023

Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst are rounding off 2023 with a biggie. Arguably the biggest of them all. This episode is ALL about the Multiverse. What is it? What does it mean? Does it even exist?
A big thank you to Andrew Pontzen from UCL and author of "Universe in a Box" for explaining the basics, Katie Mack from The Perimeter Institute for going from physicist to film reviewer, and to listener Wendy Entwistle who suggested the Supermassive team cover this topic.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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BONUS - Could Space Junk Block JWST's View? Dec 21, 2023

From barbie dolls, to birds baths, what will happen to all the stuff we have made between now and the end of time? Could a large black hole spaghettify a small black hole? Could more satellites block JWST's view? And what came first, the Big Bang or Inflation?
It's time for another deep dive into The Supermassive Mailbox with Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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Neptune... At Last! Nov 28, 2023

They've done it. It has taken them all year but Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst have reached the final planet in our solar system; Neptune.
Dr Leigh Fletcher from the University of Leicester is back to cover the basics of the planet and Carolyn Kennett, Chair of the Society for the History of Astronomy, tells Izzie about its controversial discovery. Plus, Dr Robert Massey is on hand for some winter stargazing.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham for the Royal Astronomical Society.

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BONUS - Space News Bulletin Nov 14, 2023

Bizarre free-floating planets in space, the retrieval mission from a 4.6 billion year old asteroid, and the first images from our dark universe. Join Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst, and Dr Robert Massey as they take you through the latest space news.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham. Follow or subscribe for free so you never miss an episode.

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46: Q&A - Spice Girls, Black Holes, and Ice-Cream in Space Oct 27, 2023

It's been a while, so Izzie, Dr Becky and Robert dive into The Supermassive Mailbox for a Q&A Special. How is the mass of a star determined? Does JWST have fuel to come back? And is it possible for Voyager 1 or 2 to switch their cameras back on?
Here's the link for space-related jobs that Becky mentioned: https://jobregister.aas.org/
Got a question for the team? Email it to podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production for the Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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45: BONUS - Have you heard of "Ploonets"? Oct 13, 2023

What is the furthest distance away we’ve ever observed? Why hasn't Venus lost its atmosphere from solar winds? Is Mercury a Ploonet? And how stable is the moon's orbit? It's another bonus episode with Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey.
See Micheal Brill's brilliant photos from Antarctica here.
Read listener Andrew Street's article of Cassini's final moments:

Tracing Cassini's fiery death was like seeing a heart monitor flatline

Send in your questions to The Supermassive Mailbox by emailing podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.

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45: Uranus the Oddball Sep 29, 2023

Izzie and Dr Becky have done episodes on Mars, gas giants, Saturn and Jupiter individually, so it’s about time that Uranus gets its own episode. And just so we're clear, it's UranUs, not UrAnus.
Professor Leigh Fletcher from the University of Leicester takes the team through the basics. Plus, Izzie pays a visit to the Royal Astronomical Society’s archive to see the Herschels' notebooks from when the planet was discovered.
Recommends
Late Prom 15: Moon and Stars https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/en8fbp
Public Service Broadcasting - The Race for Space - https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZaAM16hw3xpp680FJahJJ?autoplay=true
Our next main episode is a Q&A, so please send your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc or message us on Insta @SupermassivePod

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44: BONUS - Team Enceladus or Team Europa? Sep 18, 2023

What does Saturn look like? Why is Venus hotter than Mercury? Can the solar wind generate electricity on the Moon? Izzie, Dr Becky and Robert dive into The Supermassive Mailbox and answer your questions.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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44: Here Comes the Sun...with NASA's Head of Science Aug 28, 2023

This month, Izzie and Dr Becky are off to the Sun…Partly because the UK summer has been rubbish but mostly because there are a lot of things we still don’t know about our local star.
Joining them on their voyage is the Head of Science at NASA, Dr Nicola Fox, to explain the latest efforts to study the sun, the Project Scientist for Solar Orbiter, Dr Daniel Mueller, and Dr Robert Massey is on hand to answer your questions.
Watch ESA's Solar Orbiter video, featuring the Supermassive's editor Richard Hollingham. https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2022/05/Solar_Orbiter_s_first_close_encounter
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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43: BONUS - Aimless telescopes & beyond the Milky Way Aug 11, 2023

Could we detect exoplanets outside of the Milky Way? Could the Euclid Telescope disprove what we know about dark energy and matter? Are we just pointing telescopes aimlessly at patches of space? And is it possible for two black holes to merge and separate into two branches? Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey tackle your burning questions.
Still, have an unanswered question? Send it to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc, or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast from the Royal Astronomical Society is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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43: Most of the Universe is missing... Jul 28, 2023

The Supermassive Team have spent the last three years attempting to talk about ALL the stuff in space. But that only makes up 5% of our universe. Where the heck is the rest?
This month, Izzie and Dr Becky dive into the topic of Dark Matter and Dark Energy... The stuff that makes up that missing 95% of the universe. With special thanks to Dr Alex Hall from the University of Edinburgh for covering the basics, and to Dr Stephen Wilkins from the University of Sussex for explaining how ESA's new space telescope Euclid will give us new insights to the field.
If you enjoy The Supermassive Podcast, please rate, review and follow us. Even better, why not vote for us at The British Podcast Awards?! https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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42: BONUS – White holes, astrology and why is Venus so hot? Jul 06, 2023

What’s a white hole and could one appear above the Earth tomorrow? Do different cultures sort stars into similar patterns? Why is Venus so hot and how do the Supermassive team cope when someone calls them an astrologer?
Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey take on your questions from the Supermassive mailbox.
Send your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc, or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast from the Royal Astronomical Society is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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42: A (brief) History of Astronomy Jun 22, 2023

Dr Becky and Izzie dust-down the Supermassive Tardis to explore the history of astronomy. From fossilised baboon bones and baby lamas to Einstein and black holes, the Supermassive team discovers how we came to understand the Universe the way we do today. Editor Richard talks to astronomer and science writer, Dr Stuart Clark, who reveals where the phrase ‘the dog days of summer’ comes from. And Izzie chats to President of the Royal Astronomical Society, Professor Mike Edmunds, about the amazing Antikythera astronomical calculator. As usual, Dr Robert Massey is on hand to take on your questions.
Stuart’s latest book is Beneath the Night:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beneath-Night-Stuart-Clark/dp/1783351535
Send your questions or astrophotography to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc, or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for The Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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41: BONUS - Why do Gas Giants exist? Jun 13, 2023

Can JWST see galaxies at different life stages? What is a "former" constellation? And why do we see Jupiter in monochrome? This month, Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey take on your questions from The Supermassive Mailbox.
Want to support The Supermassive Podcast? Why not buy our book The Year In Space - https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast from the Royal Astronomical Society is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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41: BIG Observatories May 27, 2023

We love stargazing on The Supermassive Podcast, so we thought it was about time we had an episode on the future of ground-based telescopes. From the brilliant named Extremely Large Telescope to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, Dr Aprajita Verma from Oxford University and science journalist, Sarah Wild, tell Izzie and Dr Becky about the observatories that will transform our understanding of the universe.
Searching African Skies by Sarah Wild - https://www.waterstones.com/book/searching-african-skies/sarah-wild/9781431404728
Send your questions or astrophotography to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc, or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for The Royal Astronomical Society. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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40: BONUS - Are Lunar Poles Arbitrary? May 13, 2023

What's the most efficient way of space travel? How does longitude change your night sky view? Why does M87* look different? This month, Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey take on your questions in The Supermassive Mailbox.
Want to support The Supermassive Podcast? Why not buy our book The Year In Space - https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast from the Royal Astronomical Society is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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40: Becky Loves Saturn Apr 29, 2023

It's FINALLY happening. Izzie is letting Dr Becky have an entire episode about her favourite planet, Saturn.
Professor Geraint Jones from UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory tells the Supermassive Team about the Saturnian system. Plus, Professor John Zarnecki shares his experiences of being involved with the Cassini-Huygens mission. And, as always, Dr Robert Massey is on hand to take on listener questions and share his stargazing tips for the month.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for The Royal Astronomical Society by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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39: BONUS - Do black holes stop time? Apr 07, 2023

Are gravitational waves destructive? Will the universe ever expand faster than the speed of light? Should we only send robots to space? This month, Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey take on the BIG questions in The Supermassive Mailbox.
Want to support The Supermassive Podcast? Why not buy our book The Year In Space - https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast from the Royal Astronomical Society is a Boffin Media Production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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39: Jupiter The Monster Mar 24, 2023

Izzie and Dr Becky explore the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter. What do we know about this big ol’ planet? And what are the missions that will find out even more? The team is joined by Scott Boulton, Principal Investigator of NASA's Juno mission, and Professor Emma Bunce from the University of Leicester, also involved with ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (aka JUICE). Plus Robert Massey shares his top stargazing tips for spring.
Everyday STEM Science - Space! by Izzie Clarke
https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/izzie-clarke/everyday-stem-science-space/9780753447963
The Year in Space by The Supermassive Podcast
https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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38: BONUS - More Comets, Less Asteroids Mar 10, 2023

Is there a Cosmological Horizon? Can we change a comet's orbit to see more of them? What's the most distant human-made object in space? Izzie, Dr Becky and Robert dive into The Supermassive Mailbox to answer your questions.
Want to support The Supermassive Podcast? Why not buy our book The Year In Space - https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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38: Gettin' Gravitational Wave-y Feb 24, 2023

The Supermassive team take on their toughest challenge (and most tenuous title) yet…Gravitational Waves. Izzie and Dr Becky explore what they are and ask how the heck to detect something so small? With special thanks to Prof. Mark Hannam from Cardiff University and Prof Sheila Rowan, Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow. Plus Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and shares his stargazing tips for spring.
Get your copy of our book, The Year in Space, here: https://geni.us/jNcrw
To add to the Supermassive Mailbox, email questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc or slide into the DMs on Instagram, @SupermassivePod.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham for the Royal Astronomical Society.

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37: BONUS - The Supermassive Mailbox Feb 11, 2023

You spoke. We listened. We're releasing more episodes! Izzie, Dr Becky and Robert answer your questions in this first bonus episode of The Supermassive Podcast.
How hard is life for an astronomer that's a morning person? How do we know if a star is really red or just red-shifted? And more.
To add your questions, photos, messages to The Supermassive Mailbox then email podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstroSoc or find us on Instagram @SupermassivePod.

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37: Q&A - Black Hole Burps and Space Station Pacman Jan 31, 2023

Can a black hole eat a black hole, whole? Is there a Universal now? Which household appliances wouldn't work on the International Space Station? Izzie Clarke puts your questions to Dr Becky Smethurst, Dr Robert Massey and Richard Hollingham.
Here are the websites to help find Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
https://theskylive.com/
https://in-the-sky.org/
If you have a burning question for the team email it to podcast@ras.ac.uk, tweet @RoyalAstrocSoc or finds us on Instagram @SupermassivePod
This is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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36: Stargazing with Team Supermassive Dec 21, 2022

Find out what happened when Izzie Clarke and Dr Robert Massey used a 12 tonne telescope at an observatory in Herstmonceux, Sussex. Plus, Dr Becky Smethurst explains the benefit of using space telescopes and takes on your questions.
With special to Dr Sandra Voss at The Observatory Science Centre in Hertsmonceux: https://www.the-observatory.org/
Get The Year In Space for a month-by-month guide to the night sky: https://geni.us/jNcrw
If you have a question for the team, email podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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Double Astronaut Special: Returning to the Moon Nov 25, 2022

The Astronaut Alarm is in overdrive... Izzie, Dr Becky, and his excellency Richard Hollingham have not one but TWO astronauts on this month's episode.
From the archive, Richard speaks to NASA astronaut Gene Cernan about Apollo 17 and being the last man on the Moon. ESA Astronaut Matthias Maurer talks about the upcoming Artemis missions which will see humans (hopefully, Matthias himself) return to our rocky neighbour. Plus, Robert Massey is on hand to answer your questions and share his stargazing tips for the month.
Read the full interview with the Last Man on the Moon, Gene Cernan, and find out more about Artemis in our book, The Year In Space.
Order here (it's an excellent Christmas present): https://geni.us/jNcrw
What cheese is the Moon made of? Email podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc with your thoughts on the debate.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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34: How to Deflect an Asteroid Oct 27, 2022

Terrified that an asteroid could wipe out the planet? Don’t panic…the Supermassive team are here to help. Izzie and Dr Becky talk to Professor Alan Fitzsimmons about the results of the DART asteroid deflection mission and Samuel L Jackson (who knew he’s studying for a Phd at the Open University?) tells us how scientists plan to track and tackle threatening space rocks. Plus why the Deep Impact movie terrifies both Izzie and Dr Becky, but for very different reasons, and Dr Robert Massey takes us through the November night sky.
The Year in Space from the Supermassive Podcast is out now: https://geni.us/jNcrw
Send in your questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham for the Royal Astronomical Society.

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33: Q&A - The Year in Space Sep 30, 2022

It's been an exciting time for space exploration, so Izzie and Dr Becky celebrate the year in space.... co-incidentally the title of The Supermassive Podcast's book which is out in October. How do plants grow in the ISS? Has JWST changed ideas about cosmology? And when will we get a home gravitational wave detector? The honourable Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst, Dr Robert Massey, and (his excellency) space and science journalist Richard Hollingham take on your questions.
Pre-order our upcoming book The Year In Space for a run down of the most exciting space news and a look to the year ahead: https://geni.us/jNcrw
Listen to Space Boffins: https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/astronomy-podcasts/space-boffins/apollo-remastered
Listen to Gardeners of the Galaxy: https://gardenersofthegalaxy.podbean.com/
Bookclub:
The Year in Space - The Supermassive Podcast (that's us!)
Apollo Remastered - Andy Saunders
Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning - Richard Hinckley Allen
A Responsibility to Awe - Rebecca Elson
A Brief History of Black Holes - Dr Becky Smethurst

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32: JWST First Images... FINALLY! Aug 27, 2022

Izzie and Dr Becky freak out over the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope. From seeing the deep (not so deep) field with Steve Wilkins from the University of Sussex, to exploring exoplanet atmospheres with Dr Hannah Wakeford from the University of Bristol. Plus, Dr Robert Massey takes the team through the September night sky.
Pre-order The Year in Space, out October 27th 2022
https://geni.us/jNcrw
Send in your questions for next month's Year in Space Q&A to podcast@ras.ac.uk
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham for the Royal Astronomical Society.

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31: Life on Mars - LIVE from Standon Calling Jul 29, 2022

The Supermassive team dust off their wellies and peg down their tents for Standon Calling. And to celebrate 10 years of NASA's Curiosity rover landing on Mars, Izzie and Dr Becky are asking the question everyone at the festival wants answered... Is there life on Mars?
With special thanks to Dr Robert Massey, David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, and Alice Armstrong from Agile Rabbit.
Pre-order our book, The Year In Space, out October 2022:
https://geni.us/jNcrw

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production, by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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30: Rocky Planets Rock Jul 01, 2022

Izzie and Dr Becky are flying closer to home to look at the Rocky Planets; Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. How are they different? How are they similar? And can understanding their past tell us anything about Earth’s future? Plus, Dr Robert Massey has his stargazing tips for summer.
With special thanks to Dr Suzie Imber from the University of Leicester, and Sian Prosser from the Royal Astronomical Society.
Thank you to Brilliant for sponsoring this episode. Head to brilliant.org/supermassive to start free courses in maths, science, and computer science. The first 200 subscribers will get 20% off.
Our book, The Year In Space 2023, will be out in Oct 2022. Pre-order here: https://geni.us/jNcrw
We'll be LIVE at Standon Calling, Friday 22nd July 2022 at 2pm. Find out more: https://standon-calling.com/
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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29: Gas Giants are Weird May 31, 2022

From hexagonal shaped storms to spinning sideways, Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring our weird and wonderful Gas Giants. Joining them are Dr Tom Stallard from the University of Leicester and Dr Robert Massey, Deputy Director of the Royal Astronomical Society. Plus editor, Richard Hollingham, takes a trip to the Royal Astronomical Society’s library to see Galileo’s first observations of Saturn’s rings and William Herschel’s notebook from when he discovered Uranus.
See Jupiter's fast rotation (thanks to Dr James O'Donoghue) https://twitter.com/physicsJ/status/1519023430053818368
Thank you to Brilliant for sponsoring this episode. Head to brilliant.org/supermassive to start free courses in maths, science, and computer science. The first 200 subscribers will get 20% off.
The Year In Space 2023 by The Supermassive Team will be out on Oct 2022. Pre-order here: https://geni.us/jNcrw
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham. Edited by Sarah Moore.

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28: How to Kill a Galaxy Apr 30, 2022

How does a galaxy evolve and die? Izzie and Dr Becky find out with help from Tim Davis at Cardiff University. Plus, Dr Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society answers your questions and explains how to spot galaxies in the night sky.
Thank you to Brilliant for sponsoring this episode. Head to brilliant.org/supermassive to start free courses in maths, science, and computer science. The first 200 subscribers will get 20% off.
The link below has more information on the RAS Public Talk with Astronomer Royal Martin Rees, Space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life - with humans and with robots.
https://ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/ras-public-lectures-and-events/space-exploration-and-search-extraterrestrial

A Year In Space by The Supermassive Team will be out on Oct 13th 2022. Pre-order here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Year-Space-Supermassive-Podcast-Astronomical/dp/1472299507/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1O3PS3QUCPP2A&keywords=the+year+in+space&qid=1650904438&s=books&sprefix=the+year+in+space%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-3
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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27: How to Build a Galaxy Mar 25, 2022

Izzie and Dr Becky are attempting to tackle the massive subject of building a galaxy.
Professor Mike Merrifield from The University of Nottingham explains how galaxies form and our very own galaxy expert, Dr Becky, tells us why they come in different shapes and sizes. Plus, Dr Robert Massey has his top tips for stargazing in spring.
Thank you to Brilliant for sponsoring this episode. Head to brilliant.org/supermassive to start free courses in maths, science, and computer science. The first 200 subscribers will get 20% off.
Explore the Galaxy Zoo here:
https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/zookeeper/galaxy-zoo/
Space Book Club recommendations...
Back to Earth - Nicole Stott
The End of Astronauts - Donald Goldsmith & Martin ReesThe Disordered Cosmos - Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
"A Year In Space" by The Supermassive Team will be out on Oct 13th 2022. Pre-order here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Year-Space-Supermassive-Podcast-Astronomical/dp/1472299507/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1O3PS3QUCPP2A&keywords=the+year+in+space&qid=1650904438&s=books&sprefix=the+year+in+space%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-3
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham. Editing this month is by Sarah Moore.

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26: The Marvellous Moon Feb 25, 2022

Who doesn’t love looking up at the moon?! Joining Izzie and Dr Becky, Professor Katherine Joy from the University of Manchester explains what past and future lunar missions can tell us, and Dr Megan Barford from Royal Museums Greenwich gives us a tour of two stunning moon maps from the 17th century. Plus, Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and shares his top tips for moon-gazing.
See the moon maps here...
By Riccioli & Grimaldi, 1651: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1179815/viewBy Cassini, 1679: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1093522/view
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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25: A Supermassive Q&A! Jan 28, 2022

The Supermassive team is finally doing something about all the questions that have been sent in. It’s Q&A time! From "fluffy" planets, to cake on the moon, join Izzie Clarke as she puts your questions to Dr Becky Smethurst, Dr Robert Massey and science and space journalist Richard Hollingham.

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24: Eclipses & Expeditions Dec 24, 2021

Join Dr Becky Smethurst and Dr Robert Massey as they explore eclipses; what are they and how have they been studied throughout history? Plus Izzie Clarke visits the Royal Astronomical Society Library to discover what the society has in the archives, and astronaut Nicole Stott and her husband, Fellow of the RAS, Chris Stott send us their eclipse audio diary from Antarctica.
The RAS Bicentenary Timeline can be found here: https://ras.ac.uk/timeline
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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23: The End of the Universe Nov 26, 2021

What will the end of days actually look like? And how will it happen? This month, Izzie and Dr Becky explore the end of the Universe with cosmologist Dr Katie Mack - author of The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking). They also chat to astronomy journalist and author of The Unknown Universe, Dr Stuart Clark, who explains the role of dark energy. Plus, Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and shares when it is best to see Jupiter, Saturn and Venus in December.
Send your astronomy questions for January's Q&A to podcast[@]ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
Book Club recommendations:

The Red Planet - Simon Morden
Apollo’s Muse - Mia Fineman and Beth Saunders
Fire and Ice - Natalie Starkey
The Invisible Universe - Matt Bothwell
The Mysteries of the Universe - Will Gater

The Supermassive podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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22: JWST - Seeing the First Stars Oct 29, 2021

Finally, Izzie and Dr Becky are talking about the James Webb Space Telescope but why is this telescope so impressive? NASA’s Keith Parrish, the observatory manager for Webb, covers the basics and Professor Gillian Wright, the principal investigator for the mid-infrared instrument (MIRI), explains how it will help us see stars and planets born from clouds of dust. Plus Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and shares his top stargazing tips for the month.
Thank you to the UK Space Agency for sponsoring this episode.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham. Editing by Phil Sansom.

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21: Icy Worlds Oct 01, 2021

Wrap up warm, because this month Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring the icy worlds in the solar system. To help, they're joined by Caroline Harper, Head of Space Science at the UK Space Agency, to discuss the new mission heading to explore Jupiter’s icy moons. And they hear from Professor Michele Dougherty from Imperial College London, who sent Cassini to investigate Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Plus Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and shares his latest stargazing tips for autumn.
Join the Royal Astronomical Society's livestream of Uranus, 8th-10th October 2021: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-weird-and-wonderful-world-of-uranus-world-space-week-tickets-183281298297
Thank you to the UK Space Agency for sponsoring this episode.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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20: Firey Worlds Aug 27, 2021

Izzie and Dr Becky are turning up the heat and exploring the fiery worlds in our solar system. From planets close to the Sun to a distant world of volcanoes and lava.
Joining them are planetary scientist Professor David Rothery from the Open University and Professor Alfred McEwen from the University of Arizona, who wants to send a mission to Jupiter’s moon Io. Plus Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and has his monthly guide to stargazing.
This is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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19: Radiation Belts and Billionaires Jul 30, 2021

This month it’s all about the trapped charged particles around our planet - the Van Allen radiation belts. Izzie and Dr Becky find out all about them with the help of Dr Maria Theresia Walach from Lancaster University, and Dr David Devorkin from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum explains how Explorer 1 discovered the belts in 1958. Plus, Dr Robert Massey joins to take on your questions and shares his top stargazing tips for July.
The podcast is looking for sponsorship to keep the series running. It'll help fund the recording, editing and time needed to bring you the latest from space. If you have a business that would be interested in supporting the series - or just a single episode - then email podcast@ras.ac.uk with the subject “sponsorship” for more information.
This is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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18: A Hunk of Space Junk Jun 25, 2021

Grab your dustpan and brush… This month, Izzie and Dr Becky get to grips with the leftovers from space activity, it's all about space junk. Joining them are engineer Dr Hugh Lewis from the University of Southampton, who models how the debris builds up over time, and space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman explains its historical significance. Plus, Robert Massey joins in to take on your questions and shares his top stargazing tips.
The podcast is looking for sponsorship to keep the series running. It'll help fund the recording, editing and time needed to bring you the latest from space. If you have a business that would be interested in supporting the series - or just a single episode - then email podcast@ras.ac.uk with the subject “sponsorship” for more information.
This is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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17: Hunting for Planet 9 May 28, 2021

Is it a planet? Is it a black hole? Is it even real? This month, Izzie and Dr Becky try and get to the bottom of the mysterious planet nine - an enigmatic - and so far invisible - ninth planet in our solar system. Helping them are the scientists that have made headlines trying to solve this puzzle, Mike Brown from the California Institute of Technology, and Jakub Scholtz from the University of Turin. Plus, Robert Massey joins in to take on your questions and explains how to see the upcoming eclipse.
The Supermassive podcast reached 100k listens this month - thank you to everyone who has listened so far. If you’re interested in sponsoring the series (or an episode or two) then please email podcast@ras.ac.uk with the subject “sponsorship”.
This is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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16: Mysteries of the Kuiper Belt Apr 23, 2021

“It’s like the evidence left over after a crime.” This month Izzie and Dr Becky venture into the outer Solar System to explore a sea of weird rocks, a squashed snowman and ice volcanoes on a demoted planet. They are joined by Dr Meg Schwamb from Queen’s University Belfast and Alice Bowman, Mission Operations Manager for the New Horizons mission at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. Becky also explains the science behind a possible ‘fifth force of nature’ and Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and tells us what to look out for in the spring night sky. You can send your questions or space book club recommendations to podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc using #RASSupermassive.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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15: Neutron Stars - with Jocelyn Bell Burnell Mar 26, 2021

"I was tracking down every signal that it picked up, and there was one signal that I couldn't make sense of."
Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell gives Izzie and Dr Becky a neutron star 101 and tells them how she discovered pulsars in the 1960s. Plus, Dr Robert Massey takes on your questions and tells us what to look out for in the spring night sky.
Book Club Recommendations

Forgotten Women: The Scientists - Zing Tsjeng
Six Impossible Things - John Gribbin
The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) - Katie Mack
Vera Rubin: A Life - Jacqueline and Simon Mitton
Cosmos - Carl Sagan
The Book Nobody Read - Owen Gingerich

Don't forget to send your questions or space book club recommendations to podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc using #RASSupermassive.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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14: A Star Is Born Feb 26, 2021

This month, Izzie and Dr Becky are shining a light on the first stars in the Universe. When did they form? And could any still exist today? Plus, they explore the life of Cecelia Payne Gaposchkin, the astrophysicist who discovered the structure of stars, and Dr Robert Massey joins them to discuss the latest NASA rover on Mars.
With special thanks to Dr Emma Chapman from Imperial College London, author of First Light, and Donovan Moore, author of What Stars Are Made Of: The Life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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13: New Year, New Universe Jan 22, 2021

Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst are kicking off the new year with the beginning of everything, the Big Bang. They speak with Professor David Wands who explains how our universe began, and dive into the historical debate behind this model with Professor Thomas Hertog. And, as always, astronomer Dr Robert Massey shares his top tips for stargazing this month.
Send the team your questions, photos and science book recommendations on social media using #RASSupermassive or email podcast@ras.ac.uk
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham.

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12: Gamma Rays & Christmas Stars Dec 18, 2020

This month, Izzie & Becky are taking astronomy to the extremes with gamma ray expert, Professor Paula Chadwick, and Professor Julian Osborne from the SWIFT Observatory.
Plus, Robert Massey shares his top tips for stargazing at home and how best to see the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21st. Send your pictures and questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc using #RASSupermassive.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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11: Radio Skies & Strange Signals Nov 20, 2020

It’s about time we gave optical telescopes a break! This month, Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst explore radio astronomy with Professor Tim O'Brien from the UK's Jodrell Bank Telescope and Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, former project scientist for the Australian Square Kilometre Array.
Plus, Robert Massey shares his top tips for stargazing at home and choosing the right telescope for you. Send you pictures and questions to podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
Space Book Club Recommendations:

When Galaxies Collide - Lisa Harvey-Smith
Space: 10 Things You Should Know - Becky Smethurst
Moon: Art, Science, Culture - Robert Massey & Alex Loske
No Shadow of a Doubt - Daniel Kennefick
How To Be An Astronaut and Other Space Jobs - Sheila Kanani
The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) - Katie Mack

The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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10: Humans In Space - with Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti Oct 23, 2020

Why do we need astronauts? And where are we hoping to send them in the future? This month, Dr Becky Smethurst and Izzie Clarke explore the role of humans in space exploration and are joined by European Space Agency Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.
Plus, the team celebrate 20 years of human presence on the International Space Station and Robert Massey shares his top tips for stargazing in November.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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9: The Power of Space Probes Sep 25, 2020

Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst travel through our solar system; where exactly have we sent probes and rovers? Plus, they speak with Professor Jane Greaves, the scientist behind that Venus discovery, and Robert Massey joins to chat about all things stargazing.
With special thanks also to Professor Emma Bunce from the University of Leicester.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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8: Journey to the Centre of the Earth Aug 28, 2020

Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst explore the importance of Earth's core and magnetic field. Plus, the team finds out about the astronomer who sailed the seas in the name of science and Robert Massey joins to chat about all things stargazing.
With special thanks to Dr Rebekah Higgitt from National Museums Scotland. You can see the National Maritime Museum's collections of Halley's charts here: https://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/540213.html
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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7: Down To Earth Jul 23, 2020

Dr Becky Smethurst and Izzie Clarke investigate the cosmic coincidences that formed the Earth and explore whether there are earthquakes and volcanoes on other planets. Plus, astronomer Robert Massey joins them to chat all things #cometNEOWISE and what else to look for in the night sky this month.
With special thanks to Dr Amy Gilligan from the University of Aberdeen, Professor David Rothery from the Open University, and everyone who shared their images of Neowise.
Keep sending your questions and stargazing photos to the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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6: Looking for Alien Life Jun 25, 2020

The search for alien life continues. Dr Becky Smethurst and Izzie Clarke explore the world of astrobiology and astronomer Robert Massey joins them to take on your extraterrestrial questions. Plus, they discuss the "broken pipeline" for black and minority ethnic physicists with Dr Sheila Kanani, and what to look for in the night sky this month.
With special thanks to Professor Jane Greaves from Cardiff University.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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5: Exploring Exoplanets May 21, 2020

The worlds outside our solar system; exoplanets. This month, Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst take on listener questions about exoplanets, celebrate 30 years of the Hubble Space Telescope with Robert Massey, and amateur astronomer Steve Brown shares his beginner’s guide to astrophotography. With special thanks also to Dr Hannah Wakeford from the University of Bristol.
Join the Royal Astronomical Society for an online series of talks exploring their collection.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/livestream-overlapping-collections-across-the-atlantic-tickets-105821880092
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media Production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham

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Under the Space Weather Apr 23, 2020

Brits love talking about the weather, so Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst are taking it up a notch. This month, the Supermassive team explore the solar wind, auroras on other planets and the European Space Agency Satellite that's on its way to the sun, Solar Orbiter.
With special thanks to UCL's Professor Andrew Coates and Lee Macdonald from Oxford's History of Science Museum.
Share your astrophotography and lockdown creations with the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
For the next Royal Astronomical Society's "sew-cial" visit:
https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/ras-bicentennial-quilt
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production by Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham..

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Our Neighbourhood Star Mar 19, 2020

This month, Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst explore the star in our neighbourhood, the annoying habits you would banish there and the extreme stars further afield. Plus the Royal Astronomical Society trusts them with a very special book from their archives: Caroline Herschel's star atlas.
What annoying habits would you banish to the sun? Or have you tried some Astrophotography at home? Share with the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
With special thanks to Professor Lucie Green from University College London and Royal Astronomical Society librarian, Sian Prosser.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society.

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It's All Relativity... Feb 20, 2020

This month, Izzie Clarke and Dr Becky Smethurst explore relativity, gravitational waves and the photographs that made Albert Einstein a household name. Astronomer Robert Massey joins us to talk through SpaceX's Starlink and what we can see in the night sky. Plus we have a special gift from poet laureate Simon Armitage.
With special thanks to Professor Toby Wiseman from Imperial College London and Royal Astronomical Society librarian, Sian Prosser.
You can send your questions to the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeing The Invisible Universe Jan 17, 2020

From black holes to dark matter, this first episode of the Royal Astronomical Society's new podcast explores the odd things in space we can't see. Plus, hosts astrophysicist Dr Becky Smethurst and science journalist Izzie Clarke are trusted with a book from 1566 and Robert Massey, the Deputy Executive Director of the RAS, shares his top tips for stargazing at home.
With special thanks to Dr Rebekah Higgitt from the University of Kent, Professor Hiranya Peiris and Professor Andrew Pontzen from University College London.
And yes, we've had to change the name of our podcast. All shall be revealed in episode two...
You can send your questions to the team via podcast@ras.ac.uk or tweet @RoyalAstroSoc.
The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production for the Royal Astronomical Society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.