Universe University

After Talk for Episode 19 with Dr. Brent Ziarnick

Dr. Brent D. Ziarnick serves as an assistant professor at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base. He is also author of ‘To Rule the Skies: General Thomas S. Power and the Rise of Strategic Air Command in the Cold War’. In this episode, he discusses the birth of the U.S. Space Force along with the military and economic implications of future space exploration and expansion. "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Lice...

Episode 19: The High Ground: Part 2

When the formation of the U.S. "Space Force" was announced, the new military branch was the butt of many jokes but what role will it serve in the 21st century? Tensions are currently high between the United States, Russia, and China. Is a war in outer space inevitable or will this new frontier offer prosperity for all who join in the adventure? A new guest on the program helps us to answer this important questions. REFERENCES: 'The Battle for the Soul of the Space Force' by Brent Ziarnik, 'T...

Episode 18: The High Ground: Part 1

Outer space is the ultimate strategic high ground for the world's great powers. This is true for both spy satellites and ballistic missiles. During the Cold War, President Ronald Reagan proposed the creation of a technologically advanced, space-based defensive weapon system known as S.D.I.. But critics of the proposal dubbed it 'Star Wars' and said it would trigger a new arms race with the Soviet Union. What historical lessons can be learned from this episode in history? REFERENCES: "Adolf Hi...

Episode 17: The Twelfth Man

50 years ago today, the three Apollo 17 astronauts departed the Moon to return to Earth. It was the first time in human history that a scientist set foot on another world: geologist Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt. What lessons does this historic mission have to teach us in the coming years as humans finally return to the Moon with the Artemis program? RECORDED BY: Jantzen Carter REFERENCES: 'Apollo 17: Diary of the Twelfth Man' by Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt 'The Last Man on the Moon' by Eugene Cernan a...

After Talk for Episode 16 w/Andrew Chaikin (pt 2 of 2)

The renowned and deeply insightful Andrew Chaikin joins the After Talk to share his views on space exploration along with his experiences interviewing the Apollo astronauts. Chaikin is the author of 'A Man on the Moon', 'Voices from the Moon', and 'A Passion for Mars'. MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

After Talk for Episode 16 w/Andrew Chaikin (pt 1 of 2)

The renowned and deeply insightful Andrew Chaikin joins the After Talk to share his views on space exploration along with his experiences interviewing the Apollo astronauts. Chaikin is the author of 'A Man on the Moon', 'Voices from the Moon', and 'A Passion for Mars'. MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

After Talk for Episode 16 w/Andrew Chaikin

The renowned and deeply insightful Andrew Chaikin joins the After Talk to share his views on space exploration along with his experiences interviewing the Apollo astronauts. Chaikin is the author of 'A Man on the Moon', 'Voices from the Moon', and 'A Passion for Mars'. MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 16: On the Shoulders of Giants

Nearly half a century before the space age began in earnest, a few brilliant visionaries had the courage to look beyond their own time and see humanity’s future. From Russia to the United States, a few brilliant minds transformed science fiction into science fact, giving birth to the space age. REFERENCES: ‘The Russian Cosmists: The Esoteric Futurism of Nikolai Fedorov and His Followers’ by George M. Young ‘The Case for Space: How the Revolution in Spaceflight Opens Up a Future of Limitless...

Bonus After Talk: Reflections on Mars (part 2 of 2)

Host and producer discuss the future of space travel and manned missions to Mars. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ REFERENCES: "Scientists and Seaman" [article] By Ben Finney "Humans Will...

Bonus After Talk: Reflections on Mars (part 1 of 2)

Host and producer discuss the future of space travel and manned missions to Mars. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ REFERENCES: "The Case for Space" By Robert Zubrin PhD "Merchants of Desp...

After Talk for Episode 15 w/Robert Zubrin PhD

Dr. Robert Zubrin joins the after talk for an in depth discussion on space exploration. He starts by telling us the story of his Mars Direct plan, the founding of the Mars Society, and his relationship with the young Elon Musk. We go on to discuss the technical and political challenges of sending human beings to Mars as well as his personal philosophyof human space exploration. To watch the video version of this interview, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cWRQo2Iw MUSIC: "Sl...

Episode 15: Life on Mars

Mars has captivated the human imagination for generations. Yet the question remains: is there organic life on the Red Planet? If so, how can we search for it and what would such life be like? And what will day-to-day life be like for the first astronauts to set foot on Mars? The brilliant Dr. Robert Zubrin joins us to help answer some of these questions. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f...

After Talk for Episode 14 w/Nick Conant

Nick Conant, a science communicator and Theater Manager of the Fiske Planetarium, sits down for an After Talk about: Native American astronomy, craters, comets as a (proposed) water source on Earth, and the ethics of asteroid mining. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative C...

Episode 14: Harbingers of Cataclysm

Centuries ago, the work of Edmond Halley demonstrated to the world that comets were not evil omens as many superstitious Europeans believed but celestial bodies in outer space. Even so, comets and asteroids could pose a direct threat to all life on Earth. The real question is whether humanity has the tools to meet that threat? If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHj...

Year-End-Review

Host and producer recap a year of podcasting in a holiday after talk.

After Talk for Episode 13 w/Alex Roland PhD

Professor Alex Roland discusses how he became a historian for NASA, the financial costs of the U.S. shuttle program, the concept of "buying in", and the enormous challenges of manned space travel. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License ht...

After Talk for Episode #13 w/Alex Roland PhD

Professor Alex Roland discusses how he became a historian for NASA, the financial costs of the U.S. shuttle program, the concept of "buying in", and the enormous challenges of manned space travel. MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 13: The Legend of Icarus

The space shuttle was a marvel of American ingenuity that ushered in a new era for the American space program. But the world would soon learn that reusable spacecraft were far from being perfect machines. Is the story of the U.S. shuttle program a tale of triumph for human space exploration? Or is the tale of a modern day Icarus? If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1...

After Talk for Episode 12 w/ Guest Konnor Blunt

An after talk discussion with Konner Blunt from the Blunt Report on Halloween celebrations around the world, weather control, S.E.T.I. research, anthropomorphizing extraterrestrials, sleep paralysis, and UFOs. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3...

Episode 12: The UFO Enigma

In the late 1940s, the United States military began to take an interest in reports of unidentified flying objects or U.F.O.s which included multiple projects designed to investigate and evaluate the sightings. Despite the fact that many UFO sightings were cases of mistaken identity that could easily be explained away, a minority of them proved extremely perplexing to the U.S. government, leading some high level officials to consider the possibility that the Earth was being visited by extrater...

After Talk for Episode 11 w/guest Beth Gordon

Guest Beth Gordon chats about her wildly popular Instagram account (Spacewhippet), space museums around the country, the significance of Apollo 11, and the future of human space travel. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniversity?fbclid=IwAR0GJjAwa3C1f8KKxDi7aeGVEO-Ou3dL10vmf1kQHjssQu5eEgmCkyNFMgw MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creat...

Episode 11: One Small Step: 50 Years Later

Half a century ago this week, Apollo 11 set out to land on the moon. It was the culmination of hundreds of thousands of brilliant engineers working to make science fiction into science fact. But who were the three men who went on the journey? What did they experience during their epic journey to an alien world? And what significance does their historic mission have for humanity 50 years later? If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/un...

After Talk for Episode 10 w/Guest Michael Tremmel PhD

Michael Tremmel has a Bachelors Degree in physics and math from Northwestern University as well as a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Washington. He has written several publications in astrophysics journals about supermassive black holes and galaxy evolution. In this episode, he talks about popular misconceptions about black holes as well as the fabric of space-time itself. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeuniver...

Episode 10: Black Holes: Windows to Oblivion

A European patent clerk with an overactive imagination revealed to the world the very fabric of space and time. But decades later, the discovery of black holes would reveal far more challenging facts about the nature of our universe: gaping holes in the very fabric of reality itself. Within the depths of black holes, we might find the keys to a comprehensive and unifiying understanding of quantum mechanics and General Relativity... or we might find a window to oblivion. If you would like to ...

After Talk for Episode 9

Guest Konner Blunt joins Chris and Blake for the after talk to discuss Pluto, the discipline of science, and life on Mars. Please listen to his shows at: iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blunt-report/id1396353716 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAxZDojccGJFJVcvYHUXPw Twitter: https://twitter.com/blunt_report Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluntreport/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebluntreport/ For listener questions and comments, email us here: show@u...

Episode 9: Pluto: God of the Underworld

Discovered by an American farm boy in his early 20s, Pluto has captivated us for quite some time... but astronomers would later discover many other strange worlds within the outer boundaries of the solar system. And the mere existence of these worlds led to one of the greatest controveries in the history of astronomy. *PHOTO CAPTION: * Pluto's mountain range (11,000 foot elevation) at sunset. *REFERENCES: * *"Out of Darkness: The Planet Pluto" * Clyde Tombaugh *"How I Killed Pluto and Why ...

After Talk for Episode 8

In a longer than average after talk; Host and Producer discuss the famous 'face' on Mars, the Space Exploration Initiative under President Bush, NERVA nuclear rockets, the problem of space junk, finding life on other planets, and the options for traveling to Mars. For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by...

Episode 8: Musk's Mars (By Way of Zubrin) [2 of 2]

Young entrepreneur Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with the hopes of building his own rockets and sending human beings to Mars. In the 21st century alone, we have seen startling revelations about the red planet. But Musk would soon find out that rocketry is a tedious and difficult business. Today, he has plans to send human beings to Mars... but just making the journey there, let alone landing on its surface, could prove to be the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. For listener ques...

After Talk for Episode 7

Guest Vera Demchenko joins the after talk to discuss her work at the famous Green Bank Observatory, life on Mars, Elon Musk, and the value of space exploration. For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 7: Musk's Mars (By Way of Zubrin) [part 1 of 2]

For some time now, human beings have been fascinated by the planet Mars, from its earthlike features to its potential for alien life. This world may hold vital clues as to whether or not human beings are alone in the universe. We've sent robots to explore the red planet, yet human beings have never set foot on its surface. If humans ever make it to this remote planet, it will be due to the dedicated efforts of a few bold and brilliant figures in our recent history. If you would like to make ...

After Talk for Episode 6

Host and Producer discuss space stations (including China's national space station), nuclear technology used for peaceful purposes, and Orion starships. For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] CORRECTIONS: The "Colorado Skies" series still exists at the Fiske Planetarium. "A Closer Look" is just a separate series. Our Mars episode will likely be released in February, not January. For listener questions and comments, email us here: show@universeunive...

Episode 6: War and Space

Since the dawn of the space age, the governments and militaries of the world have prepared for war in outer space: from the early days of the Cold War to America's Air Force in the 21st century... from anti-satellite weapons to Soviet military space stations. One military space vehicle was even designed that could carry human beings to the stars... or annihilate the entire human race. If you would like to make a contribution to the program, click this link: https://www.patreon.com/universeun...

Christmas Special: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 8

After Talk for Episode 5

Host and producer discuss Giordano Bruno's mystical beliefs, Neil deGrasse Tyson's politics, star gazing, light pollution, paradigm shifts in science, and the bible. For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ REFERENCES: 'The Great Myths 3: Giordano Bruno was a Martyr for Science' by Tim O'Neill histo...

Episode 5: The Heretic

For centuries, humanity concieved of a cosmos with a fixed earth at its center with stars and planets orbiting around it. Then one day, an obscure Polish priest proposed an outlandish new theory. But it was Galileo and his telescope that would provide the ultimate proof for this radical theory when he bore witness to the universe as it truly existed. Galileo boldly challenged the Catholic Church's view of the universe... in the process, he gave birth to modern astronomy. For listener questio...

Episode 5 Preview

For over a millenium, our understanding of the universe and our place within it had been deeply flawed. A few pioneers in astronomy concieved of the universe in a different way, challenging the established order. Yet one of them was more brazen than all the others. His name was Galileo and he is considered the father of modern science... but in the eyes of the Catholic Church, he was also a heretic. Join us for Episode 5: The Heretic on November 19th. "Heavy Heart" Kevin MacLeod (incompetec...

After Talk for Episode 4 THE GRAND FINALE!

Host and producer talk about moon landings, review the film 'First Man', Space X, talk recent news about the Soyuz, and look forward towards future episodes. CORRECTION: In reality, Neil Armstrong did not bring a bracelet from his deceased daughter along with him to the moon, as portrayed in the film 'First Man'. For listener questions and comments, email us here: show@universeuniversity MUSIC: "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 L...

Episode 4: Into the Great Wide Open (Part 3 of 3)

In the thrilling conclusion to our three part series, the space race comes to a conclusive end with the first attempts to send human beings to the moon. In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union's once unstoppable space program suffered a serious setback but they were determined to press on. In America, Von Braun's Saturn V rocket was completed and tested. After the Apollo 1 tragedy, NASA decided to make a bold move to save the space program. Yet even as the Soviet Union lagged behind in the space ...

After Talk for Episode 3

Host and producer discuss the physical hardships of space travel and the life threatening risks that astronauts take. CORRETION: B.C. actually does stand for "Before Christ". It is a common misconception that A.D. stands for "After Death" rather than "Anno Domini". For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] Intro Music By "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/lic...

Episode 3: Into the Great Wide Open (Part 2 of 3)

America continued to strive to take the lead in the space race with Project Gemini but the Soviet Union's brilliant Chief Designer seemed to be ahead of them at every turn. America's efforts during this time resulted in some great victories in the space race but the price of this progress proved to be quite high. For listener questions and comments, email us here: [email protected] MUSIC: "Shores of Avalon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attri...

After Talk for Episode 2

Host (Chris) and producer (Blake) discuss the physical rigors of space travel, roller coasters, Nazi ethics, and the first human spaceflight. For listener questions and comments, email us here: show@universeuniversity Intro Music By "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 2: Into the Great Wide Open (Part 1 of 3)

In mankind's most brutal and barbaric century, we witnessed the dawn of a new era: the space age. Born of wartime conflict, the modern rocket would become the chariot that carried human beings outside of the atmosphere and into outer space. But no human could have made the journey if not for the dedicated engineers that transformed science fiction into science fact. These men changed the course of world history and shifted the balance of power between superpowers. Today, we begin our three-p...

After Talk for Episode 1

Host (Chris) and producer (Blake) have a discussion on E.T.s, quantum physics, H.G. Wells, and how human beings panic during a disaster. For listener questions and comments, email here: show@universeuniversity Intro Music By "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 1: When E.T. Calls

Astronomers are already searching for signs of microscopic alien life on Mars and elsewhere but is there intelligent life in the universe? Are there advanced, technological civilizations like our own on other planets? Many astronomers believe the answer is yes and we may be on the verge of discovering it. Some scientists even think we may have discovered it already! Radioastronomy offers us a chance to listen for alien signals in the cosmos. But how will we prepare for a call from E.T.? And w...

An Introduction

At Universe University, former planetarium presenter Chris Grant will be taking listeners on an adventure through astronomy, theoretical physics, and the history of human spaceflight. Each new episode will include an aftertalk with discussion as well as Q&A about the content of the episode. Look for Episode One: 'When E.T. Calls' coming out on Monday, October 1st! MUSIC: "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommon...