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Artwork for Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

The Planetary Society
NASA
Mars
Titan
James Webb Space Telescope
Space Shuttle Program
Enceladus
K2-18b
Day Of Action
Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Spirit and Opportunity
Space Governance
Grey Zones
Archaeoastronomy
Total Solar Eclipses
Asteroid Dinkinesh
Nasa's Insight Mission
Marsquake
Chandrayaan-3
Phosphorus
Astrobiology

Planetary Radio brings you the human adventure across our Solar System and beyond. We visit each week with the scientists, engineers, leaders, advocates, and astronauts who are taking us across the final frontier. Regular features raise your space IQ while they put a smile on your face. Join host Sarah Al-Ahmed and Planetary Society colleagues including Bill Nye the Science Guy and Bruce Betts as ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes1295Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceTechnology

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Artwork for Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Latest Episodes

In 1996, a controversial claim of fossilized life in a Martian meteorite ignited a golden age of Mars exploration. Nearly 30 years later, a potential biosignature detected by the Perseverance rover at Jezero Crater has sparked…nothing, not even a for... more

If we ever meet intelligent extraterrestrials, will we even be able to talk about physics? Physicist Daniel Whiteson of UC Irvine and cartoonist Andy Warner join Sarah Al-Ahmed to explore one of science’s strangest and most profound questions: if ali... more

What happens in space doesn’t stay in space. Historian Dagomar Degroot joins Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed to explore how shifting solar cycles, volcanic eruptions on Venus, Martian dust storms, and even mistaken sightings of lunar forests have... more

YouTube

In this second installment of Planetary Radio’s coverage from the 2025 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, host Sarah Al-Ahmed highlights more of the technologies presented by the NIAC fellows.

Mary Knapp of M... more

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Recent Guests

Lou Friedman
Executive Director Emeritus of the Planetary Society and one of its co-founders.
The Planetary Society
Episode: Space Policy Edition: Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?
Dr. Dagomar Degroot
Professor of Environmental History at Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Episode: Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean
Mary Knapp
Research scientist at MIT Haystack Observatory
MIT Haystack Observatory
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 — Hopping robots and the search for exoplanet magnetospheres
Benjamin Hockman
Robotics technologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 — Hopping robots and the search for exoplanet magnetospheres
Justin Yim
Assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leading Novel Mobile Robots Lab
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 — Hopping robots and the search for exoplanet magnetospheres
Michael Hecht
Principal investigator for the MOXIE experiment on NASA's Perseverance rover
MIT Haystack Observatory
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 — Hopping robots and the search for exoplanet magnetospheres
Dr. Margaret Weitekamp
Curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and author of "Space Craze"
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Episode: Book Club Edition: Space Craze by Margaret Weitekamp
Christine Gregg
Research engineer at NASA Ames Research Center
NASA Ames Research Center
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 1 — Lunar glass and starshades
Martin Bermudez
CEO of Skyports LLC and Principal Investigator of the LUNGS Project
Skyports LLC
Episode: 2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 1 — Lunar glass and starshades

Hosts

Casey Dreier
Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society, Casey Dreier is known for his insights into space legislation and the political aspects of space exploration.
Sarah Al-Ahmed
Host of Planetary Radio and a prominent advocate for space exploration, Sarah Al-Ahmed brings a depth of knowledge and a passion for astronomy to her interviews.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.1k ratings
  • Republicans are raising taxes for middle class and poor

    Casey begs for the listeners to become a member and donate to them on one hand, while he promotes billionaires’ business ventures on another hand.

    Republicans keep raising taxes for regular people, by way of tariffs, and lowering taxes for rich people, by way of the Big Beautiful Bill, making regular people even poorer. But that doesn’t stop this podcast from begging for more donations from regular people. Somehow the rich keep getting richer while the rest of us keep getting screwed.

    This i... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Fatty2820
    United States3 months ago
  • So-S0

    Generally ood science/astronomy content, but unfortunately tainted with DEI dogma and recurring leftwing political bias…. Could use a bit more “diversity” and “inclusion” when it comes to worldviews and obvious bias.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Oracle ofTruth
    Canada4 months ago
  • Casey Dreier & Mary Guenther

    These 2 people are out of touch with Middle America and have no clue of anything that happens here. People are poor, people have lost everything, people are scared and people are dying. Billionaires have taken over our country and these two don’t seem to get it or even care. Stop robbing from all the poor Americans and giving our cash to the wealthiest Americans.

    P.S. Poor people don’t do polling, so please don’t give us the polling numbers from now on.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Fatty2820
    United States4 months ago
  • Look up at night sky and be inspired!

    As an artist living in the USA, I have always been interested in the mysteries of the night sky and how little old me figures into the grand scheme of space! I always inspired by the Apollo missions. It might have been my innocence of youth that made me think everyone loved space flight and exploration of the universe like me! Out on the farm where I grew up, it was so dark at night that one could see satellites, planets, the edge of the Milky Way and what I called “foreverland ”! Outer planeta... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HeyJude2U
    United States4 months ago
  • The best society, and the best podcast

    What is there to say, this podcast helps you find your place in space while understanding the people and science that goes into space, science, and exploration. I never get board listening to the content. Also the host Sarah Al-Ahmed is always a joy to listen to with her knowledge and wit!

    If you enjoy the show I highly recommend joining the planetary society!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Olikoth
    Canada5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The quality of episodes is frequently commended, along with the expertise of guests, though audio issues have been noted by some.
Some reviews indicate a desire for a more balanced representation of perspectives, especially regarding political content.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and informative discussions, often highlighting the passion of hosts and guests for space science.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#61
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#66
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#105
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#109
Australia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#30
Hong Kong/Science
Apple Podcasts
#47
Spain/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Space Policy Edition: Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?
Q: What would you tell those who argue that we need humans to do the work on Mars?
Robotic missions, including Mars Sample Return, are essential precursors to human exploration of Mars.
Space Policy Edition: Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?
Q: Why do you think Mars Sample Return is having such a hard time right now?
It lacks support from the public and scientific community, and NASA hasn't prioritized it, considering its huge costs.
Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean
Q: What lessons should we take from solar events?
We should heed the risks solar storms pose to modern technology and the need for improved research and protective measures.
Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean
Q: Why did you choose the title 'Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean'?
The title came from the cumulative influences from cosmic environments, reflecting how they ripple through and affect life on Earth.
Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean
Q: Can you define what environmental history is?
Environmental history is the study of reciprocal relationships between humanity and everything else in the universe.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast offers an engaging exploration of space science and exploration, spotlighting the voices and insights of scientists, engineers, astronauts, and advocates during each episode. Listeners can expect to hear interviews that illuminate the latest discoveries in astronomy, missions, and projects that propel humanity into the cosmos. Regular segments enhance understanding while fostering an enjoyable listening experience, with a particular emphasis on space policy issues affecting the future of U.S. space efforts. Noteworthy is the blend of educational content with a passion for space, making it accessible and appealing to anyone interested in the vast universe beyond our planet.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Universe Today Podcast
2. Astronomy Cast
3. SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy
4. The Supermassive Podcast
5. The 365 Days of Astronomy

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 20 years ago and published 1295 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Lou Friedman
2. Dr. Dagomar Degroot
3. Mary Knapp
4. Benjamin Hockman
5. Justin Yim
6. Michael Hecht
7. Dr. Margaret Weitekamp
8. Christine Gregg

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