Join Felix and Anish on an adventure to explore the Centauri star system, the closest to our own star system. In this episode, they delve deep into interesting information about Alpha Centauri A and B, twin stars dominating the system, and speak about the intriguing Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf with promise it holds for exoplanets within the habitable zone. The latest on Proxima b: an Earth-sized exoplanet that's got astronomers talking, plus the trials and possibilities of interstellar travel. 

Episode 49 - Life Beyond Earth: Navigating the Challenges of Living on the ISS

In this episode of Cosmic Conversations, Felix and Anish delve into the unique challenges astronauts living aboard the International Space Station (ISS) face. From maintaining physical health through regular exercise and managing a balanced diet in microgravity to addressing hygiene, sleep, and access to medical care, they explore how astronauts adapt to life in space. 

Join us as we uncover the complexities of life in orbit and the measures taken to ensure the health and productivity of astronauts in this remarkable frontier of human exploration.

Episode 48 - High School Advice!

Hey Listeners! In this episode we wanted to give our youth listeners some high-school advice, aside from astronomy. Furthermore, we feature a very special guest in this episode!! In this episode we dive in to our recommendations for selecting courses, and how to prepare for college. We go over how to adapt to differing friend groups and how to acclimate to a new environment. Last but not least, we reflect upon some of our mistakes in sports/clubs. Listen in make sure you don't repeat the same mistakes!

Episode 47 - Einstein's Theory of General Relativity

Join Felix as he dives deep into the fascinating world of Einstein’s theory of relativity. In this episode, he explores the groundbreaking ideas that redefined our understanding of space and time, tracing the history of how Einstein developed his theory. 

Felix simplifies the complex concepts for listeners, making it accessible and engaging. Learn how the mysterious precession of Mercury’s orbit and the dramatic 1919 solar eclipse provided the crucial evidence that confirmed Einstein’s theory, changing the course of modern physics forever.

Episode 46 - Mastering the Skies: The Science and Engineering of Space Rockets

In this episode of Cosmic Conversations, Felix and Anish offer an in-depth exploration of the engineering marvels that propel humanity into space: rockets. 

We examine the critical stages of rocket operation, from the meticulous pre-launch preparations to the complexities of ignition, lift-off, and ascent. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how rockets overcome Earth’s gravitational pull, navigate atmospheric drag, and achieve precise stage separation.

The episode also delves into the intricate processes of payload deployment and the challenges of safe reentry and landing. 

Whether you’re a seasoned space enthusiast or simply curious about the mechanics of space travel, this episode provides a thorough overview of the technology that enables our exploration of the galaxy.

Episode 45 - Galileo: The Stargazer Who Dared to Dream

In this episode, Felix and Anish dive into the life and legacy of Galileo Galilei, the father of modern science. They explore his early life and education, tracing the influences that shaped his revolutionary ideas. Discover how Galileo’s groundbreaking achievements in physics and astronomy forever changed our understanding of the universe, from his improvements to the telescope to his pivotal support for the heliocentric model. 

Join Felix and Anish as they unravel the story of a man whose curiosity and courage defied the conventions of his time, leaving an indelible mark on the history of science.

Episode 44 - The Dark Side of the Universe: Dark Matter and Dark Energy

In this episode, Felix and Anish dive into the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

They discuss how these quantities were first discovered, the innovative experiments trying to unravel their secrets, and what they mean for our understanding of the universe.

Most importantly, they spend significant time making sure you can understand what these are! Join them as they explore the unknowns that continue to challenge and fascinate scientists worldwide.

Episode 43 - Pulsars Unveiled: Understanding the Cosmic Beacons

In this episode of Cosmic Conversations, Felix and Anish share a comprehensive exploration of pulsars—neutron stars known for their rapid rotation and periodic emission of radiation. 

They provide an in-depth analysis of the underlying physics that drives pulsar behavior, including their formation processes and the different types of pulsars, such as visual binaries, spectroscopic binaries, and eclipsing binaries. 

The episode also highlights several notable pulsars, including the Crab Pulsar and the Black Widow Pulsar, discussing their distinctive features and contributions to our understanding of stellar and galactic phenomena.

Episode 42 - The Birth of the Universe: Unraveling the Big Bang

In this episode, Felix takes listeners on an in-depth journey through the origins of the universe, exploring the profound mysteries of the Big Bang theory.

Starting with the explosive moment of cosmic inflation, Felix delves into the intricate processes that shaped our universe. From the formation of the first atomic nuclei during nucleosynthesis to recombination (first elements like Hydrogen) that allowed light to travel freely, each phase of the universe’s early history is unpacked clearly!

Felix also discusses the Dark Ages, the birth of the first stars, and the ongoing expansion driven by dark energy. This episode offers a comprehensive yet accessible breakdown of the key stages that have defined the universe as we know it. This episode ends talking about the father of the Big Bang Theory and how it came to be validated!

Tune in to learn all about the theory that explains our universe!

Episode 41 - Cosmic Radiation: Implications for Earth and Space Exploration