Hi! I’m Diya — I study astrophysics and planetary science at Caltech, and I love breaking down complex space concepts so that anyone can understand them. Spaced Out is all about making astrophysics fun, accessible, and just the right amount of mind-blowing. Learn more at www.spacedoutpodcast.com and read about it on substack: diyasparkle.substack.com
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Most planetary systems are born in beautiful orbital resonances, these elegant gravitational rhythms where planets lock into precise integer ratios. But when those resonances break, the resulting chaos might either destroy world... or deliver the ingredients for life! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note: This music is not…
Hot Jupiters are some of the strangest planets we have discovered - they are giant planets that orbit scorchingly close to their stars. How do they exist, and what can they teach us about planetary systems? I chat with Yale Professor Malena Rice about her research into these mysterious planets and what they can reveal about planet formation. Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you…
Long before humans left footprints on the Moon's surface, it had a much more violent beginning! In this episode we go back to the formation of the solar system to explore the Moon's origin story and understand how vital it is to life on Earth. Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note: This music is not mine, you can find…
An engaging discussion with Caltech Professor Mansi Kasliwal on what she describes as "Cosmic Fireworks" - the brightest, fastest, and most energetic events in our Universe! We break down what they are, why they are relevant, how we observe them, and what they have taught us! Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note:…
In this episode of Spaced Out, we dive deeper into one of the most puzzling questions: given the size and age of the universe, why haven't we found intelligent life yet? Building on the last episode about the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox, we explore several theories—some grounded in science, others leaning into sci-fi—that try to explain this silence. Whether you're curious about how…
In this episode of Spaced Out , we look at one of the most fascinating questions in science: why haven't we found any aliens? Before we explore the many theories that try and explain this, I walk through the Drake equation - a super useful way to think about how many intelligent civilizations could be out there. It's not so much a strict calculation as it is a framework for searching for life.…
This is a crash course to planet formation! In this episode, you will learn how planets form from dust grains and gas, the different temperatures and compositions in the disk, and why the planets in our solar system exist where they do. This episode naturally follows the last one, the Physics of Star Formation. It is a bit longer of an episode, but is easy to follow. Enjoy! Note: This music is not…
The very beginning of one of my favorite astronomy topics (planet formation) is star formation! In this episode, I explain the basics of star formation (especially the physics behind it) in simple ways, with many analogies! I hope you all enjoy it! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu
This episode covers stellar evolution, specifically how stars form from nebula into protostars, failed stars, and T-tauri stars! Another episode will cover the end of a stars life. Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions for future episodes, or comments.
An overview of the Perseverance rover's mission, the helicopter Ingenuity, and what we hope this mission will reveal to us!
