Awesome Astronomy - Christmas Special

Paul Hill, Ralph Wilkins and Dr. Jenifer “Dr. Dust” Millard host. Damien Phillips, John Wildridge and Dustin Ruoff produce.   We defer our usual Xmas frivolity to go to NASA’s coverage of Elon Musk’s Penetrating Explorer Neo Insertion System rocket delivering NASA’s Advanced Solar System probe to Uranus and look back at the astronomy and space exploration highlights of 2021:   The first detection of an exoplanet in another galaxy, the first exomoon and the most abundant stars perhaps being habitable hosts. A great alignment of planets in the sky for backyard astronomers. NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. The advances in China’s space programme. The seismic shift in American commercial spaceflight.   We then look forward to the anticipated highlights of 2022:   For astronomers, the moon will be passing in front of planets and bright star Porrima. Artemis 1 should kickstart NASA’s return to the Moon. SpaceX tests at Boca Chca should put of a show whatever the results.   But remember y’all, Christmas is all about the children. And space. But mostly the children. Who are our future. In space. With Children.   www.awesomeastronomy.com   Bio: Awesome Astronomy is a podcast beamed direct from an underground bunker on Mars to promote science, space and astronomy (and enslave Earth if all goes well).   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].