From Earth to the Edge of the Universe: A New Edition of “The Cosmos”

Astronomers Jay Pasachoff and Alex Filippenko have just published the 4th edition of "The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millenium." They join us for a conversation about this monumental textbook. Emily Lakdawalla helps us say good morning to the just-awakened Rosetta spacecraft, while Bill Nye is fascinated and puzzled by what looks like a jelly doughnut on the Martian surface. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan have a copy of “The Cosmos” to give away in the What’s Up space trivia contest.

Related Links:

• "The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millennium"
• Emily Lakdawalla: Rosetta is Awake!
• Messages to Bennu! Fly Your Name to an Asteroid!

This week's prize is a copy of "The Cosmos!"

This week's question:

What bodies has Rosetta flown by on the way to its comet encounter?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Monday, January 27, at 2pm Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

What northern hemisphere constellation is best known for looking like the letter "W" or sometimes "M?"

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

What was the first power tool specifically designed for space use in 1964, according to NASA?

Answer:

The Martin Company and Black and Decker created the "electric minimum reaction space tool"—basically, a battery-powered drill.