Planetary Radio • Mar 01, 2016

Interstellar Dreams: Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Aurora”

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Kim stanley robinson by gage skidmore

Kim Stanley Robinson

Science Fiction Author

Famed science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson is back with Aurora, a cautionary tale about just how difficult interstellar travel may be. Emily Lakdawalla reveals the used space shuttle part that has gone to Mars. Bill Nye hopes Congress will boost space exploration, but not by calling it a “renaissance.” Bruce and Mat get all starry-eyed on this week’s What’s Up.

“Aurora” is the latest novel from Kim Stanley Robinson
“Aurora” is the latest novel from Kim Stanley Robinson Image: Orbit

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My favorite day is Tuesday when new episodes arrive
Of Planetary Radio presented by The Five.
A wondrous group of super-heroes from the human race,
Keeping us updated on our planetary space.
Podcast!

The man who hosts this free-for-all has forty years or so
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Just can't lose with Emily, a scientist and author,
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And in the Chair of Leadership—Bill Nye is whom you'll find.
He started his astronomy in Carl Sagan's mind.
"I want to change the world!" he says. As CEO you'll see,
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iTelescope.net

This week's question:

Who was the first person to do an EVA (extravehicular activity) in a spacesuit that did NOT have life support coming from an umbilical (but still had a safety line)?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, March 8th at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

In millions of kilometers, how far from the Sun is Mercury at its closest and farthest points in its orbit?

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

What is the peak wavelength of the Sun’s electromagnetic radiation to the nearest 100 nanometers?

Answer:

The Sun shines brightest at 500 nanometers, which is green, more or less.