Since 2002, Planetary Radio has visited with a scientist, engineer, project manager, advocate, or writer who provides a unique perspective on the quest for knowledge about our Solar System and beyond. The full show archive is available for free.

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Diving Into That Lake on Mars

Our world was rocked by last week’s announcement of good radar evidence for a liquid water “lake” under the Red Planet’s south pole. Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla introduces us to the story that is then taken up by two of host Mat Kaplan’s favorite Martians. The Goddard Space Flight Center’s James Garvin headed NASA’s Mars exploration program, while NASA Ames astrobiologist Chris McKay co-founded the Mars Underground more than 35 years ago.

Chris McKay, Larry Niven and Andy Weir at the Contact Conference

Space art and science fiction joined science fact at the 2016 Contact Conference in Sunnyvale, California. We talk with three well-known visionaries.

Remembering Ray

We look back to the Planetary Society's 2003 birthday party for Ray Bradbury, with tributes from distinguished fans and eloquent words from the master himself.

Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez and Chris McKay Say the Vikings Probably DID Discover Organics on Mars

Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez and Chris McKay Say the Vikings Probably DID Discover Organics on Mars

Chris McKay on the Phoenix Mission's Big Surprise

Chris McKay on the Phoenix Mission's Big Surprise

Spaceward Bound: Chris McKay Leads Scientists and Teachers in the Mojave Desert

Spaceward Bound: Chris McKay Leads Scientists and Teachers in the Mojave Desert

Looking for Life with Chris McKay

Planetary scientist Chris McKay talks about where and how we should look for life in the universe, including Europa and Mars.

Europa: Life Beneath the Ice?

Highlights from a public forum on what may be found in Europa's ocean and how to reach it, w/ Chris McKay, Bob Pappalardo, Torrence Johnson, and more.

Getting Ready for Titan with Chris McKay

Getting Ready for Titan with Chris McKay

Life in the Extreme

Life in the Extreme