Best Astrophysics News Podcasts (2025)

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Apocalypse then: how cataclysms shaped human societies 27:39

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37m ago27:39

27:39

Science journalist Lizzie Wade’s first book, Apocalypse: A Transformative Exploration of Humanity's Resilience Through Cataclysmic Events explores some of the cataclysmic events that humans have faced through history. Lizzie joined us to discuss what modern archaeology has revealed about these events, and the role these they’ve have played in shapi…

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Battle Of The Brains, Trolley Problems & Save The KIWIS! 1:16:40

11m ago1:16:40

1:16:40

'Anything from the Trolley dear?' Bach & Arthur both have issues with their trollies, Battle Of The Brains and New Zealand are saving two or more birds with one stone. Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon.com/bachandarthur Follow us …

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This AI tool predicts your risk of 1,000 diseases — by looking at your medical records 35:31

10m ago35:31

35:31

00:50 The AI tool that predicts disease risk Researchers have developed an AI tool that can calculate a person’s risk of developing over 1,000 different diseases, sometimes years in advance. The system, called Delphi-2M, was trained to identify patterns of disease progression using 400,000 people's health records from data repository the UK Biobank…

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Detecting gravitational waves 10:21

15m ago10:21

10:21

In 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) facilities in the US directly detected ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves. These waves were produced by the final spiral of two orbiting black holes that smashed into each other, sending ripples across the Universe. In this podcast, Benjamin Thompson speaks to …

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Who Needs Legs in Space? The Incredible Journey of John McFall 1:03:39

1d ago1:03:39

1:03:39

John McFall — surgeon, Paralympic medalist, father of three, and ESA parastronaut selectee — joins Markus to explore how human spaceflight changes when we design for ability, not assumptions. From winter survival in the Pyrenees to EVA realities and cosmic radiation, John shares what it takes to open space to everyone. Cosmic Timeline [00:00:00] Sq…

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The Worlds FIRST Diet, We Rank UK Fast Food Chains & We Are Freaky Chefs... 53:32

3h ago53:32

53:32

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOOOOD! This week, our favourite astronauts dive into the worlds first diet, future 'biohacking' diets that could reduce effects of ageing, and Arthur gets weird... really weird... Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon…

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Feeling the heat: fossil-fuel producers linked to dozens of heatwaves 36:39

2d ago36:39

36:39

00:45 Attributing extreme heat events to major energy producers Major energy producers increased the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves, according to research published in Nature. Using data from an international disaster database, a team developed a methodology to investigate how much anthropogenic climate change had influenced heatwaves. They …

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Research misconduct: how the scientific community is fighting back 52:13

7d ago52:13

52:13

In 2016, Brian Wansink wrote a blog post that prompted scientific sleuths to investigate his work. They found evidence of data manipulation, and, after several news articles and two investigations by his institution, he would found to have committed misconduct, as defined by Cornell University. His work had been used to inform US policy around food…

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Nature goes inside the world’s largest ‘mosquito factory’ — here’s the buzz 10:57

10d ago10:57

10:57

Raising mosquitoes to tackle disease might sound like an odd concept, but that’s what a facility in Brazil is aiming to do. Millions of mosquitoes are produced there every week, but these insects carry harmless Wolbachia bacteria that curbs their ability to spread deadly human viruses. Nature reporter Mariana Lenharo visited the facility and told u…

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Bambino Becky’s Top Pub Quiz Team & Why Drinking Is Overrated 1:33:00

5d ago1:33:00

1:33:00

Our first female guest, Bambino Becky tells us all. What’s her opinion on Astrology, are periods real and Becky Blind Ranks a Dream Pub Quiz Table. Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon.com/bachandarthur Follow us on socials: - Instag…

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Two ants, two species, one mother 27:06

6d ago27:06

27:06

00:45 The ant queen that can produce two different species Researchers have made an unusual observation that appears at odds with biology: an ant, known as the Iberian Harvester Ant can produce offspring of two completely different species. Many ants need to mate with other species to produce workers that are a genetic mix of the two, known as hybr…

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Paul in Festival Land 1:35:13

7d ago1:35:13

1:35:13

A bumper end of summer episode with Paul out in the world of science outreach and communication in a Summer music festival. There's also discussion of the new Astronomer Royal, China's moon programme, Starship and a deep dive on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.By Awesome Astronomy

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Astrophiz221 - September SkyGuide 30:06

8d ago30:06

30:06

September Moon Phases:September 8 - Full Moon and Total eclipse of the moon around 2am for those who will be getting up very early to see it (Best viewed in WA)September 8 - Saturn close to the Full Moon (4° apart) in evening sky (also close during the Lunar eclipse in the early hours of the morning.2am central max 4am. wa has best view 2am max 3am…

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Audio long read: How to detect consciousness in people, animals and maybe even AI 19:57

11d ago19:57

19:57

The search for signs of consciousness has expanded, thanks to advanced neuroimaging techniques. These tools allow researchers to detect consciousness in unresponsive humans, and now researchers are looking to develop tests that work in animals and perhaps even artificial intelligence systems of the future. This is an audio version of our Feature: H…

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Bach DESTROYS Arthur's Home, Mr Beast Controversy & BEEF With Neil deGrasse Tyson Explained 1:30:04

12d ago1:30:04

1:30:04

In this week's episode Bach teaches us all about Asteroids, Meteors and Comets. Arthur gives us his best zinger and the boys give their opinion on Mr Beast's TeamWater. Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon.com/bachandarthur Follow us…

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Earth's Lost Rings: A 466-Million-Year-Old Warning 58:37

26d ago58:37

58:37

Guest: Dr. Andy Tomkins – Geologist, Professor at Monash University, and lead author of the groundbreaking study proposing that Earth once had a Saturn-like ring system. The Cosmic Scoop: What if Earth once had rings like Saturn? Dr. Andy Tomkins joins Markus to unravel the evidence that, 466 million years ago, a colossal asteroid breakup may have …

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Viral spread: how rumours surged in revolutionary France 24:44

26d ago24:44

24:44

00:48 How the 18th-Century 'Great Fear’ spread across rural France In the late 1700s, rural France was beset with rapidly spreading rumours of aristocratic plots to suppress revolutionary ideas. But how, and why, these rumours were able to spread so quickly has puzzled historians. Now, using modern epidemiological modelling, a team suggests that a …

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Vikkstar On Life As A DJ, His Love For Science & A COD Birthday Party With The Sidemen #S2E27 1:33:06

27d ago1:33:06

1:33:06

Today, Vik talks about what life is like as a Tomorrowland DJ, his love for the podcast, his own takes on Science & Religion and why he is the fastest swimmer with the fastest swimmers. Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon.com/bachan…

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Fusion energy gets a boost from cold fusion chemistry 19:57

20d ago19:57

19:57

00:46 Electrochemical fusion Researchers have used electrochemistry to increase the rates of nuclear fusion reactions in a desktop reactor. Fusion energy promises abundant clean energy, but fusion events are rare, hindering progress. Now, inspired by the controversial claim of cold fusion, researchers used electrochemistry to get palladium to absor…

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Controversial climate report from Trump team galvanizes scientists into action 13:05

25d ago13:05

13:05

In this Podcast Extra, we discuss a report released by the US Department of Energy, which concluded that global warming is “less damaging economically than commonly believed”. However, many researchers say that the report misrepresents decades of climate science. We discuss how scientists are trying to coordinate a unified response amidst concerns …

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Eating Beans From The Back Because of Doomsday 1:20:55

1M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Doomsday, eating Dr Pepper beans from the back, Arthurs' hairline is in retreat, and our love of plumbottoms. PLUS another round of Geek or Weak… Bach edition! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Arthurs Hairline 03:46 - Arthurs Raunchy Sea Monkey's 06:57 - Bach's Holiday 12:40 - Doomsday Prep 23:20 - GTA Grandma's 26:10 - Potatoes & Milk Debate 30:48 …

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Astrophiz220-Dr Emil Lenc-Imaging Radio Skies 50:36

1M ago50:36

50:36

Today we're bringing you a fabulous interview with an amazing astrophysicist, Dr. Emil Lenc, who works on commissioning new capabilities on telescope arrays like the ATCA, the MWA, ASKAP, and the beautiful new SKA-Low Array over in the harsh scrublands in outback Western Australia, which is part of the multi-billion dollar Square Kilometer ArrayHe …

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Sun-powered flyers could explore the mysterious mesosphere 31:53

27d ago31:53

31:53

00:46 Tiny solar flyer Researchers have used a phenomenon known as thermal transpiration to create a solar-powered flying device that can stay aloft without any moving parts. The diminutive device, just one centimetre across, consists of two thin, perforated membranes that allow air to flow through the device, generating lift. Although only a proof…

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Solar Lets You Visit. Nuclear Lets You Stay. A delicate conversation. 1:04:34

1M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Guest: Dr. Bhavya Lal – Former NASA Chief Technologist, MIT-trained nuclear engineer, and architect of U.S. space nuclear policy. The Cosmic Scoop: Nuclear power’s bad Earthly reputation hides its potential as a lifeline beyond our planet. Space is already radioactive—and if we want to stay and build on the Moon, Mars, or Europa, nuclear offers “po…

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Fetishes, Fan Fiction and the Science of Attraction 1:19:04

1M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

This week we discuss the science of attraction, the weirdest fetishes and how we develop them, and read some of our very own fan fiction... Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority submissions and more bonus perks https://patreon.com/bachandarthur Follow us on socials: - Instagram @bac…

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Underwater glue shows its sticking power in rubber duck test 28:14

1M ago28:14

28:14

00:45 Researchers develop a new glue and test it on a rubber duck Aided by machine learning, researchers have developed a super-sticky compound that works as an underwater adhesive. Inspired by animals like barnacles, the team developed a new kind of a material called a hydrogel. The material is capable of securely fastening objects together even w…

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AI, Hypersonics and Betelbuddy 1:26:40

1M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

This month we talk about Jen at the BBC, AI in science communication, a supernova in NGC7331, whether Betelgeuse has a companion, Exoplanet shenanigans, European hypersonic space planes, and of course our monthly sky guide and general chat. Produced by Paul, Jen, John, Damien & DustinBy Awesome Astronomy

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The Free Will Paradox Broke Us 1:39:03

1M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

The space boys are back for another episode and this week it’s a deep DEEP dive into the concept of ‘Free Will’. Does it exist? Do they believe in it? Will mathematics & science prove them wrong? And what the heck is the ‘Prediction Paradox’?! Get involved: - Submissions box https://forms.gle/uTTw3iy3nrnhu8247 - Support us on Patreon for priority s…

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Earth's deepest ecosystem discovered six miles below the sea 33:03

1M ago33:03

33:03

00:45 The deepest ecosystem ever discovered Researchers have dived down to more than 9,000 metres below the surface of the Pacific and discovered surprisingly complex communities of life living in deep ocean trenches. The new research shows an array of animal life that appears to be using methane as a source of energy. The researchers are planning …

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Astrophiz219-August SkyGuide 24:37

1M ago24:37

24:37

Astrophiz Astronomy 219 ~ Dr Ian Musgrave’s August SkyGuide & Astrophotography ChallengeAugust Moon Phases:August 1 - 1st Quarter Moon August 2 - Moon at apogee (furthest from earth)August 9 - Full MoonAugust 15 - Moon at perigee (closest to earth)August 16 - Last Quarter Moon - Ideal for StargazingAugust 23 - New Moon - also ideal for StargazingAu…

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Planet Earth, Digitized: Can ESA’s Virtual Twin Save Us? 47:17

2M ago47:17

47:17

This week, Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programs at the European Space Agency (ESA), joins Markus to dive into one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects of our time: building a digital twin of our planet. Through Destination Earth (DestinE), ESA is creating a dynamic, real-time model of Earth—a tool designed to simulat…

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Our Perception Of Time Is Broken & Losing Breast Milk In An Uber? 1:03:00

2M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

This week the space boys run through the 2025 Uber Lost & Found Index and it did NOT disappoint.They also chat about a new study on the perception of time and we hear some of your petty revenge stories. Bach & Arthur: 'Outta This World' Tour - UK & Ireland Newcastle · Dublin · Manchester · Bristol · Birmingham · London · Glasgow TICKETS ADDED + VEN…

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Giant laser heats solid gold to 14 times its melting point 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

00:46 How hot can solid gold get? A new study suggests that gold can be superheated far beyond its melting point without it becoming a liquid. Using an intense burst from a laser, a team heated a gold foil to 14 times its melting point, far beyond a theoretical limit put forward in previous studies. The team suggest that the speed at which they hea…

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AI, bounties and culture change, how scientists are taking on errors 49:19

2M ago49:19

49:19

A simple methodological error meant that for years researchers considered drinking moderate amounts of alcohol to be healthy. Now plenty of evidence suggests that isn't the case, but errors like this still plague the scientific literature. So, how can the scientific literature become more error-free? In the first episode of this two-part series, to…

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Making Arthur Suffer, What Happens To A Chicken in SPACE? & Our NEW Gameshow 1:09:58

2M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

In today's episode - paper plans are being dropped from the ISS (sort of), we find out if Arthur is a Geek or Weak & some 'Would You Rather' submission's to round out the chaos. Bach & Arthur: 'Outta This World' Tour - UK & Ireland Newcastle · Dublin · Manchester · Bristol · Birmingham · London · Glasgow TICKETS ADDED + VENUE CHANGE: Bristol Beacon…

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‘Stealth flippers’ helped this extinct mega-predator stalk its prey 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

In this episode: 00:48 The ancient mega-predator with a ‘stealth mode’ The extinct marine mega-predator Temnodontosaurus had specialised adaptations to stealthily hunt its prey, suggests an analysis of a fossil flipper. Although Temnodontosaurus was a member of a well-studied group of marine reptiles called ichthyosaurs, its lifestyle has been a my…

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Astrophiz218-Dr Nancy Grace Roman 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

VALE: Nancy Grace Roman ~ 16 May 1925 ~ 25 December 2018I'm your host, Brendan O’Brien, and today we're taking a journey through the life and achievements of a truly remarkable astronomer who quite literally changed how we see the universe. Today we're enjoying examining the legacy of Dr Nancy Grace Roman, who spent over 30 years fighting, and winn…

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Three weeks in a hide to spot one elusive bear: the life of a wildlife film-maker 12:47

2M ago12:47

12:47

Vianet Djenguet is an award-winning wildlife film-maker and camera operator whose work has featured in a number of major nature documentaries. In this podcast, Vianet joins us to talk about his career, how wildlife film-making have changed, and his experiences working with local researchers to capture footage of endangered animals on the new televi…

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Good or Evil, the Genie Ultimatum & Listening to your GUILTY Voice Notes 49:48

3M ago49:48

49:48

This week on the Bach & Arthur pod it's all about Good and Evil, a genies ULTIMATE ultimatum and some juicy 'Am I The A-hole' voice notes submissions. Bach & Arthur: 'Outta This World' Tour - UK & Ireland Newcastle · Dublin · Manchester · Bristol · Birmingham · London · Glasgow TICKETS ADDED + VENUE CHANGE: Bristol Beacon Theatre 23rd September NEW…

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Ancient DNA reveals farming led to more human diseases 37:06

2M ago37:06

37:06

00:48 The past 35,000 years of disease Ancient DNA evidence shows that the advent of agriculture led to more infectious disease among humans, with pathogens from animals only showing up 6,500 years ago. The DNA, extracted from human teeth, shows the history of diseases present in Eurasia over tens of thousands of years. The approach used could be a…

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Audio long read: How to speak to a vaccine sceptic — research reveals what works 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

Questions and doubts about vaccines are on the rise worldwide and public-health specialists worry that these trends could worsen. But while the shift in public attitudes towards immunizations can leave scientists, physicians and many others feeling disheartened, a surge of research on vaccine hesitancy is starting to offer ways to address the issue…

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And Now For Our Kinkiest Episode Yet 56:46

2M ago56:46

56:46

Strange erotic artefacts, juicy confessions, and prehistoric n*des? With the inclusion of a new Nova and Exoplanet, this episode is filled with saucy discoveries and potentially Bach and Arthur's kinkiest episode yet. Bach & Arthur: 'Outta This World' Tour - UK & Ireland Newcastle · Dublin · Manchester · Bristol · Birmingham · London · Glasgow Get …

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Former Space Agency Head: The Real Reason We Aren't on the Moon (It's Not Technology) 1:14:35

3M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

Giorgio Saccoccia – former President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), propulsion engineer, and lifelong “space fan.” From lunar outposts and electric thrusters to space-as-diplomacy, Saccoccia brings four decades of insight into turning quick “flags-and-footprints” missions into a permanent human presence beyond Earth. Key Moments ⏱ Time Topic | …