This episode of Star Warsologies covers space exploration topics with an operator of the Mars rover!

Katherine Winchell is an astrogeologist whose love of Star Wars has a lot to do with her career in the space program. She is also the head organizer of the upcoming Legacy Expo convention, which takes place in Burbank on September 13-14, 2025. We talk about the con (and Star Warsologies will be there!), but we also dive deep into the similarities between Mars and Tatooine and how early travelers explored the galaxy far, far away. Since Katherine is so well-versed in the Extended Universe books, we also talk about the few examples of scientific exploration present there.

Show Notes:

Get involved in the Save NASA Science advocacy from the Planetary Society, including participation in October 5-6 Days of Action!

Learn more about NASA's Perseverance rover and the Europa Clipper mission that Katherine mentioned.

Check out Melissa's Nerdist article about the Mars samples that look like lightsabers!

Find out more about the Galaxy Tour science field trip. And if you do sign up to go, make sure to put "Star Warsologies" in the Order Notes when you check out!

You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!

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Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.