Cheap Astronomy - Dear CA #134: Testing Asumptions

Cheap Astronomy - Dear CA #134: Testing Asumptions

Author: 365DaysOfAstronomy.org April 28, 2026 Duration: 15:26

Taking nothing for granted.

Hosted by Steve Nerlich.

Dear Cheap Astronomy – Is space really empty?

Well, the universe is filled with stars, planets and galaxies, but sure all the big gaps between those things are mostly empty. Although, let's not forget dark matter. It's likely to have a wider and denser distribution than visible matter, since we think there's four times more of it than there is of light matter - but all we can really say is 'we think' since we can't see dark matter and we don't actually know what it is.

 

Dear Cheap Astronomy – Just how strange is reality?

So, this is an unusual question insofar as the word strange implies a divergence from normal - whereas reality is by definition normal. Therefore, whatever strangeness it may possess is mostly defined by our own subjective expectations. Every day the Sun comes up and when we make a cup of tea, the water still boils the way that it has ever other day and the tea bags and milk you bought the day before haven't spontaneously dematerialized overnight. These are things we consider normal and indeed represents the apparent blandness of reality - something that can only be spiced up by the application of our imagination.

 

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Imagine a daily conversation about the cosmos, where each sunrise brings a fresh perspective from a different corner of the globe. That’s the essence of The 365 Days of Astronomy. Born from the spirit of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, this enduring project has evolved into a genuine community effort, releasing a new episode every single day. You won’t hear the same host each time; instead, the microphone passes to astronomers, educators, enthusiasts, and scientists, each sharing their unique passion and expertise. This structure means the tone and topic can shift wonderfully from one day to the next-you might delve into the mechanics of a black hole on Tuesday and then explore ancient celestial myths on Wednesday. The consistent thread is a shared wonder for the universe, presented in accessible, bite-sized pieces. Managed by Avivah Yamani and edited by Richard Drumm, this daily podcast is a production of the Planetary Science Institute, sustained by listener support. It’s a calendar of the cosmos, offering a daily moment of reflection and discovery that proves you don’t need a telescope to have your perspective shifted. Tuning in regularly builds a habit of cosmic curiosity, connecting the vastness of space to the rhythm of our own days.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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