The Supermassive Podcast

The Supermassive Podcast

Author: The Royal Astronomical Society Language: English Episodes: 111
Hosted by science journalist Izzie Clarke and astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst, The Supermassive Podcast is a journey through the cosmos produced by The Royal Astronomical Society. Each episode blends cutting-edge science with historical context, creating a rich narrative that connects past discoveries to present-day mysteries. You’ll hear conversations with leading researchers breaking down complex ideas, from gravitational slingshots to the nature of time itself, alongside deep dives into archival material that reveals how our understanding of the universe has evolved. The tone is both curious and conversational, making even the most profound concepts in physics and astronomy feel accessible and exciting. Regular contributions from Dr. Robert Massey offer practical guidance for observing the night sky, grounding the theoretical in the tangible. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an exploration driven by listener questions, which range from the wonderfully weird to the fundamentally profound, ensuring every topic has a direct link to shared human curiosity. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a front-row seat to the latest scientific discussions while being reminded of the long, fascinating history that got us here. It’s where the biggest questions about black holes, multiverses, and our place in the cosmos are met with genuine enthusiasm and expert insight, all delivered with a distinctly engaging energy.
Episodes
BONUS - Why can't anything go faster than the speed of light? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
From planetary alignment through the galaxy to spacetime expansion, The Supermassive Team answer your questions. Keep sending us your questions, email us on podcast@ras.ac.uk or find us on instagram @SupermassivePod Host…
The Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
The Supermassive Team are investigating strange blasts of energy in space called Fast Radio Bursts. What are they and where do they come from? Dr Stuart Ryder from Macquarie University in Australia joins Izzie, Dr Becky…
BONUS - Nuclear Pasta & G-Astronomy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:42
... Potentially the silliest bonus episode we've ever recorded. The Supermassive Team takes on your questions; What are Brown Dwarfs? How can photons have different energies? Do frozen stars exist? And they get extremely…
Strange Stars and Bizarre Binaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:10
From pulsating stars to those with diamond cores, Izzie and Dr Becky are exploring weird and wonderful stars. What are the different types of stars in our universe? And what are the oddballs? Plus Dr Robert Massey is her…
BONUS - A Bumper Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
Auroras, and comets, and launches... Oh my! Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky Smethurst, and Dr Robert Massey run through a MEGA month for the astronomy community. Plus, there's just enough time to squeeze in a few listener questio…
Untangling the Cosmic Web [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:57
Izzie and Dr Becky are untangling the cosmic web - the large scale structure of the universe - with help from Dr Chiara Mingarelli from Yale University. What the heck is it? What do we know about it? And can we use gravi…
BONUS - What distorts time? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:53
What happens when a black hole and gravitational wave collide? How will the moon's gravity impact tides with rising sea levels? And "the Supermassive Wise Ones" discuss Einstein vs Newton in this bonus episode. Send your…
We Made It To Mercury! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:26
Izzie and Dr Becky complete their tour of the solar system with a trip to Mercury, the space spirograph (copyright: Dr Becky). Join them as they explore what we know about the planet so far and what ESA's current mission…
BONUS - Galaxy Spin and Saving Herstmonceux Observatory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:41
Does an instantaneous star map exist? Where are the perfect spheres in space? How did Venus get so close to the Sun? It's a bonus episode from The Supermassive team. Sign the petition and support Herstmonceux Observatory…
Venus aka "Earth's Evil Twin" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:49
This is Venus’ moment in the supermassive spotlight. What do we know about this hellish planet? And what missions are going there in the near future? Izzie and Dr Becky speak with Dr Phillipa Mason from Imperial College…