Astrophiz 72: Dr Brad Tucker - SUPERnova Space Detective

Brad tells us about his research using the Keppler Space Telescope and how its successor TESS is generating great science already. He tells us how astrophysicists use a variety of tools to measure how the universe is changing over time. He explains how remote observing has radically changed the way astronomy is done around the world and how we now use telescopes with 100 times the light-collecting area of the Hubble telescope and use lasers to correct for disturbances in the atmosphere. If you thought your 12 inch Dobbie was big, and it is, consider that researchers are now building telescopes with 25 to 30-metre mirrors.

Brad also took us on a grand tour of the Mt Stromlo observatory and the new National space test facility. he showed us the monster satellite vacuum test chamber, the extreme heat/freeze satellite test chamber and the testbed that simulates the forces that satellites experience on launch. If satellites as small as CubeSats and as large as 3m by 3m pass these extreme tests, they are certified to launch into space.

In our regular segment for astrophotographers and observers, Dr. Ian ‘Astroblog’ Musgrave presents ‘What’s Up Doc?’. In this episode, he tells us about the planets, the Geminid meteor shower, and comets currently visible to the naked eye.

An astronomy podcast about Astrophysics, Astrophotography, Space Science and Particle Physics. Listen to a different special guest each fortnight, plus 'What's Up Doc' with Dr. Ian 'Astroblog' Musgrave & the latest Astro news

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