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The 365 Days of Astronomy, the daily podcast of the International Year of Astronomy 2009
From May 10, 2022. A luminous black hole already classified as an active galactic nucleus brightened suddenly in recent ground and space observations, and the cause may be due to a sudden flip in the magnetic poles. Plus, community science, rockets, Ingenuity, and an interview with Dr. Cathy Weitz from Planetary Science Institute. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.
Episode: 3341 How Warren McCulloch and Walter Pitts laid the foundation for current AI research. Today, the origin of artificial neural networks.
Episode: 3340 We look at the curious mechanics behind scissors. Today, let's look at scissors.
Episode: 1473 Two unsinkable ships: the Titanic and the Great Eastern. Today, a story of two ships. One sank. One didn't.
Episode: 1472 New uses for huge numbers. Today, big numbers find new meaning.
Episode: 1471 Some thoughts about immigrants, depression, suicide & Jamestown. Today, a story about Jamestown and self-destruction.
In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Alexann Sharp and Cara Flanery sit down with four-time Emmy-winning innovator Michael Cioni to unpack how technology and creativity converge in modern media workflows. Cioni introduces Strada, a peer-to-peer platform designed to enable remote collaboration without cloud storage, and shares career lessons on building networks through industry events (NAB, Cine Gear, IBC) and assembling complementary teams ("Swiss-cheese" collaboration). He distinguishes generative vs. utilitarian AI, predicts a shakeout and rebound for GenAI, and outlines his Skills Gap Principle and "Technative" mindset for balancing creative and technical strengths. The conversation closes with candid advice on taking smarter risks and betting on yourself. SHOW NOTES Michael Cioni's IMDB page Link to Strada Michael Cioni's YouTube interview: Using AI to fill your skills gap
Episode: 1470 Occam's razor and engineering design. Today, we cut with Occam's razor.
Episode: 2533 On Table Legs and Flat Surfaces. Today, the power of three.
Episode: 2763 The legacy of Steve Jobs, who simplified computers and computing devices. Today, the man who made it simple.
Episode: 3339 Cradling the Body: The Eames Lounge Chair, Leg Splint, and Good Design. The Eames Lounge Chair and Leg Splint
Episode: 3338 An old Century Magazine tries to predict future warfare. Today, we predict warcraft.
Episode: 1469 The hourglass: the poor man's clock, the poor man's metaphor. Today, let's look at the hourglass.
4. Post-Apollo Budget Cuts and the Rise of Robotic Mars Exploration. Matthew Shindell discusses how following the success of Apollo, NASA proposed extending the human space program to Mars. However, President Nixon, recognizing shifting political priorities, chose to divert funding toward domestic issues like civil rights and poverty. As a result, NASA's post-Apollo budget levels dropped significantly, forcing space exploration to compete with other national needs. This led to the expansion of highly successful robotic exploration programs. Mariner 4 and 9 provided increasingly detailed images, and the Viking landers in the mid-1970s allowed scientific operations directly on the Martian surface. After a two-decade pause, exploration returned with greater vengeance via rovers like Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and the recent Perseverance and Ingenuity helicopter. While technological capabilities have grown, a human mission to Mars remains incredibly ambitious due to the persistent challenges of ensuring human safety, providing shelter from radiation, and managing life support for the long duration of the trip. 1956 Retry
Episode: 1468 The evolution of the bicycle. Today, let's talk about bicycles and freedom.
Episode: 2529 Comparing Fingerprints: What's Involved and What can go Wrong. Today, who dunnit?
Episode: 3337 Claude Bernard's important medical science, horrifically achieved. Today, let's meet a problematic scientist.
Can we learn more about humans by studying animal behavior? For Dr. Francine Dolins, this question lies at the heart of her life's work. An Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dr. Dolins explores the rich intersections between animal cognition, ecology, and the evolutionary foundations of behavior. With a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Primatology from the University of Stirling and a BSc in Behavioral Ecology from the University of Sussex, her research delves into how non-human primates and humans navigate their worlds. From lemurs in Madagascar to tamarins in Costa Rica and Peru, Dr. Dolins studies spatial cognition, decision-making, and navigation in both natural habitats and experimental settings. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Dolins's pioneering work on virtual reality research with apes. How primates use mental maps and landmarks to make navigational decisions. What current research can reveal about the evolution of intelligence, cooperation, and social cognition. Dr. Dolins also collaborates with scientists worldwide, combining field primatology, technology, and comparative psychology to advance both animal welfare and conservation education. Eager to learn more about this fascinating subject? Click play now to deep dive into how studying our closest relatives helps us understand ourselves… You can learn more about Dr. Dolins and her work here!
Episode: 2018 The Chamberlen family secret: the invention of forceps. Today, guest historian Cathy Patterson reveals family secrets.
The Space Show Presents Arkisys CEO DAVE BARNHART Sunday, 11-2-25David Barnhart (Dave), CEO of Arkisys and research professor at USC, discussed the company's progress in space operations and their unique business platform called “The Port” in Los Alamitos, Ca, including their work with NASA's Astrobee facility and development of a free-flying space platform called “The Port.” The discussion covered various technical aspects including funding sources, modular space platforms, and navigation systems, while addressing challenges in hiring engineers and developing flexible infrastructure for space servicing. The conversation ended with conversations about future plans including lunar applications, and company security measures. Before ending, Dave highlighted the potential environmental impact of satellite debris and mentioned a USC PhD student's research on the topic presented at the United Nations. I referenced future Space Show programs with Hotel Mars Dr. Kothari and Dr. Roger Lanius on Friday to discuss his new book.CEO Dave discussed his role in managing the Astrobee facility, a robotic free flyer inside the International Space Station. He explained that Arkisys, where he works, had taken over the commercial maintenance and operation of Astrobee which is used for microgravity experiments inside the ISS. The facility allows for testing in full 6 degrees of freedom in a zero-G environment, with capabilities for various payloads and operations lasting about 3 hours per session. Our guest noted that while NASA does not pay for the service, it aligns with his company business model focused on services, and they are responsible for helping customers through the necessary paperwork and procedures to use Astrobee.David went on to discuss the development of his free-flying space platform called “The Port,” which will provide a stable environment for autonomous robotics and payload hosting. He explained that the first flight of key technologies, carried by a 250-kilogram vehicle called the Cutter, is planned for late 2026, with the goal of demonstrating rendezvous capabilities with a port module in a 525-kilometer Sun Sync orbit. Barnhart noted that while there is competition in the space infrastructure and logistics sector, the market for hosted payloads and space servicing is projected to grow significantly, with potential revenue from existing markets like hosted payloads.Barnhart discussed his company's funding, which includes government grants, SBIR, STTR, and contracts from DIU and the Space Development Agency. He explained their development of a modular space platform with propulsion capabilities, including the use of chemical systems and potential partnerships with companies using electric propulsion. Barnhart also addressed the challenges of refueling and connecting different interfaces for their platform, noting that they conducted a study on various interfaces worldwide and are working on creating a flexible system for future growth.David discussed the evolution of his satellite concept from a DARPA challenge focused on modular orbital functions to the development of “satlets” and port modules. He explained how the concept of cellularization led to the creation of scalable, multi-functional satellite components that could be aggregated, addressing the challenge of building cost-effective satellites. Barnhart described his company's current size of 4 full-time employees plus himself, with plans to expand to 10-12 people, and mentioned their upcoming move to a larger facility to accommodate growth and develop a flat floor testing platform for robotic arm movements in space.Barnhart further discussed the challenges of hiring engineers for innovative space projects, noting that while experienced engineers are valuable for technical expertise, they may struggle with new concepts, while less experienced engineers might be more adaptable but lack depth. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between technical expertise and innovative thinking. Ryan inquired about the potential internal applications of the Astrobee partnership with NASA, to which Barnhart confirmed that the learnings would be applied to Arkisys port module for validation and verification post-launch. Barnhart also explained the company's use of an AI-based system, powered by a large language model, to assist in identifying potential issues with connectivity and safety. He highlighted the flexibility of the port module, which can be reconfigured and expanded in multiple dimensions to meet various customer needs, and emphasized the company's focus on creating a versatile infrastructure for space servicing rather than specializing in a single service like refueling.The team discussed navigation systems for their spaceport module, which includes onboard cameras, GPS, IMU, and a partnership with Fugro for high-precision navigation down to centimeter accuracy using differential GPS and L-band signals. Dave explained their power management strategy, noting they have 500 watts on the cutter and plan for 1,000-1,500 watts on the port module, with power optimization software to manage shared infrastructure. Marshall inquired about lunar applications, to which he confirmed the system could be adapted for lunar and Mars orbits, including potential use as a communications router to handle different frequency standards around the moon.David also discussed the challenges of selecting the right mix of connectors for their first port module to ensure flexibility over the next five years, particularly in light of Europe's space servicing push. He mentioned they have letters of intent from prospective customers and have conducted over 20 tests with 15 different types of customers using a full-scale port module mock-up. Barnhart also addressed cyber and IT theft protection, noting they are NIST certified and going through the audit process for CMMC, with a focus on mitigating attacks from overseas. He explained they are developing software for security, including the ability to encrypt payload data with customer-specific keys, and are allocating 5% of their monthly budget to IT security.David Barnhart discussed the company's approach to satellite connectivity, explaining they are working with AWS ground stations and exploring optical beam communication options. He addressed Marshall's question about interfacing with satellite constellations, noting they are currently independent but considering multiple ground station providers. Our guest responded to David's question about succession planning, confirming they have explored directors and key people insurance and identified Dr. Raul Rugani as a potential successor. Ryan inquired about the company's growth strategy, to which he explained they are focusing on key modularization challenges while being open to partnerships for specialized technologies like robotics, with the goal of creating flexible port modules that can accommodate various capabilities.Dave discussed the challenges and potential solutions for exploring lava tubes on Mars using a modified Ingenuity helicopter, emphasizing the need for a hybrid approach involving both aerial and rover-based systems. He explained the technology behind cave navigation using SLAM and highlighted the importance of energy and data distribution. Barnhart also described the Bosun Locker project, which provides students with 3D printable files to design and test hardware for space applications. Additionally, he addressed the environmental impact of space debris reentering the Earth's atmosphere, noting the potential for nanoparticles to affect the atmosphere's composition and radiation effects.David and Dave discussed the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and both expressed gratitude to the Space Show team. They encouraged listeners to support the show through donations and subscriptions. David mentioned the next shows will feature Dr. Roger Lanius, then an open lines discussion.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4457: ZOOM Dr. Roger Launius | Friday 07 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Roger LauniusZoom: Dr. Launius talks about his new book, “NACA to NASA to Now.”Broadcast 4458 ZOOM Open Lines Discussion | Sunday 09 Nov 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZoom: Open Lines Discussion Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe
Episode: 3007 Samuel Gragg's Unusual Chair. Today we look at an elastic Chair.
Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac give you their good, bad, and ugly from the Atlanta Falcons 24-23 road loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Episode: 3336 The evolution and potential demise of the lowly Nickel. Today, let us spend the lowly nickel.
Episode: 1467 Napoleon Bonaparte and Iron in France. Today, Napoleon builds iron monuments.
Episode: 1466 An old botany book for young girls changes scientific thinking. Today, a young student forms a scientific theory.
Episode #3335 Learning to fly non-stop from coast to coast in America. Today, we fly across America.
Episode: 2527 Alphonse Bertillon: Measuring the Man. Today, the measure of a man.
Episode: 3244 Bias and Diversity in Photography and Face Recognition Software. Today, bodies, in beautiful black and white.
Episode: 2909 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Providing Renewable Energy, A Comparison of Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Lithium Ion Battery. Today, a neat way to get energy.
Episode: 1465 In which random statistical clusters look significant. Today, we flip six heads in a row.
For our special Halloween episode, we sit down with VFX Supervisor Gabriel Regentin to discuss his work with Ingenuity Studios on the smash-hit horror film, Weapons. Gabriel details his close collaboration with director Zach Cregger, whose primary goal was to ensure every visual effect felt 100% "in-camera" and unquestionably real. He shares the challenge of creating the film's signature terrifying effects and how Ingenuity Studios was brought in early to develop the look for such a massive, director-driven vision. Gabriel also walks us through his fascinating "origin story," from studying Performing Arts Technology in Michigan to navigating the 90s dot-com boom in New York with Macromedia Director and After Effects. He recounts his big break on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, where he earned the nickname "Gatlin Gabe" for his rapid temp comps and created a shot so good it became the benchmark for the final vendor, landing him a job at Framestore and launching his career in feature films. Ingenuity Studios > Weapons on HBO Max > Gabriel Regentin on IMDB > Gabriel Regentin on LinkedIn >
Episode: 1464 Trying to teach technologies that were novel for us, but not our students. Today, a thought about technological change and learning.
Episode: 1463 An old pig iron smelter in the New Hampshire underbrush. Today, an old iron works hidden in the tall grass.
Episode: 1462 Jedidiah Morse, geographer and Samuel F. B. Morse's father. Today, Jedidiah Morse's geography.
Episode: 2523 Georges-Eugene Haussmann Reshapes Paris. Today, a city redone.
Episode: 3334 In Praise of Humble Lint. Today highlighting a former fabric byproduct.
Episode: 2818 The Pompeian Paradox and Fiorelli's Body Casts. Today, the Pompeian paradox.
Episode: 1461 George Everett Hale and BIG telescopes. Today, we look through some really big telescopes.
Episode: 1460 The little-known Japanese art of Chindogu. Today, the odd Japanese art of Chindogu.
Episode: 1459 A tongue-tied attempt to say what teaching is. Today, teaching and ambiguity.
Episode: 1458 The brief bright day of the electric trolley in Houston. Today, let's ride the Houston trolley.
Episode: 2520 Hybrid Electric Car Technology. Today, we hit the brakes.
Episode: 2815 The spread of ideas in social networks. Today, let's talk about engineered social networks.
Episode: 2638 Artificial Gravity for Human Spaceflight; What is Gained, What is Lost. Today, astronaut Michael Barratt discusses the pros and cons of artificial gravity.
Episode: 1457 Eratosthenes's 2200 year old calculation of Earth's size. Today, we measure the earth.
Episode: 1456 In which paper goes from China to Europe by way of Samarkand. Today, paper makes a long journey.
Episode: 1455 A brief history of dentistry and pain. Today, we drill teeth.
Episode: 1454 The sometimes astonishing results of juxtaposing contradictory ideas. Today, a thought about juxtaposition and contradictions.
Episode: 2517 Rebecca Clarke: Violist, Composer, Woman. Today, a woman in conflict.
Episode: 2978 Henri Matisse cuts paper to design a cover for the art magazine Verve. Today we look at heroism through cut paper.