<![CDATA[The Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts]]>eafc9e74-9ae4-5891-8cf1-fe5aa2f2d3fcTue, 14 Nov 2023 10:00:22 +0000Captivate.fmThe Franklin Institutehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/6d7c3f8a-9527-4614-8ee9-edac9173f629/CQnwDvUyhjiVMpuzahf3d7Uz.pngThe Curious Cosmos with Derrick PittsThe Franklin InstituteThe Franklin InstituteAre you curious about the stars? Dive deeper than ever before with Derrick Pitts, The Franklin Institute's popular Chief Astronomer, as he takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of space. But this isn't just about distant galaxies and rocket science. This podcast brings to light the personal stories, dreams, and challenges of those who dedicate their lives to understanding and exploring the cosmos—from astronomers to educators, engineers to storytellers. Enhanced by immersive sound design, and anchored by Derrick's captivating energy, you'll be transported into the lives of the passionate individuals who truly shape our understanding of space. For a podcast that marries wonder, humanity, and the vastness of the universe, "The Curious Cosmos" is your next audio escape. Dive in and let your curiosity soar!https://the-curious-cosmos.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastBrandon Burroughs: Real-Life Rocket Scientist!Brandon Burroughs: Real-Life Rocket Scientist!In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, join Derrick Pitts for an interview with real-life aerospace engineer Brandon Burroughs! Get the inside scoop on the building of the Space Launch System, learn how the rocket industry works, and discover what it's like to research, design, and build the tech that will bring humans deeper into space than ever before.

Links for this episode:


]]>In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, join Derrick Pitts for an interview with real-life aerospace engineer Brandon Burroughs! Get the inside scoop on the building of the Space Launch System, learn how the rocket industry works, and discover what it's like to research, design, and build the tech that will bring humans deeper into space than ever before.

Links for this episode:


]]>93a96a20-caf1-4f7d-9253-6f382138f6b3Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -050034:31falsefull1101101The Franklin InstituteSteve Russo and Sam Storch: Planetarium MagicSteve Russo and Sam Storch: Planetarium MagicJoin Derrick Pitts and his long time friends and colleagues, Sam Storch and Steve Russo, as they bring you behind the scenes of the planetarium! Learn all about the history of planetariums, the many people and experiences they encountered over the course of their careers, and what makes planetariums such a special place for learning about the universe.

Links for today's episode:

  • Learn more about the East Kentucky Science Center, where Steve fished his career and still volunteers
  • Learn more about the Hubble Planetarium, which Sam built and ran for many years at Murrow High School
  • And of course, check out the current offerings of the Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute, where Derrick spent his career.

]]>Join Derrick Pitts and his long time friends and colleagues, Sam Storch and Steve Russo, as they bring you behind the scenes of the planetarium! Learn all about the history of planetariums, the many people and experiences they encountered over the course of their careers, and what makes planetariums such a special place for learning about the universe.

Links for today's episode:

  • Learn more about the East Kentucky Science Center, where Steve fished his career and still volunteers
  • Learn more about the Hubble Planetarium, which Sam built and ran for many years at Murrow High School
  • And of course, check out the current offerings of the Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute, where Derrick spent his career.

]]>835e56cf-8f0b-4846-8ab2-6c87a8dd5240Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -050043:29falsefull19191The Franklin InstituteCarter Emmart: Visualizing the UniverseCarter Emmart: Visualizing the UniverseJoin Derrick Pitts for a conversation with Carter Emmert, head of astrovisualization at the American Museum of Natural History, to learn all about how data visualization can help us to see our universe in whole new ways!

Links for today's episode:


]]>Join Derrick Pitts for a conversation with Carter Emmert, head of astrovisualization at the American Museum of Natural History, to learn all about how data visualization can help us to see our universe in whole new ways!

Links for today's episode:


]]>a50c1906-18fc-4378-9e59-6f4873f298c8Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -050029:46falsefull18181The Franklin InstituteJohn Blackwell: High School AstronomyJohn Blackwell: High School AstronomyJoin Derrick Pitts for a conversation with John Blackwell, high school astronomy teacher and director of the Grainger Observatory at Philips Exeter Academy. Listen in as the two discuss the importance of teaching scientific citizenship, what John's students are currently working on, and what it's like teaching high schoolers about astronomy in the digital age.

Links for today's episode:


]]>Join Derrick Pitts for a conversation with John Blackwell, high school astronomy teacher and director of the Grainger Observatory at Philips Exeter Academy. Listen in as the two discuss the importance of teaching scientific citizenship, what John's students are currently working on, and what it's like teaching high schoolers about astronomy in the digital age.

Links for today's episode:


]]>1227d72a-9d47-47f2-a188-5c508efcb473Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -050027:27falsefull17171The Franklin InstituteMary Roach: Packing for MarsMary Roach: Packing for MarsFor years, the possibility of a manned mission to Mars has filled our newsfeeds and imaginations, but what actually needs to be done to make that dream a reality? In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, Derrick Pitts is joined by science writer Mary Roach discuss her book, Packing for Mars, and all the important (and often off-kilter) work being done to prepare for that mission here on Earth!


]]>For years, the possibility of a manned mission to Mars has filled our newsfeeds and imaginations, but what actually needs to be done to make that dream a reality? In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, Derrick Pitts is joined by science writer Mary Roach discuss her book, Packing for Mars, and all the important (and often off-kilter) work being done to prepare for that mission here on Earth!


]]>5e7a9ab4-c210-4dee-82f4-414a446c48e5Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -050034:25falsefull16161The Franklin InstituteDr. Hakeem Oluseyi: A Quantum LifeDr. Hakeem Oluseyi: A Quantum LifeIn this episode of The Curious Cosmos, Derrick is joined by astophysist, inventor, and media personality Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, to discuss everything from cutting edge physics, the future of human spaceflight, and Hakeem's unique and inspiring path to science.


]]>In this episode of The Curious Cosmos, Derrick is joined by astophysist, inventor, and media personality Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, to discuss everything from cutting edge physics, the future of human spaceflight, and Hakeem's unique and inspiring path to science.


]]>1f8ad844-bc1f-437d-8635-3a25bbc2c208Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -050044:15falsefull15151The Franklin InstituteAshley Walker: Black In AstroAshley Walker: Black In AstroJoin The Franklin Institute's Derrick Pitts for a conversation with astrochemist and founder of advocacy org Black in Astro, Ashely Walker. Listen as they discuss resources for Black scientists entering the field, the importance of diversity within astronomy and other hard sciences, and Ashley's work exploring the environments of the ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune!

Links for this episode:


]]>Join The Franklin Institute's Derrick Pitts for a conversation with astrochemist and founder of advocacy org Black in Astro, Ashely Walker. Listen as they discuss resources for Black scientists entering the field, the importance of diversity within astronomy and other hard sciences, and Ashley's work exploring the environments of the ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune!

Links for this episode:


]]>c3939a83-adb4-4500-bf32-ce9657e7c200Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -050026:16falsefull14141The Franklin InstituteLeslie Kean: UFOs, UAPs, and Scientific InquiryLeslie Kean: UFOs, UAPs, and Scientific InquiryIn this episode of The Curios Cosmos, Derrick Pitts sits down with Leslie Kean, an investigative journalist who's work led to the US government acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects! But what does this recognition mean for space science?

Listen as the two discuss the reclassification of UFOs to unidentified aerial/anomalous phenomenon (UAPs), how stigma has prevented even the most credible sightings from being seriously studied, and the important role scientists will play in solving this mystery moving forward.

For listener reference, this interview was recorded in February 2023. Between recording and air date, public government acknowledgment and investigation into UAPs have continued, including further reporting by Leslie and more congressional hearings on the topic.

Links for this episode:


]]>In this episode of The Curios Cosmos, Derrick Pitts sits down with Leslie Kean, an investigative journalist who's work led to the US government acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects! But what does this recognition mean for space science?

Listen as the two discuss the reclassification of UFOs to unidentified aerial/anomalous phenomenon (UAPs), how stigma has prevented even the most credible sightings from being seriously studied, and the important role scientists will play in solving this mystery moving forward.

For listener reference, this interview was recorded in February 2023. Between recording and air date, public government acknowledgment and investigation into UAPs have continued, including further reporting by Leslie and more congressional hearings on the topic.

Links for this episode:


]]>9979ba44-9234-44ec-a01f-9ee8a6827f6cTue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -050039:07falsefull13131The Franklin InstituteVivian White: Astronomy for All!Vivian White: Astronomy for All!Join Derrick Pitts for a conversation with astronomy educator Vivian White, who's curiosity and unique career has led her everywhere from partnerships with NASA to teaching Buddhist monks in Bhutan!

Links for this episode:


]]>Join Derrick Pitts for a conversation with astronomy educator Vivian White, who's curiosity and unique career has led her everywhere from partnerships with NASA to teaching Buddhist monks in Bhutan!

Links for this episode:


]]>56286504-0ea3-40ba-869c-90aadafa9094Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -050038:18falsefull12121The Franklin InstituteChristopher Ferguson: The Astronaut ExperienceChristopher Ferguson: The Astronaut ExperienceIn the inaugural episode of Curious Cosmos, join Derrick for a conversation with real-life astronaut Christopher Ferguson!

Listen and discover what it's like to be a Top Gun pilot, the experience of looking down at Earth from orbit, and what the future of human spaceflight might look like.

Links for this episode:


]]>In the inaugural episode of Curious Cosmos, join Derrick for a conversation with real-life astronaut Christopher Ferguson!

Listen and discover what it's like to be a Top Gun pilot, the experience of looking down at Earth from orbit, and what the future of human spaceflight might look like.

Links for this episode:


]]>1a1b13bf-4c80-41c3-ba6e-17a66d5722feTue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -050027:56falsefull11111The Franklin InstituteThe Curious Cosmos TrailerThe Curious Cosmos TrailerWelcome to Derrick Pitts' brand new podcast, The Curious Cosmos!

Join The Franklin Institute's beloved Chief Astronomer and Planetarium Director for a peek behind the curtain of space science, discovering the wonders of our universe and the people shaping our understanding of the cosmos.

Be sure to subscribe, it's gonna be a blast!

]]>Welcome to Derrick Pitts' brand new podcast, The Curious Cosmos!

Join The Franklin Institute's beloved Chief Astronomer and Planetarium Director for a peek behind the curtain of space science, discovering the wonders of our universe and the people shaping our understanding of the cosmos.

Be sure to subscribe, it's gonna be a blast!

]]>078a9402-f5cf-4181-92d0-c90c64535319Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -050000:59falsefull111The Franklin Institute