Cosmic Radio

Let's learn about our closest star, the Sun as we speak with Dr. Kelly Korreck from NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission Team. Dr. Kerreck tells us how the Parker Solar Probe was built, how it works and the new discoveries it is unlocking about the mysteries of our sun. NASA Missions: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/
Parker Solar Probe (PSP): https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/
PSP Faraday Cage and Cup: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4365/ab5a7b
Corona Switchbacks: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20354/
Dust-Free Zones within the Corona: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0273117795004973
NOAA SpaceWeather Dashboard for Enthusiasts: https://www.spaceweather.gov/communities/space-weather-enthusiasts-dashboard
Switchbacks video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/33prGgaqDDk
Sounds of the Sun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I-zdmg_Dno
Music:
Sail-AWOLNATION
Here comes the Sun- The Beatles
Sunshine of Your Love- Cream
Sol-Norse Goddess Prayer Music-therunheim

Join me as we speak with Jet Propulsion Engineer Eric Rice. Eric is the Mission Operations Manager (MOM) on NASA's SPHEREx Mission. SPHEREx stands for:
Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer
That's a mouth-full!
SPHEREx is an infrared space telescope that will collect data on more than 450 million galaxies along with more than 100 million stars in the Milky Way in order to explore the origins of the Universe.

Eric explains how this unique space telescope works and how it was built.

NASA SPHEREx: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spherex/
Caltech SPHEREx:https://spherex.caltech.edu/
SPHEREx Publications: https://spherex.caltech.edu/page/publications
AWOLNATION: Sail
Le Loup: To the Stars! To the Night!
Metallica: Astronomy

Can you believe Dr. Linda Spilker's first professional job was working for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory?! My first job was working at a vet office cleaning cages. I digress..... Join me as we speak to the world famous Dr. Linda Spilker. As the Lead Planetary Scientist on the CURRENT Voyager Mission (49 year strong!), she will update us on the twin Voyager's health and status then speak to us about the Cassini Mission and all it's relevant and important scientific findings. Dr. Spilker is a wealth of knowledge and such a fun and passionate person to sit and listen to. I have seen her on so many space documentaries over the years and when she showed up on the ZOOM call-I literally cried! She is sooooo cool and nice! You are gong to really love this interview!

LINKS:

Dr. Linda Spilker: https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/spilker/
NASA Cassini Mission: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/
Cassini images of Saturn: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/cassini/spectacular-eclipses-in-the-saturn-system/
Cassini-The grand Finale Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBfFSMAK-V0&t=147s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68vxYRAony8
Voyager moving outside the heliopause: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIAZWb9_si4

Checkout some cool images of last month's Total eclipse from France and Spain:

Wanna know the "Ins and Outs" of NASA's Flagship Mission Europa Clipper? Then Join me as we speak to Real Time Flight Systems Engineers David Doody and Isabelle Erickson. Their passion and dedication to this exceptional mission make you want to know everything about Europa Clipper, the Jovian System and the universe for that matter! I learned so much and I hope that you do too!

https://www.timeanddate.com/-check times and dates for Solar and Lunar Eclipses in YOUR area!https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/-NASA's fun facts about the Perseid Meteor Shower
https://spinoff.nasa.gov/-Isabelle talks about this website. All the inventions NASA makes that have madeit to the mainstream!
https://www.nasa.gov/-Everything you need to know about NASA
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/-NASA's Flagship Misssion to Juiter's moon Europa
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/spacecraft-instruments-reason/-Europa Clipper's instruments on board
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/-Check out JPL speaking with the Europa Clipper spacecraft and the spacecraft ANSWERING!
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/family-portrait-of-jovian-system/- Jupiter Planet System and All of it's moons (there are many)
https://science.nasa.gov/jupiter/-All about our largest planet Jupiter (thank you Jupiter!)
Music:
Sail-AWOLNATION
Drops of Jupiter-Train
Rocketman-Elton John

Join me as we speak with Dr. Wesley Chambers, a Planetary Scientist, Physicist, and member of the PSI (Plume Surface Interaction) Team for NASA's Artemis Mission.
Dr. Wesley Chambers works out of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center where he works as Deputy Principal Investigator for NASA's Plume-Surface Interaction Ground Test and Principal Investigator for Stereo Cameras for PSI Studies vehicle landing effects.

Show Links:
Lunar Surface Images: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/the-moons-surface/
Aretemis 3 Crew Members: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-marches-toward-artemis-iii-mission-in-2027-names-crew-members/
NASA Artemis Mission page: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/artemis/
Artemis Mission Architecture: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-iii/https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
Songs:
Sail-AWOLNATION
Walking on the moon-Police
Pink Moon- Sea AI songs (original by Nick Drake)

Join me on Cosmic Radio as we learn about Apis mellifera the honey bee and more! Carson Elmer, the most famous beekeeper in Mendocino County teaches us all about honey bees and the art and skill of beekeeping. So much to learn!

Learn more about Carson Elmer:https://carsonandbees.com/
The Honey Bee Health Coolilition Handbook: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/
PolliNation Podcast-Thanks for the help!:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pollination-podcast/id1209328985
Two Bees in a Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-bees-in-a-podcast/id1494010558
Chalkbrood: https://beeaware.org.au/archive-pest/chalkbrood/#ad-image-0
Different Apis species:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Apis_mellifera_subspecies
Sail-AWOLNATION
Sugar Sugar-The Archies

Join me as we speak with this amazing researcher!

She works at the McMurdo Station on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica during the Spring and Summer. The day after she arrives she is at the "coms" helping Artemis 2 Astronauts and astronaut candidates get into the space suits all while she is conducting research on algae that she hopes she can use to produce oxygen, scrub CO2, and grow to eat on future Lunar and Martian habitats. I'm exhausted just thinking about that work week. But just listening to her speak about all her jobs with such passion and devotion will help you understand that this woman is perfect for al three jobs!

Oh, and on her free time, she like working on engines and riding motorcycles. So cool!

Check out the following links to learn more about Emily and all her scientific work.

Emily Matula: https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/emily-matula
NASA Emily Matula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teT81234TI
NASA Scientific Balloons: https://www.nasa.gov/scientificballoons/
McMurdo Station -Ross Ice Shelf-Antarctica: https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/ail/mcmurdo-station
NASA Spacesuits: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/spacesuits/
The Old Farmers' Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/astronomy
Algae for life habitats: https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/algae-could-prove-mvp-for-future-space-missions/
NASA Wallops Balloon Facility: https://www.nasa.gov/wallops/

MUSIC:
Sail- AWOLNATION
No Quarter-Led Zepplin

The excitement builds!!!
Join me as we learn HOW rockets land on the moon and all the prep-work NASA is doing as we prepare to launch the Artemis 2 program

*****A MANED SPACE MISSION TO THE MOON!!*****

"We are going to the moon, but we are not going alone.." says Dr. Ashley Korzun. She is right, after you listen to this interview you too will understand that the Artemis Mission is a world-wide mission.
Dr. Korzun teaches us what PSI is and how we are ready to land on the moon!
GO PSI TEAM!!!
GO NASA!!!
GO USA!!!
GO ARTEMIS!!!

NASA PSI Research- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230018215
NASA Artemis 2 Mission- https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
Sail Song- AWAOLNATION
Tuff Enuff song- The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Fly me to the Moon song- Frank Sinatra

We all hear about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most of us use it in one way or another.
Cosmic Radio speaks with Professor David Johnson from Mendocino Community College helps us to learn:

What AI is
How to use it
How to protect yourself against some bad players out there trying to get your information.

There is so much to learn!!!
In addition to that we will find out what's up in the March night sky and learn some ancient Greek mythology about Artificial Intelligence!!!!
Sail:AWOLNATION
NASA AI:https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2025/amendment-37-new-opportunity-c-12-foundational-artificial-intelligence-for-the-moon-and-mars/
NASA Artemis Program: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
NASA Artemis Update: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-adds-mission-to-artemis-lunar-program-updates-architecture/
Daft Punk: Technologic
Radiohead: Paranoid Android

Greeting Space Lovers and welcome back to Cosmic Radio. We have a great show this month. In the first part of the show we find out "What's up in the February night sky" and learn about the upcoming NASA Artemis II moon-launch and the return of The United States to the Moon. Then in the second part of the show we celebrate the return of Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the Principal Investigator of NASA's Psyche Mission: A Journey to a Metal World!
Dr. Elkins-Tanton is going to update us on the mission during its "cruise-phase".

Check-out the following links that Dr. Elkins-Tanton mentions during the show:

JPL Psyche Mission: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/psyche/
NASA Psyche Mission overview: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/mission-overview/

"Mission Ready-How to Build Teams That Perform Under Pressure" Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton Book-https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lindy-elkins-tanton/mission-ready/9781541706033/

Tater's the Cat: https://youtu.be/k7B8lYjAOns?si=IGxjhTbJoAaJ6VOS
Ways to Participate-Capstone courses- https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/ways-to-participate/
Psyche Inspired- https://psyche.ssl.berkeley.edu/get-involved/psyche-inspired/
https://epics.engineering.asu.edu/2025/09/nasa-psyche-virtual-reality-inspired-art-and-artists-showcase/
Psyche (Song) by Terry Glaze- https://youtu.be/Kj66J8fmmzU?si=tU_7Bx0ZtUXvPBNY

Sail (Song) Awolnation

NASA Artemis Mission:
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/

Have you ever heard of NASA's new Quesst Mission? We have all the answers right here! Meet NASA Test Pilot Lils Larson, he is the first to fly NASA's X-59 experimental supersonic plane that is attempting to change the sonic boom out of a supersonic boom and change it to a "sonic thump"!
NASA Quesst Mission: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst/
Nils Larson-Ret. USAF Lieutenant Colonel & NASA Test Pilot: https://www.nasa.gov/people/david-nils-larson/
Supersonic Speed: https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/supersonic-flight/
Check out The Artemis Mission-Possibly launching in February 2026!!!-https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
Sail: AWOLNATION
Highway to the Danger Zone: Kenny Loggins

Join me as we speak with Dr. Joseph Masiero from Caltech/IPAC. Dr. Masiero teaches us all about NEOs-"Near-Earth-Object" and the new NASA mission-NEO Surveyor that will
Find Near Earth Objects before they find us!
Dr. Joseph Masiero Bio: https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/science/staff/joe-masiero
NASA Neo Surveyor Mission: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/neo-surveyor/
Asteroid flying over Lake Erie: https://thedebrief.org/asteroid-impact-in-canada-may-have-left-something-behind-that-astronomers-now-want/
Astro Art Article: https://mdspace.org/nasas-webb-telescope-inspires-artechouse-exhibit-public-art/
Hoar Ice explanation: https://cloudatlas.wmo.int/en/hoar-frost.html
This month's soundtrack: Sail-AWOLNATION
Mars-Gustav Holst
Jupiter-Gustav Holst

Join me as we learn more about the amazing radio antennas from the NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). Last month we learned how the DSN communicates with mission spacecrafts. This month we learn about the research the antennas have been involved in and how the DSN will help the communications with our return to the moon on the Artemis Missions!!
We also have some fun aboriginal mythology to learn!

Join me as we speak with Dr. Joseph Lazio, Project Scientist from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network. Dr. Lazio explains what the Deep Space Network (DSN) his job at the DSN and explain how the DSN antennas are used to track and communicate with NASA spacecrafts and the amazing research the antennas perform. This is the first part of a two part series about the Deep Space Network. It's fascinating!
Links:
Pele Story: Pele: The Fire Goddess by Pua Kanaka 'ole Kanahele and Dietrich Varez
Music: Legend of Pele the Fire Goddess (1964) Ka Lahui o Hawai'i Nei
"All Over the World"-Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
"Sail"- intro and conclusion theme AWOLNATION
The Voyage of the Hokule'a:https://hokulea.com/
DSN Madrid antenna aligned and arrayed: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26147-six-deep-space-network-antennas-in-madrid-arrayed-for-the-first-time/
DSN Now: https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/

Join me as we learn what's up in the September 2025 night sky, delve into Samoan mythology then speak with Retired United States Airforce Sergeant Stanley Anderson. Stan served in the US Air Force, 1959–1979, retiring as a Master Sergeant, Computer Systems Superintendent. From 1968 to 1971 he was NCO–In-Charge of the Aircraft Operations Control Center, Patrick AFB, FL supporting Apollo missions 4 through 14 deploying Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) providing astronaut communications around the world.

Join me on Cosmic Radio as we speak with NASA's Johnson Space microbiologist Dr. Sarah Castro Wallace. Dr. Wallace evaluates the performance of the MinION DNA sequencer in-flight on the International Space Station (ISS). She and her team are in charge of the environmental monitoring of the ISS. Dr. Wallace's passion for her work is evident in this interview. She makes microbiology and DNA sequencing in space sound more fun than a spacewalk!

Check out these links:
Dr. Wallace's work: https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/dna-sequencing/
Dr. Sarah Castro Wallace: Women in History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1yJwXAFAMU
Genes in Space: https://www.genesinspace.org/

Join Cosmic Radio for an interview with Cal Poly Humboldt's beloved Biology Professor Terry Henkel.
Mycology is a mainstay of the Humboldt Botany Program with courses in mycology, forest pathology and mushroom identification.
"My research investigates macrofungal biodiversity and ecological relationships in the remote tropical rainforests of South America's Guiana Shield and the Guineo-Congolian region of Central Africa. My lab also examines the overlooked but important roles that native forest pathogenic fungi have in shaping forest communities in Northern California".
Terry has an amazing and relaxed style of proficiently teaching us more about the Fungi Kingdom both here in the United States and abroad. This is my final Fungal Kingdom episode ( for now) after a powerhouse of mycologist guests including David Hibbett, Joseph Heitman and Robert Douglas-check them all out!!

Check out the following links about Dr. Henkel's research:

https://www.humboldt.edu/biological-sciences/terry-henkel-phd -Dr. Henkel Cal Poly Humboldt web page
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Terry-Henkel -Dr. Henkel's published research papers
https://www.hbmycologicalsociety.org/ -Humboldt Bay Mycological Society
https://amazonteam.org/maps/guiana-shield/ -Guiana Shield
https://tropicalfungi.org/guineo-congo/ -Magrofungi of Northern Gondwana

Join me as we walk and talk through Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino County with Robert Douglas. Robert is a mycologist, biologist and Environmental Specialist with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention. As we walk and discover this magical forest, camping site and destination location for fungi foragers, you can hear the Noyo River, song birds and Robert belting out owl calls!!!!
Keep in mind this podcast was not recorded in the studio, so you will hear all the sounds of the forest, me breathing hard on the hike and me tripping a few times!
Enjoy!!

To learn more, check out these web sites!!

Jackson Demonstration State Forest: https://www.visitmendocino.com/listing/jackson-demonstration-state-forest/
CalFire JDSF: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREJDSF/
CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
Mendocino Mushroom Club: https://www.mendocinocoastmushroomclub.org/
Mendocino Foragers: https://www.foragemendocino.com/

Join me on Cosmic Radio as we speak with Dr. Joseph Heitman.
Dr. Heitman is a professor and Chair of Molecular Biology and Professor in Medicine at Duke University and CIFAR's Co-Director for the "Fungal Kingdom: Threats and Opportunities" Research Program. Last month Dr. David Hibbett gave us an introduction into the fascinating study of the Fungal Kingdom. This month Dr. Heitman talks about the threats to humans, animals and plants by fungi and the breakthrough treatments and promising medicines that fungus can give us. We also talk about FUNGUS IN SPACE!
Your going to love this interview!!
check out the following links and learn all about Dr. Joseph Heitman's work:

• https://mgm.duke.edu/profile/joseph-heitman
• https://cifar.ca/research-programs/fungal-kingdom/
• https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-white-nose-syndrome
• https://cifar.ca/cifarnews/2024/08/21/cifar-researchers-discover-potential-treatment-for-a-fungus-devastating-amphibian-populations-worldwide/
• https://cifar.ca/bios/david-s-blehert/
• https://www.v-meer.de/my-co-space

Join me for a fascinating interview with Dr. David Hibbett, Biology Professor from Clark University who focuses on Evolutionary Mycology.
Dr. Hibbett answers questions we all think about and want to know more about from the Fungal Kingdom. He is so fun and passionate about fungi and after listening to this interview, I hope that you will also become a "mycophile"!!! (lover of fungi)