Probing Where the Sun Does Shine: A Holiday Special

Key takeaways

NASA's solar mission aims to touch the Sun, achieving a historic scientific milestone on December 24, 2024.
Innovative technologies, such as an advanced carbon foam heat shield, are paving the way for unprecedented exploration of our solar system.
The significance of poetry is highlighted as Ada Limón connects the human experience to the exploration of space through her poem for Europa.
Community support is vital for sustaining public radio, and listeners can engage by becoming members or voting in unique celestial naming contests.

Summary

A Journey to the Sun

In this holiday episode, Latif Nasser introduces listeners to Nure Raouafi, a NASA scientist, who shares his incredible journey of sending a spacecraft close to the Sun. For 16 years, Nure has been captivated by the mission to understand the Sun better, particularly the puzzling phenomena such as the unexplained temperature spikes just a few thousand miles from its surface. The spacecraft, with innovative technology like a carbon foam heat shield, is set to approach the Sun on December 24th, 2024, a moment described as humanity's first contact with a star. This mission encapsulates the wonder of human ingenuity and the quest for knowledge.

A Poet's Ode to Europa

In a delightful transition, the episode shifts to Lulu Miller discussing the writing process of a poem intended to be etched on a spacecraft heading towards Jupiter's moon, Europa. With the help of US Poet Laureate Ada Limón, listeners are taken through the emotional and creative hurdles Limón faced in crafting a message that resonates with all of humanity, as well as the natural world. The poem emphasizes connection and wonder, highlighting the shared essence of water between Earth and Europa. Limón beautifully reflects on the poem's embodiment of a collective human experience, marking a touching tribute launched into the expansive universe.

Community and Connection

The episode underscores the importance of community support for public radio, particularly emphasizing the role listeners play in its sustainability. Membership in Radio Lab’s circle, termed 'The Lab', offers exclusive content and engagement opportunities while fostering a deep connection with the show's mission. As a final nudge, listeners are invited to participate in naming one of Earth’s quasi-moons, a unique chance to feel connected to the cosmos and to the program.

Show notes

This holiday season, we want to take you on a trip around the heavens.

First, co-host Latif Nasser, with the help of Nour Raouafi, of NASA, and an edge-cutting piece of equipment, explain how we may finally be making good on Icarus’s promise. Then, co-host Lulu Miller and Ada Limón talk about how a poet laureate goes about writing an ode to one of Jupiter’s moons.

And one more thing! It is almost your last chance to make your mark on the heavens. Radiolab and The International Astronomical Union’s Quasi Moon Naming Vote comes to an end on January 1st. Learn more and pick your favorite name here: https://radiolab.org/moon

EPISODE CREDITS:
Reported by - Latif Nasser, Lulu Miller
Produced by - Matt Kielty, Ana Gonzalez
Fact-checking by - Diane Kelly

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