May 16, 2016
Feature Guest: Paul Delaney
Ever consider moving to Mars? The Star Spot recently did. Along
with the University of Toronto Astronomy and Space Exploration
Society, we recently co-hosted a panel event exploring one of the
most fascinating questions in which science meets science fiction.
Can we terraform Mars to make it habitable? And if we can, should
we?
We were joined by a 5 member panel of experts, representing a wide
range of backgrounds in order to approach the issue from all
angles: physics, astronomy, philosophy, ethics, commerce and
politics.
Now, over the next 4 episodes I’ll be joined at The Star Spot by
each of our guests from that event.
We start with the science. For the debate over terraforming Mars
depends in large part on the attributes of the red planet, on
whether it harbours life, and on what technologies are possible to
make the planet suitable for a human settlement and even
civilization. To set the scene and to share his position in this
great debate today we're joined at The Star Spot by planetary
science Professor Paul Delaney.
The Star Spot is Now on the Radio!
The The Star Spot podcast is now The Star Spot podcast and radio
show. That’s right. Your favourite astronomy program is now
travelling through space, specifically the 1280AM frequency. Our
broadcaster, CJRU The Scope at Ryerson, is now available on the
radio dial, which means you can join us at The Star Spot at 1280AM
every Sunday 8PM and Tuesday 6PM Eastern Time.
Current in Space
Scientists are getting closer to discovering what dark matter is
made of... by ruling out one more possible candidate, explains
Anuj. Then Dave announces Kepler has suddenly doubled the number of
confirmed exoplanets in our galaxy. And with new research into the
overview effect, Tony wonders if the life changing experience
enjoyed by astronauts can be brought down to Earth.
About Our Guest
Paul Delaney is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at York
University. He received his undergraduate degree from the Australian National University in
Canberra, Australia, and his graduate degree in astronomy from the
University of Victoria in Canada. Professor Delaney oversees the
York University campus observatory and its public outreach
programs, and he appears regularly on York Universe, one of The
Star Spot’s affiliated podcasts.