Spaced Out

Spaced Out Podcast
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Hi! I’m Diya — I study astrophysics and planetary science at Caltech, and I love breaking down complex space concepts so that anyone can understand them. Spaced Out is all about making astrophysics fun, accessible, and just the right amount of mind-blowing. Learn more at www.spacedoutpodcast.com and read about it on substack: diyasparkle.substack.com

  1. 08/30/2025

    Hot Jupiters with Professor Malena Rice

    Hot Jupiters are some of the strangest planets we have discovered - they are giant planets that orbit scorchingly close to their stars. How do they exist, and what can they teach us about planetary systems? I chat with Yale Professor Malena Rice about her research into these mysterious planets and what they can reveal about planet formation. Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on Youtube and other platforms. Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    23 min

  2. 07/27/2025

    Lunar Origins: Long Before the Landing

    Long before humans left footprints on the Moon's surface, it had a much more violent beginning! In this episode we go back to the formation of the solar system to explore the Moon's origin story and understand how vital it is to life on Earth. Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on Youtube and other platforms. Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    8 min

  3. 05/20/2025

    Cosmic Fireworks with Professor Mansi Kasliwal

    An engaging discussion with Caltech Professor Mansi Kasliwal on what she describes as "Cosmic Fireworks" - the brightest, fastest, and most energetic events in our Universe! We break down what they are, why they are relevant, how we observe them, and what they have taught us! Enjoy! Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to break down or conversations you want to hear! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on Youtube and other platforms. Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    20 min

  4. 04/02/2025

    Explaining the Silence: Theories for Alien Life

    In this episode of Spaced Out, we dive deeper into one of the most puzzling questions: given the size and age of the universe, why haven't we found intelligent life yet? Building on the last episode about the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox, we explore several theories—some grounded in science, others leaning into sci-fi—that try to explain this silence. Whether you're curious about how fragile life might be, or wondering if aliens are deliberately hiding from us - this episode helps set the stage for even more questions about our place in the universe. Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    9 min

  5. 03/23/2025

    The Numbers Say Aliens Are Out There—So Where Are They?

    In this episode of Spaced Out, we look at one of the most fascinating questions in science: why haven't we found any aliens? Before we explore the many theories that try and explain this, I walk through the Drake equation - a super useful way to think about how many intelligent civilizations could be out there. It's not so much a strict calculation as it is a framework for searching for life. Then, we introduce Fermi's Paradox - the mystery that drives our theories, This episode sets up everything we’ll explore next time, where I’ll go through some of the theories people have come up with to explain the silence. Enjoy! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    7 min

  6. 11/04/2024

    Planet Formation

    This is a crash course to planet formation! In this episode, you will learn how planets form from dust grains and gas, the different temperatures and compositions in the disk, and why the planets in our solar system exist where they do. This episode naturally follows the last one, the Physics of Star Formation. It is a bit longer of an episode, but is easy to follow. Enjoy! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    16 min

  7. 09/03/2024

    The Physics Behind Star Formation

    The very beginning of one of my favorite astronomy topics (planet formation) is star formation! In this episode, I explain the basics of star formation (especially the physics behind it) in simple ways, with many analogies! I hope you all enjoy it!   Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

    10 min

  8. 04/28/2021

    Episode 11: Stellar Evolution- How Stars Form!

    This episode covers stellar evolution, specifically how stars form from nebula into protostars, failed stars, and T-tauri stars! Another episode will cover the end of a stars life. Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions for future episodes, or comments.

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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5 Ratings

About

Hi! I’m Diya — I study astrophysics and planetary science at Caltech, and I love breaking down complex space concepts so that anyone can understand them. Spaced Out is all about making astrophysics fun, accessible, and just the right amount of mind-blowing. Learn more at www.spacedoutpodcast.com and read about it on substack: diyasparkle.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Spaced Out Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spaced Out Podcast
  • Show Website
    Spaced Out