Unveiling The Invisible: How Infrared Astronomy Is Rewriting Our Understanding Of The Cosmos

The Good Question Podcast

What if the key to unlocking the universe’s deepest mysteries lies in a wavelength we can’t even see? Dr. Gary Melnick of the Center for Astrophysics joins us to reveal how infrared astronomy is pushing the boundaries of space exploration, from decoding the Big Bang Theory to mapping out deep space with the SPHEREx mission. Discover how telescopes positioned beyond Earth’s atmosphere are capturing the unseen—and why the future of cosmic discovery depends on it.

This episode explores:

  • Why Earth’s atmosphere hides key cosmic clues—and how we’re peering past the veil
  • How far-infrared astronomy is revolutionizing our view of exoplanets, galaxies, and more
  • What it takes to place telescopes where they can truly unlock the secrets of the universe
  • The bold mission behind SPHEREx—and its quest to redefine what we know about cosmology.

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr

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