Podcast Episodes

A Watery History of Mars

Episode 70

Grab your space swimsuit, Izzie and Dr Becky explore Mars' wet past. When did the red planet have water? Where did it go? And were there canals on Mars? 

Thank you to Joe McNeil from the Natural Histo…

Published on 1 day, 3 hours ago

BONUS - Mercury, Gemini and Pringles

It’s space book club time, featuring the latest book by author and photography expert Andy Saunders: Gemini and Mercury Remastered. Producer Richard enthuses about these mid-60s missions and we talk …

Published on 2 weeks, 2 days ago

Don't Panic…but a solar storm could be a disaster

It's been 166 years since scientists recorded the world's most powerful solar explosion. Izzie, Dr Becky and Dr Robert Massey are big fans of anniversaries, so they investigate how the Carrington Eve…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

BONUS - Are we Living in a Black Hole?

What would happen if the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy disappeared? Dr Becky is back to tackle your toughest of black hole questions. Alongside science journalist Izzie Clarke a…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Supermassive Q and A...Live!

We are live at the National Astronomy Meeting in Durham with questions on everything from white holes and fuzzy stars, to solar storms and time travel. Science journalist Izzie Clarke is joined by Dr…

Published on 2 months ago

BONUS - What Shape is Space?

Izzie Clarke is joined by Dr Robert Massey to tackle your questions on the shape of space, measuring gravitational waves and planet spotting. We also have another - another! - astronaut: Producer Ric…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Astronauts. Do we need them?

It’s a brave question to put to three astronauts live on stage but it’s a risk we are prepared to take. Recorded in front of a live audience at the UK Space Conference in Manchester, European Space A…

Published on 3 months ago

BONUS - Where are Earth's rings?

What would happen if asteroid Bennu impacted Earth? Can we timelapse Saturn's rings developing? Where are Earth's rings? Plus the solar wind on Mars... The Supermassive team answer YOUR questions.

Ke…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Why isn't Pluto a planet?

Episode 66

Izzie and Dr Becky decided that little ol’ Pluto doesn’t get much attention anymore. So we’re giving the dwarf planet some time in the spotlight. Why isn't Pluto a planet? How small is it? And what m…

Published on 4 months ago

BONUS - Why aren’t stars closer together?

What would happen if planets collided at a snail's pace? How much of Avengers Endgame regarding time is scientifically acceptable? Why aren't stars closer together? And the team discuss a listener's …

Published on 4 months, 3 weeks ago