#56 -February 2017

The Discussion: Paul continues his herculean travels around the
UK promoting the European Space Agency and teaching people about
the science of spaceflight. Ralph’s waxing lyrical about a waxing
moon and Venus, while Jen has a big announcement regarding her
PhD research.


The News: Rounding up the space and astronomy news this month we
have:


Another asteroid hits the news as NASA look elsewhere for
future missions

ESO’s ALMA array turns its attention to the Sun

Making refinements on the age of the Moon

A new star to look out for in the sky in 2022



Hat of Woo: With the hat now empty and the world still full of
loons, we reach out to you to tell us what you’d like to see
replace this segment of the show.


Q&A: Listeners’ questions via email, Facebook & Twitter
take us on a journey into the astronomy issues that have always
plagued our understanding or stretched our credulity. This month
we take a look at a listener’s submitted graph and explain the
Roche Sphere:


Can you please explain why the Hill Sphere of Neptune is greater
than that of Jupiter? Gavin Price, @Pillarscreatio, Wales.