Topic
Astronomy
Episodes and research papers from From First Principles that help explain Astronomy from the ground up.
Episodes
Conversations and explainers connected to Astronomy.
Dr. Michael Blanton on Open Data, Galaxy Surveys, and the Future of Astronomy
Dr. Michael Blanton joins us to talk SDSS, open data, Rubin, Carnegie, and the mystery of why the universe’s biggest galaxies stop forming stars.
How Scientists Actually Study Dark Matter
A first principles interview with astrophysicist Dan Gilman on what dark matter is, why strong gravitational lensing matters, and how the next generation of surveys could reveal the universe’s hidden structure.
Dr. John Mulchaey on Carnegie Science and the Future of Astronomy
A wide-ranging interview with Carnegie Science President John Mulchaey on dark matter, giant telescopes, exoplanets, science funding, and why eclipses still matter.
Ant Scans, Lunar Chickpeas, Hidden Galaxies & Superconductivity
A fast-moving rundown on 3D-scanned ants, chickpeas grown in simulated moon soil, AI-discovered Hubble anomalies, and the path to room-temperature superconductivity.
Artemis II: Deep Dive on the Moon Flyby, Earthset, and Reentry
From Earthset and Earthrise to eclipse shots and skip-entry reentry, this is our full Artemis II deep dive.
3I/ATLAS Explained, Forensic Fingerprints & Alzheimer's Breakthrough
Interstellar object, forensic leap, and an Alzheimer's immune rethink.
Octopus Camouflage, Orcas vs. Sharks, Civet Coffee & Sub-Diffraction Telescope Tech
Camouflage pigment, orca strategy, civet coffee, and sharper telescopes.
AI-Generated Genomes, Retinal Implants, and Palomar's Mystery Lights Explained
AI cancer genomes, bionic vision, and Palomar transient skepticism.
China's AI Breakthrough, Time Crystals, Hidden Viruses, & Brightest Cosmic Signal
Explore AI, time crystals, hidden viruses and fast radio bursts.
3rd Interstellar Visitor, Rubin's Sky Camera, AI CRISPR Boost & T. rex Blood Vessels
Interstellar 3I ATLAS, Rubin, safer CRISPR, and T. rex vessels.
Hidden Star in Betelgeuse, Dancing Atoms, Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays & VR Immunity
Betelgeuse, quantum atoms, OMG cosmic rays, and deep-space navigation.
Earth's 1-ms Day, Baby Solar Systems, Record Black Hole, CRISPR Hack & AI Indiana Jones
Earth spin, baby planets, black-hole waves, CRISPR, and AI history.