We explore the Moon's enigmatic far side and the groundbreaking secrets it holds about our celestial companion's past, as the UAE prepares for an ambitious landing attempt that could revolutionize lunar science.


Segment 2:
Extraordinary news from the cosmos! We report on scientists detecting the most massive black hole flare ever observed, unleashing the incomprehensible power of 10 trillion suns in a single cosmic explosion.


Segment 3:
Exciting update on Venus exploration! We discuss five ambitious Venus missions set to launch within the next decade, designed to unlock the mysteries of Earth's "evil twin" and understand this extreme planetary environment.


Segment 4:
Groundbreaking information about dark matter and gravity! We explore recent discoveries suggesting dark matter obeys gravitational laws, potentially ruling out the existence of a mysterious 5th fundamental force in the universe.
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Lunar Mysteries, Cosmic Titans, and Universal Forces

We embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the entire universe, exploring its magnificent expansion since the Big Bang and unraveling the cosmic mysteries that have shaped our understanding of existence itself.


Segment 2:
In-depth discussion about the ambitious space exploration missions planned for the coming years and how they will systematically explore our solar system, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and discovery.


Segment 3:
A compelling case study of NASA's Perseverance Rover mission to Mars! We examine the groundbreaking findings from the red planet, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life and the rover's remarkable discoveries that reshape our understanding of Mars.


Segment 4:
Fascinating discussion on the profound influence of outer space and the universe on artists across all disciplines. We explore how cosmic wonder has inspired painters, musicians, writers, and creators to produce extraordinary works of art and imagination.
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Universal Expansion, Cosmic Missions, and Artistic Inspiration

We welcome you to an extraordinary exploration of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the premier observatory of the next decade that is revolutionizing astronomy and serving thousands of astronomers worldwide in their quest to understand the cosmos.

Segment 2:
Dramatic information about a cosmic catastrophe! We detail how telescopes have witnessed a black hole destroying a star through the terrifying process of "spaghettification," where gravitational forces stretch matter to its breaking point.

Segment 3:
Profound discussion about SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence! We explore humanity's ambitious effort to answer one of the most fundamental questions: Are we alone in the universe? Discover the science and philosophy behind this cosmic quest.

Segment 4:
Fascinating information about the legendary Voyager missions! We provide an insider's perspective on the world's greatest space mission, exploring how these pioneering spacecraft have ventured beyond our solar system and continue to transmit invaluable data from the depths of space.
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Cosmic Observatories, Stellar Destruction, and the Search for Life

We welcome you to a thrilling exploration of space collisions—the spectacular and catastrophic encounters between galaxies, stars, and even black holes that shape the cosmos and reveal the universe's most violent phenomena.


Segment 2:
Fascinating information about Earth's extremophiles! We discover how these remarkable organisms that thrive in Earth's most extreme environments could hold the key to finding alien life in space, revolutionizing our search for extraterrestrial biology.


Segment 3:
Intriguing discussion about one of cosmology's greatest mysteries: Where is the universe hiding its missing mass? We explore the enigmatic dark matter that comprises most of the universe and the scientific quest to understand this invisible cosmic puzzle.


Segment 4:
Visionary information about Elon Musk's ambitious plans for a Mars colony! We examine his bold vision for space exploration, the technological innovations driving this dream, and what a human settlement on the red planet could mean for humanity's future.
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Cosmic Collisions, Extremophiles, and Mars Dreams

We welcome you to a captivating journey through fascinating moon facts and the enigmatic dark side of our celestial companion, exploring the secrets that have intrigued humanity for millennia.


Segment 2:
Mind-bending information about white holes! We delve into one of the universe's ultimate cosmic mysteries—theoretical cosmic phenomena that could be the inverse of black holes, challenging our understanding of spacetime and the laws of physics.


Segment 3:
Intriguing discussion about the sensory experience of space! We explore what astronauts have reported about the smell of space, from the metallic tang of the vacuum to the unique aromas experienced during spacewalks and lunar missions.


Segment 4:
Humbling information about the vast unknown! We confront the astonishing reality that 95% of the universe remains a total mystery to us, while we have only begun to understand the 5% we can observe and study, revealing the profound limits of human knowledge.

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Lunar Secrets, White Holes, and Cosmic Mysteries

Marion Island may be thousands of kilometres from the South African mainland, but it buzzes with activity: tiny, and large fluttering, crawling, nesting, scurrying movements. In this episode, we dig deeper into the island’s living world to explore the extraordinary creatures that inhabit this subantarctic terrain. From insects smaller than a fingernail to birds that undertake vast journeys across the Southern Ocean, and even the mice whose presence has altered the ecosystem, we examine some of the animals that live in this harsh environment.

Why are these species important? What makes their survival so exceptional? And what insights are scientists gaining about biodiversity, adaptation, and ecological vulnerability at one of the planet’s most remote research locations? Using vivid descriptions, expert knowledge, and field observations, this episode explores the diverse life forms coexisting on this windswept island and the vital research aimed at protecting them. We start with the tiniest inhabitants and gradually broaden our focus to include some of the feathered and furry creatures that define life here.

We thank the following guests on this episode:
-Ms Camilla Smyth, Mr Chandler Patel, Mr Andile Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau, Ms Rhiannon Gill and Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.  
-Dr Daniela Monsanto from the University of Johannesburg
-Ms Naomi Monk from the University of Pretoria
-Dr Keith Springer from Mouse Free Marion 

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-BirdLife South Africa: www.birdlife.org.za/ and Peter Ryan’s book: https://shop.birdlife.org.za/product/guide-to-seabirds-of-southern-africa-new-edition/
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-Mouse Free Marion: mousefreemarion.org
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za

72. Antenna, Fur, Feathers

The ocean surrounding Marion Island is a breathing wilderness - a vast and mysterious realm where familiar giants coexist with tiny creatures that emit an almost magical light. These diverse beings move through the water in intricate ways that we are only beginning to understand. On the surface, it may seem simple and ordinary, but beneath the steel-blue waves lies a vibrant, lively world teeming with life and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

We follow the creatures we recognise as they slice, glide, and hunt through the sub-Antarctic waters, and we uncover the vital role of microscopic organisms that quietly sustain the entire ecosystem and keep the heartbeat of the ocean alive. This episode encourages curiosity to witness an ocean in transition, from iconic species navigating these waters to the importance of microscopic life, and how its chemistry and rhythms are shifting with profound consequences for the creatures that call it home.

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Marcel van der Berg from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. 
-Mr Chandler Patel, Ms Megan Clarkson, Mr Dylan Manyoka, Mr Peter Cunningham, Mr Yinhla Shihlomule,Ms Camilla Smyth Mr Kwanele Khuzwayo, Ms Janu Rau from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
-Ms Emma Swanepoel and Ms Sarah du Preez from the University of Cape Town.

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:
-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands 
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/ 
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/ 

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za

73. Swimming, Blowing, Glowing

In this final episode of the season, we focus on the intricate web that connects life on our planet. We zoom out to hear about how Marion Island is a location for space science, and then zoom in to learn how SA Agulhas II and Marion Island serve as extraordinary training grounds for the next generation of scientists. Young researchers learn technical skills of their fields and also how to observe, question, and collaborate in environments that demand accuracy and humility. South African research plays a crucial role in the global community of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic science. It provides an essential piece of the puzzle in understanding how ecosystems across the globe are interconnected. What happens in this isolated archipelago ripples outward, informing our knowledge of climate, biodiversity, and the delicate balance that sustains life.

This episode invites listeners to explore how scientific knowledge, cultural understanding, and lived experience come together in the pursuit of discovery. And perhaps the most powerful insight from the Marion 2025 voyage is that every scientist spoken to views their work not as an individual effort, but as part of an intergenerational project.  It is a testament to the episode's theme: everything is connected.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this season and to share the journey to Marion Island. We extend our gratitude to Prof. Charne Lavery and Prof. Jean Brundrit for conceptualising and leading the SANAP Artists and Writers Programme, and for the valuable access, experiences, and insights this initiative has provided. We also like to thank all the guests who agreed to be interviewed for this season. 

We thank the following guests on this episode:

-Mr Marcel van der Berg, Dr Azwianewu Makhado, Mr Mutshutshu Tsanwani, Dr Zimkhita Gebe, Dr Thato Mtshali from the Department of Forest, Fisheries and Environment.
-Ms Eleanor Weideman from the South African Polar Research Institute.
-Prof. Michael Kosch from the South African National Space Agency. 
-Ms Sarah du Preez and Ms Emma Swanepoel from the University of Cape Town
-Prof. Guillaume Delpech from the Universite’ Paris Saclay. 

For more information on the work discussed in this episode, visit:

-Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: www.dffe.gov.za/antarctica-and-so…rn-oceans-islands
-South African National Antarctic Programme: www.sanap.ac.za/ 
-South African Polar Research Infrastructure: www.sapri.ac.za/ 
-South African National Space Agency: https://www.sansa.org.za/ 
-Marine Information Management System: https://ocims.environment.gov.za/DataResources.html 

This season is funded by the NRF-South African Research Chair in Science Communication, located within the Centre for Science Communication at Stellenbosch University. Prof Mehita Iqani is the Chairholder. | www.imidibaniso.co.za


74. Everything Is Connected

We celebrate a historic milestone as we explore the groundbreaking news that the first European to fly to the moon will be German, marking a significant achievement for European space exploration and international cooperation in lunar missions.

Segment 2:
Fascinating update on cosmic salvage! We discuss how a dying satellite could use its final moments to capture unprecedented photographs of the infamous asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in 2029, potentially providing invaluable scientific data.

Segment 3:
Innovative discussion with an Italian research team exploring a revolutionary concept: Could future astronauts construct habitats on Mars using bacteria-based building materials? We examine this groundbreaking approach to sustainable Martian colonization.

Segment 4:
Breaking news from China's space program! We report on China's bold decision to bring a damaged spacecraft back to Earth after successfully launching a replacement vehicle to rescue stuck astronauts, showcasing international cooperation and advanced space rescue capabilities.
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European Lunar Dreams, Cosmic Salvage, and Martian Architecture

We explore a mind-bending phenomenon: time traveling faster on Mars than on Earth! Discover how Einstein's theory of relativity reveals that the passage of time varies across our solar system due to differences in gravity and planetary motion.

Segment 2:
Breaking news from China's space program! We report on a dramatic setback as China's first reusable rocket explodes in a spectacular fireball during landing after successfully reaching orbit on its maiden flight, highlighting the challenges of developing reusable space technology.

Segment 3:
Extraordinary news about an unexpected cosmic encounter! We discuss how galactic particles may have forced a passenger jet to make an emergency landing, raising intriguing questions about the interaction between cosmic radiation and modern aircraft systems.

Segment 4:
Exciting update on European lunar ambitions! We detail how Europe has selected companies to help develop the Argonaut moon lander and provide cargo delivery services, advancing Europe's independent capabilities for lunar exploration and resource logistics.
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Relativistic Wonders, Rocket Setbacks, and Lunar Ambitions

Alya Al Nuaimi invites you to embark on an intergalactic adventure through the cosmos with Kalam Astro. Stay up to date with the latest global and local astronomy news, including interviews with industry experts, and discover the secrets of the universe with mind-bending theories. Want some helpful tips on stargazing? Alya has got you covered.

An independent podcast about critical issues in higher education. All episodes are free to download and share.
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An academic citizen is anyone who is part of the higher education community. They are engaged in pedagogy or research or both, and are committed to furthering knowledge, education and the advancement of society from their disciplinary position. 

An academic citizen sees their work in higher education as a public project, both in terms of being partially funded by taxpayer money, and in terms of the contributions they wish to make to the world around them. 

Although citizenship implies an exclusive form of belonging, here we use it to signal the role of academic work in collective life in a non-exclusionary way, and to anchor it in a public project to which all humanity belongs.

We create knowledge not only for our individual benefit but for the benefit of all.

The Academic Citizen is an independent podcast series produced and funded in its second iteration by the South African Research Chair in Science Communication in 2022. It was originally supported by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU) when it was first established in 2016.

New tracks tagged #ScienceCommunication