This Week In Space podcast: Episode 115 —Our Friendly Mr. Sun

On Episode 115 of This Week In Space , Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik talk about the sun and solar activity cycles.

We see the sun every day as it rises and sets... it's one of the few constants in life. But it's a very dynamic body, throwing minor temper tantrums regularly. As it happens, we're at the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity and there's a lot going on!

Dr. Alex Young, the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, joins us to talk about the recent solar storms that have given us auroras and some communications blackouts, the science from the Parker solar probe, and much more.

Don't take the friendly Mr. Sun for granted--join us for this fascinating episode!

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Space news of the week

• 'No emergency situation' on International Space Station, NASA says after astronaut medical drill audio causes stir
• Voyager 1 Returning Science Data From All Four Instruments
• The Sun Today
• Aurora Borealis over Czech Rep., 10-11 May 2024
• Parker Solar Probe
• Solar Orbiter
• The sun's magnetic field is about to flip. Here's what to expect.
• Knowing with Nicholas Cage

Model Falcon 9!

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Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout , courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.

About This Week In Space

This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?

Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.