Spaced Out

Apr 01 2025 14 ep. 6 mins

Spaced Out Podcast artwork

Hi! I’m Diya — I study astrophysics and planetary science at Caltech, and I love breaking down complex space concepts so that anyone can understand them. Spaced Out is all about making astrophysics fun, accessible, and just the right amount of mind-blowing. Learn more at www.spacedoutpodcast.com and read about it on substack: diyasparkle.substack.com

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Explaining the Silence: Theories for Alien Life

Apr 01 2025 8 mins

In this episode of Spaced Out, we dive deeper into one of the most puzzling questions: given the size and age of the universe, why haven't we found intelligent life yet? Building on the last episode about the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox, we explore several theories—some grounded in science, others leaning into sci-fi—that try to explain this silence.Whether you'

The Numbers Say Aliens Are Out There—So Where Are They?

Mar 22 2025 6 mins

In this episode of Spaced Out, we look at one of the most fascinating questions in science: why haven't we found any aliens? Before we explore the many theories that try and explain this, I walk through the Drake equation - a super useful way to think about how many intelligent civilizations could be out there. It's not so much a strict calculation as it is a framework for

Planet Formation

Nov 04 2024 15 mins

This is a crash course to planet formation! In this episode, you will learn how planets form from dust grains and gas, the different temperatures and compositions in the disk, and why the planets in our solar system exist where they do. This episode naturally follows the last one, the Physics of Star Formation. It is a bit longer of an episode, but is easy to follow. Enjoy! Note:

The Physics Behind Star Formation

Sep 03 2024 9 mins

The very beginning of one of my favorite astronomy topics (planet formation) is star formation! In this episode, I explain the basics of star formation (especially the physics behind it) in simple ways, with many analogies! I hope you all enjoy it! Note: This music is not mine, you can find it on YouTube and other platforms! Title: Cosmic Storm by A Himitsu

Episode 11: Stellar Evolution- How Stars Form!

Apr 28 2021 6 mins

This episode covers stellar evolution, specifically how stars form from nebula into protostars, failed stars, and T-tauri stars! Another episode will cover the end of a stars life. Let me know if you have any questions, suggestions for future episodes, or comments.

Episode Ten- Mars Perseverance Rover

Dec 22 2020 4 mins

An overview of the Perseverance rover's mission, the helicopter Ingenuity, and what we hope this mission will reveal to us!

Episode Nine- Podcast with Astrophysics Researcher Christine

Sep 07 2020 6 mins

This episode is one where I talk to an experienced researcher, Christine Ye, about black holes!

Episode Eight- Crew Dragon Launch!

Jun 08 2020 3 mins

This episode is about the recent launch from the Kennedy Space Center, a short one that explains the purpose of the mission, what it will accomplish in the future, and its significance. Let me know if you have any questions or what you think! I appreciate comments about the episodes or suggestions for new topics to cover!

Episode Seven- The Planets in our Solar System Part 2

Apr 19 2020 6 mins

Part 2! Some links I used:Jupiter- https://space-facts.com/jupiter/Saturn- https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/home/F_Saturn_Fun_Facts_K-4.htmlUranus- https://space-facts.com/uranus/Neptune- no specific site, but search some up!

Episode Six- The Planets in our Solar System Part 1

Apr 19 2020 6 mins

This episode is about the first 4 planets in our solar system! Ask me any questions you have and I'll do my best to answer!Here are some links to the resources I used for the interesting facts:Mercury- https://space-facts.com/mercury/Venus- https://theplanets.org/venus/Mars- https://space-facts.com/mars/