Milky Way Odyssey: Exploring the Wonders of Our Galactic Home

Join host Amitesh on a breathtaking journey across the Milky Way in this episode of Cosmos in a Pod. From the closest star systems to the mysterious Galactic Halo, we’ll uncover the secrets of our galaxy’s diverse and dynamic features.

Episode Highlights:

• Alpha Centauri and Beyond: Learn about the closest star system to Earth, including the intriguing Proxima Centauri b, a potential candidate for habitability.
• Strange Exoplanets: Discover alien worlds like K2-141b, with molten rock oceans, and GJ 1214b, an ocean planet covered in superheated water.
• Black Hole Mysteries: Explore the stellar-mass black hole V616 Monocerotis and the supermassive Sagittarius A* at the Milky Way’s centre.
• Galactic Center: Dive into the chaotic heart of the galaxy, home to thousands of stars, molecular clouds, and star-forming nebulae.
• Spiral Arms and the Galactic Halo: Travel through the Orion Arm, the birthplace of stars, and the dark halo of invisible matter holding the galaxy together.

Fascinating FAQs Answered:

• How many stars are in the Milky Way? Approximately 200 billion, with countless planets and stellar remnants.
• What is Sagittarius A?* A supermassive black hole anchoring the galaxy’s centre.
• What is the Galactic Halo? A vast region of ancient stars and dark matter surrounds the Milky Way.

Why Listen?

This episode blends stunning discoveries with cosmic mysteries, offering a comprehensive look at our galactic neighbourhood. Whether you’re a stargazer or a science enthusiast, you’ll find inspiration and wonder in the Milky Way’s many secrets.