IMAP and the shape of the heliosphere
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science14 Jan

IMAP and the shape of the heliosphere

Our Solar System is wrapped in a vast, invisible bubble created by the Sun, a protective region that shields Earth and the planets from much of the radiation that fills our galaxy. But until recently, scientists have only had rough sketches of what this boundary looks like and how it behaves.

In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by David McComas, professor of astrophysical sciences at Princeton University and principal investigator of NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) missions, along with Matina Gkioulidou, a heliophysicist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, former IMAP-Ultra instrument lead, and current IMAP project scientist and co-investigator.

Now stationed at the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrange point, IMAP uses 10 instruments to study the heliosphere — the region where the solar wind collides with material from interstellar space. The mission does this by tracking energetic neutral atoms, particles that travel in straight lines from distant regions of the heliosphere, allowing scientists to map areas of space that spacecraft can’t directly sample.

McComas and Gkioulidou explain how IMAP builds on the legacy of Interstellar Boundary Explorer, what makes this mission different, and why understanding the Sun’s influence across space matters not just for fundamental science, but for space-weather forecasting and protecting technology and astronauts closer to home.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-imap

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episoder(1330)

Special Live Edition of Planetary Radio: The Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia

Special Live Edition of Planetary Radio: The Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia

Special Live Edition of Planetary Radio: The Loss of Space Shuttle ColumbiaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystu...

3 Feb 200327min

A Renaissance Space Man: Dr. William Hartmann Talks About His Novels, Art and Research

A Renaissance Space Man: Dr. William Hartmann Talks About His Novels, Art and Research

A Renaissance Space Man: Dr. William Hartmann Talks About His Novels, Art and ResearchLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

27 Jan 200331min

Another Benefit of Space Science? Shuttle Experiment Offers Glimmer of Hope in the Mideast

Another Benefit of Space Science? Shuttle Experiment Offers Glimmer of Hope in the Mideast

Another Benefit of Space Science? Shuttle Experiment Offers Glimmer of Hope in the MideastLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

20 Jan 200331min

A Microwave Push to the Stars?

A Microwave Push to the Stars?

A Microwave Push to the Stars?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Jan 200330min

Earth Shattering Impacts

Earth Shattering Impacts

Earth-Shattering ImpactsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Jan 200330min

Star Trek Science

Star Trek Science

Star Trek ScienceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Des 200229min

Interview with Freeman Dyson

Interview with Freeman Dyson

Interview with Freeman DysonLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Des 200230min

Planetary Radio Looks at SETI

Planetary Radio Looks at SETI

Planetary Radio Looks at SETILearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Des 200229min

Populært innen Vitenskap

fastlegen
tingenes-tilstand
jss
rekommandert
forskningno
sinnsyn
rss-nysgjerrige-norge
liberal-halvtime
tomprat-med-gunnar-tjomlid
rss-paradigmepodden
villmarksliv
fjellsportpodden
kvinnehelsepodden
rss-rekommandert
rss-overskuddsliv
nevropodden
tidlose-historier
rss-bondevennen
psykopoden
nordnorsk-historie