Solar System Vacation
from Big Picture Science Hosted by Big Picture Science
Ever gone bungee jumping on Venus? Of course not. No one has. However your great-great-great grandchildren might find themselves packing for the cloudy planet … or for another locale in our cosmic backyard. That’s what we picture as we accelerate our imagination to escape velocity and beyond – and tour vacation spots that are out of this world. An enormous mountain and an impressive canyon await you on Mars. If the outer solar system is more your thing, consider making a ten minute free-fall on Miranda, a moon of Uranus, or step up to the challenge of playing catch on an asteroid. Also, just opened up: Pluto. A member of the New Horizons science team describes why the dwarf planet could be a holiday haven. Bring your crampons for ice climbing! Guests: • Andrew Fraknoi – Chair of the astronomy department, Foothill College • Lori Fenton - Planetary scientist, SETI Institute • David Grinspoon – Astrobiologist, author of Venus Express • Mark Showalter – Planetary scientist, SETI institute, and member of the New Horizons team • Michael Busch – Planetary scientist, SETI Institute
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