Big Picture Science – Solar System Vacation
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!
Listen to individual segments here:
Part 1: Andy Fraknoi / Hiking Mars
Part 2: Lori Fenton / Martian Getaway
Part 3: Andy Fraknoi / Spelunking on Venus
Part 4: David Grinspoon / Thrill Seeking on Venus
Part 5: Andy Fraknoi / Cliff Diving on Miranda
Part 6: Miranda’s Lovers’ Leap
Part 7: Andy Fraknoi / Io’s Volcanos
Part 8: Andy Fraknoi / Pluto and Charon
Part 9: Mark Showalter / Ice Climbing on Pluto
Part 10: Michael Busch / Asteroid Activities
