Past Programs
Astronomy (Space) - 2008
Space station's 10 years
20/11/2008
It's 350 kilometres above us, has circled the earth more than 57,000 times at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour: it's the International Space Station and it's 10 years old today. Construction began in 1998, and the space station has, over the years, been much maligned. But it's also been home to astronauts from all over the world, who continue building it today. So what has the space station achieved so far? And is the continuing criticism of the program justified?
New physics breakthrough ... or will it trigger the end of the world?
10/09/2008
European scientists are now ready to switch on the most ambitious physics experiment in history, and perhaps the most dangerous one too. Later today, engineers will turn on a giant machine known as the Large Hadron Collider that will smash particles together with cataclysmic force along a 27 kilometre tunnel under the Swiss Alps.
The experiment is aimed at re-creating the conditions in the Universe moments after the Big Bang, with the hope it will unveil new physics in the process. But the project has its doomsdayers. They believe it could create black holes that would swallow up the entire planet.
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander
04/07/2008
It seems just about each day brings adventure and wonderment for scientists working on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander project. First, it was the discovery of dry riverbeds, then ice under the Martian surface, now it seems there is absolutely nothing in the red soil to hinder the existence of life and the possibility that it could support life in the future.
Mars soil is 'too clumpy'
11/06/2008
NASA scientists have discovered a slight problem with the dirt on Mars: it's too clumpy to analyse by the Pheonix Mars lander. But not all is lost in the historic quest to find life on the red planet.
Sydney Observatory turns 150
04/06/2008
This week marks 150 years since astronomers first started gazing at the stars from Observatory Hill in Sydney. Opened in 1858, Sydney Observatory was one of the nation's first observatories and the oldest still standing today. Over the years it has recorded some of the most significant astronomical events, and this weekend the anniversary will be suitably celebrated.
Mars probe
26/05/2008
Science's knowledge of Mars is about to be greatly enhanced with the successful landing of NASA's latest craft, the Phoenix Lander on the red planet's north pole. Now there are high hopes that the Phoenix, with its probes and analysis equipment, might be able to drill into remnant martian water and perhaps, just perhaps, see if there is anything organic contained within.
PM lobbies for giant radio telescope in outback
01/04/2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has discussed Australia's bid to be home to the Square Kilometre Array Telescope in a meeting with the US vice-president and secretary of state, giving the project support from the highest level. Australia is vying with South Africa to provide a home for the radio telescope, which is expected to cost around 1.8 billion dollars.
Templeton prize
13/03/2008
The annual Templeton Prize is the richest prize given to any individual in the world for research and discoveries into spiritual realities. This year's winner is Professor Michael Heller, a Polish priest, mathematician and cosmologist. The Templeton Foundation says his work has 'pushed the metaphysical horizons of science', and that he believes the 'mathematical nature of the world offers circumstantial evidence of God's existence.'
