Dr. Barbara Thompson, a NASA astrophysicist and space weather scientist, was the guest for this edition of The Space Show. Dr. Thompson explained space weather, its purpose, how it can expand out to Mars and beyond, and be used by businessmen and women as well as the government in planning and launching space missions. We talked about the risk factors versus the costs in delaying a launch based on space weather (usually infers increased solar radiation coming to or near the Earth) or in going forward with the planned event. Dr. Thompson explained how a shuttle mission uses space weather to make sure that an EVA is not planned during a time of increased solar radiation for the safety of the astronauts. She provided Space Show listeners with good online sources for more information and reports on the subject and listeners can get the URL references from her interview. Dr. Thompson contrasted space weather, forecasting, and prediction with its counterparts here on Earth. Predicting is still a rough science for both and she used the example of predicting the formation of a hurricane. However, once the hurricane has actually formed and started moving, its much more reliable to forecast its path and timing. The same holds true with CME's or solar flares. As the discussion switched topics, Dr. Thompson was asked contacted by a high school student asking for her suggestions for the best career path to take to be a NASA scientist. Dr. Thompson also talked about the Hubble Space Telescope, its science, the plan to possibly deorbit it, newer technology that may be coming online to replace the Hubble, and the cost of keeping Hubble versus the cost of bringing forth newer, more advanced technology. I also asked Dr. Thompson for her impressions and thoughts regarding the private sector, entrepreneurs, suborbital space access by the private-sector and these businesses and programs are viewed within NASA. Dr. Thompson easily explains complex science and related matters to Space Show listeners. I am sure you will find this a memorable program.
Guest
The Space Show
