astro[sound]bites

In this episode, we dive into the ripples of spacetime with a special focus on gravitational waves. Cole and Cormac are joined by a new host, Sanika, who introduces her research in gravitational wave astrophysics and sets the stage for the discussion. Together, they explore the role of neutron star and black hole mergers in producing gravitational waves, how we detect them, and what they reveal about some of the most extreme events in the universe. The conversation highlights major achievements from detectors like LIGO and Virgo, from the first historic detection to the growing catalog of binary mergers. Looking ahead, they discuss the exciting future of the field, including next-generation observatories and space-based missions like LISA. By the end, you’ll be tuned into the gravitational vibes shaping modern astrophysics.
Fact sheet:
https://ligo.org/detections/gw250114-10-years-of-gravitational-wave-astronomy/
Questions?
[email protected]

In this episode, as we (at the time of recording) approach Astronomy’s (JWST) awards season, Cormac and Cole shed some light on just how ideas become astronomical datasets. Our two putative principal investigators discuss why grad students should consider applying for telescope time, the main components and categories of proposals, and how successful proposals are finally selected and scheduled. We conclude with our most memorable moments from our own efforts to get time on facilities like JWST, Roman and Gemini.

SPHEREx Data Tools:
https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/applications/spherex/

In this episode, we move away from point particles to talk about fields. Shashank, Cole and Cormac start with a discussion of different kinds of fields in astrophysics. Then, Cole describes Lagrange points and why they can be useful for satellites and asteroids seeking a safe place to camp out (or lay siege). Cormac dives into the atmospheres of hot Jupiter exoplanets, where we get a glimpse of temperature and wind velocity fields on other planets. By the end, you’ll certainly have a lot more field experience! 

 

What’s the (Lagrange) point?

https://astrobites.org/2026/01/29/whats-the-lagrange-point/

 

The Fires Within: Investigating the Atmospheres of Inflated Hot Jupiters

https://astrobites.org/2023/01/03/hot_interior_exoplanets/

 

Space sound: 

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Swarm/The_scary_sound_of_Earth_s_magnetic_field

In our valentines’ day special, Shashank, Cole, and Cormac explore the dating lives of stars and other compact objects by looking at the romantic couples of astrophysics: binary systems. Immediately ruining this theme, Shashank covers some particularly messy breakups (though these lovers are able to rebound and move on) while Cormac shows us how even stars’ healthy relationships involve some give and take.

 

Astrobites:

 

What are Partial Tidal Disruption Events, and How Do We Find Them?

https://astrobites.org/2025/08/04/partial-tdes-galactic-center/

 

Sharing is caring: how do binary stars actually transfer mass?

https://astrobites.org/2025/07/14/binary-mass-transfer/

 

Space Sound:

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/chandra/nasa-telescopes-tune-into-a-black-hole-prelude-fugue/

Apply to join us as a co-host! https://astrosoundbites.com/recruiting-2025

In today’s extra-special seasonal episode, Cormac, Lucia and Shashank share some of their highly curated metrics inspired by Spotify wrapped to end our a[s]b year. Much like ourselves, this episode is a mixed bag - we hope you enjoy it! This also marks the start of our long-awaited Winter (or Summer, depending on your hemisphere) break - see you in a few weeks!

Space sound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmsOmqf7Hso

Bonus festive EWOCS JWST image released after we recorded:

https://esawebb.org/images/potm2512a/