A hidden jewel in Northern California-the Physics and Astronomy Department at Sonoma State University!

Dr. Lynn Cominsky is an award-winning Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Sonoma State University. 
Dr. Cominsky is the founder and director of SSU's EdEon STEM Learning, which develops educational materials for NASA, NSF and the US Department of Education and NASA's Neurodiversity Network (N3) who's goal is to provide a pathway to NASA participation and STEM employment for neurodiverse learners, with a focus on those on the autism spectrum.
Learn all about this cutting edge curriculum and the woman that put it all together to help students nationwide.

Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Laura Peticolas from Sonoma State University. 
Dr. Peticolas teaches us about solar cycles, sun behavior and how all the the sun's behavior can affect the earth. 
She makes learning about our universe fun and exciting. 

Part 1: April Interview:
This is an amazing and educational opportunity to learn about our sun with Heliophysicist Dr. Laura Peticolas. Dr. Peticolas is the Associate Director of Ed Eon STEM learning at Sonoma State University. 
She led the effort to crowd-source high quality photographs across he path of totality during the 2017 total eclipse of the sun , a project called "The Eclipse Megamovie".
Dr. Peticolas graduated from the University of Fairbanks where she studied the auroras. 
In this interview  Dr. Peticolas speaks with such passion and enthusiasm about helioscience, she explains what auroras are and how they are created. and teaches us about the science of the sun so that it is easy to understand.
Continue on to May's interview with Dr. Peticolas to find out more about heliophysics and the sun's current behavior.

Join me for part two of my interview with Todd Barber from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Todd continues to tell us all about NASA's epic Voyager Mission and the flight teams struggles to keep these aging spacecrafts working beyond the outer boundary of the heliosphere in Interstellar Space. 

Join me as we speak with Todd Barber, Propulsion Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Todd tells us all about how and why he became an engineer with JPL and his work at JPL including working on NASA's Cassini Mission to Saturn and his current work on NASA's incredible Voyager Mission. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Marc Rayman Ted Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=B0PbFp-y6Dc
• NASA’s Space Place - https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/full-moons/en/
• Deep Space One Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe2zhv2cHEk

Robert Ferguson Observatory located in the Valley of the Moon, and within the Sugarloaf State Park  (just outside of Santa Rosa, California) is a hidden jewel in Sonoma County. Listen to this interview with staff from the observatory and discovery this unique and well run center and find out all about its year-round events.
Guest speakers:
Stephanie Derammelaere- Executive Director
David Cranford- Docent Astronomer

Once you hear about RFO it won't be "hidden" anymore!

Tony Alcocer loves excitement!
 He was a Santa Rosa Fire Engineer then retired and became a model rocket mentor who works with NASA and Sonoma State University. He is a member of the National Association of Rocketry and Tripoli Rocketry Association.
In this interview he tells us how he teaches kids and university professors how to build and launch rockets.

Dr. Marc Rayman is back! This time he's telling us the story of the NASA Dawn Mission and all its discoveries, technology and stressful issues. Dr. Rayman also gives us mind-blowing insights into new ideas and future concepts of interstellar space travel after Ukiah igh School Senior, Francisco Castaneda Rodriguez Jr. asks Dr. Rayman an intriguing question.   

Learn all about NADS's newest flagship mission.....EUROPA CLIPPER!!!! Our good friend Todd Barber is make to tell us all the intricate parts of this modern marvel of spacecrafts that will be exploring the Galilean Moon EUROPA!!! A water-world in the Jovian System. Check out the links as well so you can see and play with the Clipper Vault Plate!!! 

https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/

https://europa.nasa.gov/spacecraft/vault-plate/

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/

Join us for an interview with Richard Rieber, Robotic Systems Engineer from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Richard takes us through the various robotics created at JPL and tells us how those creations were used on NASA missions and future how future robotics are being created for future NASA missions. 

Cosmic Radio host Elizabeth Garcia interviews Principal Investigator of NASA's Psyche Mission, Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton. Join us as we talk about an incredible space journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. Dr. Elkins-Tanton tells us all about the Psyche asteroid, why she believes that it may be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet and how she is going to test her hypothesis with this amazing solar-electric spacecraft.
Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets!
 

Join me as I interview Planetary Scientist Dr. Peter Schultz. His work is extensive! So much, we are having him on the show for two consecutive months. This month we will be talking about Dr. Shultz's work on the Chicxulub Crater off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.  He tells us how he used the NASA Ames Vertical Gun the model how the impactor created the second largest crater on earth!

Join me for a fascinating interview with Dr. David Hibbett, Biology Professor from Clark University who focuses on Evolutionary Mycology.
 Dr. Hibbett answers questions we all think about and want to know more about from the Fungal Kingdom.  He is so fun and passionate about fungi and after listening to this interview, I hope that you will also become a "mycophile"!!! (lover of fungi)

Join my for an amazing thought-provoking interview with Dr. Silvano Colombano! Dr. Colombano is a retired NASA Biophysicist. He is now working on his original doctoral thesis and writing a new paper about the Nature of Life: Implications for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis.
His computer modeling studies are helping Dr. Colombano understand the origins of life and how the languages of life, DNA coding, originate and work.  Dr. Silvano was mind blowing!!!

Join me for our second interview with Dr. Peter Schultz.  We've move on from the Chicxulub Impactor and into The Deep Impact Mission, the LCROSS mission and his current work in Chile!  Check out the pictures and links I added for more information on his work and by next week I will add the rest of the interview I had to cut for time for the radio program.

Dr. Shultz is so completely into his work, you cant help getting as excited as he does when you hear him talk about all his research and findings.  I was blown away! 
He is one sick dude!!!

Join me on Cosmic Radio as we speak with Dr. Joseph Heitman.
 Dr. Heitman is a professor and Chair of Molecular Biology and Professor in Medicine at Duke University and CIFAR's Co-Director for the "Fungal Kingdom: Threats and Opportunities" Research Program.  Last month Dr. David Hibbett gave us an introduction into the fascinating study of the Fungal Kingdom. This month Dr. Heitman talks about the threats to humans, animals and plants by fungi and the breakthrough treatments and promising medicines that fungus can give us. We also talk about FUNGUS IN SPACE!
Your going to love this interview!!
check out the following links and learn all about Dr. Joseph Heitman's work:

• https://mgm.duke.edu/profile/joseph-heitman 
•  https://cifar.ca/research-programs/fungal-kingdom/
•  https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-white-nose-syndrome 
•  https://cifar.ca/cifarnews/2024/08/21/cifar-researchers-discover-potential-treatment-for-a-fungus-devastating-amphibian-populations-worldwide/
• https://cifar.ca/bios/david-s-blehert/
• https://www.v-meer.de/my-co-space

Join me as we walk and talk through Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino County with Robert Douglas. Robert is a mycologist, biologist and Environmental Specialist with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention.  As we walk and discover this magical forest, camping site and destination location for fungi foragers, you can hear the Noyo River, song birds and Robert belting out owl calls!!!!
Keep in mind this podcast was not recorded in the studio, so you will hear all the sounds of the forest, me breathing hard on the hike and me tripping a few times! 
Enjoy!!

To learn more, check out these web sites!!

Jackson Demonstration State Forest: https://www.visitmendocino.com/listing/jackson-demonstration-state-forest/
CalFire JDSF: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREJDSF/
CalFire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
Mendocino Mushroom Club: https://www.mendocinocoastmushroomclub.org/
Mendocino Foragers: https://www.foragemendocino.com/

Join Cosmic Radio for an interview with Cal Poly Humboldt's beloved Biology Professor Terry Henkel.  
Mycology is a mainstay of the Humboldt Botany Program with courses  in mycology, forest pathology and mushroom identification.  
"My research investigates macrofungal biodiversity and ecological relationships in the remote tropical rainforests of South America's Guiana Shield and the Guineo-Congolian region of Central Africa. My lab also examines the overlooked but important roles that native forest pathogenic fungi have in shaping forest communities in Northern California".
Terry has an amazing and relaxed style of proficiently teaching us more about the Fungi Kingdom both here in the United States and abroad. This is my final Fungal Kingdom episode ( for now) after a powerhouse of mycologist guests including David Hibbett, Joseph Heitman and Robert Douglas-check them all out!!

Check out the following links about Dr. Henkel's research:

https://www.humboldt.edu/biological-sciences/terry-henkel-phd -Dr. Henkel Cal Poly Humboldt web page
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Terry-Henkel  -Dr. Henkel's published research papers
https://www.hbmycologicalsociety.org/  -Humboldt Bay Mycological Society
https://amazonteam.org/maps/guiana-shield/  -Guiana Shield
https://tropicalfungi.org/guineo-congo/  -Magrofungi of Northern Gondwana

Join me on Cosmic Radio as we speak with NASA's Johnson Space microbiologist Dr. Sarah Castro Wallace.  Dr. Wallace evaluates the performance of the MinION DNA sequencer in-flight on the International Space Station (ISS). She and her team are in charge of the environmental monitoring of the ISS. Dr. Wallace's  passion for her work is evident in this interview.  She makes microbiology and DNA sequencing in space sound more fun than a spacewalk!

Check out these links:
Dr. Wallace's work: https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/dna-sequencing/
Dr. Sarah Castro Wallace: Women in History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1yJwXAFAMU
Genes in Space: https://www.genesinspace.org/

Join me as we learn what's up in the September 2025 night sky, delve into Samoan mythology then speak with Retired United States Airforce Sergeant Stanley Anderson.  Stan served in the US Air Force, 1959–1979, retiring as a Master Sergeant, Computer Systems Superintendent. From 1968 to 1971 he was NCO–In-Charge of the Aircraft Operations Control Center, Patrick AFB, FL supporting Apollo missions 4 through 14 deploying Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) providing astronaut communications around the world.

Join me as we speak with Dr. Joseph Lazio, Project Scientist from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network. Dr. Lazio explains what the Deep Space Network (DSN) his job at the DSN and explain how the DSN antennas are used to track and communicate with NASA spacecrafts and the amazing research the antennas perform. This is the first part of a two part series about the Deep Space Network. It's fascinating!
Links:
Pele Story: Pele: The Fire Goddess by Pua Kanaka 'ole Kanahele and Dietrich Varez
Music: Legend of Pele the Fire Goddess (1964) Ka Lahui o Hawai'i Nei
             "All Over the World"-Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
             "Sail"- intro and conclusion theme AWOLNATION
The Voyage of the Hokule'a:https://hokulea.com/
DSN Madrid antenna aligned and arrayed: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26147-six-deep-space-network-antennas-in-madrid-arrayed-for-the-first-time/
DSN Now: https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/

Have you ever heard of NASA's new Quesst Mission? We have all the answers right here!  Meet NASA Test Pilot Lils Larson, he is the first to fly NASA's X-59 experimental supersonic plane that is attempting to change the sonic boom out of a supersonic boom and change it to a "sonic thump"! 
NASA Quesst Mission:  https://www.nasa.gov/mission/quesst/
Nils Larson-Ret. USAF Lieutenant Colonel & NASA Test Pilot: https://www.nasa.gov/people/david-nils-larson/
Supersonic Speed: https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/supersonic-flight/
Check out The Artemis Mission-Possibly launching in February 2026!!!-https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
Sail: AWOLNATION
Highway to the Danger Zone: Kenny Loggins

Join me as we speak with Dr. Joseph Masiero from Caltech/IPAC. Dr. Masiero teaches us all about NEOs-"Near-Earth-Object" and the new NASA mission-NEO Surveyor that will
Find Near Earth Objects before they find us!
Dr. Joseph Masiero Bio: https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/science/staff/joe-masiero
NASA Neo Surveyor Mission: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/neo-surveyor/
Asteroid flying over Lake Erie: https://thedebrief.org/asteroid-impact-in-canada-may-have-left-something-behind-that-astronomers-now-want/
Astro Art Article: https://mdspace.org/nasas-webb-telescope-inspires-artechouse-exhibit-public-art/
Hoar Ice explanation: https://cloudatlas.wmo.int/en/hoar-frost.html
This month's soundtrack: Sail-AWOLNATION
                                            Mars-Gustav Holst
                                            Jupiter-Gustav Holst

Join me as we learn more about the amazing radio antennas from the NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). Last month we learned how the DSN communicates with mission spacecrafts. This month we learn about the research the antennas have been involved in and how the DSN will help the communications with our return to the moon on the Artemis Missions!!
We also have some fun aboriginal mythology to learn!

Greeting Space Lovers and welcome back to Cosmic Radio. We have a great show this month.  In the first part of the show we find out "What's up in the February night sky" and learn about the upcoming NASA Artemis II  moon-launch and the return of The United States to the Moon. Then in the second part of the show we celebrate the return of  Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the Principal Investigator of NASA's Psyche Mission: A Journey to a Metal World!
Dr. Elkins-Tanton is going to update us on the mission during its "cruise-phase".

Check-out the following links that Dr. Elkins-Tanton mentions during the show:

JPL Psyche Mission:  https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/psyche/
NASA Psyche Mission overview:  https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/mission-overview/

"Mission Ready-How to Build Teams That Perform Under Pressure" Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton Book-https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lindy-elkins-tanton/mission-ready/9781541706033/

Tater's the Cat:  https://youtu.be/k7B8lYjAOns?si=IGxjhTbJoAaJ6VOS
Ways to Participate-Capstone courses-  https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/ways-to-participate/
Psyche Inspired-  https://psyche.ssl.berkeley.edu/get-involved/psyche-inspired/
                              https://epics.engineering.asu.edu/2025/09/nasa-psyche-virtual-reality-inspired-art-and-artists-showcase/
Psyche (Song) by Terry Glaze-  https://youtu.be/Kj66J8fmmzU?si=tU_7Bx0ZtUXvPBNY

Sail (Song) Awolnation

NASA Artemis Mission: 
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/

We all hear about Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Most of us use it in one way or another. 
Cosmic Radio speaks with Professor David Johnson from Mendocino Community College helps us to learn:

What AI is
How to use it
How to protect yourself against some bad players out there trying to get your information.

There is so much to learn!!!
In addition to that we will find out what's up in the March night sky and learn some ancient Greek mythology about Artificial Intelligence!!!!
Sail:AWOLNATION
NASA AI:https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2025/amendment-37-new-opportunity-c-12-foundational-artificial-intelligence-for-the-moon-and-mars/
NASA Artemis Program: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
NASA Artemis Update: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-adds-mission-to-artemis-lunar-program-updates-architecture/
Daft Punk: Technologic
Radiohead: Paranoid Android

The excitement builds!!! 
Join me as we learn HOW rockets land on the moon and all the prep-work NASA is doing as we prepare to launch the Artemis 2 program

*****A MANED SPACE MISSION TO THE MOON!!*****

"We are going to the moon, but we are not going alone.." says Dr. Ashley Korzun.  She is right, after you listen to this interview you too will understand that the Artemis Mission is a world-wide mission. 
Dr. Korzun teaches us what PSI is and how we are ready to land on the moon!
GO PSI TEAM!!!
GO NASA!!!
GO USA!!!
GO ARTEMIS!!!

NASA PSI Research- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230018215
NASA Artemis 2 Mission-  https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/
Sail Song- AWAOLNATION
Tuff Enuff song- The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Fly me to the Moon song- Frank Sinatra

Join me as we speak with this amazing researcher!
 
She works at the McMurdo Station on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica during the Spring and Summer. The day after she arrives she is at the "coms" helping Artemis 2 Astronauts and astronaut candidates get into the space suits all while she is conducting research on algae that she hopes she can use to produce oxygen, scrub CO2, and grow to eat on future Lunar and Martian habitats. I'm exhausted just thinking about that work week.  But just listening to her speak about all her jobs with such passion and devotion will help you understand that this woman is perfect for al three jobs!
 
Oh, and on her free time, she like working on engines and riding motorcycles.  So cool!

Check out the following links to learn more about Emily and all her scientific work.

Emily Matula: https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/emily-matula
NASA Emily Matula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teT81234TI
NASA Scientific Balloons: https://www.nasa.gov/scientificballoons/
McMurdo Station -Ross Ice Shelf-Antarctica: https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/ail/mcmurdo-station
NASA Spacesuits: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/astronauts/spacesuits/
The Old Farmers' Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/astronomy
Algae for life habitats: https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/algae-could-prove-mvp-for-future-space-missions/
NASA Wallops Balloon Facility: https://www.nasa.gov/wallops/

MUSIC:
Sail- AWOLNATION
No Quarter-Led Zepplin