Backyard Worlds
Artist\u2019s impression of the proposed Planet Nine. Image Credit: Caltech/R,. Hurt (IPAC)\n\nFebruary saw the first launch of SpaceX\u2019s Falcon Rocket from Launchpad 39A \u2013 the same launchpad used by the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle. In this month\u2019s Pythagorean Astronomy, Edward Gomez and Chris North discuss these impressive structures along with the study of a supernova (the explosive death of a massive star) just hours after it\xa0exploded, providing crucial insights into the very early stages of these extreme events.\nA new Zooniverse project, Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, was also announced designed to let \u201ccitizen scientists\u201d (i.e. you!) help track down Planet Nine \u2013 whose existence was seriously proposed a year ago. Project leader Marc Kuchner told us about that project.\nFor those wondering, we recorded this before the announcement of both TRAPPIST-1 and the SpaceX announcement of their planned lunar missions \u2013 but they\u2019re pretty safe bets for discussion next month!\n\nAn extended edition of the an original\xa0broadcast on 27th January 2017 as part of Pythagoras\u2019 Trousers on Radio Cardiff.\nFor an archive of Pythagorean Astronomy, visit pythagastro.uk.