Podcast, 28 mins
Are all solar systems the same?
Our understanding of planetary systems is changing. Our Solar System is not the norm in how systems form. What evidence challenges this and what's the impact on the question: Is anyone out there?
Part of That's Science!
1 Dec 2025 09:00
This episode we take a ride into the solar system and beyond. How are planets formed and how was our solar system formed? What are the long believed rules of planetary systems and why we now believe there is not one model that fits all.
Dr Richard Parker is an astrophysicist in our School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. During the episode he takes us around the solar system and further into the Milky Way galaxy - discussing migrating planets and even whether life can jump between planetary systems.
Credits
- Host: Tabby Taylor Buck (Freelance Content Creator)
- Guest: Dr Richard Parker (Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield)
- Podcast Editor: Tabby Taylor Buck (Content Creator at Imperial College London)
- Video Editor: Sophie Cowell (Freelance Content Creator)
- Background Image: ‘Kepler Planet 1649c Artist's Illustration From Space NASA ID: PIA2368’ NASA
- Produced by: Shaun Oliver (Marketing and Communications Manager at the University of Sheffield)
- Produced by: Tabby Taylor Buck (Content Creator at Imperial College London)