Local Podcasts
There’s More to That from Smithsonian magazine: The Astronomical Problem of Space Junk
by
December 4, 2025
We have launched all manner of satellite and machinery into low-Earth orbit. But what goes up must come down. Most often, these items burn up in the atmosphere upon re-entry, which isn’t good for air quality or the ozone layer. But not everything incinerates — and increasing amounts of debris are landing in backyards and fields.
In this episode, host Ari Daniel speaks with astronomer Samantha Lawler and Smithsonian contributing writer Dan Falk about space junk and the concern among researchers that it is becoming a growing threat to public safety.
New to WCNY is There’s More to That from Smithsonian magazine. What’s the local connection? WCNY’s Genevieve Sponsler is the executive producer of There’s More to That, which is produced by PRX Productions.
