Open Orbit is a podcast that brings space down to Earth. Hosted by 1190 News Team producer Hunter Pratt, a CU Boulder astrophysics student and science communicator, Open Orbit explores the mysteries of the universe through conversations with people working at the edge of discovery. From the Big Bang to black holes, from distant galaxies to the science shaping our future, each episode dives into cosmic questions with curiosity, clarity, and a bit of humor. Whether you're a space nerd or just space-curious, you're in the right orbit.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are. But what are you, really? We're used to stars being these faint pinpricks of light that come out at night, but we rarely stop to consider their true nature as gargantuan balls of gas — and why should we?In this episode, Hunter is joined by Jaden Fitzpatrick, a PhD student in Astrophysics, to talk all things stars: how they're born, how they live, how they die, and why we should even care about stars in the first place.
10 Jul 2026
Open Orbit #12: Why Do We Keep Looking Up?
What truly motivates those who pursue astronomy to look up into the stars?
There's a common misconception that scientists are drawn to the cosmic, large-scale, detached version of reality. And while that may sometimes be true, there is always a deeper, personal reason why one might look towards the stars.
In this episode, Hunter sits down with Jane Bright to discuss their own connections to the cosmic and how looking up can, paradoxically, bring one closer to Earth.
19 May 2026
Open Orbit #11: You Don't Need a Perfect Path to Succeed with Alex Maldonado
In this episode, Hunter Pratt and Alex Maldonado discuss how there isn't one way to build your path past grade school.
Both having had non-traditional experiences with their journey into Astrophysics, Hunter and Alex reminisce on how they got to where they are, discuss how they're being impacted by their current positions, and forecast how things could have been different if science felt more accessible.
14 Apr 2026
Open Orbit #10: How Can Scientists Do Better? (feat. Dr. Steve Lamos)
Hunter sits down with Steve Lamos for the shortened version of our full episode on available on YouTube. In this episode, they discuss the importance and effects of journaling. Catch the full length episode to hear their conversation on the barriers between scienitfic researchers and the general public. Dr. Steve Lamos is an Associate Professor in the Program for Writing and Rhetoric at CU Boulder. He is also the author of Interests and Opportunities: Race, Racism, and University Writing Instruction in the Post-Civil Rights Era, which received a special commendation from the 2013 CCCC Outstanding Book Award selection committee, and a drummer for the indie/emo band American football, a group that has had its influence on the genre widely recognized by outlets such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NPR.Tune in wherever you get your podcasts, or stream the full-length episode with video on YouTube. Just search "Open Orbit".Hosted by Hunter Pratt, Open Orbit blends genuine astronomy and science conversations with humor, storytelling, and the personalities that make science feel human. Produced in collaboration with KVCU Radio 1190 at CU Boulder.
9 Feb 2026
Open Orbit #9: Fact or Fiction: Cosmic Queries with Raven
In this chaotic episode of Open Orbit, Hunter Pratt and special guest Raven face off in a game of Fact or Fiction. One of us drops a space-related statement, some true, some absolute nonsense, and the other has to decide whether it’s real astronomy or a total fabrication.Expect unexpected science, questionable confidence, real facts, and plenty of laughing at ourselves.Hosted by Hunter Pratt, Open Orbit blends genuine astronomy and science conversations with humor, storytelling, and the personalities that make science feel human. Produced in collaboration with KVCU Radio 1190 at CU Boulder.
22 Oct 2025
Open Orbit #8: Astronomers to Make A Kid Cry: Rude Scientists with Max Carlin
Hunter and returning guest Max Carlin face their most diabolical challenge yet: each must assemble a five-person team of astronomers capable of making a child cry. It’s a deep dive into the brilliant, the awful, and the astronomically unhinged.
26 Sept 2025
Open Orbit # 7: Popcorn and Portals: A Casual Conversation on Sci-Fi with Sam Lippincott
Host and producer Hunter Pratt and LASP's Sam Lippincott explore how Science Fiction movies inspire real science and scientists.
Host: Hunter Pratt
Editors: Javeed Alimuradov & Isabella Schulte
18 Aug 2025
Open Orbit #6: Hunting For New Worlds: Exoplanets w/ Dr. Zach Berta Thompson
Hunter looks at exoplanets, worlds orbiting stars other than our own Sun, with CU professor Dr. Zach Berta-Thompson.
10 Aug 2025
Open Orbit #5: Starlit Legends: constellations and mythology w/Jon Rosborough
Hunter sits down with Jon Rosborough of Fiske Planeterium to look at the connections between Astronomy and Ancient Mythology, breaking down how constellations inspired some of humanity's greatest legends.
25 Jul 2025
Open Orbit #4: The Moons of our Solar System: Strange Worlds Next Door w/ Anna Pesce
Hunter and resident Moon Expert Anna Pesce take a leisurely lunar stroll exploring the history and science of the solar system's moons.
14 Jun 2025
Open Orbit #3: ALIENS! w/ Max Carlin
Hunter and science communicator Max Carlin of Fiske Planetarium break down all things aliens with this deep dive into extraterrestrial life.
14 Jun 2025
Open Orbit #2: The Story of Everything with Johnny Dorigo Jones
Hunter sits down with Astrophysics PhD candidate Johnny Dorigo Jones to talk through the timeline of the universe.
14 Jun 2025
Open Orbit #1: Where Science Meets Philosophy w/ Curran Collier
Hunter sits down with CU graduate & Science Communicator Curran Collier to discuss his work and the intersection between Science and Philosophy.
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5.0 / 5
8 ratings
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