Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Book Club Edition: Diane Ackerman and “The Planets: A Cosmic Pastoral”

May 15, 2026·51 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Author, poet, and science communicator Diane Ackerman is our guest. Her wonderful collection of poems, with one devoted to each of the worlds in our Solar System, was first published in 1976. Carl Sagan said she had produced, “...a stunning book of poetry in The Planets. The work is scientifically accurate and even a convenient introduction to modern ideas on the planets, but much more important, it is spectacularly good poetry, clear, lyrical, and soaring. . . One of the triumphs of Ackerman’s pastoral is the demonstration of how closely compatible planetary exploration and poetry, science and art really are.” “The Planets” is now available in a brand new edition, and is as sublime, entertaining, and enlightening as it was half a century ago. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-diane-ackermanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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