Paul M. Sutter
Paul M. Sutter is a cosmologist, author and science host who answers listeners’ questions about the universe through Ask a Spaceman and brings astrophysics to books, television and the stage.
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Latest
Paul’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Work
- Cosmologist, author and science host
- Education
- Physics PhD, University of Illinois, 2011
- Public launch
- Ask a Spaceman!, January 2015
- Research
- Cosmic voids, the early universe and the first stars
- Community
- Ask a Spaceman listeners are known as Space Cadets
Mini bio
How it started.
Paul began college studying software engineering. An astronomy elective and encouragement from Cal Poly professor John Poling persuaded him to switch to physics. He completed his physics PhD at the University of Illinois in 2011, then held research fellowships in Paris and Trieste.
Questions became a career.
He launched Ask a Spaceman in January 2015, answering audience questions about Pluto and black holes. As the podcast found listeners, invitations to write and appear on television followed. He later combined research at Ohio State with work as COSI’s chief scientist before moving into freelance science communication.
From the cosmos to the bookshelf.
His books explore our place in the universe, the hazards of space and the relationship between science and the public. Rescuing Science examines how incentives inside academia can damage trust and proposes ways to improve that relationship.
Science on stage.
Paul also works with artists. With SYREN Modern Dance, he co-created Ticktock, using narration and movement to explore relativity, memory and time. The company presented it as U.S. cultural ambassadors at the 2022 World Expo in Dubai.
Creditschronological, newest first
Books
- 2024Rescuing ScienceAuthor
- 2020How to Die in SpaceAuthor
- 2018Your Place in the UniverseAuthor
Podcast and screen
- 2025The Big Question: Dr. Paul SutterInterview guest
- 2015–presentAsk a Spaceman!Creator, writer and host
Science and performance
- 2022Ticktock at the World Expo in DubaiScience collaborator and narrator
- 2017Song of the StarsWriter, producer and narrator
Awards
Quotes
Do good work and put it where people can see it.Paul M. Sutter, official contact FAQ
His advice in response to a question about becoming a science communicator.
Trivia
- He recorded seven podcast episodes in a batch when getting Ask a Spaceman started.
- His podcast community calls itself the Space Cadets.
- He is a Babylon 5 fan, as he discusses in his appearance on The Big Question.
- His science consulting credits include Star Trek: Discovery and Another Life.
Find Paul
Follow Paul for space questions, new episodes and science beyond the classroom.
Are you Paul M. Sutter?
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