Lava Academy Podcast: Volcanoes in Space? A Cosmic Conversation with Sævar Helgi Bragason

What do volcanoes on Iceland have in common with eruptions on distant moons, icy planets, and even the Sun itself? In the latest episode of the Lava Academy Podcast, hosts Iain MacKinnon and Ragnhildur Ágústsdóttir (AKA Lady Lava) take listeners far beyond our planet in a fascinating conversation with one of Iceland’s most beloved science communicators, Sævar Helgi Bragason.

Sævar Helgi is many things: an astronomer, author, lecturer, museum educator, TV and radio personality—and above all, a master at making complex science accessible, fun, and unforgettable. While his academic background is in geology, his career has largely focused on astronomy and space science, giving him a unique perspective that bridges volcanoes on Earth with volcanic activity across the solar system.

Video: Watch the Podcast Episode "Volcanoes in Space?"

Learn how volcanic activity is a feature of our solar system

In this episode, the conversation begins close to home—with lava, eruptions, and Iceland’s volcanic landscape—but quickly launches into space. Sævar explains that volcanoes are not unique to Earth at all. In fact, volcanic activity is widespread throughout the solar system. From massive shield volcanoes on Mars to lava lakes on Jupiter’s moon Io, eruptions take many forms, driven not only by internal heat but also by powerful gravitational forces.

Listeners are guided on an extraordinary tour of the solar system:

Mars, home to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano ever discovered
Venus, where ancient eruptions reshaped the planet’s surface and atmosphere
Icy moons like Europa, Enceladus, and Triton, where cryovolcanoes erupt slushy, frozen material instead of molten rock
Even Pluto, where evidence suggests past cryovolcanic activity beneath its frozen crust

Along the way, Sævar brings the science to life with vivid imagery, relatable comparisons, and moments of humour—drawing connections between space volcanoes and the same geological forces Lava Show brings to audiences every day.

Volcanoes are fundamental to the creation of planets

The episode also explores why studying volcanoes beyond Earth truly matters. By comparing other worlds to our own, scientists gain critical insight into climate change, planetary evolution, and just how rare, and precious, Earth really is. Volcanoes, Sævar reminds us, are not just destructive forces; they are fundamental to the creation of planets, atmospheres, and even life itself.

The conversation concludes with an exciting look ahead to the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, which will be visible from parts of Iceland. Sævar, an experienced eclipse chaser, describes it as one of nature’s most powerful and emotional experiences—an event that, like a volcanic eruption, must be felt with all the senses.

Whether you’re fascinated by lava, space, or the science that connects them, this episode is a must-listen. It perfectly captures what Lava Academy is all about: curiosity, education, and the pure wonder of natural forces, on Earth and far beyond.