Talk of the Nation

Astronomers using NASA's Kepler planet-hunting telescope have found multiple planets orbiting a double star system, 4,900 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. Jerome Orosz, lead author on a paper describing the find, explains how the astronomers made the discovery and the importance of the find for the search for habitable planets.

After serving in the Korean War and flying over 200 models of aircraft as a test pilot, Neil Armstrong used his experience to gently guide the lunar lander onto the untouched surface of the moon before making those first historic steps. He died last week, at age 82.

As Mitt Romney prepares to accept the GOP presidential nomination, he brings increased attention to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For some Mormons, it's an opportunity to clear up misconceptions and educate others on their beliefs. Others view this moment with concern.

Matt Bissonnette wrote No Easy Day under the pseudonym Mark Owen. He has drawn criticism for publishing details of the Osama bin Laden mission without Pentagon approval. Peter Bergen, author of Manhunt, says this account of the raid fits almost exactly with his understanding of the operation.

The Syrian crisis continues to deepen as the conflict rages on. And pressure grows on the international community as refugees stream out. NPR foreign correspondent Kelly McEvers, former ambassador to Syria Edward Djerejian and Washington Post columnist David Ignatius discuss diplomatic options.

Hollywood tells many tales of the news business: the music reporter after the big story in Almost Famous, the eager TV reporter with a lot to learn in Up Close and Personal, and the disgruntled anchor fired from his job in Network. Film buff Murray Horwitz names his favorites, so what's yours?

Mitt Romney captured the GOP nomination for president but Ron Paul supporters did not accept defeat without a fight. NPR's Ken Rudin and Brian Naylor speak with Ron Paul campaign advisor Doug Wead about the path ahead for Paul supporters, and Tuesday's big speeches.

Republicans at the convention in Tampa Tuesday officially named Mitt Romney the GOP nominee for president. Former Clinton White House speechwriter Paul Glastris and former Reagan White House speechwriter Peter Robinson join NPR's Ken Rudin to discuss what Romney needs to do in his Thursday address.

In 1999, Debra Gwartney's daughter saw a man taking photos outside her window. Gwartney talks about the lasting scars of that event, songwriter Nikki Lynette shares the open letter she wrote to her Peeping Tom, and clinical social worker David Prescott explains what motivates these individuals.

NPR's Neal Conan reads listener comments about African-American men, stigma and mental illness, the pressures students feel to succeed in college, and what hospitals are doing to help transplant patients navigate the bureaucracy and fears they often face.

Now that Mitt Romney's officially wrapped up the Republican Party's nomination for president, he faces a political sprint to November. Former Mississippi governor and past party chair Haley Barbour talks about Romney, the Republican Party, and what lies ahead in the battle for the presidency.

Almost seven years after Katrina slammed into New Orleans, Gulf Coast residents are evacuating some areas in anticipation of Hurricane Isaac. NPR correspondents Christopher Joyce and Debbie Elliot, New Orleans Health Commissioner Karen DeSalvo and resident Gwen Thompkins talk about preparing.

In a recent piece, Ray Takeyh explains that Iran's revolutionary government thrives on conflict and that Iran's provocative foreign policy helps it "sustain an ideological identity." Takeyh explains what we need to know to understand Iran's motives in its dealings with the U.S. and other countries.

Integration efforts, from busing children out of district to opening charter schools, have proven controversial. David Karp, author of Kids First and Sheryll Cashin, author of The Failures of Integration discuss why some schools are segregated and what, if anything, should be done about it.

While many voters complain that modern political conventions offer little more than over-scripted political theater, most nominating conventions provide a handful of moments to remember. NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin takes a look back at highlights from political conventions throughout history.