Space News Today

Tiny Robots, Alien Caves: NASA’s Plan for Titan

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:47:03 +1000

Anna and Avery cover NASA's newly funded concept for spherical, propeller-free "aerobots" that could one day explore the methane-carved cave systems of Saturn's moon Titan. Plus: SpaceX breaks its own launch-turnaround record with two Falcon 9 missions 38 minutes apart, Rocket Lab lands its biggest-ever defense contract to build "Flatellites" for the U.S. Space Force, and a geomagnetic storm arriving today could bring aurora to high latitudes tonight.

**Full show notes:**

Today's episode — S05E169, Monday August 17, 2026:

**Main story: NASA funds spherical "Aerobots" to explore Titan's caves.** A NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase 1 grant is backing SPARK (Solid-state Propulsion for Autonomous Reconnaissance of Karst) — small, propeller-free spherical robots using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) thrusters, led by Daniel Drew (University of Hawaii) with JPL's Ethan Schaler and Jacob Izraelevitz and Michael Malaska (Blue Marble Space Institute of Science). The concept targets Titan's karst terrain — sinkholes and caves carved by liquid methane and ethane rather than water — as a candidate site for astrobiology research. Phase 1 covers nine months; a Phase 2 award could follow. No confirmed mission link yet, though NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft is headed to Titan around 2028.

**SpaceX sets a new launch-turnaround record.** Two Falcon 9 missions launched 38 minutes apart on August 15 — a Globalstar satellite mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:12 p.m. ET, and the classified USSF-366 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:50 p.m. ET — beating SpaceX's previous 65-minute record from August 2024. Both boosters landed successfully (14th and 18th flights respectively). 2026 tally: 96 Falcon 9 launches so far.

**Rocket Lab wins $397 million Space Force contract for "Flatellites."** The flat-panel satellites will support the SB-AMTI (Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator) program and launch stacked aboard Rocket Lab's still-undebuted Neutron rocket. It's Rocket Lab's largest defense contract to date, bringing 2026 government contract funding to $943 million.

**Geomagnetic storm expected today.** A double CME plus a high-speed solar wind stream is forecast to bring G1–G2 level geomagnetic storming, with the main impact expected later today. Aurora is possible at high latitudes — potentially Scotland, northern England, Northern Ireland, Alaska, Canada, and the northern US, plus southern New Zealand and Tasmania in the Southern Hemisphere. Comes amid an active stretch for the Sun, including 14 C-class flares from sunspot region AR4507 over August 15–16.

**Links & sources:**

- [Space.com — NASA funds spherical 'Aerobots' for Titan's caves](https://www.space.com/technology/nasa-funds-spherical-aerobots-that-could-explore-the-caves-of-saturns-moon-titan)

- [JPL Robotics — Titan Aerobots](https://www-robotics.jpl.nasa.gov/what-we-do/research-tasks/titan-aerobots/)

- [JPL — Shapeshifter concept for Saturn's moons (background)](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-designing-shapeshifting-robots-for-saturns-moons/)

- [Space.com — SpaceX breaks launch doubleheader record](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-breaks-record-launch-doubleheader-ussf-366-globalstar-2r)

- [Spaceflight Now — Globalstar/USSF-366 launch coverage](https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/08/15/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-satellite-replenishment-mission-for-globalstar-from-cape-canaveral/)

- [Space.com — Rocket Lab's $397M Flatellites contract](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/us-space-force-gives-rocket-lab-usd397-million-to-build-threat-tracking-flatellites)

- [Rocket Lab — Flatellites contract announcement](https://rocketlabcorp.com/updates/rocket-lab-awarded-397-million-contract-to-build-and-launch-flatellites-for-u-s-space-forces-space-based-airborne-moving-target-indicator-program/)

- [ummid.com — Geomagnetic storm set to hit Earth Monday Aug 17](https://www.ummid.com/news/2026/8/16/what-is-geomagnetic-storm-set-to-hit-earth-monday-aug-17.html)

- [EarthSky — Sun news / solar flare, CME, aurora updates](https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/)

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Exploring Moons with Atmospheres, Hot Jupiters, and the Mysteries of Black Holes | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:33:34 +1000

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In this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a captivating Q&A session, tackling a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the possibility of moons having atmospheres to the mysteries surrounding hot Jupiters and the fascinating realm of black holes, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.

Key topics include:

- Chris from Exmouth wonders if moons can have atmospheres and if they can share these with their parent planets, leading to a discussion on Titan and Pluto's unique characteristics.

- An anonymous listener poses a thought-provoking question about 'secret astronomy' and the potential for military satellite technology to advance our understanding of the universe.

- Fenton from Minnesota asks about the likelihood of rocky planets existing in solar systems with hot Jupiters, prompting a discussion on planetary migration and the diversity of solar systems.

- Ed raises a classic black hole question regarding the merger of black holes and the concept of mass escaping, leading to an exploration of gravitational waves and their implications.

Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they navigate these fascinating topics, providing insights and sparking further exploration into the wonders of space.

00:00 01:18 04:13 05:37 11:35 16:34 20:35 27:11 31:31

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Is Empty Space Really Empty? A 90-Year-Old Mystery Gets Its Answer (S05E168 — The Weekend Wrap)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:49:45 +1000

Today's episode — S05E168, Saturday August 15, 2026, our "Weekend Wrap":

**Main story: a magnetar confirms 90-year-old vacuum birefringence prediction.** A team led by Rachael Stewart (George Washington University), using NASA's IXPE spacecraft, found the strongest evidence yet that extreme magnetic fields polarize light passing through empty space — confirming a 1936 prediction by Werner Heisenberg and Hans Euler. The team studied magnetar 1E 1547-5408 and found X-rays nearly 3x more polarized than expected, in a direction matching the star's magnetic field. Published August 5 in *Nature*.

**The week in review:**

- **Starship:** Ship 40 (Flight 13, splashed down July 24) remains adrift in the Indian Ocean after recovery efforts stalled in rough seas; Elon Musk said August 7 that recovery is "not looking good right now." Still unresolved as of this weekend — roughly 18% recovery odds per prediction markets. SpaceX has moved on to Flight 14 prep (Ship 41, targeting ~August 20).

- **Eclipse:** The August 12 total solar eclipse swept a 182-mile shadow from the Arctic through Greenland, Iceland (2m18s max totality at Látrabjarg) and northern Spain. Next Spanish total eclipse: August 2, 2027.

- **Black hole star:** JWST's "Mirage or Miracle" survey identified MoM-BH*-1, a gas-shrouded black hole glowing from just 660 million years after the Big Bang — a candidate explanation for how supermassive black holes grow so fast.

- **Virgin Galactic:** Commercial flights delayed again, from Q4 2026 to February 2027; Q2 earnings (revenue $1.54M, net loss ~$55.9M) sent shares down further, with heavy cash burn guided for Q3/Q4 and a new shelf filing for capital flexibility.

**Links & sources:**

- [Space.com — Is empty space really empty? This magnetic star may finally solve a 90-year-old mystery](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/is-empty-space-really-empty-this-magnetic-star-may-finally-solve-a-90-year-old-mystery)

- [Space.com — 'Not looking good right now': Starship likely to be lost at sea](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/not-looking-good-right-now-starship-likely-to-be-lost-at-sea-2-weeks-after-epic-13th-test-flight-elon-musk-says)

- [NASASpaceFlight.com — While SpaceX recovers Ship 40, Ship 41 prepares for testing ahead of Flight 14](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/08/spacex-recovers-ship-40-ship-41-flight-14/)

- [Manifold Markets — Will Starship Ship 40 be recovered to shore?](https://manifold.markets/Mqrius/will-starship-ship-40-be-recovered)

- [Space.com — Total solar eclipse 2026 thrills millions](https://www.space.com/stargazing/solar-eclipses/total-solar-eclipse-2026-thrills-millions-with-a-stunning-cosmic-spectacle-photos-video)

- [Wikipedia — Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_August_12,_2026)

- [EurekAlert — Mirage or miracle? JWST finds earliest known 'black hole star' at cosmic dawn](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1139484)

- [SpaceNews — Virgin Galactic delays resumption of commercial flights to 2027](https://spacenews.com/virgin-galactic-delays-resumption-of-commercial-flights-to-2027/)

- [Virgin Galactic — Q2 2026 financial results and business update](https://www.virgingalactic.com/news/virgin-galactic-announces-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-and-provides-business-update)

- [StocksToTrade — Virgin Galactic (SPCE) news, Aug 13 2026](https://stockstotrade.com/news/virgin-galactic-holdings-inc-spce-news-2026_08_13/)

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The Black Hole Wrapped in a Star: JWST’s Cosmic Dawn Discovery

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:44:50 +1000

Anna and Avery break down JWST's discovery of MoM-BH*-1, the earliest known "black hole star" — a black hole shrouded in dense gas, glowing from just 660 million years after the Big Bang, that might explain how supermassive black holes grow so fast. Plus: the Perseid meteor shower's spectacular overnight peak, a new satellite built to watch other satellites in geostationary orbit, and veteran NASA astronaut Mike Fincke's retirement after 30 years and four spacecraft.

**Full show notes:**

Today's episode — S05E167, Friday August 14, 2026:

**Main story: JWST finds the earliest known "black hole star."** Astronomers led by Rohan Naidu (University of Hawai'i) and Jorryt Matthee (ISTA) identified MoM-BH*-1 — a young black hole wrapped in a dense gas envelope so thick it radiates almost like a star, appearing over 100,000 times the Sun's radius. Light from the object left it roughly 13 billion years ago, just 660 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery, from the "Mirage or Miracle" JWST survey, may explain how supermassive black holes grow fast enough to match observations of the early universe, and may be linked to the population of mysterious "little red dots" Webb has found since 2024.

**The Perseid meteor shower's spectacular peak.** The Perseids peaked overnight on August 12–13, just hours after this week's total solar eclipse, with dark, moonless skies delivering hundreds of visible meteors per hour at the best sites. Debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle remains active through roughly August 24.

**Astranis unveils Perceptor.** A new satellite line built to monitor activity in geostationary orbit, using electric propulsion for repeated multi-angle flybys of other spacecraft. Astranis CEO John Gedmark cited past close approaches by Russian and Chinese spacecraft near U.S. satellites as motivation. No launch date announced yet.

**Astronaut Mike Fincke retires after 30 years.** Fincke flew four missions across four spacecraft types — Soyuz (twice), Space Shuttle Endeavour, and SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour — commanded the ISS twice, and capped his career with Crew-11, a mission cut short in January after a frightening in-orbit medical incident.

**Links & sources:**

- [EurekAlert — Mirage or miracle? JWST finds earliest known 'black hole star' at cosmic dawn](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1139484)

- [phys.org — Mirage or miracle? JWST finds earliest known black hole star](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-mirage-miracle-jwst-earliest-black.html)

- [Scientific American — JWST images illuminate 'black hole stars' at cosmic dawn](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst-images-illuminate-black-hole-stars-at-cosmic-dawn/)

- [ERC — Earliest known black hole star found at cosmic dawn](https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/earliest-known-black-hole-star-found-cosmic-dawn)

- [Space.com — Perseid meteor shower peak photos](https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/the-perseid-meteor-shower-peak-was-spectacular-here-are-our-favorite-photos-aug-2026)

- [Space.com — Astranis Perceptor satellites for geostationary orbit awareness](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/astranis-perceptor-satellites-geostationary-orbit-space-situational-awareness)

- [Spaceflight Now — Mike Fincke, a 30-year astronaut, retires from NASA](https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/08/12/mike-fincke-a-30-year-astronaut-with-experience-across-four-human-rated-spacecraft-retires-from-nasa/)

Web: www.astronomydaily.io (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-latest-space-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-latest-space-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

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Moon Crashes, Radiation-Eating Fungi, and the Quest for Habitable Worlds

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:35:05 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 97 The world watches as a SpaceX rocket crashes into the Moon A disused SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage has crashed into the Moon providing astronomers with useful data on the effects of impacts hitting the lunar surface. The radiation eating mutant fungus from Chernobyl Scientists say there’s a black fungus in the highly radioactive ruins of the Chernobyl power station that’s now evolved to feed on radiation. NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory Scientists have designed two revolutionary new computer chips to process data from a new space telescope called the Habitable Worlds Observatory that will search the skies for Earth like planets and for signs of life on those worlds. The Science Report A strong correlation found between dementia death rates and living in the suburbs. Improving pedestrians’ thermal comfort through tree, shrub, and grass plantings along city streets. The exotic origin story of the Australian platypus. New Zealand's endangered yellow-eyed penguin found to be three genetically distinct subspecies. Skeptics guide to high tech water diviners. This Week’s Guests Professor Robert Ward from the Australian National University Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen too. Thank you…

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Two Minutes of Totality: Inside the August 12 Eclipse

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:48:26 +1000

Anna and Avery break down yesterday's total solar eclipse — a 182-mile-wide shadow that swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to northern Spain, giving millions of people up to 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality. Plus: astronomers find three supermassive black holes sharing one distant galaxy (two are about to merge), Virgin Galactic pushes commercial spaceflight back to February 2027, and Rocket Lab signs a new launch customer for Neutron even as the rocket's debut slips further.

**Full show notes:**

Today's episode — S05E166, Thursday August 13, 2026:

**Main story: The August 12 total solar eclipse.** The Moon's shadow crossed the Arctic Ocean, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain, the Balearic Islands and out into the Mediterranean. Longest totality on land: 2 minutes 18 seconds at Látrabjarg, Iceland. Millions gathered across northern Spain, with the path also crossing A Coruña, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia and Palma (Madrid and Barcelona were just outside the path). Observers reported seeing the solar corona, a prominence, and Jupiter, Mercury and Venus during totality. Spain gets another total eclipse on August 2, 2027.

**Three supermassive black holes, one galaxy.** Astronomers led by Hannah Übler (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics) used JWST to confirm three actively feeding supermassive black holes in galaxy J0148-4214, 12.5 billion light-years away — the first such triple system ever confirmed. Two of the three are on course to merge.

**Virgin Galactic delays commercial flights to 2027.** The company's upgraded Delta-class spaceplane will now begin commercial service in February 2027, pushed back from Q4 2026, to complete avionics and systems installation. Shares fell 12% after-hours. $750,000 seat packages were oversubscribed.

**Rocket Lab's Neutron: delay and deal.** Rocket Lab is hedging on a 2026 debut for its Neutron rocket, with the window potentially slipping into 2027 — even as the company signs a new five-launch deal with Kepler Communications.

**Links & sources:**

- [Space.com — Total solar eclipse live updates](https://www.space.com/news/live/total-solar-eclipse-today-aug-12-2026-live-updates)

- [Space.com — Total solar eclipse 2026 thrills millions (photos, video)](https://www.space.com/stargazing/solar-eclipses/total-solar-eclipse-2026-thrills-millions-with-a-stunning-cosmic-spectacle-photos-video)

- [CNN — Photos: Total solar eclipse 2026](https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/12/science/gallery/photos-total-solar-eclipse)

- [Wikipedia — Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_August_12,_2026)

- [Max Planck Institute — Three supermassive black holes discovered in a single galaxy](https://www.mpg.de/26904239/three-black-holes-discovered-in-a-young-galaxy)

- [SpaceNews — Virgin Galactic delays resumption of commercial flights to 2027](https://spacenews.com/virgin-galactic-delays-resumption-of-commercial-flights-to-2027/)

- [Spaceflight Now — Window for 2026 Neutron debut is narrowing](https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/08/10/window-for-2026-launch-debut-of-rocket-labs-neutron-rocket-is-narrowing-as-development-continues/)

- [Rocket Lab — Neutron launch deal with Kepler Communications](https://rocketlabcorp.com/updates/rocket-lab-inks-neutron-launch-deal-with-kepler-communications/)

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The Galaxy’s Sugary Center Could Change How Life Began | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic...

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:26:31 +1000

Galactic Giants: Unveiling the Mysteries of IC 1101 and Liquid Streams on Pluto

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:45:07 +1000

Eclipse 2026: Where, When & How to Watch (Both Hemispheres)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 21:38:47 +1000

In this episode • Shadow Day: the only total solar eclipse of 2026 crosses Arctic Russia, Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain today — the first total eclipse over western mainland Europe since 1999 (Spain’s first since 1905, Iceland’s since 1954). Max totality ~2 min 18 s. Reykjavík ~17:48 UT; northern Spain ~18:27–18:33 UT (Sun very low, ~4–10° up). Live via NASA, timeanddate and the Exploratorium. • Where you are: North America gets an afternoon partial (Nova Scotia ~33%, N. Maine ~28%, Montreal ~18%, Boston ~16%, NYC ~9–10%, Toronto ~8%, DC ~10%; Fairbanks ~37% in the morning) — no totality anywhere on the continent, glasses on throughout. Europe outside the path sees a deep evening partial (London ~91%). Australia/SH: not visible directly — watch the streams (~1:30–6:00 am AEST Thu). • Chasing the shadow: NASA’s WB-57 jet flies the path at ~50,000 ft (~740 km/h), extending totality to nearly 3 minutes with four visible/IR cameras (SCIFI) to probe coronal heating, prominences and the solar wind (PI Amir Caspi, SwRI). The Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (A. Des Jardins, Montana State) launches ~86 balloons from Iceland and Spain to measure atmospheric changes. • A star-building magnetic field: ALMA captures the first direct high-resolution image of a twisted, toroidal magnetic field wrapped around a protostellar jet in NGC 1333 IRAS 4A (~960 ly, Perseus cloud), confirming a decades-old prediction of how young stars launch jets and shed spin — the same physics that scales up to black-hole jets (Ching et al., Nature Communications 2026; NSF NRAO/ALMA). • Why worlds turn hellish: UC Riverside’s Stephen Kane argues planetary rotation is an overlooked driver of climate and habitability — slow spin may help tip a world into a Venus-style runaway greenhouse. Measuring true spin is hard because winds can masquerade as rotation; ESA’s PLATO (launch March 2027) could test the idea across hundreds of Venus-like planets (Astronomical Journal, accepted). • Skywatch — both hemispheres: the Perseids peak overnight 12–13 Aug under a genuinely moonless sky (best midnight–dawn; NH-favoured). Southern Hemisphere: evening Venus (mag −4.4, just past dichotomy), the pre-dawn planet line-up, and Comet 10P/Tempel 2. ISO 12312-2 eye-safety line included. Sources • NASA Science — Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026; “NASA Science Soars During August Total Solar Eclipse” • timeanddate; Eclipsophile; NationalEclipse.com; azmth.space — path, contact times, magnitudes • Astronomy.com; Forbes; CBS News — North American partial times & percentages • Space.com; Smithsonian — WB-57 SCIFI campaign & Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project • NSF NRAO / phys.org — Ching et al., “Unveiling dominant toroidal magnetic fields in a protostellar outflow,” Nature Communications (2026) • UC Riverside (news.ucr.edu) / phys.org — S. Kane, planetary rotation & runaway greenhouse (Astronomical Journal, accepted) • EarthSky; Astronomy.com — Perseid peak (moonless), Venus dichotomy

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Vortices of the Sun and the First Gravitational Waves from Black Hole Mergers: A Cosmic Breakthrough

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:03:00 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 95 Spectacular vortices discovered on the Sun’s surface Astronomers have for the first time observed swirling whirlpool like vortices deep in the Sun’s photosphere – its visible surface. The event horizon of merging black holes seen for the first time Astronomers have for the first time picked up gravitational waves from the event horizon during the actual merger of two black holes . Starship recovery efforts underway off Western Australia SpaceX are towing their Test 13 Starship prototype back to shore after it survived its Indian Ocean soft splash down off the Western Australian coast. The Science Report Scientists develop a new blood test to help test for signs of Alzheimer's. E-scooter riders found to be 3.5 times more likely than motorcyclists to get traumatic brain injuries. Reshaping sciences understanding of mammal evolution during the age of dinosaurs. A new study shows how wireless charging for drones could be achieved using lasers. Skeptics guide to claims Artemis II was a hoax. This Week’s Guests Professor Robert Ward from the Australian National University Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Eclipse Eve: Totality Returns to Europe

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:03:02 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E164 “Eclipse Eve” · Tuesday 11 August 2026. Sources are primary/agency where possible; aggregator dates were checked against originals. In this episode • LEAD — The 12 August total solar eclipse: the only total eclipse of 2026 and the first over mainland Europe since 1999. Totality arcs from Siberia over the North Pole to eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain and a sliver of Portugal; maximum totality ~2 min 18 s. Partial for much of North America near sunset; not visible from Australia. ESA livestreams from the Javalambre Observatory, Spain. • MIDDLE 1 — A state CASC Long March 7A exploded ~85 seconds after lifting off from Wenchang on 10 August, a total loss (payload reported as the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite). Separately, Landspace’s private Zhuque-3 was on the same-night manifest from Jiuquan for its second propulsive landing-legs recovery attempt — outcome unconfirmed at recording. China’s first orbital-booster landing (net-capture, Long March 10B) already succeeded on 10 July. • MIDDLE 2 — The Perseids peak overnight 12–13 August under a New Moon — the darkest conditions in roughly two decades. Parent comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Realistic ~30–50 meteors/hr from dark sites (nominal ~100), with a slim chance of a dust-trail boost; the next confidently forecast outburst is 2028. • MIDDLE 3 — Japan’s H3 launched Michibiki No. 7 (QZS-7) from Tanegashima, bringing the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System up to the strength Japan needs to run it as a standalone service — a regional navigation layer that keeps a satellite near the zenith over Japan/Asia-Pacific, reinforcing GPS and building navigation resilience. The satellite also hosts a US Space Force space-surveillance sensor (SACHI). • CLOSER — Both-hemispheres skywatch: eclipse viewing times (totality window ~16:58–18:34 UT, greatest ~17:46 UT) and the ISO 12312-2 eye-safety rule; Perseid how-to for the North (best 2 a.m.–dawn); and Southern-Hemisphere content — pre-dawn planets, evening Venus, Comet 10P/Tempel 2. Eye safety • A partial eclipse is never safe to view with the naked eye. Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses/viewers, or indirect projection (pinhole). Direct viewing is only safe during true totality, and only inside the path (Greenland, Iceland, Spain). Links • astronomydaily.io — full back-catalogue, daily news feed, listener reviews, newsletter sign-up, contact form • @AstroDailyPod on your platform of choice

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SpaceX Starship Lost at Sea? Plus China’s Landing Attempt & Uranus “Breathing”

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:20:47 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E163 · “The Long Way Home” · Monday 10 August 2026. Sources verified against primary / institutional outlets. Starship “lost at sea” (Flight 13) • Flight 13 launched 24 July 2026 from Starbase, South Texas; the upper stage (“Ship,” Ship 40, ~52 m) made the softest Starship water landing yet in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia — and, in a program first, survived intact and afloat. • SpaceX had not planned to recover it. Musk confirmed the salvage attempt on 28 July (“We’re sending a ship out to recover Starship”); recovery ship Go Australis was joined by Norwegian tugs Normand Ranger and Skimmer Tide, with a tow line to the nose. • On 7 August, Musk said recovery is “not looking good right now” in rough seas — but the team had already obtained close-up photos of critical heat-shield and engine regions for future upgrades. A saltwater-soaked Ship was never going to be reflown. • Heat shield: on SpaceX’s first quarterly earnings call (4 August) Musk said he’d “consider the heat-shield problem solved,” long the biggest hurdle to full reuse. • The flight also deployed 20 next-gen Starlink V3 satellites; the Super Heavy booster had engine trouble and was lost in the Gulf of Mexico. Stacked, Starship stands ~124 m. Flight 14 is targeted for late August — its first attempt at operational orbit with production Starlink. • Sources: SpaceX / @elonmusk on X (7 Aug); Space.com (Mike Wall, 7 Aug); CNN (3 Aug). Landspace Zhuque-3, second landing attempt • Landspace (private, Beijing, founded 2015) targets liftoff ~7:45 p.m. EDT Mon 10 Aug (23:45 UTC / ≈9:45 a.m. AEST Tue 11 Aug) from Jiuquan, aiming for a propulsive first-stage recovery on legs (Falcon 9-style), landing downrange in Gansu. • The methalox, stainless-steel Zhuque-3 (~66 m) is broadly a Falcon 9 rival. Its Dec 2025 maiden flight reached orbit but the first stage failed its landing burn and crashed. • Accuracy note: this is China’s fourth orbital-class recovery attempt. A Long March 10B already landed via net-capture on 10 July (China became the 2nd nation to land an orbital booster) — so tonight would make Landspace the first Chinese company to attempt a propulsive/landing-legs recovery, not “China’s first.” • Sources: Space.com (7 Aug); Yahoo/Space (7 Aug); launch trackers (NOTAM-based). Uranus’s “breathing” bow shock • New multifluid-MHD modelling shows Uranus’s bow shock expands and contracts over a single ~17-hour Uranian day — driven by the planet’s own extreme rotation and tilted, offset magnetic field, not by changes in the solar wind. • The model is constrained by Voyager 2’s 1986 flyby — still the only direct measurements ever taken inside the Uranian system (a nice callback to E159’s Voyager 2 “Big Bang” lead). • Implications for future ice-giant missions and for the many ice-giant exoplanets now being found. Cao et al., AGU Advances; surfaced via an Eos research spotlight this week. (Framed as newly-spotlighted rather than newly-published.) • Sources: AGU Advances (Cao et al.); Eos research spotlight; phys.org (7 Aug). Total solar eclipse — 12 August 2026 • The only total solar eclipse of 2026. Unusual over-the-pole path: Arctic Siberia → eastern Greenland → western Iceland → northern Spain (clipping NE Portugal) → the Balearics at sunset. • Greatest eclipse ≈17:46 UTC; max totality 2 min 18 s just off Iceland’s west coast, with the Sun only ~26° high. Iceland’s first total eclipse since 1954 (Reykjavik’s first in 593 years); Spain’s first since 1905. • North America sees a partial across the northern tier (Alaska to North Carolina) and most of Canada — deepest in the far north, a shallow bite (10%) from the US Northeast, late morning to early afternoon local. NASA livestream from 1:15 p.m. EDT at nasa.gov/live. • Not visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Sources: NASA eclipse pages; national eclipse guides. Skywatch — both hemispheres • Perseids peak the night of 12–13 August under a new Moon — excellent for the Northern Hemisphere (up to ~50–100/hr from dark sites, best pre-dawn 13 Aug); modest and low for the Southern Hemisphere. • Southern-Hemisphere targets: a pre-dawn planet spread; brilliant evening Venus (brightest ~22 Sep); Comet 10P/Tempel 2 low in the pre-dawn south (binoculars/small scope, dark site). • Aurora watch: a G2 storm produced auroras 7–9 Aug; more activity is possible around 11–12 Aug for high-latitude watchers. • Eye safety: certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses required for all partial phases; never view the Sun through an unfiltered camera, binoculars or telescope.

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Cosmic Queries: Understanding Black Holes, Galactic Centres, and Mars Days | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:37:02 +1000

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the peculiarities of Martian days to the mysteries of black holes and the galactic centre, this episode is filled with enlightening discussions that are sure to spark curiosity about the cosmos.

In this episode:

- John asks about the implications of Mars' longer day length on human biology and potential adaptations for future colonists.

- Dan inquires about the growth of black holes, exploring how quickly they can develop into supermassive entities and what happens when there’s nothing left to consume.

- Young Thomas, just 11 years old, poses several intriguing questions about the galactic centre, including whether it can swallow all stars and planets in the galaxy, and the limits of a black hole's gravitational reach.

- Paul reflects on historical discoveries in astronomy, specifically how Harlow Shapley determined our Sun's position within the Milky Way, challenging the long-held belief that it was at the centre.

Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they explore these thought-provoking questions and more, encouraging listeners to continue their journey of exploration and discovery in the universe.

(00:00) This is a Q and A edition where we take audience questions

(02:16) When and if Mars is populated with humans, how would we work with longer day

(08:50) Andrew: How astronauts deal with gravity when they land on Earth

(11:47) Dan from the Gold coast has some questions about black holes

(12:51) Fred: How fast do black holes grow? Dan asks fundamental astrophysics question

(18:17) Fred asks five questions about black holes from Thomas Reid, 11

(22:03) Thomas asks if black holes can swallow up all stars and planets

(24:31) Final question comes from Paul from Las Vegas

(26:42) It was actually 1919 when that discovery was made

(34:24) We continue to receive great questions from great listeners and long may it continue

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34693771?utm_source=youtube

Whirlpools Found on the Sun’s Surface for the First Time

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 14:14:22 +1000

This weekend on Astronomy Daily: the Inouye Solar Telescope reveals whirlpools on the Sun’s surface for the first time, a Falcon 9 upper stage carves a fresh crater on the Moon, Voyager 2 pulls off a daring "Big Bang" power swap 21 billion kilometres away, and the LINK spacecraft wins its de-spin battle in the race to save NASA’s Swift. Plus your both-hemispheres guide to the 12 August total solar eclipse and the moonless Perseid peak. In this episode ● (01:20) LEAD — First-ever sighting of Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices on the Sun (Nature, 5 Aug; Inouye Solar Telescope / NSO / MPS) ● (09:00) Falcon 9 upper stage 2025-010D impacts the Moon near Einstein Crater ● (12:15) Voyager 2’s "Big Bang" power swap buys another year of interstellar science ● (15:30) LINK spins down from 9°/s to 1.47°/s — software update next in the Swift rescue ● (18:45) Skywatch: 12 Aug total solar eclipse + Perseid peak — both hemispheres, with eye-safety Links & sources ● Nature: Kuridze et al., "Ubiquitous Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities driving plasma mixing on the Sun" (5 Aug 2026) ● NSO / NSF and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research press releases (5 Aug 2026) ● NASA/JPL Voyager blog: "NASA Engineers Help Prolong Voyager 2’s Science Mission" (4 Aug 2026) ● NASA Science Swift blog: LINK stabilisation update; ESA & NASA eclipse pages for 12 Aug 2026

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The Colour of Empty Space

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:21:49 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E161 · “The Colour of Empty Space” · Friday 7 August 2026. Hosts: Anna & Avery. astronomydaily.io · @AstroDailyPod ① Vacuum birefringence: reading a magnetar ● NASA’s IXPE, with NICER and the Parkes/Murriyang radio telescope (NSW), measured the polarised X-rays of magnetar 1E 1547.0−5408. ● Result: soft X-ray polarisation ~65% at 2 keV, rising to nearly 80% at some rotation phases — the strongest signal yet of vacuum birefringence, a QED effect predicted by Heisenberg in 1936. ● The team calls it the “most definitive signal to date,” not a confirmed detection; an April 2026 analysis disputes it under different geometry. Co-leads: Rachael Stewart; Hoa Dinh Thi (Rice); with Marcus Lower (Swinburne). ● Source: Stewart et al., Nature, 5 Aug 2026 (DOI 10.1038/s41586-026-10859-z); NASA IXPE release. ② Gateway HALO hardware → Lunar Infrastructure Demos ● NASA and Northrop Grumman are repurposing the HALO module’s power, data and avionics into three surface missions — LID-1, LID-2, LID-3. ● Goal: “survive-the-night” power and thermal tech for the lunar South Pole, where night lasts ~14 Earth days and temperatures plunge below −200 °C. ● Part of a wider Moon-base update in which four commercial landers reached final qualification testing at once. ● Source: NASA & Northrop Grumman releases, 4 Aug 2026; Spaceflight Now. ③ New Glenn: the cause is a valve ● Blue Origin traced the 28 May New Glenn booster explosion (during a pad hot-fire at Cape Canaveral) to the main oxygen valve on one of the seven BE-4 engines. ● Fix: small, retrofittable valve modifications; return to flight still targeted by year’s end. The BE-4 also powers ULA’s Vulcan. ● Source: Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp, 5 Aug 2026; SpaceNews. ④ LINK’s de-spin: the fight to save Swift ● Katalyst Space’s LINK robot — tasked with boosting NASA’s ageing Swift observatory before re-entry — hit a multi-axis tumble when two of three reaction wheels failed. ● Using gimballed electric-propulsion thrusters, the team cut the spin from ~9°/s to ~1.47°/s on under 100 g of propellant. A flight-software update is next; rendezvous slips to ~end of August. ● Source: NASA Swift blog, 6 Aug 2026; Katalyst mission updates. ⑤ Skywatch: eclipse + Perseids ● 12 Aug total solar eclipse — totality across Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain; afternoon partial for eastern Canada and the NE United States (10% only NE of the NYC–Rochester line; ~50% in Atlantic Canada). NASA live from 1:15 pm EDT. ● Perseid peak the night of 12–13 Aug under a New Moon — up to ~100/hr from dark rural sites. ● Southern Hemisphere: eclipse not visible; Perseids barely clear the horizon. Sydney: pre-dawn planet line-up + Venus + winter Milky Way. ● EYE SAFETY: use only ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses for every partial phase; never combine them with a camera, telescope or binoculars.

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The Hidden Impact of Landslides on Pluto’s Surface — What Scientists Are Discovering | Space...

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:15:41 +1000

Landslides on Pluto and China's SpaceX-like Rocket Recovery Success

Discover the intriguing discovery of landslides on Pluto, explained through recent image analysis from the New Horizons spacecraft, and learn how these features provide clues about the dwarf planet's geological activity. Plus, explore China's recent achievement in rocket recovery, mimicking SpaceX's successful landing techniques with innovative net capture technology, signaling a significant step forward in space debris management and reusability.

Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley discuss recent scientific findings on landslides around Sputnik Planitia on Pluto

How climate change on Earth is increasing landslide activity, and how similar processes might be happening on other worlds

The significance of the 2015 flyby of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft and what it revealed about planetary geology

Details of China's recent successful rocket booster recovery using a net and its potential impact on space launch economics

Comparison between China's new net capture method and SpaceX's chopsticks system for booster recovery

The rapid advancement of Chinese space capabilities, including lunar and space station missions

The broader context of international space race dynamics and the race to return humans to the Moon

UAP Study Group Led by Avi Loeb and the Search for Extraterrestrial Phenomena

Get an inside look at the White House-formed UAP science advisory council led by Harvard's Avi Loeb, emphasizing scientific rigor in studying unidentified anomalous phenomena. The discussion covers the composition of the council, the importance of unbiased research, and the challenges of interpreting mysterious aerial objects observed over the years.

The formation and purpose of the UAP Science Advisory Council, chaired by Avi Loeb

The diverse backgrounds of experts involved, including physicists, military personnel, computer scientists, and psychologists

How modern technology and data are transforming the study of UAPs, with government and military reports analyzed over decades

The debate over the nature of UAPs: natural phenomena, advanced human technology, or potential extraterrestrial origins

The cultural and political implications of gaps in understanding these phenomena and the importance of scientific methodology

Reader comments reflecting skepticism and intrigue about the investigations and the sensationalism surrounding UAP research

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34662699?utm_source=youtube

Black Holes Unleashed: The Cosmic Power Beyond Our Galaxy

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:08:10 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 94 Black holes are a hundred times more powerful than we thought Astronomers have been forced to rewrite their textbooks on the power of supermassive black holes after new observations have shown that these cosmic monsters can generate enough energy to impact galaxies hundreds of thousands of light years away. The dramatic collision the flipped our Milky Way galaxy A new study suggests that our home galaxy the Milky Way may have undergone a dramatic change in orientation following a head on collision with another galaxy. A successful return to Earth for the crew of the Soyuz M-28 The Roscosmos Soyuz M-28 spacecraft has returned safely to Earth bringing home the expedition 74 crew who have spent the past 8 months aboard the International Space Station. August SkyWatch The red supergiant Antares, Barnard’s star is the second nearest star system to the Sun, and the annual Perseids meteor shower are among the highlights of the August night skies on SkyWatch This Week’s Guests NASA WB-57 pilot Tom Parent NASA WB-57 Sensor Equipment Operator Cary Klemm Nation Wide Eclipse Ballooning Project Principal Investigator Dr Angela Des Jardins from Montana State University. Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio Texas Juno Launch Director Omar Baez NASA Juno Mission Manager John Calvert NASA Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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A Rocket Just Hit the Moon — And Telescopes Caught It

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:16:01 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E160 · 6 August 2026. In this episode: a Falcon 9 upper stage confirmed to have struck the Moon; a live ISS spacewalk; supernova SN 2026gzf caught at first light; SpaceX Crew-13 previewed; and a both-hemispheres guide to the 12 August eclipse and Perseids. FALCON 9 LUNAR IMPACT (LEAD) ● Spent upper stage 2025-010D struck near Einstein Crater (~19.4°N, 93.3°W) at ~06:35 UTC, 5 Aug 2026 — matching Bill Gray / Project Pluto predictions. ● ESO’s Very Large Telescope (Paranal) detected sodium and lithium in the impact plume for ~5–10 minutes — sodium from lunar soil, lithium likely from the rocket. ● NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter holds a pre-impact baseline and will image the fresh crater, giving a rare before-and-after dataset to validate hollow-body impact models for future landers. ● Origin: Falcon 9 launched 15 Jan 2025 with Firefly Blue Ghost 1 and ispace Resilience; the stage was left adrift and returned unplanned via solar activity and gravity. ● Sources: NASA; ESO / VLT; CNN; Project Pluto (projectpluto.com); Fernando et al., arXiv:2607.14625. ISS SPACEWALK — U.S. EVA 96 ● NASA’s Jessica Meir (Expedition 75 commander) and Anil Menon; ~6.5 h EVA beginning ~08:35 EDT, 6 Aug; live on NASA+. ● Task: reconfigure the 3B power channel to accept a seventh roll-out solar array later in 2026 — part of station upkeep ahead of the planned 2030 deorbit. ● Menon’s first spacewalk; two further EVAs scheduled 13 and 25 Aug. ● Sources: NASA / NASA+ ; NASA ISS blog. SUPERNOVA SN 2026GZF ● X-ray “shock breakout” (EP260321a) detected by China’s Einstein Probe on 21 Mar 2026 from a galaxy ~500 million light-years away; follow-up revealed a broad-lined Type Ic supernova. ● Unusually, no gamma-ray burst and no lasting relativistic jet — and the faintest shock breakout yet linked to this class; a possible missing link between ordinary and GRB-producing supernovae. ● Follow-up used NSF NOIRLab facilities including DECam and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Two teams: O’Connor et al. (CMU) and Rastinejad et al. (UMD), in ApJL. ● Sources: NSF NOIRLab; Carnegie Mellon University; The Astrophysical Journal Letters. SPACEX CREW-13 ● Targeting NET 12 Sep 2026 aboard Crew Dragon Grace from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral. ● Crew: Jessica Watkins (NASA, cmdr — first NASA astronaut to fly Dragon twice), Luke Delaney (NASA, pilot), Joshua Kutryk (CSA), Sergey Teteryatnikov (Roscosmos). 180-day stay; moved up from November. ● Sources: NASA; SpaceX; Houston Public Media. SKYWATCH — 12 AUGUST & BEYOND ● Total solar eclipse 12 Aug: totality across E Greenland, W Iceland, N Spain and NE Portugal (max 2m18s). Partial across northern US (Alaska–N Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe and NW Africa. NASA livestream from 1:15 pm EDT. ● US partial highlights: Presque Isle ME ~29% (contiguous-US max); NYC ~9% from ~1:07 pm EDT; Boston ~16%; Toronto ~8%; Montreal ~18%; St John’s ~53%. ● Perseids peak 12–13 Aug under a new Moon (northern-favoured, up to ~100/hr from dark northern sites). ● Southern Hemisphere: pre-dawn planet parade (Saturn best, near opposition; Mars, Mercury, Uranus, Neptune), brilliant Venus in the evening west, and the winter Milky Way high overhead. ● Look-ahead: deep partial lunar eclipse 28 Aug (96% umbral), favouring the Americas. ● SAFETY: use only ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses / solar filters during any partial phase. ● Sources: NASA; ESA; Sky & Telescope; BBC Sky at Night; EarthSky; timeanddate.com; The Planetary Society.

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Voyager 2’s “Big Bang” Rescue: One More Year in Deep Space

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:48:29 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E159 — Wednesday, 5 August 2026. In this episode: a power-saving “Big Bang” keeps Voyager 2 doing science, direct-to-phone satellites reach orbit, Curiosity finds a vast honeycomb field on its 14th Martian anniversary, and NASA’s Aspera prepares to hunt the universe’s missing gas. ① Voyager 2’s “Big Bang” power save • JPL engineers freed up power by simultaneously switching off certain devices and substituting lower-power alternatives, while keeping the spacecraft warm enough to operate. • The Voyagers run on radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and lose ~4 watts per year as their plutonium decays; after nearly 50 years, power margins are razor-thin. • The move keeps three instruments — magnetometer, plasma wave subsystem and cosmic ray subsystem — running at least a year longer; the same swap is planned for Voyager 1. • Voyager 2 crossed the heliopause in Nov 2018 and is now 13 billion miles (21 billion km) from Earth; its southerly path means it is commanded via the Canberra Deep Space Network dish. Source: NASA/JPL Voyager blog, 4 Aug 2026 · science.nasa.gov/blogs/voyager ② AST SpaceMobile BlueBird 11–13 • Three next-generation direct-to-smartphone satellites launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral (liftoff targeted 3:42 a.m. EDT, 5 Aug; backup 5:10 a.m.). • Their phased-array antennas span ~2,400 sq ft — the largest commercial arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit — and connect to standard, unmodified phones. • They deliver nearly double the peak download speed of the first-generation BlueBirds (which hit ~98.9 Mbps to a phone); the company targets beta service later in 2026. Source: AST SpaceMobile / Space.com, Aug 2026 · confirm deployment before publish ③ Curiosity’s “sea of polygons” + 14 years • Curiosity found its largest-ever field of honeycomb-like polygonal fractures (each ~4–8 cm across) in a valley nicknamed “Valle Grande” on Mount Sharp. • The 360° panorama was captured on 19–20 June from 340 images; the polygons wrap around a ~6 m butte nicknamed “Miraflores.” • Such patterns point to ancient water — drying mud, wet–dry cycles, or compaction — consistent with lakes and streams once present on Mount Sharp’s foothills. • Today, 5 August, is Curiosity’s 14th landing anniversary (landed 5 Aug 2012). Source: NASA/JPL, announced ~29 Jul 2026 · jpl.nasa.gov ④ NASA’s Aspera (mission preview) • Aspera is a shoebox-sized NASA Pioneers smallsat launching NET 15 Aug on a Rocket Lab Electron from Mahia, New Zealand. • It is the first NASA astrophysics mission to map the circumgalactic medium — hot gas around galaxies — in ultraviolet light, tracing the “missing baryons.” • Led by Carlos Vargas at the University of Arizona, one of the youngest principal investigators in NASA history. Source: NASA Pioneers / Rocket Lab, 2026 · rocketlabcorp.com ⑤ Skywatch • Tonight (5 Aug): Last Quarter Moon; Mars forms a triangle with Elnath and cluster M35 (binoculars help). • 12 Aug: total solar eclipse (Arctic–Greenland–Iceland–northern Spain; partial for parts of the US) — not visible from Australia; use ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. • 12–13 Aug: Perseid peak under a New Moon (NH-favoured); plus a six-planet pre-dawn alignment. • SH targets: eta-Eridanids peak 7 Aug; Sagittarius star fields; deep partial lunar eclipse 27–28 Aug (Americas + parts of Europe/Africa). Source: NASA Skywatching “What’s Up” Aug 2026; Sky & Telescope; timeanddate.com

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Betelgeuse’s Hidden Companion and the Dying Andromeda Galaxy: A Cosmic Tale

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:22:22 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 93 The strongest evidence yet that Betelgeuse is not alone Astronomers have finally demonstrated that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse has a binary companion star about two to three times the mass of the Sun. Is the mighty Andromeda galaxy dying A new study has found that star formation is winding down in our nearest big neighbouring galaxy Andromeda. The most volcanically active world in the Solar System NASA's Juno spacecraft has provided the first measurements of the temperature below the surface of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io. The Science Report A new study warns that mining is now a threat to over 12,000 species across the globe. Claims taking faecal capsules could help people with insomnia get a good night's sleep. The link between air pollution exposure and ending up with lung and heart issues. People who spend an excessive amount of time online tend be more stressed. Alex on Tech Telstra Starlink expanding.

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The Crater Makers: Falcon 9 Hits the Moon Tomorrow | Today’s Space News

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:39:15 +1000

S05E158 — “The Crater Makers” · Tuesday 4 August 2026. Four stories on cosmic impacts — and a new map of the X-ray sky — plus a both-hemispheres skywatch. ① A dead Falcon 9 is about to crater the Moon ● A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage (catalogued 2025-010D) is predicted to strike the Moon near Einstein Crater on 5 Aug 2026 at ~06:35 UTC — the second documented uncontrolled rocket impact on the Moon. ● The stage launched Firefly’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience landers in Jan 2025, then was stranded in a chaotic Earth orbit for ~18 months. Impact speed ~2.4 km/s (~5,400 mph); expected crater ~17–27 m across. ● Prediction by Bill Gray (Project Pluto). NASA’s LRO can image the site before and after; a ~two-dozen-author campaign is coordinating observers to chase the ejecta plume. ● Governance angle: no international framework governs cislunar debris — a growing hazard as lunar traffic increases (callback to E154’s distant-retrograde-orbit debris study). Sources: Space.com / Forbes / Reuters (Cris Tolomia) — impact preview, 31 Jul–3 Aug 2026 · Project Pluto (Bill Gray) — 2025-010D impact page · ZME Science — impact timing, 3 Aug 2026 ② Neptune’s inner moons: shrapnel of a shattered world ● JWST NIRSpec spectroscopy of Neptune’s inner moons Larissa, Galatea and Proteus (Caltech; lead author Ryleigh Davis, Mike Brown’s group) detected magnesium-rich phyllosilicates — clay minerals that require liquid water and had never been seen beyond Jupiter. ● The clays imply the material came from much larger, water-bearing worlds — evidence that Neptune’s original regular moon system was destroyed when Triton (a captured Kuiper Belt object) arrived. ● Proteus, the largest of the three, lacks the clays — possibly re-heated and reprocessed after re-forming, hiding its history. Sources: Davis et al., Science Advances, 29 July 2026 · Caltech / phys.org press coverage, 29 Jul–3 Aug 2026 · Space.com (Charles Q. Choi), 3 Aug 2026 ③ “Charbroiled within hours”: impact dust and the dinosaurs ● New modelling (Brandon Johnson et al., Purdue) argues ultrafine impact dust from Chicxulub acted as an insulating blanket, raising surface heating ~3.5× above the spherule-only estimate — enough to ignite global wildfires and kill exposed animals within hours. ● The same dust then blocked sunlight for years — so the model adds a ferocious opening act to the established “impact winter,” rather than replacing it. Sheltering underground or underwater aided survival. ● Caveat: the strongest physical wildfire evidence is so far confined to North America (per UCL’s Alfio Chiarenza, not involved in the study); a truly global fire record remains unconfirmed. Sources: Johnson, Johnson, Wakita & Robertson, JGR: Biogeosciences, 2026 · Popular Science / Space.com / ZME Science, 28 Jul–2 Aug 2026 ④ eROSITA DR2 — the X-ray sky doubles ● The eROSITA telescope (SRG mission) released its second data set (DR2) on 31 July 2026: ~1.9 million pointlike and ~64,000 extended X-ray sources from the first three all-sky scans — nearly doubling the previously released eROSITA catalogue. ● For scale: ROSAT catalogued ~130,000 sources in the 1990s and was the benchmark for 30 years. Lead author: Miriam Ramos-Ceja (MPE). ● DR2 delivers the first direct census of cataclysmic-variable binaries sufficient to explain the decades-old Galactic Ridge X-ray Emission. It coincides with SDSS DR20 (Black Hole Mapper), enabling 3D mapping of active black holes. Sources: Ramos-Ceja et al. (eROSITA-DE), arXiv:2607.27772; DR2 release · Max Planck Society press release, 29 July 2026 · phys.org, 31 Jul 2026 Skywatch — both hemispheres ● Falcon 9 impact (5 Aug, ~06:35 UTC): not naked-eye; ejecta plume a long shot for advanced amateurs in the Americas near the western limb (~2:35 a.m. EDT). Sydney: Moon below horizon — watch for LRO after-images. ● Comet 10P/Tempel 2: perihelion 2 Aug, closest to Earth 3 Aug (~0.41 AU); ~mag 8–9 near M30 in Capricornus. Best return of the century; Southern-Hemisphere-favoured; Northern viewers low on the southern horizon. Darkest window ~7–8 Aug. ● This evening: Venus threads between Regulus (Leo) and Spica (Virgo) in the west — both hemispheres, no equipment. Mercury at its best morning showing (greatest western elongation 2 Aug), low in the pre-dawn east. ● Diary — 12 Aug: total solar eclipse (Greenland/Iceland/Spain), moonless Perseid peak, six-planet alignment. Always use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses / solar filters except during totality.

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From Dark Matter to Dormant Comets: Your Astronomy Questions Answered | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:17:23 +1000

In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they field a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the hypothetical concept of dark matter stars to the mysteries of dormant comets and the mechanics of gravitational slingshots, this episode is packed with engaging discussions that spark curiosity in the cosmos.

In this episode:

- An exploration of dark matter stars: What are they, and how could they hypothetically shine without fusion?

- Understanding dormant comets: What defines them, and how can we identify these ancient celestial bodies?

- The mechanics behind gravitational slingshots: How do spacecraft gain speed from planetary gravity, and what role does the planet's rotation play?

- The rise of smart telescopes: Are these automated devices a boon for budding astronomers, or do they undermine traditional astrophotography?

- Personal experiences with smart telescopes and their impact on learning and engagement in astronomy.

Resources & Links:

- [Dark Matter and Dark Energy Overview]( NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/dark-energy-and-dark-matter) ) - Insights into these elusive components of the universe.

- [NASA's Comet Research]( NASA Comet Missions (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/comets/index.html) ) - Discoveries and ongoing studies of comets in our solar system.

- [Gravitational Slingshots Explained]( NASA's Gravitational Assist (https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/resources/679/gravitational-assist/) ) - How spacecraft use gravity to navigate the solar system efficiently.

Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel the complexities of space science, encouraging listeners to explore the universe and engage with the wonders of astronomy. Don't forget to submit your questions for future episodes!

(00:00) This is Space Nuts and we've got questions from our audience

(01:57) Frederick: Greens Goddess started following me some time ago

(02:47) Casey from Colorado says dark matter stars could be incredibly bright

(09:13) Our next question comes from Michael about dark matter

(10:27) What's a dormant comet and how do you detect them

(16:28) Just wondering if you could explain the orbital mechanics behind Slingshots

(22:32) Smart telescopes allow beginners to dive straight into astrophotography

(28:56) Jason: Is there a privacy infringement there? Maybe, yeah

(30:03) Astronomer Fred Watson answers your Space Nuts questions

(32:16) Space Nick Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34603359?utm_source=youtube

Unleashing a Wandering Black Hole and Chasing the Solar Eclipse

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:56:27 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 92 The monster that’s been let out of its cage Astronomers have for the first time discovered a monstrous supermassive black hole wandering unseen near the edge of a galaxy. Counting down to next week’s solar eclipse Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greenland Russia and the arctic are about to experience a total solar eclipse as the Moon’s shadow sweeps across the surface of the Earth. The Swift Space Telescope rescue mission suffers a major setback NASA’s Link mission to save the Swift Space Telescope has suffered a few problems with a sudden loss of attitude control putting the spacecraft into an uncontrollable spin. The Science Report Former Biden administration chief health advisor Anthony Fauci pleads the fifth on everything. Antimicrobial resistance in children on the rise globally. The footprints of an ancient civilisation discovered in the Amazon. Discovery of fossils of a giant mosasaur eating an ichthyosaur that ate a pterosaur. Skeptics guide to the 2026 Bent Spoon Awards. This Week’s Guests NASA WB-57 pilot Tom Parent NASA WB-57 Sensor Equipment Operator Cary Klemm Nation Wide Eclipse Ballooning Project Principal Investigator Dr Angela Des Jardins from Montana State University. Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio Texas Juno Launch Director Omar Baez NASA Juno Mission Manager John Calvert NASA Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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The Largest Galaxy in the Universe, Measured at Last

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:02:37 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E157 · “The Edge of Everything” · Monday 3 August 2026

In this episode • The largest galaxy, measured at last. Ultra-deep imaging of IC 1101 in the Abell 2029 cluster has traced its outer edge for the first time: an edge radius of ~260 kpc, a diameter near 520 kpc (~1.7 million light-years), and ~3.4 trillion solar masses in stars — about 17× the width of the Milky Way. Faint outer structures aligned with cluster X-ray disturbances show it is still accreting. Source: Marrero-de la Rosa et al., “How large can galaxies be? Ultra-deep imaging of IC 1101”, accepted A&A (arXiv:2607.15340, 16 Jul 2026); phys.org, 31 Jul 2026; The Debrief, 1 Aug 2026. • Hayabusa2's record asteroid flyby. JAXA confirmed (press conference 30 Jul) that its Hayabusa2 probe passed just 400 m from the surface of near-Earth asteroid Torifune on 5 July — 744 m from centre at 18,000 km/h — the closest asteroid flyby by any mission, plus the first-ever laser ranging of an asteroid during a flyby. Torifune proved to be a contact binary. Source: JAXA press conference, 30 Jul 2026; phys.org / Japan Today (AFP), 31 Jul 2026; autoevolution, 1 Aug 2026. • UK's first orbital launch on hold. Rocket Factory Augsburg de-stacked its RFA One at SaxaVord Spaceport (Unst, Shetland) after finding a vehicle issue during hot-fire test prep (announced 28 Jul). The certified launch window opens 10 August; a successful flight would be the first orbital launch from UK soil. Source: RFA statement (X), 28 Jul 2026; Space.com, 1 Aug 2026; Shetland Times, 28 Jul 2026. • Andromeda is winding down. A new Hubble study mapping ~200 million stars across two-thirds of Andromeda's disk finds star formation has declined over ~500 million years (from ~1 to ~0.2 solar masses/year), with the steepest drop in the last 40 million years — possibly linked to an interaction with satellite galaxy M32. Source: Williams et al., The Astrophysical Journal, 27 Jul 2026; NASA/STScI release, 27 Jul 2026. Skywatch — both hemispheres • Comet 10P/Tempel 2 — perihelion 2 Aug; closest approach to Earth tonight (3 Aug). Binoculars/small scope, dark skies. Best pre-dawn from the Southern Hemisphere; ~9:30–10:30 pm local for mid-northern latitudes before moonrise. • Moon near Saturn tonight (3 Aug) — naked-eye pairing, both hemispheres, up into dawn. • Mercury at greatest western elongation (2 Aug) — low eastern horizon ~1 hr before sunrise, toward Gemini; Mars higher. Better placed for northern observers. • Diary (2 days out): Falcon 9 upper stage (2025-010D) lunar impact near Einstein Crater, 5 Aug ~06:35 UTC — ~2:35 am EDT / 11:35 pm PDT (4 Aug); North America best-timed on the dark limb. Southern Hemisphere: ~4:35 pm AEST (daylight) — await orbiter after-images. • Looking ahead: 12 Aug total solar eclipse (Greenland/Iceland/Spain) + moonless Perseid peak + six-planet dawn alignment. View partial phases only through certified ISO 12312-2 filters. Links & follow • Website, back catalogue, news feed & newsletter: astronomydaily.io • Social: @AstroDailyPod · Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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The First “Self-Driving” Telescope Goes Stargazing (SkAI )

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:22:17 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E156 — Weekend Space & Astronomy News Wrap. Saturday, 1 August 2026. In this episode • The first “self-driving” telescope — a SkAI deep-learning system (Northwestern / UChicago / Fermilab) schedules and re-plans observations in real time on the Dark Energy Camera at the Blanco 4-m, Cerro Tololo, Chile — matching human schedulers across two runs. • Betelgeuse's companion imaged — ESO's VLT delivers the clearest view yet of likely “Betelgeuse B,” ending a century-long search (recap, E153). • (44) Nysa — first known three-lobed (trilobate) asteroid, plus a ~1 km moon, from LBT + VLT high-contrast imaging (recap, E155). • A black hole's 300,000-light-year reach — XRISM traces quasar-driven winds from H1821+643 reshaping an entire galaxy cluster (recap, E154). • August skywatch — Comet 10P/Tempel 2 at perihelion (2 Aug); total solar eclipse crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain & Portugal (12 Aug) paired with a moonless Perseid peak (12–13 Aug); a six-planet line-up through the month. Sources • SkAI / self-driving telescope: Northwestern University news release, 31 July 2026; phys.org, 31 July 2026 (Blanco 4-m / DECam / Cerro Tololo). • Betelgeuse companion: ESO / VLT; Montargès et al., Astronomy & Astrophysics (covered in E153). • (44) Nysa: Large Binocular Telescope (SHARK-VIS) + VLT high-contrast imaging; Lowell Observatory release (covered in E155). • Black-hole feedback: XRISM observations of quasar H1821+643 (covered in E154). • Skywatch: timeanddate.com and Space.com August 2026 sky guides; Royal Observatory Greenwich 2026 highlights (eclipse path and Perseid peak details). astronomydaily.io · @AstroDailyPod · Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Comet Confusion and the Psyche Mission’s Mars Encounter

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:27:24 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 91 The near-Earth asteroid that’s actually a comet Astronomers have confirmed that the near Earth Asteroid 1998 SH2 is actually a comet further blurring the lines between the two types of celestial bodies. Psyche’s gravity assist Mars Flyby NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has undertaken a successful gravity assist flyby of the red planet Mars to help slingshot the probe to its ultimate target – the strange metallic asteroid 16-Psyche. China expanding its space station As NASA looks at winding down and de-orbiting the International Space Station in 2030, Beijing has announced new plans to double the size of its Tiangong Space Station. The Science Report New clues about how the body’s nervous system senses warm and cool temperatures. Alarming pesticide levels found in the food of endangered Western Australian Carnaby's cockatoos. Scientists have discovered evidence of an ancient species of snake that lived underground. Study warns working from home may not have a significant impact on your carbon footprint. Skeptics guide to multiple Ohio Bigfoot sighting. Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics

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SpaceX Tests Space-Ready Nuclear Power Using Tritium-Driven CubeSat | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:17:03 +1000

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From SpaceX Nuclear Experiments to Galactic Discoveries

Join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson as they explore some of the most fascinating topics in space science, from innovative nuclear power tests in space to the expanding boundaries of our galaxy. Whether you're an astrophotography enthusiast or a space policy advocate, this episode delivers insights that broaden your cosmic perspective.

In this episode:

SpaceX's recent CubeSat launch featuring a tritium-based nuclear power source for space applications

The potential and safety considerations of nuclear energy in space missions

The possibility of nuclear weapons detection in space using neutron sensors and passive radiation monitoring

The intriguing hypothesis of dark matter stars and their potential signatures

The mystery surrounding Earth's dust origins—cosmic spherules and their unknown sources

New research indicating our galaxy's spiral arms are about 10% longer than previous estimates, based on light echoes from gamma ray bursts

The rise of smart telescopes and their role in making astrophotography more accessible for amateurs

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and overview of today's headlines

(02:00) SpaceX's CubeSat with tritium power source—what's happening?

(04:33) Nuclear power in space: Safety and future applications

(11:03) Detecting nuclear weapons in space: Challenges and innovations

(22:45) Earth's dust origins: Micro-meteorites and cosmic spherules explained

Resources & Links:

SpaceX's CubeSat nitrogen launch story

Beta-voltaic nuclear power technology

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory

Universe Today article on Milky Way mapping

James Webb Space Telescope and dark matter research

Science Advances publication on Earth's micrometeorites

Connect with Fred Watson:

Twitter

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Thanks for tuning in and keep looking up!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34565447?utm_source=youtube

Three of a Kind

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:17:48 +1000

S05E155 · Friday 31 July 2026 · Astronomy Daily with Anna & Avery. Four stories and a both-hemispheres skywatch. Australian English. ① Asteroid (44) Nysa — the first three-lobed world, and its hidden moon ● trilobate body — three lobes joined by two narrow necks; a candidate “first” of its kind. ● A new ~1 km moon, S/2026 (44) 1, was found orbiting ≥170 km out — spotted using high-contrast imaging borrowed from exoplanet work, and confirmed moving across two observing runs. ● The moon lets astronomers weigh Nysa (mass → density), which should help decide between a genuine contact-trinary and a single, deeply indented body. ● Nysa is a bright, main-belt E-type (enstatite-rich) asteroid, ~75 km across, known since 1857. ● Source: Lowell Observatory / University of Arizona press release, 29 Jul 2026; study “Unmasking (44) Nysa: Evidence for a Trilobate Structure” (Minker et al.). Coverage: Space.com, Gizmodo, 29–30 Jul 2026. ② Mapping Alien Continents — a NASA concept to image an exoplanet’s surface ● NASA’s 2026 NIAC round funds 18 early-stage “visionary” concepts (~$175k each, 9 months). These are seed studies, not missions. ● Paul Stankus (Brookhaven) proposes “Mapping Alien Continents”: resolve the surface of an Earth-like exoplanet — continents, oceans — in visible light. ● Method: a novel “dynamic hierarchical nulling” interferometer to suppress starlight at 10¹⁰-to-1 contrast, then combine beams from two spacecraft ~100 km apart (optical VLBI-style imaging). ● Source: NASA “2026 Innovative Technology Concepts” release and NIAC selections (posted 21 Jul; consolidated release ~29 Jul 2026); Universe Today feature, 30 Jul 2026. ③ Solar-storm watch — CMEs inbound, minor-storm and aurora potential ● Two faint coronal mass ejections, plus coronal-hole solar wind, are set to give Earth glancing blows; forecasters flag possible G1 (minor) geomagnetic storms and auroras over the coming days. ● G1 means little grid impact but aurora visible at somewhat lower latitudes than usual — see the skywatch for where to look, both hemispheres. ● Source: NOAA SWPC (WSA-ENLIL model); EarthSky / The Sun Today, 30 Jul 2026. ④ ESCAPADE’s family portrait of Earth and the Moon ● NASA’s twin Mars orbiters (“Blue” and “Gold,” built by Rocket Lab) imaged Earth and the Moon as thin crescents in visible and thermal-infrared light from a loiter orbit near Sun–Earth L2. ● In infrared, Earth’s night side glows with its own heat; the Moon’s shadowed half is far colder — a calibration check before Mars. ● ESCAPADE’s science goal (arrival Sept 2027): measure how the solar wind strips Mars’s unshielded atmosphere — the payoff of today’s solar-wind thread. ● Source: NASA (Goddard) image feature, ~25 Jul 2026 (images captured 3 Jul); NAU / phys.org; Universe Today, 29 Jul 2026. Skywatch — both hemispheres ● Bright waning-gibbous Moon (post-Buck-Moon, 29 Jul) washes out faint targets. ● Southern Delta Aquariids + Alpha Capricornids just past peak (SH-favoured; Moon-hampered). Perseids build to a near-moonless peak on the night of 12–13 Aug — prime for North America, low in the north for the SH. ● 12 Aug total solar eclipse: totality across Greenland / Iceland / Spain; partial for parts of northern North America and Europe. ISO 12312-2 eye protection required for any partial phase. ● Pre-dawn planets low in the east (Sydney and North American framing). Aurora watch for high latitudes both hemispheres if the storms land. ● Diary: a spent Falcon 9 upper stage (2025-010D) is predicted to hit the Moon near Einstein Crater on 5 Aug 2026, ~06:35 UTC (~2:34 a.m. ET). North America best-timed; telescope needed, Moon ~56% lit, target the limb dust plume. From Sydney the Moon is down at impact — rely on LRO after-images. Callback to E125/E147. Source: Fernando et al., arXiv 2607.14625.

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The Reach of a Giant | A Black Hole Story

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:56:53 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E154 — “The Reach of a Giant.” Thursday, 30 July 2026. Hosted by Anna and Avery. In this episode • A supermassive black hole caught heating and stirring an entire galaxy cluster — turbulence reaching ~300,000 light-years, about 100× more energetic than expected (XRISM / quasar H1821+643). • Why some “clean” white dwarfs are secretly feasting: magnetic fields funnel shredded planetary debris to the poles, aurora-style, hiding the meal. • NASA’s Psyche used its Mars flyby as a dress rehearsal — spotting Phobos and Deimos from afar to practise for its 2029 moonlet hunt at asteroid 16 Psyche. • A new study on keeping the road to the Moon clear: modelling how debris disperses in Distant Retrograde Orbits as cislunar traffic climbs. • Skywatch: tonight’s double meteor shower — the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids — with both-hemispheres viewing details and local times. Sources • Yamada, S. et al., “Vigorous turbulence driven by quasar-mode feedback in a cluster core,” Nature Astronomy, 28 July 2026 (DOI 10.1038/s41550-026-02939-x; arXiv 2607.24911). Tohoku University release. • “White Dwarfs Eat More Planetary Debris Than Thought, But Magnetic Fields Hide It,” Universe Today, 29 July 2026 (Pham et al., arXiv 2607.20747). • “NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft Aces Mars Flyby,” NASA JPL / ScienceDaily, 28 July 2026. • “The Risks of Debris Between the Earth and the Moon for Future Exploration,” Universe Today, 29 July 2026 (Chinese Academy of Sciences DRO study). • Double meteor shower peak: American Meteor Society; NASA; Scientific American; CNN; National Geographic, 28–30 July 2026. Correction / caveat desk • Skywatch numbers assume the ~98% waning Buck Moon (full 29 Jul). Faint Delta Aquariids will be washed out; the Alpha Capricornid fireballs are the reliable catch tonight.

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Betelgeuse Is Not Alone!

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:20:01 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E153 · Wednesday 29 July 2026. Four stories from the frontier of space and astronomy, plus a both-hemispheres look at the sky — and news of our brand-new website. In this episode • Betelgeuse is not alone. ESO’s VLT/SPHERE has captured the clearest direct image yet of Betelgeuse B, the long-suspected companion to the famous red supergiant — ending a roughly century-long search. Published 28 July 2026 in Astronomy & Astrophysics (Montargès, Boccaletti et al.). The companion is more massive than predicted (≈2–3 solar masses), likely paces Betelgeuse’s ~6-year brightness cycle, and may eventually spiral into the supergiant. • Swift catches a wandering black hole. TDE 2025abcr — the most off-centre tidal disruption event ever seen — reveals a ~1-million-solar-mass “wandering” black hole ~30,000 light-years from its galaxy’s core, ~750 million light-years away. First flagged by the Zwicky Transient Facility (Nov 2025) and pinned down with NASA’s Swift; an AI sifted ~500,000 nightly flashes to find it. Published 27 July 2026 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters (Stein et al.; Carney et al.). • Roman is fuelled for launch. NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope completed fuelling on 25 July (≈290 gallons of hydrazine) and holds its mission-preview briefing today — one month from a 30 August launch, roughly eight months ahead of schedule. Roman will survey ~50× as much sky as Hubble in five years, probe dark energy, and is expected to find 100,000+ exoplanets via microlensing. • Swift’s rescue mission is in trouble. Katalyst’s LINK servicing spacecraft — launched 3 July to boost the decaying Swift observatory — began spinning over the weekend; two of three reaction wheels are non-operable, with some cold-gas thruster degradation. LINK remains powered and in contact; the team is using its electric (xenon) thrusters to arrest the spin before deciding, with NASA, whether to proceed. Developing story — details accurate as of recording. • Skywatch. Full Buck Moon tonight (29 July); Jupiter at solar conjunction; Southern Delta Aquariids favour the Southern Hemisphere but are washed out by the Moon this year; Alpha Capricornid fireballs are the pick for both hemispheres; the Perseids peak on the moonless night of 12–13 August alongside a total solar eclipse (Greenland/Iceland/Spain; partial for parts of Europe and North America). Never view the partial phases without ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Sources • ESO release eso2611 & Astronomy & Astrophysics, Montargès, Boccaletti et al., “VLT/SPHERE imaging of the candidate companion of Betelgeuse” (28 Jul 2026). • NASA Swift / The Astrophysical Journal Letters — TDE 2025abcr wandering-black-hole discovery (27 Jul 2026); UNC-Chapel Hill release. • NASA — Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope fuelling & launch-preview updates (25–29 Jul 2026). • NASA Swift blog — “Commissioning Update for Spacecraft to Boost NASA’s Swift” (28 Jul 2026); Katalyst Space Technologies. • EarthSky, NASA, American Meteor Society, timeanddate — meteor showers, Buck Moon, Jupiter conjunction, 12 Aug eclipse. New — astronomydaily.io Our new website is live: full back catalogue, a continuously-updating space-news feed, listener reviews (read and leave your own), and a daily newsletter sign-up. Got a question or a story tip? Drop us a note — and tell us what you think of the new site.

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LHS 1140b and the Quest for Habitable Atmospheres: Unveiling a Super Earth

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:33:08 +1000

Reading Io’s Hidden Heat: Juno’s First Subsurface Reading | Today’s Space News

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:55:59 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E152 — “Reading the Heat” · Tuesday 28 July 2026. Hosts Anna & Avery. NASA’s Juno spacecraft has taken the first-ever temperature reading beneath the surface of Io, Jupiter’s volcanic moon — and the technique behind it could reshape how we study icy ocean moons and even volcanoes on Earth. We also look at why JWST’s “Little Red Dots” might be globular clusters being born, the first SETI search built from archived ALMA data (and its six-million-star surprise), and a live burst of space weather feeding into a meteor-filled — if Moon-washed — skywatch. In this episode ● Juno reads Io’s subsurface temperature for the first time — 20°C rise within a few metres, heat flow up to ~30× Earth’s average, and a remarkably smooth, low-density surface. ● Why the method matters: a multi-depth microwave thermometer that works from orbit — promising for Europa, Enceladus, and terrestrial volcanology. ● JWST’s “Little Red Dots” may be globular clusters in formation, powered by a short-lived supermassive star — linking two long-standing mysteries. ● The first SETI survey of archived ALMA data opens the millimetre band — and reveals “stellar bycatch” of 6.1 million background stars. ● Live space weather: an M3.2 flare from region AR4494 and a glancing CME, with G1–G2 storms and possible aurorae, north and south. ● Skywatch: meteor week under the full Buck Moon (29 July), the Alpha Capricornid fireball tip, evening Venus, pre-dawn Saturn/Mars/Mercury — and Jupiter vanishing behind the Sun. Sources ● NASA/JPL — “NASA’s Juno Takes Temperature of Jupiter’s Fiery Moon Io” (22 July 2026); Brown et al., J. Geophys. Res.: Planets, DOI 10.1029/2025JE009622. ● Chisholm et al., “Little Red Dots as Globular Clusters in Formation,” Astrophysical Journal Letters (press cycle 20 July 2026; UT Austin / McDonald Observatory). ● L. Mason (University of Manchester), first ALMA-archive SETI survey, RAS National Astronomy Meeting 2026. ● Space-weather status: EarthSky Sun news / NOAA SWPC (M3.2 flare AR4494, 26 July; 24 July CME; G1–G2 outlook, 27–28 July). ● Skywatch data: EarthSky, Star Walk, American Meteor Society, NASA — Southern Delta Aquariids (peak ~30 July), Alpha Capricornids (30–31 July), full Buck Moon 29 July, Jupiter solar conjunction 29 July.

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A Splashdown Success and the Asteroid That Ended the Dinosaurs

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:49:57 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 89 A lucky 13th test flight for the world’s biggest rocket The world’s largest and most powerful rocket has successfully launched on its latest test flight bringing it a step closer to NASA’s Artemis program’s aim of returning humans to the lunar surface, and eventually on to Mars and beyond. Scientists identify the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs A new study has determined that the asteroid which slammed into the Earth 66 million years ago wiping out over 75 percent of all life on the planet including all the non-avian dinosaurs was most likely a rare CO type carbonaceous chondrite. SpaceX rocket about to crash into the Moon The spent upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is about to slam into the visible side of the Moon, providing scientists with a new method of pinpointing exactly where objects strike the Moon, data that could help prepare for future lunar seismic experiments. The Science Report Warnings that a third of all heart related deaths due to ultra processed foods. New data suggests fewer people in Australia are now smoking. Scientists have identified high levels of vehicle tyre dust on local Brisbane balconies. Iran continuing its nuclear weapons program in a complex deep below Pickaxe Mountain. Skeptics guide to fake news click bait. Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Pluto’s Big Night & a Sharper Look at M87’s Black Hole | Today’s Space News

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:54:12 +1000

The Cosmic Q&A: Redshift, Dark Matter & the Shape of the Universe | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:09:37 +1000

Barnard’s Star and Beyond : Exploring Hellish Worlds and Australia’s Space Partnerships

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 23:01:53 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 88 The hellish planets orbiting a nearby star Astronomers have painted the most detailed portrait yet of the planetary system orbiting Barnard’s Star – the Sun’s closest stellar neighbour after Alpha Centauri, just under six light-years away. Australia’s role in India’s manned space program India’s manned space program is moving ahead with the commissioning of a new space tracking station on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The latest mission to the International Space Station The Russian Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station three hours and two orbits after launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan. The Science Report A new study has found a link between health risks and electromagnetic fields. Wild koala given a chlamydia vaccine implant to help them survive the ever spreading disease. A quadriplegic now able to feed himself using his own hand, thanks to microchip brain implants. Study shows the last five decades of pop music has slowly shifted towards being more self-focused. Skeptics guide to the Pentagon’s latest UFO file release. Our Guests This Week: Mars Perseverance Rover Deputy Project Scientist Katy Stack Morgan NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover project Scientist Ken Farley NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Deputy Project Manager Matt Wallace NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Chief Engineer Adam Steltzner NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Mobility Team Member Farah Alibay NASA JPL And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Lucky 13 | The Weekend Wrap

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:45:17 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E150 · “Lucky Thirteen” · Saturday 25 July 2026. Your Weekend Wrap: Starship Flight 13 finally flies and floats, the strongest exomoon candidate yet, a robotic satellite-servicer on its way to GEO, and what the Moon’s far side reveals about Earth — plus a both-hemispheres skywatch. In this episode Chapter Segment 00:00 Cold open & headlines 01:30 LEAD: Starship Flight 13 flies — softest splashdown yet, first real Starlink V3 deploy 09:00 Exo-satellite at CD-35 2722 — strongest exomoon candidate yet (Nature) 11:45 Northrop Grumman MRV-MEP — a mechanic for the geostationary belt 14:30 Chang’e-6 — the Moon’s far side records Earth’s magnetosphere (Nature Geoscience) 17:15 Skywatch — Buck Moon, Delta Aquariids, the 12 Aug Perseids + total solar eclipse 20:45 Sign-off Sources & further reading STARSHIP FLIGHT 13 • Space.com — Starship’s “softest splashdown” yet after Flight 13 — https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacexs-starship-megarocket-makes-the-softest-splashdown-ever-after-launching-next-gen-starlink-satellites-in-flight-13-test-video (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacexs-starship-megarocket-makes-the-softest-splashdown-ever-after-launching-next-gen-starlink-satellites-in-flight-13-test-video) • UPI — Starship successful flight test, splashes down in Indian Ocean — https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/07/24/Starship-has-successful-flight-test-splash-down-in-Indian-Ocean/3791784840519/ (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/07/24/Starship-has-successful-flight-test-splash-down-in-Indian-Ocean/3791784840519/) • CNN — Starship hits key milestones in “Lucky 13” test flight — https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/24/science/live-news/spacex-starship-flight-13-launch (https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/24/science/live-news/spacex-starship-flight-13-launch) EXO-SATELLITE CD-35 2722 • ESO — New “exomoon” detection challenges cosmic labels — https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2610/ (https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2610/) • Nature (paper) — Planetary-mass exosatellite around a substellar companion — https://www.nature.com/ (https://www.nature.com/) • Phys.org — Jupiter-mass “exomoon” orbiting a brown dwarf — https://phys.org/news/2026-07-jupiter-mass-exomoon-orbiting-brown.html (https://phys.org/news/2026-07-jupiter-mass-exomoon-orbiting-brown.html) MRV-MEP SATELLITE SERVICING • Northrop Grumman — MRV launches, ushering in a new era of in-space servicing — https://news.northropgrumman.com/launch/northrop-grummans-mission-robotic-vehicle-launches-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-in-space-servicing (https://news.northropgrumman.com/launch/northrop-grummans-mission-robotic-vehicle-launches-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-in-space-servicing) • Spaceflight Now — Novel geosynchronous robotic servicing satellite launch — https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/07/21/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-novel-geosynchronous-robotic-servicing-satellite-on-decade-long-mission/ (https://spaceflightnow.com/2026/07/21/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-novel-geosynchronous-robotic-servicing-satellite-on-decade-long-mission/) CHANG’E-6 FAR-SIDE SOLAR WIND • Nature Geoscience — Deeper solar wind penetration on the Moon’s far side — https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-026-02042-w (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-026-02042-w) • EurekAlert! / CAS — Chang’e-6 samples reveal how Earth slows the solar wind — https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1136535 (https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1136535) SKYWATCH • EarthSky — Delta Aquariid meteor shower 2026 — https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-delta-aquarid-meteor-shower/ (https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-delta-aquarid-meteor-shower/) • EarthSky — Visible planets & night-sky guide / 12 Aug total solar eclipse — https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/ (https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/) Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Follow @AstroDailyPod and find every episode at astronomydaily.io.

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The Moon That Isn’t | Today’s Space News

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 23:10:54 +1000

Astronomers have confirmed the first moon-like object beyond our solar system — and immediately discovered our vocabulary cannot handle it. A Jupiter-mass world orbits a brown dwarf, which orbits a red dwarf, seventy light-years away. Is it a moon? A planet? Something we have not named yet? Also on today’s show: the Milky Way’s most powerful particle accelerator is confirmed in the direction of Altair, out-punching the Large Hadron Collider by a factor of a hundred. Chandra catches a black hole starving a galaxy it does not even live in. China flies the world’s largest solid rocket from the open ocean for the first time. Starship Flight 13 gets another window. And the Moon meets the heart of the Scorpion. Chapters Time Chapter 00:00 Cold open — what is a moon, exactly? 00:35 Welcome and headlines 01:15 The first exo-satellite — CD-35 2722 05:55 The galaxy’s most powerful particle accelerator 10:00 The Red Potato galaxy and its hostile neighbour 13:35 Gravity-1 launches from the open sea 16:55 Starship Flight 13 — when and where to watch 19:10 Skywatch — the Moon and Antares 22:30 Sign-off Story sources 1. First confirmed exo-satellite • Hoy, K., Zurlo, A., Peña R, P.A. et al. “Planetary-mass exosatellite detected around the substellar companion of a star.” Nature 655, 865–869 (2026). • European Southern Observatory release eso2610a, 23 July 2026. • Observations from ESO’s Very Large Telescope, Cerro Paranal, Chile. 2. Proton PeVatron confirmed • Mizuno, T., Sano, H., Murase, T., Oka, T., Suzuki, H., Nakahara, N. “Hadronic Scenario for Galactic PeVatron LHAASO J1912+1014u Supported by Fermi-LAT Gamma-Ray Data and FUGIN CO Data.” The Astrophysical Journal, 16 July 2026. • Hiroshima University news release; instruments: Fermi-LAT, Nobeyama 45 m / FUGIN survey, Chandra X-ray Observatory. 3. The Red Potato galaxy • NASA / Chandra X-ray Observatory news release, July 2026. Wang, W., Cantalupo, S., Travascio, A. et al., University of Milano-Bicocca. • Galaxy designation MQN01 J004131.9-493704, redshift approximately 3.25. Original JWST identification announced January 2026; the Chandra jet result is the new element. 4. Gravity-1 open-sea launch • Orienspace Gravity-1 Y4, third flight. Liftoff 0254 UTC, 22 July 2026, from a launch service ship approximately 170 km east of Shanghai. • Reporting via SpaceNews, CGTN and Space.com. Nine payloads including six Huantian constellation satellites. 5. Starship Flight 13 • SpaceX; live coverage via Spaceflight Now and Space.com. Booster 20 / Ship 40, second flight of Starship V3. • Launch window opens 24 July 2026 at 6:45 p.m. EDT (2245 UTC). Payload: 20 Starlink V3 satellites. 6. Skywatch • Astronomy.com Sky This Week; timeanddate.com Moon guide; EarthSky visible planets guide. • Moon 0.6° south of Antares, 6:00 p.m. EDT 24 July. Full Buck Moon 29 July, 14:36 UTC, in Capricornus.

Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Find us at astronomydaily.io and at @AstroDailyPod.

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Far Side | Today’s Space News

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:32:27 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E148 — "Far Side" Thursday 23 July 2026 Starship gets a second shot at Flight 13 — with a schedule caveat worth knowing about. The first far-side lunar samples reveal that Earth has been quietly shielding the side of the Moon that faces us. Astronomers debate whether the lunar far side should be closed to industry. The Milky Way's only helium nova finally steps out from behind twenty-five years of dust. And the case that our entire galaxy once turned over. Plus a skywatch closer with a straightforward piece of advice about the Delta Aquariids: do not wait for the peak.

In this episode Starship Flight 13 ● Window opens 6:45pm EDT / 2245 GMT Thursday 23 July — 8:45am AEST and 10:45am NZST Friday 24 July. ● Schedule is not locked: Starbase road and beach closure notices point to further Pad 2 testing. ● The 16 July attempt aborted at T-0 when four of 33 Raptors missed start parameters; the limit is three. ● Two Raptors were removed and replaced before this attempt. ● First-ever Starship deployment of V3 Starlink satellites — 20 of them. ● Super Heavy splashes down in the Gulf at ~7 minutes; Ship targets the Indian Ocean off Western Australia at ~65 minutes. No catch attempts. Chang'e-6 and the solar wind ● Published in Nature Geoscience by a team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Geology and Geophysics. ● Based on 1,935 grams of regolith returned from the South Pole–Aitken basin on the lunar far side. ● First direct laboratory comparison of solar wind implantation between the near and far sides. ● Far-side soil records faster, deeper-penetrating particles; the neon isotope ratio sits below every near-side sample measured. ● About a quarter of the solar wind exposure at the Chang'e-5 near-side site involved wind decelerated by Earth's magnetosphere. The far-side site shows none. ● Opens the possibility of using lunar noble gases as a fossil record of Earth's magnetic field over deep time. The far side debate — NAM 2026 ● Held Tuesday 21 July at the RAS National Astronomy Meeting, University of Birmingham. Convened by Prof Martin Ward. ● For the motion: Prof Joe Silk (Johns Hopkins) and Dr Jonathan McDowell (Durham Space Research Centre). ● Against: Dr Nikita Chiu (Durham) and Dr Manuel Salvoldi (aerospace engineer and educator). ● For: the far side is the only radio-quiet site near Earth — critical for detecting the cosmic dark ages, and an exceptional platform for gravitational wave detection. ● Against: commercial investment is what makes lunar exploration sustainable, and governance can let science and industry coexist. ● Audience support for the motion rose from 68% to 76% across the debate. V445 Puppis ● Presented at NAM 2026 by John Mills, University of Warwick. ● The only confirmed helium nova in the Milky Way. Erupted in late 2000, then vanished behind its own dust for over twenty years. ● Now confirmed as a white dwarf accreting from a rare stripped helium star — only a few thousand such stars are thought to exist in the entire galaxy. ● Orbital period of 3.7 days, roughly double previous estimates. Mass transfer has resumed. ● Unexplained high-speed "bullets" of possibly oxygen-rich gas travelling up to 20 million mph (~9,000 km/s) — never seen in any other nova. ● Data from ESO's Very Large Telescope, Hubble, the Southern African Large Telescope and TESS. ● Helium novae may be one pathway to Type Ia supernovae, the standard candles used to measure cosmic expansion. The Milky Way disc flip ● Presented at NAM 2026 by Kirill Batrakov, Durham University. ● Based on 25 Milky Way-like galaxies in the Auriga simulation suite, followed across roughly 11 billion years. ● Galaxies with the most slowly rotating stellar haloes shared a major head-on merger and a disc reorientation greater than 90 degrees. ● Our stellar halo rotates at only 10–20 km/s; the disc moves at around 220 km/s. ● The Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus collision roughly 10 billion years ago is the candidate trigger. ● Batrakov describes a disc flip as likely rather than confirmed, and is looking for independent signatures. ● Separate 2026 work led by Ling Zhu, using 600,000+ giant stars from Gaia and LAMOST, found the outer dark matter halo oriented almost vertically to the stellar disc — consistent with the disc having tilted. Skywatch ● Southern Delta Aquariids are active now, running into late August, with maximum around 30 July. ● Full Moon on 29 July means peak night is close to 98% illuminated — the worst conditions of the run. ● Best window: the pre-dawn mornings from now until roughly 27 July, after moonset. ● Radiant near Skat in Aquarius. Use Fomalhaut and the Great Square of Pegasus to locate it. ● Australia and New Zealand: radiant climbs near overhead. Best from around 2am to first light. ● North America: radiant sits low in the south — fewer meteors, but a better chance of long-trailed earthgrazers. Same 2am-to-dawn window, local time. ● Sunspot region AR4493 has grown rapidly to beta-gamma-delta...

How Scientific Discoveries at Mars Are Bringing Us Closer to Detecting Alien Life | Space Nuts:...

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 18:35:23 +1000

Discoveries on Mars, the Hubble Tension, and Dark Photons - Space Nuts Episode

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest developments in space science—from evidence of complex organic molecules found by the Perseverance rover on Mars that may hint at past life, to the ongoing mystery of the Hubble tension that challenges our understanding of the universe's expansion. Plus, a deep dive into the elusive concept of dark photons and their potential role in explaining dark matter.

Key Topics:

The significance of complex carbon molecules detected in Martian rocks by Perseverance and their implications for extraterrestrial life

The challenges and prospects of returning samples from Mars and the influence of upcoming Chinese missions

Understanding the Hubble tension: different measurements of the universe's expansion rate and what they could mean for new physics

The role of gravitational wave observations in refining the Hubble constant and resolving cosmological discrepancies

An introduction to dark photons: what they are and their potential connection to dark matter and dark energy

The nature of cosmic redshift, light travel time, and how we look back in cosmic history

The possibility of the universe expanding into higher dimensions or higher-dimensional multiverses

The shape and boundaries of the universe: flat, spherical, or saddle-shaped?

Resources & Links:

Science Advances Paper on Martian Organic Molecules

NASA Perseverance Rover

Cosmological Parameters and Hubble Tension

Large Hadron Collider Official Site

Dark Photons and Dark Matter — University of California

BiteStop Streaming Service

Connect with Fred Watson:

Professor Fred Watson - LinkedIn

Professor Fred Watson - Twitter

Note:

Stay tuned for future episodes where we continue exploring mysteries of the cosmos, and don't forget to visit our website (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

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Space Mechanic | Today’s Space News

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:06:32 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E147: "Space Mechanic" Wednesday 22 July 2026 A spacecraft with robotic arms is on its way to geostationary orbit to keep other satellites alive. A discarded rocket stage is two weeks out from hitting the Moon, and twenty-three astronomers have just asked the world to watch. Plus the first binary star system where both stars exploded, the first complete magnetic map of a galaxy cluster, and the asteroid breakup that may have bombarded three worlds while Earth froze. In This Episode ● The Space Mechanic Launches — Northrop Grumman's Mission Robotic Vehicle lifted off from Cape Canaveral on 21 July carrying three Mission Extension Pods. With two 3-metre robotic arms built by the US Naval Research Laboratory, it is designed to inspect, relocate, repair and refuel satellites in geostationary orbit. Each pod can give a 2,000 kg satellite up to eight more years of life. ● UPDATE — The Rocket Aimed at the Moon — A new arXiv preprint signed by 23 astronomers calls for a coordinated observing campaign when Falcon 9 upper stage 2025-010D strikes the Moon near Einstein crater on 5 August. North America has the best seat: 2:34am EDT, with the paper naming observers in the Americas as the ideal group. Refined impact time, predicted crater size, and why the ejecta plume may be visible even if the flash is not. ● Sibling Supernovae — Sixteen years of Fermi data reveal a faint supernova remnant hiding in the glare of the Jellyfish Nebula. The two may be the first known pair of remnants traced back to a single binary star system. ● Mapping a Cluster's Magnetic Field — Using the deepest radio observations ever made with LOFAR, astronomers have reconstructed the magnetic field of galaxy cluster Abell 2255 from nucleus to outer edge for the first time. ● The Eulalia Bombardment — A new Planetary Science Journal paper links the breakup of a main-belt asteroid to an impact shower that battered the Moon, Earth and Mars 800 million years ago — and may connect to a global freeze. ● Skywatch, Both Hemispheres — Why this week beats peak night for the Delta Aquariids wherever you are, how to catch them from the southern US and Mediterranean, and what's coming on 12 August: a total solar eclipse across Iceland and Spain, a North American partial, and the best Perseid peak in years on a new Moon.

Sources & Further Reading ● Space.com — SpaceX launches satellite repair drone with 10-foot robotic arms to Earth orbit ● NASASpaceflight.com — Falcon 9 to launch MRV-1 robotic servicing spacecraft for Northrop Grumman ● Northrop Grumman SpaceLogistics — Mission Robotic Vehicle and Mission Extension Pod fact sheets ● Scientific American — A SpaceX rocket is about to crash into the moon; scientists will be watching ● Phys.org — When a SpaceX rocket crashes into the moon, scientists will be watching (arXiv preprint) ● Project Pluto (Bill Gray) — Upper stage impacting the moon on 2026 August 5 ● Stanford University — Researchers uncover evidence for sibling supernovas (Michailidis et al., Nature Communications) ● Reuters — Scientists spot evidence of two huge companion stars that blew up ● Space.com — Galaxy cluster's magnetic field reconstructed for 1st time with record-breaking astronomy map (Botteon et al., INAF, A&A) ● Southwest Research Institute — SwRI-led research connects asteroid collision to impact showers 800 million years ago ● The Planetary Science Journal — Bottke, Vokrouhlický, Dykhuis & Zellner, "An 800 Myr-old Impact Shower on the Terrestrial Planets from the Breakup of the Eulalia Parent Body" ● EarthSky — Delta Aquariid meteor shower: all you need to know in 2026 ● NASA Science — Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026 (path, partial visibility and safety guidance) ● BBC Sky at Night Magazine — August 12, 2026 solar eclipse: USA and Canada guide Connect ● Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io) ● Socials: @AstroDailyPod ● Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Mars, Moon, and Charon: A Cosmic Exploration of Our Celestial Neighbours

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:56:13 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 87 Ancient impacts display the red planet’s past history A new study has shown how ancient Martian rocks exposed on the rim of Jezero Crater are preserving a 3.9-billion-year-old “weather report” from the solar system’s most dynamic era. Understanding of the Moon’s regolith for human habitation Scientists have mapped out the thickness of the Moon’s regolith, the layer of loose dust and rock that covers the entire lunar surface finding it averages about six meters in the highlands and about four meters in the maria . Strange goings on Pluto’s Charon A new study has found that the rotation of Pluto’s binary partner Charon is slowing down. The Science Report Heart disease linked to nine specific molecules produced in your gut biota. A billion more people now face at least one day of extreme heat stress compared to the 1970s. Claims consuming an avocado daily, lowers the risk of heart disease in people with obesity. Just like humans, monkeys appear to dislike AI avatars that look like them, but are just a bit wrong. Alex on Tech: APPLE IOS-27 beta publicly released.

Our Guests This Week: Mars Perseverance Rover Deputy Project Scientist Katy Stack Morgan NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover project Scientist Ken Farley NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Deputy Project Manager Matt Wallace NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Chief Engineer Adam Steltzner NASA JPL Mars Perseverance Rover Mobility Team Member Farah Alibay NASA JPL And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Postcards From Mars

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:22:37 +1000

Astronomy Daily · S05E146 · “Postcards from Mars” · Tuesday 21 July 2026 NASA’s Psyche probe phones home from its Mars flyby — data and a spellbinding month-long time-lapse — as Europe’s Plato planet-hunter clears its final test. From the Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting: a CubeSat that could give us hours of solar-storm warning, and a new way to forecast the Sun’s next active spell. Plus the first pieces of the giant ngVLA radio array, and a Southern Hemisphere meteor shower to catch this week.

Story notes & sources 1 · Psyche phones home NASA’s Psyche spacecraft (launched 2023; arriving metal asteroid 16 Psyche in 2029) used a 15 May Mars gravity assist to test its instruments. The neutron spectrometer detected the anticipated count-rate enhancement near closest approach; the gamma-ray/neutron spectrometer, magnetometer and imager all performed well. Data and a month-long Mars time-lapse were released this week. ● NASA/JPL — “Psyche Mission Delivers Mars Flyby Data, Time-lapse Video” (17 Jul 2026) ● Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory — LLNL-built gamma-ray sensor’s first planetary measurements (17 Jul 2026) 2 · Plato clears its final exam ESA’s Plato — 26 cameras hunting Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of Sun-like stars — passed electromagnetic compatibility testing in the Maxwell chamber at ESTEC, its last major qualification hurdle. It’s bound for Sun-Earth L2 aboard an Ariane 6 (current target 2027). ● ESA — “Plato’s electronics ready for space” (20 Jul 2026) 3 · HENON space-weather CubeSat Presented at NAM 2026: HENON, a deep-space CubeSat that would sit ~15 million km upstream of Earth (10× farther than L1), potentially extending severe geomagnetic-storm warning from ~15 minutes to 2–3 hours. It carries the UK-built MAGIC magnetometer (Imperial College London) plus instruments from the Czech Republic and Finland, paving the way for a future European early-warning mission. ● Royal Astronomical Society / NAM 2026 — “From 15 minutes to 3 hours” (20 Jul 2026) 4 · The Sun’s “sleep” precursor Also at NAM 2026: a newly identified precursor in the solar cycle’s declining phase that could help predict the next maximum’s sunspot number. After the Sun’s active phase “switches off,” storms weaken and track a 27-day (solar-rotation) rhythm — pointing to co-rotating fast-wind streams rather than coronal mass ejections. ● Royal Astronomical Society / NAM 2026 — “How the Sun goes to ‘sleep’…” (20 Jul 2026) 5 · Building the ngVLA The US National Science Foundation, NSF NRAO and the US Naval Observatory are partnering on a pathfinder for the next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) — the ~266-antenna successor to the iconic VLA. The focus is very long baseline interferometry for ultra-sharp imaging and for maintaining the International Celestial Reference Frame. Construction/early operations are expected before the end of the decade. ● NSF NRAO / US Naval Observatory — ngVLA pathfinder partnership (17 Jul 2026) 6 · Skywatch: Southern Delta Aquariids Active mid-July to late August, peaking 29–30 July, with a radiant near Skat (δ Aquarii) — high overhead for Southern Hemisphere observers. ~15–20 faint, graceful meteors/hour under dark skies; suspected parent comet 96P/Machholz. A near-full Buck Moon spoils the peak, so the moon-free pre-dawn hours this week are the best window. Bright, slow Alpha Capricornid fireballs join in toward month’s end. ● Scientific American / EarthSky / American Meteor Society — Delta Aquariids 2026

Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Find every episode and the full show notes at astronomydaily.io, and follow @AstroDailyPod. Clear skies.

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Asteroid Impacts and Alien Chemistry: Unveiling Earth’s Cosmic History

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:05:58 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 86 The asteroid collision that changed life on Earth forever Astronomers have linked a massive collision in the main asteroid belt to a huge meteor bombardment in the inner solar system that may have changed life on Earth. Alien chemistry discovered in meteorite that hit New Jersey home Scientists have discovered high concentrations of salt in briny fluids that could potentially create molecules crucial to life in a meteorite that slammed into a New Jersey home in 2024. The Albanese Government’s cuts funding for astronomy research The Australian Academy of Science has condemned the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to withdraw from its association with the European Southern Observatory calling it short-sighted and warning the move will inflict lasting damage to a research and development system already facing deep structural underinvestment. The Science Report Studies show people with serious heart attacks have higher levels of micro-plastics in their blood. Warnings ChatGPT is making psychotic symptoms worse by echoing or encouraging unusual ideas. Claims koalas that once lived in Western Australia were a different species from those in the East. A new study warns your puppy may be an addict to their toys. Skeptics guide to Senator Malcolm Roberts chemtrails conspiracy theory.

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India Reaches Orbit — Privately — Today’s Space News

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:37:30 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E145 — “Arrival” — Monday, 20 July 2026. On the 57th anniversary of Apollo 11, we cover a first-of-its-kind launch, a Mars flyby science haul, a four-billion-year-old Martian record, a habitable-zone world with a likely atmosphere, shrimp feeding in simulated microgravity, and the new science of listening to black holes ring. In This Episode (01:30) India goes private in orbit — Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 aces its debut “Mission Aagaman,” making India the third nation with a private orbital launch capability. Plus a Starship Flight 13 update (NET 23–24 July). (05:30) Psyche’s Mars gift — NASA/JPL releases the science haul from Psyche’s 15 May Mars gravity assist, including the magnetometer’s first measurement of another body. (08:30) Mars keeps the receipts — Perseverance examines the “Broom Point member” on Jezero’s rim — some of the oldest terrain any rover has studied, recording ~4 billion years of impacts. (11:30) A world holding its breath — A Science paper detects escaping helium at LHS 1140b, pointing to a replenished, substantial atmosphere on a habitable-zone super-Earth. (A different planet from Friday’s story!) (15:00) Space shrimp — Okayama University of Science shows crustaceans can feed under simulated microgravity — a step toward closed-loop space food systems. (17:30) The bells of spacetime — A major review shows black-hole “spectroscopy” — reading ringdown gravitational waves — is becoming a real test of Einstein, ahead of the Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer and LISA. (20:30) Skywatch — A coronal-hole solar wind stream brings a chance of minor aurora australis for far-southern latitudes around 21–22 July. Story Sources ● Vikram-1 / Mission Aagaman — Space.com; Skyroot Aerospace; ESA/Manorama coverage (18 July 2026). ● Psyche Mars flyby data — NASA/JPL release (17 July 2026). ● Perseverance “Broom Point member” — Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, Imperial College London-led. ● LHS 1140b helium escape — Science, Harvard-led (16 July 2026); Magellan Clay telescope. ● Space shrimp — Microgravity Science and Technology; Okayama University of Science Space Aquaculture Project. ● Black-hole spectroscopy — Classical and Quantum Gravity review (Birmingham / Johns Hopkins / Lisbon). ● Skywatch — EarthSky Sun news; UK Met Office & Australian BOM space weather (19 July 2026). Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Web: astronomydaily.io — Social: @AstroDailyPod

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Galactic Queries: Black Hole Lifespans, Lunar Impacts & Sun-Seeking Missions | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:28:45 +1000

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In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into listener inquiries that span the cosmos. From the intriguing concept of black hole evaporation to the mysteries of Jupiter's atmosphere and the latest on the Artemis 2 mission, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and scientific discussions.

In this episode:

- The mechanics of black hole evaporation and how cosmic microwave background radiation affects their lifespan.

- An exploration of Jupiter's thin atmosphere and how it compares to the dense atmospheres of moons like Titan and planets like Venus.

- Insights into the Artemis 2 mission and the implications of visual observations of meteorite impacts on the moon's far side.

- A look ahead at upcoming solar missions and the cutting-edge technology being deployed to study our sun.

- The significance of cosmic rays and their impact on human perception in space.

Resources & Links:

- [Parker Solar Probe]( https://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probe (https://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probe) ) - NASA's mission to study the sun's outer atmosphere.

- [Artemis Program]( https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis (https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis) /) - NASA's initiative to return humans to the moon.

- [The Cosmic Microwave Background]( https://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_cmb.html (https://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/uni_cmb.html) ) - Understanding the remnants of the Big Bang.

- [Titan and Its Atmosphere]( https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/titan/overview (https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/titan/overview) /) - NASA's insights into Saturn's largest moon.

Join Andrew and Fred Watson as they unravel the complexities of space science and encourage curiosity about the universe. Don't forget to send in your questions for future episodes!

(00:00) Andrew Dunkley takes audience questions on this week's Space Nuts

(02:53) If black holes are colder than cmb, how much does this lengthen

(09:12) Fred: Does Jordy have an unusually thin atmosphere for a rocky planet

(10:48) Titan has a much higher atmospheric pressure than our own planet Jordy

(17:16) Michael from Switzerland claims Artemis 2 astronauts saw meteorite flashes on moon

(24:55) Houston has had a main B undervolt problem

(25:07) Final question today comes from somebody who forgot to tell us their name

(34:04) Andrew Dunkley: Thanks for your company. Bye. You're listening to the Space Nuts podcast

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34363524?utm_source=youtube

The Sun’s Hidden Power, Atmosphere on a Nearby Planet, and Starship’s Five-Act Drama

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:50:48 +1000

Astronomy Daily — The Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap | Saturday 18 July 2026 | S05E144 Anna and Avery wrap the biggest week in space news this year: brand-new research warning that extreme solar storms may hit harder than our models assume, and the delightful news that South African rooibos tea seeds are headed for the International Space Station — plus the four stories that defined the week, from the first atmosphere ever found on a rocky habitable-zone world to Starship's dramatic T-0 abort and Monday's retry. Story Sources • Solar storms underestimated — Nature (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10757-4); phys.org; Space.com • Rooibos in Space — South African Rooibos Council / MaxIQ Space / SANSA announcement; phys.org; News24 • LHS 1140 b atmosphere — Science; Space.com (as covered S05E143) • Starship Flight 13 — SpaceX / Space.com launch coverage (arc across S05E139–E143; retry NET 20 July) • Omega Centauri black hole — Hubble/JWST astrometry study (as covered S05E141) • Pluto landslides & Charon tectonics — New Horizons imagery studies (as covered S05E142) Visit astronomydaily.io for our full archive. Follow @AstroDailyPod. Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network.

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Atmosphere Found on Rocky Exoplanet, Starship Drama Unfolds, and Meteorite Treasure Trove

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:12:59 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E143 | Friday 17 July 2026 | "A World With Air" Anna and Avery bring you a genuine milestone: the first atmosphere ever detected on a rocky planet in the habitable zone of another star. Plus Starship's last-second launch abort, the New Jersey bedroom meteorite carrying life's ingredients, the earliest galaxy-building ever seen, metallic dunes on Mars, and a Moon–Venus meeting in tonight's sky. In this episode 01:45 — A world with air. Astronomers detect helium escaping from LHS 1140 b, a super-Earth 48 light-years away — the first confirmed atmosphere on a rocky, habitable-zone exoplanet. Published in Science. 07:00 — Starship Flight 13 aborts at T-0. Several Raptor engines failed to ignite at the moment of launch; two engines will be replaced, with a retry expected early next week. 10:15 — The Hillsborough meteorite. The rock that crashed through a New Jersey bedroom in July 2024 is a rare, ultra-pristine CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrite laced with amino acids and salts — evidence for the delivery of life's ingredients to early Earth. Published in Science Advances. 14:00 — Galaxies growing up fast. Durham University astronomers using JWST find the most distant nuclear disk ever seen — a star-forming core structure more than nine billion years back in time. Published in MNRAS. 17:00 — Metallic waves on Mars. ESA's Mars Express images the frost-tipped mega-dunes of Kaiser Crater. 19:00 — Southern skywatch. The crescent Moon meets Venus and Regulus tonight; dark-sky weekend for the Milky Way core; one month until the 12 August total solar eclipse. Sources LHS 1140 b atmosphere — Science (Cherubim et al.); coverage via Space.com, ScienceAlert, Harvard FAS. Starship Flight 13 abort — SpaceNews, Space.com, CNN live coverage. Hillsborough meteorite — Science Advances; SETI Institute release; coverage via Space.com, CNN, Popular Science, Smithsonian. Durham nuclear disk — Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society; Durham University release; Phys.org. Kaiser Crater dunes (https://phys.org/news/2026-07-metallic-ancient-mars.html) — ESA Mars Express image release, 15 July 2026 (https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Metallic_waves_on_ancient_Mars) . Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Visit astronomydaily.io for every episode, and find us on all platforms @AstroDailyPod.

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Nuclear Watchdogs: Detecting Weapons in Space and NASA’s Swift Rescue Mission

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:37:01 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 85 Detecting nuclear weapons in space New modelling says small cube-sat sized spacecraft not much bigger than a fridge could be used to detect the presence of nuclear weapons on satellites in space. NASA’s rescue mission to save the Swift space telescope reaches orbit NASA’s Swift re-boost rescue mission is finally on its way to intercept the gamma ray space telescope and try to save it from its fiery fate. Stopping astronauts from wanting to kill each other on long space trips It can be tough enough getting on with family members at home or the people you have to work with – but imagine what it will be like if you’re stuck with a small group of people on a multi-year mission to Mars. The Science Report A new study indicates that people who speak more than one language seem to have younger brains. Warnings that two thirds of Australian adults and a quarter of kids are now overweight or obese. Half of all fatal electric scooter accidents in Sweden are caused by drunk riders. Great news for chocolate lovers with 4 new species discovered. Skeptics guide to the case of the missing peacock. Our Guests This Week: Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University NASA planetary geologist Cynthia Phillips Professor Dorothy Carter from Michigan State University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen too. Thank you…

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Hide and Seek - The Faintest Planet Ever Imaged, Pluto’s Landslides & Starlink’s 355,000 Dodges

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:13:40 +1000

Anna and Avery kick off with a decade-long game of cosmic hide-and-seek that has finally ended: Beta Pictoris d, the faintest exoplanet ever directly imaged from Earth, found lurking in more than ten years of archival images — and orbiting a star in the southern constellation Pictor. Then it's the completion of VLASS, the sharpest radio map of the whole sky ever made, arriving just as the Rubin Observatory's optical survey switches on. The James Webb Space Telescope has caught a supermassive black hole feeding itself in the Centaurus Cluster — the missing link in a decades-old mystery. A Pluto system double bill follows: the first landslides ever identified on Pluto, and evidence written in Charon's mountains that the big moon once spun more than ten times faster than it does today — both delivered by New Horizons data from 2015. Finally, SpaceX's latest FCC filing reveals Starlink satellites made over 355,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in the past year — nearly one dodge per satellite per week — and experts are warning about where the trend leads. Plus dark-sky Southern Hemisphere stargazing and a Starship Flight 13 launch reminder. Chapters • 00:00 — Intro & billboard • 01:30 — Beta Pictoris d: the faintest exoplanet ever imaged from Earth • 05:30 — VLASS complete: the sharpest radio map of the sky • 08:45 — JWST reveals how supermassive black holes feed • 12:15 — Pluto has landslides (Pluto double, part 1) • 15:00 — Charon's slowing spin (Pluto double, part 2) • 17:45 — Starlink's 355,000 collision dodges in a year • 20:45 — Southern Hemisphere skywatch + Starship Flight 13 reminder • 22:30 — Outro Story sources • Beta Pictoris d: ESO release eso2609 (eso.org) · The Astrophysical Journal Letters · space.com · phys.org • VLASS completion: NRAO release (public.nrao.edu/news/vlass-observations-complete) · phys.org • JWST / NGC 4696: Université de Montréal · The Astrophysical Journal Letters · phys.org / EurekAlert • Pluto landslides: Icarus (Discenza et al. 2026) · phys.org · Discover Magazine · Science News • Charon despinning: Nature Communications (Chen et al. 2026, DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-75069-7) · phys.org · Gizmodo • Starlink manoeuvres: SpaceX semiannual FCC constellation status report, via space.com Boilerplate Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Show notes, links and the full back catalogue at astronomydaily.io. Follow @AstroDailyPod on X, Instagram, TikTok and Tumblr. New episodes every day.

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The Black Hole Discovery Revealing the Loudest Gravitational Wave Ever Recorded | Space Nuts:...

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:59:56 +1000

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Revealing the Secrets of Space and the Cosmos: Insights from Space Nuts

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the fascinating universe—from a historic telescope in Melbourne to the latest discoveries in black hole physics and our own solar system. This episode offers a blend of awe-inspiring science, historical stories, and future possibilities that make astronomy accessible and thrilling.

In this episode:

The extraordinary history and restoration of the Melbourne Telescope, crafted in 1869, and its cultural significance.

The record-breaking detection of the loudest gravitational wave from colliding black holes and what it reveals about event horizons.

China's ambitious plans to expand its space station, including new modules and a cutting-edge space telescope.

Recent insights into a star passing close to our solar system, potentially disturbing comet orbits and shaping our cosmic history.

Upcoming solar observatories, including the ESA's Solar Orbiter and the Chinese Shun Tian telescope.

The incredible speed of the Parker Solar Probe and future missions to study the Sun's atmosphere.

How scientists analyze lunar impacts and cosmic rays using imagery and human eye observations.

The long-standing mystery of Earth's atmosphere and the role of tectonic cycles in its stability.

Resources & Links:

The Melbourne Telescope's History and Restoration (Note: Placeholder, search for Melbourne Telescope history)

LIGO and Virgo Gravitational Wave Observatory

NASA's Parker Solar Probe

ESA's Solar Orbiter

Chinese Space Station and Modules

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope

Fiz.org Physics Articles on Black Holes and Gravitational Waves

The Gaia Mission and Star Orbits

Preprint Article on Black Hole Gravitational Waves

Connect with Fred Watson:

Twitter

Feel inspired by space science's latest breakthroughs and historic stories, knowing that curiosity drives understanding. With a confident yet approachable tone, this episode pushes the boundaries of knowledge while making complex ideas understandable and engaging for all.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34309936?utm_source=youtube

Starship Set for Launch, First Black Hole Found in Omega Centauri, and X-Rays in Space

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:08:38 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E141 | Wednesday 15 July 2026 Anna and Avery bring you the biggest space and astronomy news of the day: Starship Flight 13 is cleared for Thursday after the FAA closes its Flight 12 investigation and SpaceX reveals exactly what went wrong; NASA astronaut Anil Menon rides a Soyuz to the ISS on his first flight; astronomers finally find the first of Omega Centauri’s 10,000 "missing" black holes; the first-ever medical X-rays taken in space are published; four white dwarfs are found hiding within 65 light-years of Earth; and a new-moon dark-sky window opens with Comet 10P/Tempel 2 on the rise. In this episode • Starship Flight 13 — FAA closes the Flight 12 mishap investigation (July 13); root causes revealed: hot-staging ignition sequence caused a 90° booster orientation error, five Raptors failed to relight, alarm settings shut engines down early. Launch window opens Thursday July 16, 6:45pm EDT (Friday 8:45am AEST) with the first 20 functional Starlink V3 satellites and an in-space Raptor relight. • Soyuz MS-29 — NASA’s Anil Menon with cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina launched from Baikonur July 14, docking three hours later for an eight-month stay. Menon and wife Anna Menon (Polaris Dawn) become a two-astronaut household; NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended in person. • Omega Centauri’s first stellar-mass black hole — oMEGACat BH-2, found via astrometry in 20+ years of Hubble data plus Webb observations (ApJL, July 13). Lower-than-expected mass; its companion star’s 94-year orbit makes it the longest-period black hole binary known. The cluster is naked-eye visible in southern winter skies right now. • First medical X-rays in space — RSNA publishes results from the Fram2 Crew Dragon mission: crew with 4 hours’ training produced diagnostic-quality X-rays in orbit, opening the door to space radiology and non-destructive hardware testing on Moon and Mars missions. • Four hidden white dwarfs — Warwick/Colorado Boulder team unmasks four white dwarfs within 65 light-years using Hubble near-UV spectroscopy (MNRAS). G 203-47, ~25 light-years away, is now the ninth-closest known white dwarf and closes a 27-year-old wobble mystery. • Skywatch — New Moon (July 14) dark skies, Milky Way core season for the Southern Hemisphere, Comet 10P/Tempel 2 at magnitude 7–8 brightening toward early-August perihelion, and Mars near Aldebaran pre-dawn. Resources & further reading • Starship Flight 13: spacenews.com | space.com Starship live blog • Soyuz MS-29: nasa.gov ISS blog | nasaspaceflight.com • Omega Centauri black hole: science.nasa.gov | esahubble.org (heic2610) | ApJL • Space X-rays: rsna.org/news | space.com • Hidden white dwarfs: warwick.ac.uk | phys.org | MNRAS Visit astronomydaily.io for all episodes and our constantly updating newsfeed. Follow us @AstroDailyPod. Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network.

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Cosmic Discoveries: Japan’s Asteroid Encounter and the Life Potential of Europa

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:12:15 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 84 Japan swoops past a cosmic snowman shaped asteroid Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft has just swooped past a tiny asteroid in deep space that’s shaped like a snow man. Revealing the secrets of the ice moon Europa A new study has shown that the Jovian Ice Moon Europa is reflecting radio signals in a strange unexpected way. What happens to Earth when the Sun dies A new study has provided astronomers with a glimpse of the future we’re likely to face when our Sun dies in around seven billion years from now. The Science Report Study’s show early risers have more nutritious diets than people who prefer staying up late. Australia shown to be home to a large chunk of the world's seagrasses, but is losing them rapidly. A new study claims Meta’s AI smart glasses could help people with low or no vision. Data centres found to have a far bigger carbon footprint than previously thought. Alex on Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8.

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Space Mirrors Spark Controversy, Hidden Space Junk Revealed, and Black Hole Energy Breakthrough

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:18:40 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E140 | Tuesday 14 July 2026 | Hosts: Anna & Avery Space mirrors are officially cleared for launch — and astronomers are sounding the alarm. In today's episode, Anna and Avery unpack the FCC's approval of Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1, the first of a proposed constellation of sunlight-reflecting satellites, and what tens of thousands of orbital mirrors could mean for the night sky. Then it's off to the geostationary belt, where astronomers using clever image-stacking — with help from Siding Spring Observatory and the ANU — have revealed a minefield of invisible debris, most of it in no public catalogue. Also on the show: physicists in New York recreate black hole energy extraction on a benchtop, validating a 50-year-old Penrose prediction with 'synthetic rotation'; the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile turns on its axis for the very first time — 3,500 tonnes floating on 80 microns of oil; and University of Sydney's Dr Manisha Caleb and colleagues lay out how the Square Kilometre Array will turn fast radio bursts into a survey tool for the invisible universe. Plus a quick Starship Flight 13 update (now NET Thursday 16 July after a full 33-engine static fire), the story of Avi Loeb's appointment to chair the White House UAP Science Advisory Council, and a skywatch built around tonight's super new Moon. Stories & sources • 01. FCC approves Reflect Orbital Eärendil-1 space mirror — SpaceNews / Space.com / Engadget • 02. Faint debris "minefield" in geosynchronous orbit (DebrisWatch II, Journal of the Astronautical Sciences) — University of Warwick / Phys.org / Space.com • 03. Penrose superradiance via synthetic rotation (Nature) — CUNY ASRC / EurekAlert / Phys.org • 04. ELT completes first full rotation of its 3,500-tonne structure — ESO Picture of the Week / Space.com • 05. Fast radio bursts as cosmological probes with the SKA (Caleb et al.) — Universe Today / arXiv • 06. Starship Flight 13 slips to NET 16 July; full 33-engine static fire complete — Space.com • 07. Avi Loeb appointed chair of White House UAP Science Advisory Council — Space.com / AP coverage Skywatch highlights • Tonight (14 July): super new Moon — darkest skies of the month; Milky Way core overhead for southern observers • Evenings: Venus blazing in the west in Leo; crescent Moon joins Regulus & Venus on 16–17 July • Pre-dawn: Saturn high with rings tilted ~9°; Mars passes 5° north of Aldebaran on 14 July Visit astronomydaily.io for all episodes and the free newsletter. Follow @AstroDailyPod. Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network.

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Starship Set for Flight 13, Japan’s Reusable Rocket Breakthrough, and SpaceX’s 100,000 Satellite...

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:26:48 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E139 — Monday, 13 July 2026 Starship could fly again as soon as Wednesday — carrying its first-ever real payload. Japan quietly joins the reusable rocket club just a day after China. SpaceX asks regulators for a jaw-dropping 100,000 satellites. Physicists may have heard the accumulated whispers of every star that ever exploded. Isar Aerospace signs a $150 million deal to launch from Canada. And a ravenous black hole just 1.8 billion light-years away is giving astronomers — including teams from CSIRO and the University of Sydney — a window into the dawn of time. In this episode • Starship Flight 13: Booster 20's 33-engine static fire complete; launch NET Wednesday (AEST); first deployment of 20 Starlink V3 satellites; in-space Raptor relight and Indian Ocean splashdown planned. • JAXA's RV-X reusable rocket completes its first hop at Noshiro — about 40 seconds, 10–11 metres up, landing upright — one day after China's Long March 10B sea recovery. • SpaceX files with the FCC for a 100,000-satellite Gen3 constellation in very low Earth orbit, pitched at multi-gigabit AI-era connectivity — and entirely dependent on Starship. • Super-Kamiokande reports the first indication of the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background from nearly 5,000 days of data — the accumulated neutrinos of every core-collapse supernova in cosmic history. • Isar Aerospace signs a 10-year deal with Maritime Launch Services for a dedicated complex at Spaceport Nova Scotia — first orbital launches targeted for 2028, up to 40 per year by 2029. • Galaxy SDSS J110546.07+145202.4: a lightweight, ferociously fast-growing black hole behaving like the early universe's titans, shining 20-fold brighter in radio for eight-plus years — with CSIRO's ATCA among the follow-up telescopes. • Skywatching: New Moon Tuesday evening (7:44pm AEST / 9:44pm NZST); prime Milky Way core viewing; Venus brilliant in the west; Mars near Aldebaran pre-dawn; Comet 10P/Tempel 2 favours southern observers. Sources & further reading • Space.com — Starship Flight 13 static fire & launch outlook; Starlink Gen3 filing; Isar/MLS deal; ravenous black hole; supernova neutrino whispers • AP / Japan Times / RTÉ — JAXA RV-X first test flight • Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy press release; Komossa et al., The Astrophysical Journal (2026) • Tohoku University / phys.org — Super-Kamiokande DSNB indication (Neutrino 2026 conference) • CBC / The Globe and Mail / SpaceQ — Isar Aerospace & Maritime Launch Services agreement details • NASA JPL What's Up July 2026; EarthSky; Space.com night sky guide — skywatching

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Earth’s Ancient Impact Revealed: Dating the Oldest Crater and China’s Cosmic Quest

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:03:51 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 83 Earth’s oldest known asteroid impact crater dated in Western Australia Scientists have determined the most precise age yet for the oldest known impact crater on Earth finding it to be some 3.024 billion years old. A Chinese spacecraft has just reached Earth’s second moon China’s Tianwen-2 spacecraft has arrived at a temporary second moon orbiting Earth -- although technically the object is a small near Earth asteroid which is orbiting in sync with the Earth around the Sun. Sea floor spreading seen in action for the first time Scientists studying a seafloor site southwest of Australia have for the first time actually captured how molten rock emerges at boundaries between the Earth’s tectonic plates. The Science Report A new vaccine with the potential to protect people from developing HIV AIDS. Warnings that losing even a small amount of sleep each night could be linked to weight gain. South Australia’s algal bloom found to be the most toxic species of its kind ever studied. China launches a nuclear capable missile across the Pacific in a clear threat to island nations. Skeptics guide to the Westall High School UFO sighting. Our Guests This Week: Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University NASA planetary geologist Cynthia Phillips Professor Dorothy Carter from Michigan State University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen too. Thank you…

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From Stopping Light to Space Junk — Your Questions Answered | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:12:19 +1000

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In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts , host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing audience questions ranging from the possibility of stopping a photon to the complexities of intertwining electromagnetic fields. They also discuss the speeds of colliding particles in the Large Hadron Collider and the growing issue of excess satellites in space. Join us for a fascinating exploration of these cosmic queries!

Chapters:

(00:00) Space Nuts aims to answer audience questions in a Q and A edition(01:04) Professor Fred Watson answers an audio question from Andrew Chunk(02:03) Kevin asks question regarding whether we have stopped a photon from moving(10:30) Fred: The fabric of space time consists of different fields(14:30) Stay safe online with our sponsor, NordVPN Space Nuts(16:28) Question comes from Andy from Cheshire, UK(22:52) There is growing problem of excess satellites in space and what to do(30:10) Mark: Everything you said, um, is possible(30:38) If you have questions for Space Nuts, send them in

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34253447?utm_source=youtube

China’s Groundbreaking Rocket Catch, Cosmic Quasars, and Remembering Wally Funk | A Weekend Wrap

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:35:12 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E138 — Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap — Saturday, 11 July 2026 China nets a rocket booster from the sea for the first time ever, we remember space pioneer Wally Funk, and we recap the week's four biggest stories: Euclid's 31 ancient quasars, mystery metal spheres on a Queensland beach, JWST's unexplained substance on Titan and Pluto, and New Horizons waking from hibernation at the solar system's edge. In This Episode • China's Long March 10B rocket achieves the world's first-ever sea-net booster recovery, on its maiden flight • Remembering Wally Funk (1939–2026), the oldest woman ever to fly to space • Euclid space telescope uncovers 31 ancient quasars, including two new distance records • Mystery metal spheres wash up on a Queensland beach — identified as rocket debris • JWST finds a mysterious, unidentified substance on both Titan and Pluto • New Horizons wakes from 321-day hibernation, 5.9 billion miles from Earth • Skywatching: the Moon, Mars and the Pleiades line up before dawn

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Euclid Finds 31 Ancient Quasars — Plus a ”Snowman” Asteroid and Roman Telescope Update

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:33:26 +1000

S05E137: Euclid uncovers 31 ancient quasars including the two most distant ever observed, Roman Space Telescope reaches a major pre-launch milestone at Kennedy Space Center, China details its plans for a sunward asteroid early-warning network, Hayabusa2 reveals asteroid Torifune is a two-lobed “snowman” contact binary, NASA's GRITSS CubeSat launches to sharpen global positioning precision, and we close with tonight's Moon-free skywatching window. Sources • Euclid Consortium / ESA — “Euclid discovers the most ancient quasars in the Universe,” Astronomy & Astrophysics, July 6, 2026 • NASA Science — “NASA's Roman Launch Preparations Proceed,” science.nasa.gov/blogs/roman, July 9, 2026 • Space.com — “China announces plan to build early-warning system for dangerous asteroids,” July 9, 2026 • JAXA — “Hayabusa2 captures images of asteroid Torifune,” global.jaxa.jp, July 6, 2026 • NASA / SatNews — “NASA and ISISPACE Deploy GRITSS CubeSat to Advance Orbital Reference Frame Precision,” July 9, 2026 • Astronomy.com — “The Sky This Week, July 10–17, 2026”

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Mars to Earth: China’s Ambitious Sample Return Mission and Cosmic Anomalies

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:29:16 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 82 China’s Mars sample return mission set for 2028 China says its planning to launch a Mars sample return mission in two years bringing back at least 500 grams of Martian regolith by 2031. Is science wrong about the universe The universe should look the same in all directions on the large cosmic scale, but new data based on dark energy observations are suggesting otherwise. An ASSASSN reveals its secrets Astronomers have converted observation of a nova explosion on a distant star into sound waves to better understand the dynamics of the spectacular blast. The Science Report Vitamins A and D linked to better lung function and a slowdown of biological aging. The first ever human bladder-kidney transplant reaches promising six-month milestone. Discovery that some native grasses not only survive and thrive after local wildfires. Scientific confirmation that Female faces are consistently rated as more attractive than males. Skeptics guide to the most popular UFO hotspots. Our Guests This Week: Professor Tim Johnson from Curtin University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen too. Thank you…

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Nuclear Satellite Inspections, New Horizons Awakens, and a Cosmic Catalog of Galaxy Clusters

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:43:11 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E136 — Thursday, 9 July 2026 An MIT physicist proposes a shoebox-sized satellite that could catch a hidden nuclear weapon in orbit, NASA's New Horizons wakes up after its longest hibernation ever nearly six billion miles from home, an Antarctic telescope catalogues over seven thousand galaxy clusters, Japan's ispace books cargo space on a SpaceX Starship Moon mission, a Falcon 9 booster breaks its own reuse record for a thirty-sixth flight, and we close with tonight's Venus–Regulus conjunction. In This Episode • A shoebox-sized satellite that could catch a hidden nuclear weapon in orbit • New Horizons wakes up after its longest hibernation, 5.9 billion miles from Earth • An Antarctic telescope catalogues over 7,000 galaxy clusters • Japan's ispace books cargo space on a SpaceX Starship Moon mission • SpaceX's Falcon 9 booster B1067 breaks its own reuse record — 36 flights • Tonight's sky: Venus cosies up to Regulus

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Nuclear Power in Space, Planetary Defense Insights, and an Aurora Alert for Northern Skies

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:38:58 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E135 — Wednesday, July 8, 2026 1. World's First Commercial Nuclear-Powered Satellite Reaches Orbit SpaceX's Transporter-17 rideshare mission carried City Labs' BOHR CubeSat to orbit on July 7, the first commercially built satellite to fly a nuclear-powered payload — a tritium betavoltaic cell that generates electricity continuously, day or night, regardless of sunlight. Key points • Launched July 7, 2026 at 3:12am EDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a Falcon 9, part of the 81-payload Transporter-17 rideshare mission. • BOHR (Betavoltaic Orbital High-Reliability) CubeSat built by City Labs, a Miami/Florida-based company. • Uses a 'NanoTritium' betavoltaic device — converts beta particles from the radioactive decay of tritium directly into electricity via a semiconductor. • Power output is tiny (micro-to-milliwatt range) but continuous — unaffected by eclipse periods or solar panel orientation. • Tritium's 12.3-year half-life means the power source stays effective for two decades before decaying to harmless helium-3. • FAA authorised the launch after finding public radiation exposure would stay below one millirem under conservative assumptions. 2. New Zealand's Fuel-Free Thruster Passes First Orbital Test Auckland-based Zenno Astronautics has successfully tested its 'Supertorquer' — an attitude-control thruster that uses superconducting magnets to push against Earth's own magnetic field, generating thrust with no propellant at all. Key points • Zenno Astronautics is a spin-off from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. • The system, called 'Supertorquer', completed its first in-orbit test in early July 2026. • Superconducting magnets, powered by solar panels, interact with Earth's magnetic field to generate torque and maintain a satellite's orientation — no propellant is consumed. • Until recently this kind of superconducting hardware was too large and complex to fit aboard a small satellite; miniaturisation has now made it practical. • Because it needs no fuel, the technology could in principle keep a satellite maneuvering indefinitely, as long as it has sunlight for power. • Zenno co-founder/company messaging: 'We are essentially looking to remove all reliance on Earth's resources so that we can build a sustainable industry in space.' 3. Tianwen-2 Arrives at Quasi-Moon Kamo'oalewa — And Upends the 'Piece of the Moon' Theory China's Tianwen-2 sample-return spacecraft has arrived at near-Earth asteroid Kamo'oalewa after a 400-day, 1-billion-kilometre journey, beaming back the first close-up image — just as new JWST data throws serious doubt on the leading theory of where this strange little world came from. Key points • Tianwen-2 launched May 29, 2025, and reached Kamo'oalewa on July 6, 2026, arriving at a station-keeping distance of about 20 km. • China National Space Administration (CNSA) publicly announced the arrival July 6, releasing the first close-up image via Xinhua. • Kamo'oalewa (asteroid 2016 HO3) is one of only seven known 'quasi-satellites' of Earth — it orbits the Sun but stays in a stable dance alongside our planet, and has done so for roughly 100 years, with about 300 more to go. • The image reveals a small, asymmetrical rock roughly 20-30 metres across. • Long-standing hypothesis (since 2021): Kamo'oalewa is a fragment blasted off the Moon's far side by the impact that created the Giordano Bruno crater, 1-10 million years ago — based on its reflectance spectrum resembling space-weathered lunar soil. • New twist: a July 1 JWST preprint (Sharkey et al.) models Kamo'oalewa's albedo (reflectivity) at around 0.59 — far higher than the Moon's ~0.12 — which is incompatible with a lunar origin and points instead toward a rare E-type silicate asteroid. 4. Jeremy Hansen Steps Back From Active Astronaut Duty Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian Space Agency astronaut who became the first Canadian to fly around the Moon aboard Artemis II in April, announced July 6 that he's stepping back from full-time astronaut service this September. Key points • Hansen flew as mission specialist on Artemis II in April 2026, alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch — the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. • He becomes the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit / around the Moon. • Announced via social media and a Canadian Space Agency statement on July 6, 2026. • Transition takes effect this September, after 32 years of military service and 17 years as a CSA astronaut. • He will continue serving as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force and says he remains committed to Canada's space program in a new capacity. • Joined CSA in the 2009 astronaut recruitment campaign after a career as a Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot. 5. Aurora Alert: G1 Geomagnetic Storm Possible July 9 Space weather forecasters are watching a combination of a fast coronal mass ejection and an Earth-facing coronal hole that could combine to produce a minor...

How a Passing Star Redirected Comets and Redefined Our Milky Way Map

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:03:17 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 81 How a passing star redirected comets to the inner solar system A fascinating new study reveals how a passing star, HD 7977, may have altered the trajectory of comets from the Oort Cloud, sending them cascading into the inner solar system. This event, which occurred approximately 2.47 billion years ago, could still be influencing comet activity today. Researchers used data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission to refine the distances involved and suggest that the gravitational perturbations from HD 7977 temporarily dominated the generation of new comets. Changing our map of the Milky Way Galaxy Astronomers have redrawn the map of our Milky Way galaxy, moving its outer arms up to 10% further away than previously estimated. This revised picture is based on observations of gamma-ray bursts and the subsequent echoes of X-rays that helped to measure distances within the galaxy. New techniques have allowed for a clearer understanding of the Milky Way's structure, confirming the existence of its four spiral arms. Evidence of vast hidden magma systems inside Mars New findings suggest that Mars once hosted extensive magmatic systems beneath its surface, despite the absence of plate tectonics. Data from NASA's InSight mission has revealed a previously unidentified boundary layer deep within the Martian crust, indicating complex geological processes that may have allowed the Red Planet to develop a habitable environment. This challenges long-held assumptions about the geological capabilities of rocky planets without tectonic activity. The Science Robert A new study indicates that the mental health of high school peers can significantly affect individual mental health outcomes. Additionally, research finds no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and the risk of autism or ADHD. A detailed analysis of a fossilised pterosaur wing reveals insights into its diet, while scientists discover new methods to control quantum light sources, bringing us closer to practical quantum technologies.1. How a passing star redirected comets to the inner solar system 2. Changing our map of the Milky Way Galaxy 3. Evidence of vast hidden magma systems inside Mars 4. The Science RobertIf you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Beach Mystery, Asteroid Close Encounter, and the Cosmic Dance of Ancient Comets

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:21:59 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E134 — Tuesday, 7 July 2026 Mysterious metal spheres wash up on a Queensland beach and turn out to be re-entered rocket debris, Hayabusa2 beams home stunning close-ups of asteroid Torifune, new VLT chemistry reveals interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS may be one of the oldest objects ever studied, TESS finds its first exoplanet using Einstein's gravitational microlensing, JWST spots six galaxies merging into one twelve billion years ago, and New Horizons charts the solar wind's fade at the true edge of the solar system. In This Episode • Mystery metal spheres wash up on a Queensland beach — identified as rocket debris • Hayabusa2's flyby of asteroid Torifune returns stunning new images • 3I/ATLAS's ancient birthplace revealed by new VLT chemical fingerprint study • TESS discovers its first exoplanet using gravitational microlensing • JWST spots a rare six-galaxy mega-merger, 12 billion years in the past • New Horizons tracks the solar wind's slowdown at the solar system's edge

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Asteroid Flybys, Cosmic Mysteries, and the Search for the Universe’s Ghost Signals

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:29:36 +1000

Today on Astronomy Daily: Japan's Hayabusa2 pulls off a nail-biting high-speed asteroid flyby, James Webb finds the same unexplained chemical mystery on Titan AND Pluto, a neutrino detector may have caught the universe's oldest supernova echo, a wild new theory tries to solve the black hole information paradox, we wrap up the weekend's aurora action, and we look at when NASA's New Horizons might finally cross into interstellar space.

Monday, July 6, 2026 1. Hayabusa2's Flyby of Asteroid Torifune • JAXA's Hayabusa2 spacecraft flew within ~800 metres of near-Earth asteroid (98943) Torifune on July 5, 2026, at a relative speed of about 5.25 km/s (~18,000 km/h). • This is an extended-mission flyby, not a sample return — Hayabusa2 already delivered Ryugu samples to Earth in December 2020. • Purpose: engineering demonstration of high-precision navigation relevant to planetary defense (asteroid deflection technology). • Torifune is roughly 450 metres across. Next stop for Hayabusa2: rendezvous with asteroid 1998 KY26 in 2031. • Source: JAXA/ISAS, Nikkei Asia, phys.org (July 5, 2026). 2. Mystery Molecule Found on Both Titan and Pluto • James Webb Space Telescope data reveals an unexplained absorption feature at ~5.11 micrometres on the surfaces of Titan (Saturn's largest moon) and Pluto. • Evidence points to a surface origin rather than atmospheric origin, based on limb-vs-disc-center comparison on Titan. • Candidate compounds include allenes, but no confirmed identification yet. • Pluto's absorption line is roughly three times broader than Titan's at the same central wavelength. • Study led by Dr. Bruno Bézard's team (Paris Observatory); posted to arXiv June 11, 2026 — not yet peer-reviewed. 3. Super-Kamiokande's Hint of the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background • Super-Kamiokande collaboration presented results at Neutrino 2026 (UC Irvine) after analyzing ~5,000 days of data. • Found a statistically significant excess of events between 13.3–81.3 MeV — consistent with the long-predicted Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background (DSNB). • Significance: 2.6-sigma (~99.5% confidence) — below the 5-sigma discovery threshold, so described as an 'indication,' not a confirmed detection. • If confirmed, DSNB would offer a new way to study the cosmic history of core-collapse supernovae via neutrinos rather than light. 4. A Theoretical Fix for the Black Hole Information Paradox • New theoretical study proposes black holes stop evaporating just before vanishing completely, leaving a stable Planck-scale remnant (~9×10⁻⁴¹ kg). • Mechanism: a repulsive force from spacetime torsion in a 7-dimensional Einstein-Cartan model, active at extreme (Planckian) densities. • Proposal: quantum information is preserved via long-lived 'vibrations' in the remnant's internal torsion field. • This is a theoretical/mathematical proposal, not an observational result. Researchers: Pinčák, Pigazzini, Pudlák, Bartoš. 5. Weekend Geomagnetic Storm / Aurora Wrap-Up • X1.1 solar flare (June 30) and associated CME triggered a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm around July 3–4, 2026. • Aurora borealis visible as far south as Utah, Colorado, and Nevada in the continental US. • NOAA SWPC reports conditions easing to unsettled/G1 levels through July 6 as CME effects wane. 6. Forecasting New Horizons' Crossing Into Interstellar Space • SwRI researchers (lead: Dr. Jonathan Gasser) combined solar wind forecasting with heliosphere models to predict New Horizons' termination shock crossing. • Forecast window: 2029–2040, with possible multiple crossings as the heliosphere expands/contracts with the solar cycle. • New Horizons is currently ~66 AU from the Sun. Voyager 2 crossed its termination shock at 84 AU in 2007, with a 46% solar wind speed drop. • New Horizons would become only the third spacecraft (after Voyager 1 and 2) to cross this boundary. • Two papers: Advances in Space Research and The Astrophysical Journal (SwRI, 2026).

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The Big Freeze: Exploring Asteroid Impacts and the Mysteries of Uranus and Neptune

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:30:35 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 80 Did ancient asteroid impacts prevent Earth’s continents from forming A new study suggests the barrage of asteroid impacts that slammed into the ancient Earth during the Hadean Eon between 4.6 and four billion years ago may have prevented the formation of the planet’s first continents. Could the ice giants Uranus and Neptune really be magma worlds A new study suggests that the solar systems two ice giants Uranus and Neptune might actually be magma worlds. World’s biggest atom smasher powers down The world’s most powerful atom smasher has been shut down for a four year major refit. The Science Report Sedentary behaviour linked to a 9% higher risk of death by cancer. Confirmation that mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective. Artificial night time lighting has made planet Earth 16 percent brighter between 2014 and 2022. Study shows sending an electric current through black coffee can measure its strength and roast. Skeptics guide to AI and misinformation . Our Guests This Week: Professor Tim Johnson from Curtin University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Cosmic Queries Unleashed: Gravitons, Expanding Universes & the Weight of Space Travel | Space...

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:07:23 +1000

Universe, and WeightlessnessIn this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the implications of an expanding universe to the elusive graviton and the experience of transitioning from weightlessness back to Earth's gravity, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics:

The potential for a future black void in our night sky as the universe continues to expand.

Understanding the graviton: Why do some physicists believe in its existence despite its elusive nature?

Exploring the properties of photons and their wave-particle duality.

The impact of long-term weightlessness on astronauts and their return to normal gravity.

Listener feedback and inspiring stories about engaging younger generations in astronomy.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to today's Q&A session and listener engagement

02:30 - Clint's question about the future of the night sky and cosmic expansion

12:45 - Alan's deep dive into gravitons and their connection to gravity

28:00 - Misty's inquiry about the wave function of particles and photons

40:15 - Casey's question on the effects of returning to gravity after weightlessness

50:30 - Final thoughts and encouragement for listener questions

Resources & Links:

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Join Andrew and Fred Watson for another fascinating exploration of the cosmos, and don't forget to send in your questions for future episodes. Keep your curiosity alive and continue to look up!

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Cosmic Fireworks, Mars Meets Uranus, and the Dawn of a New Era in Astronomy

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:00:35 +1000

Astronomy Daily — S05E132 — Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap — Saturday, July 4, 2026 It's the Fourth of July weekend edition of Astronomy Daily! This week's wrap covers the successful launch of the Swift rescue mission after a week of delays, the historic start of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's decade-long sky survey, an aurora-triggering geomagnetic storm timed for the holiday weekend, a promising nearby habitable-zone super-Earth, a brand new James Webb 'cosmic fireworks' image released for America's 250th birthday, and a rare ultra-close conjunction between Mars and Uranus visible before dawn today. In this episode: • Swift Boost mission: LINK spacecraft launches successfully on the final flight of Pegasus XL • Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time from Chile • G2–G3 geomagnetic storm watch brings aurora chances for the July 4 weekend • Recap: GJ 3378 b, a potentially habitable super-Earth just 25 light-years away • JWST releases new 'cosmic fireworks' image of the FS Tau star system for America 250 • Mars and Uranus in an extremely close conjunction, visible before dawn today Links & sources: • science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift — Swift Boost mission updates • rubinobservatory.org — Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST • swpc.noaa.gov — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center aurora forecasts • science.nasa.gov/missions/webb — James Webb Space Telescope FS Tau image release • space.com/stargazing — Mars-Uranus conjunction viewing guide

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Solar Storms, Grounded Missions, and the Planet That Survived Its Star

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:12 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E131 — Friday, July 3, 2026 1. Swift Rescue Mission — Grounded Mid-Flight • Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK spacecraft was set to launch aboard a Pegasus XL rocket, air-launched from Northrop Grumman's Stargazer aircraft over Kwajalein Atoll. • Thursday's attempt (July 2) got airborne after two prior weather scrubs, but was aborted mid-flight when engineers spotted an unexplained warning. • No new launch date has been set. Swift faces uncontrolled reentry by October 2026 without a successful reboost. 2. Solar Storm Watch — G2 Geomagnetic Storm Active Today • X1.1 flare (June 30) plus 10 M-class flares in 24 hours from sunspot region AR4479. • NOAA SWPC G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch in effect for July 3, easing July 4. • Aurora borealis potential as far south as Idaho/New York (US); aurora australis potential for Tasmania and southern NZ/VIC under clear, dark skies. 3. TESS's First Microlensing Exoplanet — Gaia23bra b • Super-Jupiter (~1.63 Jupiter masses) orbiting an orange dwarf ~40,000 light-years away, discovered via gravitational microlensing — a first for TESS. • Originally flagged by ESA's Gaia mission in 2023; confirmed using archival TESS data. • Published July 1, 2026 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, led by Mallory Harris (University of New Mexico). 4. GJ 3378b — Revised Habitable-Zone Super-Earth, 25 Light-Years Away • UC Irvine team revised the planet's mass down to 2.3 Earth masses (rocky super-Earth, not mini-Neptune) and orbital period to 21.45 days. • Receives ~90% of the stellar radiation Earth receives from the Sun — squarely in the habitable zone. • Atmosphere unknown; planet does not transit, so JWST transit spectroscopy isn't possible. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, led by Paul Robertson (UC Irvine). 5. ESO Study: 1.7 Million Planned Satellites 'Devastating' for Astronomy • Study led by ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics. • Modelled impact of proposed constellations (SpaceX ~1M for space data centres, Reflect Orbital 50,000 mirror satellites) on ESO's VLT and the Vera Rubin Observatory. • Recommends a hard cap of 100,000 satellites, all fainter than naked-eye visibility. Decision pending from the US FCC. 6. JWST Solves the WD 1856b Mystery • Gas giant (4–11 Jupiter masses) orbits a white dwarf every 34 hours, blocking 56% of its star's light during transit. • New JWST atmospheric data shows the planet is ~240K hotter than expected — evidence it migrated inward 3–5.5 billion years after the star's death, rather than surviving the red giant phase in place. • Published July 1, 2026 in Nature, led by Ryan MacDonald with Northwestern's Christopher O'Connor.

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Stellar Forensics: How Neutron Stars Forge Heavy Elements

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:33:52 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 79 How Neutron Stars make heavy elements Physicists have achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding how Neutron Stars forge heavy elements. Aleutian subduction zone older than thought A new study has found that the subduction zone between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates are older than previously thought. The wobbling peanut asteroid Astronomers studying the inner main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson have found that its rotation wobbles. July Skywatch Planet Earth at its greatest distance from the Sun, the constellations Regulus and Leo, and one of the biggest known stars in the universe Antares are among the highlights of July’s night skies on Skywatch. Our Guests This Week: Uk Space Agency Programme Manager Rosemary Young Principle Investigator MIXS Instrument Emma Bunce Leicester University Planetary Geoscientist David Rothery The open University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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The Pink, Salty Exoplanet — Could Humanity Travel to the Galaxy’s Most Colorful World? | Space...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:59:40 +1000

Space Nuts Episode 369: Exploring Phobos, Pink Exoplanets, and Saving the SWIFT Observatory

This episode dives into some of the most intriguing space stories, from the mysterious Martian moon Phobos and its peculiar orbit to the bizarre, salt-colored exoplanet GJ 504b—possibly a pink dwarf. Plus, learn about a swift rescue mission to save the vital SWIFT space observatory.

In this episode:

The unique orbit and origin hypotheses of Phobos, including upcoming JAXA mission MMX

How Phobos's orbit might decay within millions of years and its potential internal structure

The discovery and characteristics of the pink, salty exoplanet GJ 504b

The debate over whether GJ 504b is a planet, brown dwarf, or star

The challenges faced by the aging SWIFT observatory and innovative plans for its rescue

Listener questions about universe expansion, gravitons, particles, and effects of space travel on humans

Timestamps:

00:00 - Overview of today's space stories and why they matter

00:40 - Insights on Phobos, Mars's close-in moon with unusual orbit

03:01 - How Phobos's orbit is unstable and upcoming JAXA's MMX mission

04:37 - Theories about Phobos's origin: collision vs. capture

07:05 - Surface features and internal structure of Phobos

09:24 - The future of Phobos and its potential collision with Mars

14:00 - Discovery of the pink, salty exoplanet GJ 504b

15:09 - Why GJ 504b is unique: direct imaging, color, and spectral analysis

16:07 - Is GJ 504b a planet, brown dwarf, or a star?

17:37 - The temperature of GJ 504b and implications for its classification

19:45 - How James Webb observations reveal salt clouds in GJ 504b's atmosphere

21:03 - Could GJ 504b be a pink dwarf? The classification debate

22:38 - Comparing planetary colors: Jupiter, Saturn, and the implications

23:05 - Fun cultural tidbits: Pink salt, salt coffee, and other salty things

24:44 - Urgency in the SWIFT space observatory rescue mission

26:08 - The history and importance of SWIFT since 2004

28:53 - The evolving orbit of SWIFT and innovative launch plans by Catalyst Space Technologies

31:42 - Challenges in orbital correction and the future of space observatories

34:34 - Final thoughts from Fred and the excitement of upcoming space missions

35:11 - Wrap-up and call for listener questions on space, particles, and the universe

Resources & Links:

Japanese Martian Moons Explorer (MMX)

GJ 504b Details and Discovery

James Webb Space Telescope

Catalyst Space Technologies

Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices

Connect with the Guests & Hosts:

Andrew Dunkley - Twitter

Professor Fred Watson - Twitter

Note: This episode combines deep space science, recent breakthroughs, and listener engagement, making complex topics approachable and fascinating. Stay tuned for upcoming missions, scientific debates, and space trivia that make our universe endlessly intriguing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34091698?utm_source=youtube

Solar Flares, Bizarre Hot Jupiters, and NASA’s Soccer Ball Moon Mission

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:03:37 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E130 — Thursday, July 2, 2026 A quick update on Swift's third launch scrub, a solar flare that could spark aurora for July 4th weekend, a hot Jupiter breaking the rules of physics, Amazon Leo's final Atlas V flight, patriotic Chandra imagery, a look back at a third galaxy missing its dark matter, and NASA's cheeky World Cup wager involving the Moon. In This Episode ● Swift/LINK rescue mission scrubbed again, third attempt targeted for today ● X1.1 solar flare triggers G2 geomagnetic storm watch for July 3 ● CoRoT-2 b: the hot Jupiter that isn't tidally locked ● Amazon Leo's 8th and final Atlas V launch — LA-08 ● NASA's Chandra reveals four cosmic images for America's 250th ● Circling back: DF9, the third dark matter-free galaxy ● NASA pledges a soccer ball to the Moon if the US wins the World Cup Links & Sources ● NASA Swift Blog — science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift ● Space.com — Sun unleashes X1.1 flare, CME could spark aurora for July 4 ● Space.com — This weird 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet has a hotspot in the wrong place ● Space.com — Watch Atlas V launch 29 Amazon Leo satellites ● NASA Chandra — Red, White, Blue Universe for US 250th ● Yale News / Keck Observatory — Third time's the charm for a row of faint galaxies without dark matter ● Space.com — NASA will send a soccer ball to the Moon if the US wins the World Cup

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The Universe Unfolds: Vera Rubin’s Epic Journey, Swift’s Mission Update, and Titan’s Human Future

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:51:04 +1000

A landmark day in space news: the Vera Rubin Observatory officially begins its ten-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, NASA reveals it may send a spare nuclear-powered Mars rover to the Moon's south pole, Blue Origin shows off its rebuilt launch pad a month after the New Glenn explosion, Rocket Lab strikes an $8 billion deal to acquire Iridium, a brief Swift/LINK scrub update, and scientists hold the first-ever summit on sending humans to Titan. 1. Rubin Observatory Begins Its Ten-Year Cosmic Movie The NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory officially began the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) on June 30, 2026, following a months-long commissioning process after handover from construction to operations last October. Rubin's 8.4-metre Simonyi Survey Telescope, fitted with the largest digital camera ever built (3,200 megapixels), will scan the entire southern sky every few nights for the next decade, producing a new image roughly every 40 seconds. Each area of sky will be revisited around 800 times over the survey's ten years, generating up to 7 million nightly alerts and around 10 terabytes of data per night. The final dataset is expected to contain billions of objects. Source: NOIRLab / SLAC / Rubin Observatory press release, June 30, 2026 2. Swift/LINK: Scrubbed, Retargeted for Tonight The launch of Katalyst Space's LINK servicing spacecraft — riding the final Pegasus XL rocket to rendezvous with NASA's Swift Observatory — was scrubbed Tuesday, June 30, due to unfavourable weather over Kwajalein Atoll. The next attempt is targeted for July 1 at 9:43 p.m. local Kwajalein time (5:43 a.m. EDT). Source: NASA Science blog, June 30, 2026 3. NASA's Moon Base Update: PROMISE Rover & New Lander Contracts NASA awarded roughly $590 million across Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines for four new CLPS lander missions targeted for late 2028, delivering science and technology demonstration payloads to the Moon. NASA is also considering repurposing an engineering development unit of its Mars Perseverance/Curiosity rovers as a new lunar rover named PROMISE (Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration), powered by a radioisotope generator for operation in permanently shadowed polar craters. Source: NASA news release and briefing, June 30, 2026 4. Blue Origin Reveals Its Rebuilt Launch Pad One month after a New Glenn rocket exploded during a static-fire test at Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 36A on May 28, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp announced the company will rebuild the pad in a new 'horizontal/vertical hybrid' configuration rather than recreating the original. Reconstruction has begun, with Blue Origin targeting a return to flight before the end of 2026. Early analysis points to the aft section of the first stage as the source of the anomaly, though the investigation continues. Source: Blue Origin company statement / SpaceNews / CNBC, June 30, 2026 5. Rocket Lab's $8 Billion Bid for Iridium Rocket Lab announced a definitive agreement to acquire satellite communications operator Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $8 billion — $54 per share, a 24.1% premium. The deal combines Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing business with Iridium's 66-satellite L-band constellation and 2.5 million-plus subscriber base, aiming to create a vertically integrated space company. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027. Source: Rocket Lab / Iridium joint announcement, June 29, 2026 6. Mapping Humanity's Next Giant Leap — to Titan The first-ever Humans to Titan Summit was held June 11–12 in Boulder, Colorado, gathering planetary scientists and engineers to explore the concept of a future crewed mission to Saturn's largest moon. Organised by Amanda Hendrix of the Planetary Science Institute and hosted by the Southwest Research Institute, the summit addressed spacesuits, habitats, transportation and Titan's extreme cold, ahead of NASA's robotic Dragonfly mission, targeted to launch no earlier than 2028. Source: Space.com / Leonard David, June 30, 2026

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Cosmic Dawn: Unveiling the Galaxy MXDFZ 4.4 and the Secrets of Reionization, Comet 3I ATLAS Origins

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:05:17 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 78 Discovering how the cosmic dark ages ended Astronomers have discovered an early galaxy during the Era of Reionization –when the universe was transformed from the cosmic dark ages – when the cosmos went from being opaque to becoming transparent like it is today. New clues about the origins of interstellar comet 3i Atlas Astronomers using NASA’s Webb space telescope have discovered new clues about the origins of interstellar comet 3i Atlas. A pink planet with a salty surprise Astronomers have discovered exotic salt clouds unlike anything ever seen before surrounding a distant pink planet, considered one of the coldest objects ever studied. The Science Report Warnings that GLP-1 agonists carry a risk of eye stroke and sudden sight loss. The biological signature within kidneys that could help predict age-related organ failure. Claims the great apes including humans have been laughing for at least 15 million years. Teens who spend two or more hours daily on day on social media more likely to be depressed. Alex on Tech : social media ban 6 months on.

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Launch Day for Swift’s Rescue, ISS Spacewalk, and Unraveling the Secrets of the Cosmos

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:22:39 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E128 | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Hosts: Anna & Avery | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod In today's episode: 🚀 NASA's Swift Observatory Rescue Mission Launches After weeks of anticipation, NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is set for a historic rescue mission. The robotic spacecraft, Link, designed by Catalyst Space Technologies, will attempt to stabilize Swift's orbit, which has been jeopardized by solar activity. The launch is taking place from Kwajalein Atoll, marking a significant moment in spacecraft servicing history. 🌌 Spacewalk on the ISS NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir are conducting a crucial spacewalk today to replace a faulty wrist joint on the KANADRM2 robotic arm. This maintenance is essential for the ongoing operations of the International Space Station, showcasing the delicate balance of human ingenuity and risk in space. 🌀 Cosmology's Rulebook Challenged A study of the galaxy cluster XLSSC122 using the James Webb Space Telescope reveals unexpected mass concentration, defying current cosmological models. This discovery suggests a potential need to revise our understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe, highlighting JWST's role in reshaping cosmic history. 🌟 Star Formation in Turbulent Environments Astronomers have discovered a serene pocket of star formation within the chaotic center of the Milky Way. This finding indicates that stars may form similarly across the galaxy, even in the most violent regions, providing insights into the early conditions of our own Sun. 🪐 Andromeda 36: A Fossil Galaxy The ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Andromeda 36 has been confirmed, initially discovered by citizen scientist Giuseppe Donatellio. This ancient galaxy, dating back 12.5 billion years, serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions of amateur astronomers in uncovering the universe's secrets. 🌑 Asteroid Day Awareness June 30th marks Asteroid Day, commemorating the Tunguska event of 1908. This UN-sanctioned day raises awareness about planetary defense and the importance of tracking near-Earth objects, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to protect our planet from potential threats.

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Bow and Arrow Galaxy Discovered, Hayabusa2’s Daring Asteroid Flyby, and Mars’ Geological Secrets...

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:52:51 +1000

Astronomy Daily S05E127 | Monday, June 29, 2026 Hosts: Anna & Avery | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod In today's episode: RAD-BAARG — The Bow-and-Arrow Galaxy A citizen scientist scanning LOFAR radio telescope data spotted a galaxy like nothing seen in 25 years — RAD-BAARG stretches 1.8 million light-years and shows what may be the clearest radio signature of a giant cosmic bow shock ever observed. Published June 22 in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Hayabusa2 Flyby — One Week Away Japan's Hayabusa2# spacecraft is set to fly past asteroid Torifune (2001 CC21) on July 5 at a distance of just 1–10 km — one of the closest asteroid encounters ever attempted. The spacecraft already delivered Ryugu samples to Earth in 2020. Mars Magmatic Systems — Oxford/Nature Astronomy A University of Oxford-led study published June 26 in Nature Astronomy reveals seismic evidence that Mars once hosted vast, Earth-like transcrustal magmatic systems spanning potentially thousands of kilometres — without plate tectonics. Based on NASA InSight seismic data. Skywatching — Strawberry Moon & Mercury Retrograde The full Strawberry Moon peaks at 23:58 UTC tonight in Sagittarius near the Teapot asterism. Mercury also begins retrograde motion today. Southern Hemisphere viewers have good conditions for lunar viewing in winter skies. ESA Juice & 3I/ATLAS — Five New Findings ESA has published early results from Juice's November 2025 observations of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Key findings: 2,000 kg of water vapour per second at perihelion; comet behaviour resembling solar system comets; novel trajectory data from NavCam; and confirmation of Juice's instrument readiness for the Jupiter mission. NASA Artemis Audit — $5.9 Billion in Cancelled Contracts A NASA Inspector General memo finds the total value of cancelled Artemis programme hardware contracts reached $5.9 billion, reflecting cost increases and timeline extensions prior to programme restructuring. Artemis III lunar landing remains targeted for 2027.

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BepiColombo’s Mercury Milestone: Navigating to the Solar System’s Smallest Planet, Solar Secrets...

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:41:23 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 77 BepiColombo mission finally reaches Mercury space After eight years of powered flight towards the planet Mercury, mission managers have finally turned off the BepiColombo spacecraft’s propulsion engines in preparation for planetary orbit insertion. Is our Sun changing A new study claims the Sun has been mysteriously changing over the last forty years. Strange new type of x-ray flare detected in deep space Astronomers have detected a mysterious never before seen new type of X-ray flare in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The Science Report A special report on the latest bombshell developments in the case of the COVID 19 pandemic. Our Guests This Week: Uk Space Agency Programme Manager Rosemary Young Principle Investigator MIXS Instrument Emma Bunce Leicester University Planetary Geoscientist David Rothery The open University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: Big Rips, Neutron Collisions & Lunar Sunsets | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:52:01 +1000

In this episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they dive into a myriad of listener questions, exploring the cosmos with curiosity and humour. From the enigma of the Big Rip and the mysteries surrounding the universe's beginnings to the fascinating dynamics of colliding neutron stars and the potential for lunar sunsets, this Q&A edition promises to enlighten and entertain. Main Topics:

- The Big Rip vs. the Big Crunch: Is the Big Crunch making a comeback in cosmological discussions? [00:00–15:00]

- Exploring the concept of 'nothing' before the Big Bang: What does it mean and why is it so perplexing? [15:01–30:00]

- The collision of neutron stars: What happens and the implications for cosmic safety? [30:01–45:00]

- Lunar sunsets: Could you witness the sun's corona from the moon, and what is the effect of lunar dust? [45:01–60:00]

- Reflections on cosmic mysteries and the future of lunar exploration. [60:01–70:00]

Resources & Links:

- Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation Studies

- Research on Neutron Star Collisions

- Upcoming Lunar Exploration Missions

Connect with Professor Fred Watson:

LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredwatson/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/ProfFredWatson)

Join us for another fascinating journey through the universe, and don’t forget to send in your questions for future episodes! Stay curious, and keep looking up!

00:00 –This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts. We answer audience questions

01:56 –Fred: Question comes from Martin Berman Govine about the Big Crunch

09:54 –The RIP concept is probably more favourable than the crunch concept

10:30 –Mike asks question about whether there was anything before the Big Bang

16:51 –The cosmic microwave background radiation dates 380,000 years after the Big Bang

18:23 –When two neutron stars collide, do any fragments break off into the universe

20:14 –Colin says neutron stars are formed by gravitational collapse at end of star's life

23:05 –Our final question today comes from Bill in relation to the solar eclipse

24:40 –Could you see lunar corona from the surface, Professor Fred Watson says

28:50 –Space Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/34027577?utm_source=youtube

The Weekend Wrap: NASA’s Bold Swift Rescue, Cosmic Demolition Derby Unfolds

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 19:52:01 +1000

Weekend Space & Astronomy News Wrap | Saturday, June 27, 2026 It's our Saturday wrap — and what a week it's been for space and astronomy! Join Anna and Avery for two brand-new stories plus the four biggest headlines from the past five days. THIS WEEK'S STORIES 🚀 NASA's Daring Swift Rescue Mission Launches Today NASA's Swift Boost mission launched this morning, sending the LINK robotic servicing spacecraft to rescue the 22-year-old Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from orbital decay. Built in under a year by startup Katalyst Space Technologies, LINK will rendezvous with Swift, grab it with robotic arms, and boost it to a safer orbit — a historic first for commercial spacecraft servicing. 🌌 JWST Catches Six Galaxies Merging Into One of the Universe's Largest The James Webb Space Telescope has spotted a 'cosmic demolition derby' — at least six galaxies in the process of merging, seen as they were 12 billion years ago. The system TGSSJ1530+1049 hosts hundreds of billions of solar masses of stars and a growing supermassive black hole, offering a rare front-row seat to galaxy and black hole formation happening simultaneously. ☄️ WEEKLY WRAP: Lucy's Peanut-Shaped Wobbling Asteroid NASA's Lucy mission has revealed that asteroid Donaldjohanson tumbles on two axes simultaneously — an unexpected discovery published in Science this week. Lucy also found evidence of ancient water interaction and traced the asteroid's violent origin to a collision 155 million years ago. A preview of what Lucy will reveal at Jupiter's Trojans. 🪨 WEEKLY WRAP: Asteroid 1997 NC1 Passes Earth Today A 1-kilometre-wide asteroid makes its closest approach to Earth today — at 1.5 million miles (about 7 times the Earth-Moon distance). Completely safe and well-tracked, it's a great telescope target for Southern Hemisphere observers this evening, drifting visibly against the background stars. 🌠 WEEKLY WRAP: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS — Alien Chemistry Confirmed by JWST New JWST analysis confirms that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS contains methane — the first detection of methane on any interstellar object. The comet's chemical fingerprint is radically different from anything in our solar system, pointing to an extremely cold birthplace in another star system. These are our last close observations as 3I/ATLAS heads out of the solar system forever. 💫 WEEKLY WRAP: The Jellyfish Nebula's Hidden Sibling Astrophysicists have identified what appears to be the first-ever pair of sibling supernova remnants — the famous Jellyfish Nebula and a previously hidden companion concealed in its glare. The two remnants are connected by a filament of gas, suggesting they share a common stellar origin.

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60 Million Stars Captured, Cosmic Fog Cleared, and Earth’s Oldest Impact Crater Revealed

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:06:31 +1000

In this episode of Astronomy Daily (S05E125), hosts Anna and Avery cover six major stories from the frontiers of space science and astronomy, including the most detailed image ever taken of the Milky Way's core, a Hubble discovery that solves a decades-old cosmological mystery, the oldest confirmed asteroid impact crater on Earth, a pair of impossibly light exoplanets, an impending lunar impact from a SpaceX rocket stage, and a live solar weather alert for Southern Hemisphere aurora watchers. Stories Covered Story 1 — Euclid's Record Milky Way Galactic Bulge Image: ESA's Euclid telescope releases the largest, highest-resolution visible-light image ever made of the Milky Way's central bulge, containing more than 60 million stars. The image serves as a baseline for NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope's microlensing survey. (ESA / NASA, June 24–25 2026) Story 2 — Hubble Catches Galaxy Clearing the Cosmic Fog: Galaxy MXDFz4.4, observed 1.4 billion years after the Big Bang, has been caught emitting ionising ultraviolet light — direct evidence of how the early universe's hydrogen fog was cleared. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, June 23 2026. Story 3 — Earth's Oldest Asteroid Crater Dated to 3 Billion Years: Curtin University researchers precisely date the North Pole Dome impact structure in Western Australia's Pilbara region to 3.024 billion years ago — the oldest known impact crater on Earth, beating the next oldest by ~800 million years. Published in Geology, June 23 2026. Story 4 — Super-Puff Planets Lighter Than Cotton Candy: An Oxford-led international team confirms TOI-791 b and c — two Jupiter-sized exoplanets with densities lower than cotton candy (0.038 and 0.047 g/cm³), making them the lowest-density giant planets ever found. Published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, June 26 2026. Story 5 — SpaceX Falcon 9 Upper Stage to Impact Moon on August 5: A spent Falcon 9 upper stage from the January 2025 Blue Ghost / Hakuto-R launch is on course to strike the Moon near Einstein Crater on August 5 2026. Visibility from Earth is uncertain, but NASA's LRO will image the resulting crater. NASA SSERVI, June 2026. Skywatching — A G1 geomagnetic storm struck overnight June 25, with further unsettled conditions expected June 26–27 as coronal hole streams strengthen and new sunspot region AR4478 rotates into Earth view. Aurora possible for Tasmania, New Zealand's South Island and southern Australia tonight.

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Supernova Secrets: Uncovering a Stellar Explosion Near the Milky Way’s Heart, Quantum Insights...

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:35:19 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 76 A possible supernova remnant discovered in the galactic centre Astronomers may have discovered a supernova remnant near the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. A new quantum view of Big Bang A new study could change what science knows about the Big Bang and the earliest moments of cosmic history. Work begins on new Western Australian ground station for lunar missions Construction has begun on Kongsberg’s new 20-metre parabolic dish antenna ground station at Mullewa in outback Western Australia. The Science Report Brain computer interface patient continues to communicate after two years. Powerful heatwave in Antarctica continues to push temperatures up. Study warns people eating ultra processed foods have higher risk of heart disease and death. Japan sends a transformer robot to the Moon. Skeptics guide to skeptical psychology. Our Guests This Week: Dr Hadrien Devillepoix from Curtin University NASA Swift scientists Brad Cenko and Regina Caputo Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee Katalyst LINK lead Kieran Wilson And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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How Impact Craters Could Have Reversed Venus’s Rotation—The Surprising Science | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:31:01 +1000

In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore fascinating topics ranging from the mysterious double moon dust implications and Venus's unusual rotation to updated protocols for announcing extraterrestrial evidence. They also delve into the intriguing potential of moon dust as a record of extinct civilizations and future lunar construction solutions, all while reflecting on the universe's expansion and the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.

Main Topics:

The concept of moon dust remnants potentially indicating alien megastructures or extraterrestrial artifacts.

The recent research explaining Venus's peculiar retrograde rotation and the impact hypothesis involving a large impactor.

Updated protocols from the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) for credible extraterrestrial life detection announcements.

The potential for lunar surface dust, especially 'technograins,' to harbor evidence of past civilizations.

Technological prospects for lunar infrastructure, including 3D printing using moon dust and the economics of relocating materials to build lunar bases.

The discussion of the universe's expansion, dark energy, and the likelihood of future scenarios like the Big Rip, Big Crunch, or indefinite expansion.

The importance of rigorous verification for scientific claims and the dangers of misinformation, especially on social media.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to extraterrestrial moon dust and alien artifacts

02:14 - New findings on Venus's rotation and impact theories

03:52 - Updated protocols for announcing extraterrestrial evidence

10:37 - Moon dust as remnants of alien civilizations

24:17 - Future lunar habitation and construction using moon dust

33:00 - The challenges and possibilities of lunar infrastructure

44:00 - The expanding universe: dark energy, Big Rip, and Big Crunch

55:30 - The nature of time before the Big Bang and current theories

58:38 - The potential for observing lunar sunsets and corona phenomena

67:41 - The inevitability of future lunar sunset observations

69:12 - Closing remarks and climate of scientific inquiry

Resources & Links:

Research on Venus's Rotation by ETH Zurich

Declaration of Principles for Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Phys.org Moon and Space Mining articles

Space Connect Article on Extraterrestrial Protocols

The Bright Side - Moon Dust as Building Material

NASA - Artemis Program

The European Geosciences Union Conference Vienna

Connect with Professor Fred Watson:

Twitter

Keep questioning and exploring — our universe is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33989051?utm_source=youtube

Ancient Comet Shatters Time Records, Mars’ Life Signs Intensify, and the ISS Faces Controversial...

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:57:02 +1000

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery explore six remarkable stories from the frontiers of space science. JWST has determined that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS likely formed 10–12 billion years ago — before our Sun existed — making it the oldest object ever chemically characterised. NASA's Perseverance rover has delivered its most robust organic detection yet in Mars's Jezero Crater. ESA's Euclid telescope has released the largest and most detailed visible-light image ever taken of the Milky Way's galactic bulge. NASA's plan to deorbit the ISS into the Pacific Ocean faces new legal and environmental scrutiny. Research from the University of Glasgow reveals the Chicxulub impact crater hosted an underground hydrothermal system for eight million years — four times longer than previously estimated. And astronomers have discovered the first-ever pair of sibling supernova remnants, hiding in the glow of the famous Jellyfish Nebula. Story 1 — JWST & 3I/ATLAS Origin • Cordiner et al. (2026). 'Isotopic evidence for a cold and distant origin of 3I/ATLAS.' Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-026-10771-6 • Opitom et al. (2026). 'High nitrogen and carbon isotopic ratios in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.' Nature (in press). arXiv: 2603.07187 • NASA Science: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-finds-clues-to-ancient-distant-origin-of-comet-3i-atlas/ • Science Magazine: https://www.science.org/content/article/interstellar-comet-unlike-anything-seen-our-solar-system Story 2 — Perseverance Organic Detection • Murphy et al. (2026). 'Spatially distributed complex organic matter detected in an ancient river valley in Jezero crater, Mars.' Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx0047 • Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/did-nasa-just-find-evidence-of-ancient-life-on-mars-perseverance-rover-spots-complex-carbon-in-red-planet-rocks • ScienceAlert: https://www.sciencealert.com/perseverance-finds-complex-organic-compounds-in-strange-mars-rocks Story 3 — Euclid Milky Way Image • ESA Euclid Mission Press Release, 24 June 2026 • NASA JPL: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/roman-space-telescope/euclid-view-of-milky-way-heart-previews-core-survey-by-nasas-roman/ • Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/this-is-the-largest-and-most-detailed-image-of-our-milky-way-with-over-60-million-stars-and-50-exoplanet-systems • CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/euclid-telescope-most-detailed-image-milky-way-stars/ Story 4 — ISS Deorbit Environmental Concerns • US Government Accountability Office report on ISS deorbit, June 2026 • Space.com: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/nasa-wants-to-dump-the-iss-in-the-sea-experts-say-the-plan-raises-serious-concerns-for-ocean-health • The Ocean Foundation statement, June 2026 Story 5 — Chicxulub Hydrothermal System • Pickersgill et al. (2026). 'Hydrothermal activity persisted for at least 8 Myr at Chicxulub.' Communications Earth & Environment. DOI: 10.1038/s43247-026-03618-5 • Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-06-dino-asteroid-fueled-underground-life.html • EarthSky: https://earthsky.org/earth/dinosaur-killing-asteroid-underground-hydrothermal-habitat/ Story 6 — Jellyfish Nebula Sibling Remnant • Astrophysicists' paper on IC 443 sibling supernova remnant, Universe Today, June 23 2026 • Universe Today: https://www.universetoday.com/

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Roman Telescope Update, China’s Shenlong Mystery Deepens, and Quantum Breakthroughs in Space

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:20:12 +1000

Story 1 — Roman Space Telescope Arrives at Kennedy NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope arrived at Kennedy Space Center on June 21, 2026, beginning a 70-day prelaunch campaign inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. Launch is targeted no earlier than August 30, 2026, on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A — eight months ahead of the previous schedule. The observatory's 300-megapixel camera offers a field of view 100× wider than Hubble's. Sources: • NASA Science Blog — 'NASA's Next Generation Telescope Arrives in Florida Ahead of Launch' (June 21, 2026): science.nasa.gov/blogs/roman • Spaceflight Now — 'NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope arrives in Florida' (June 22, 2026): spaceflightnow.com • Discover Magazine — 'NASA's Roman Space Telescope Arrives in Florida Ahead of Late-Summer 2026 Launch' (June 22, 2026) Story 2 — Shenlong Spaceplane Mystery Object At 02:30 UTC on June 22, 2026, commercial space surveillance firm LeoLabs detected an unknown object near China's Shenlong reusable spaceplane, first tracked by the Kiwi Space Radar in New Zealand. LeoLabs assessed with high confidence it was released from the spaceplane — consistent with sub-satellite deployments on previous missions. Shenlong is on its fourth mission, launched February 6, 2026. Sources: • Space.com — 'China's space plane appears to have released a mystery object in orbit' (June 23, 2026) • SpaceNews — 'Chinese spaceplane releases object into orbit, according to commercial space surveillance' (June 23, 2026) • LeoLabs post on X — @LeoLabs_Space (June 22, 2026) Story 3 — NASA Cold Atom Lab Final Upgrade NASA's upgraded Cold Atom Lab aboard the ISS resumed operations in mid-June 2026 following its fourth and final hardware overhaul. The new SM-3X science module, installed by astronaut Jessica Meir on May 8 and activated June 16, creates Bose-Einstein condensates five times larger than before. A White House executive order signed June 22 directed NASA to submit a five-year quantum space plan within 120 days. Sources: • NASA JPL — 'NASA's Quantum Lab Aboard Space Station Gets Chilly Upgrade' (June 16, 2026): jpl.nasa.gov • ScienceDaily — 'NASA's Cold Atom Lab is creating one of the weirdest forms of matter in space' (June 23, 2026) • SpaceNews — 'Trump signs executive order to accelerate quantum space infrastructure' (June 23, 2026) Story 4 — Boeing Starliner-1 Update During an Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel public meeting on June 23, 2026, NASA confirmed that the Starliner-1 uncrewed cargo mission launch target remains under review. Work continues to close propulsion system issues including overheating in the thruster doghouse structures. 22 of 28 implied anomalies from the 2024 Crew Flight Test have been resolved. A February 2026 report classified the CFT as a Type A mishap. Sources: • Spaceflight Now — 'NASA, Boeing committed to Starliner-1 launch despite unclear timeline' (June 23, 2026) • Wikipedia — Boeing Starliner-1 (updated June 2026) Story 5 — SpaceX Starfall Update SpaceX's Starfall reentry capsule launched June 23, 2026 at 6:52 a.m. EDT from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral. Orbital deployment confirmed at 10:01 a.m. EDT. As of June 24, the capsule remains in low Earth orbit. No reentry date has been announced. The disc-shaped capsule is 3.1m across, weighs ~2,100 kg and can carry up to 1,000 kg of payload. Pacific Ocean splashdown ~1,300 km off the US West Coast planned. Sources: • Space.com — 'SpaceX launches its 1st Starfall reentry capsule in early morning Falcon 9 liftoff' (June 23, 2026) • Spaceflight Now — 'SpaceX launches reentry capsule demo mission called Starfall' (June 23, 2026) • TechTimes — 'SpaceX Starfall Reaches Orbit: Disk Capsule Targets Market No Return Vehicle Has Cracked' (June 23, 2026) Story 6 — REBELS-25 Cold Molecular Gas Reservoir Astronomers led from Leiden University discovered a vast reservoir of cold molecular gas — direct fuel for star formation — in the galaxy REBELS-25, seen when the universe was approximately 700 million years old (~5% of its current age). The finding was published June 23, 2026 via Universe Today. Sources: • Universe Today — 'Astronomers discover cold molecular gas reservoir in REBELS-25' (June 23, 2026): universetoday.com

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Lunar Mantle Mysteries: Unveiling the South Pole Aiken Basin, Mars’ Garnet Evolution

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:22:18 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 75 The Moon’s oldest and largest impact crater A new study suggests the Moon’s oldest and largest impact crater – the two and a half thousand kilometre wide South Pole-Aitken basin -- could have excavated material so deep it included parts of the lunar mantle. New clues to how the red planet Mars evolved Scientists have discovered the mineral garnet in a Martian meteorite which may reveal how the red planet evolved billions of years ago. Mission to boost Swift space telescope’s orbit NASA is about to launch a new mission designed to extend the life of a half billion dollar spacecraft by boosting it into a higher orbit. The Science Report New report shows ocean temperatures reached a new record high in 2025. The brain changes within a month of a first psychedelic experience from magic mushrooms. Discovery that humans were using fire between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago. Claims artificial intelligence becomes more moral the larger and more complex it gets. Alex on Tech : Lithium Titanate batteries.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33953694?utm_source=youtube

Starfall Takes Flight, Roman Telescope Arrives, and Dark Matter’s New Secrets Unveiled

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:28:46 +1000

Dark Matter Revealed by Light Echoes, MAVEN’s Legacy, and Groundbreaking Research on...

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:27:53 +1000

S05E121 | Monday, 22 June 2026 Hosts: Anna & Avery | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod

Story 1 — Dark Matter Is Hugging Our Galaxy's Black Hole • Virginia Tech researchers used 'echo mapping' — light reverberations around active black holes — to detect dark matter signatures • Supermassive black holes including Sgr A* (Milky Way) appear surrounded by dense dark matter clusters • Lead researcher Mayank Sharma: 'The observational evidence for dark matter is simply undeniable' • Published in Physical Review D, June 11, 2026 • Provides a new tool for probing dark matter in the most extreme gravitational environments Story 2 — Swift Rescue Mission: Launch Date Confirmed • NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory launched 2004; has been losing altitude due to atmospheric drag — no thrusters to compensate • Katalyst Space Technologies built LINK — a robotic servicer with 3 robotic arms and xenon Hall-effect thrusters • Northrop Grumman's Stargazer aircraft departed Wallops Flight Facility June 18 carrying Pegasus XL + LINK • Launch from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands: confirmed for June 27, 2026 • LINK must chase down Swift, inspect it, and latch on — a first-of-its-kind robotic capture mission • Critical altitude threshold: if Swift drops below 185 miles (300 km), rescue becomes impossible • Success would give Swift another ~22 years of science at its original 600 km altitude Story 3 — Chandra Spots a Supernova Near the Galactic Centre • NASA Chandra, ESA XMM-Newton, and MeerKAT (South Africa) detected a 'blue blob' of X-ray emission in Sagittarius C • Sagittarius C is a star-forming region ~26,000 light-years from Earth, a few dozen light-years from Sgr A* • Estimated age: ~1,700 years — light from the explosion would have reached Earth around 300 AD • Expansion speed: approximately 2 million miles per hour • Published in The Astrophysical Journal (Zhu et al., June 11); NASA APOD June 18 • If confirmed, one of the closest supernova remnants ever found to the Milky Way's central black hole Story 4 — MAVEN: The Eulogy • MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched November 2013; arrived Mars September 2014 • Original mission: 1 year. Actual mission: 11+ years — ended June 3, 2026 • Last contact: December 6, 2025 — entered fast spin, batteries drained, unrecoverable • Key discoveries: atmospheric escape rates, solar storm acceleration of Mars atmosphere loss, atmospheric sputtering (first observed at any planet), new types of Martian aurora • Also served as communications relay for Curiosity and Perseverance rovers • PI Shannon Curry's epitaph: 'Best Mars mission ever.' — 800+ scientific publications • MAVEN will remain in Mars orbit 50–100 years before eventually entering the Martian atmosphere Story 5 — Operation Period: First-Ever Space Menstruation Study • Non-profit Operation Period, led by Manju Bangalore and Priya Abiram, announced OP-01 mission on June 19 • First dedicated scientific study of menstruation in microgravity — despite 100+ women having flown to space • Current practice: astronauts typically suppress menstruation during spaceflight with hormones — due to lack of data, not proven necessity • OP-01: suborbital Virgin Galactic flight in 2027; researchers will conduct the study on themselves • Research wing: Operation Period's 'Redshift Lab' • Data vital for longer missions — Moon, Mars — where menstrual health management matters more Story 6 — Isar Aerospace's Spectrum Rocket: Europe Keeps Trying • Isar Aerospace (Ottobrunn, Germany): Europe's most advanced commercial small launch startup — 800M+ euros raised • Spectrum rocket: 28m tall, up to 1,000 kg to LEO, 700 kg to SSO; 10 engines • First flight (March 2025): failed after 30 seconds — vent valve opened unexpectedly, rocket lost attitude control • Second flight 'Onward and Upward': carrying 5 university cubesats + 1 experiment; backed by ESA Boost! programme • 2026 scrubs: January (pressurisation valve), March (fuel temp/fishing vessel), April (pressure vessel), June 15 (fluid system anomaly) • Current status: no new launch date; Andøya window reportedly closed; Isar analysing data • Context: part of ESA's European Launcher Challenge — must achieve orbital flight by 2027 to qualify for up to €205M

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Cosmic Collision Theories: Venus’ Unusual Spin and Dark Matter’s Enigma

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:52:39 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 74 Why Venus spins backwards A new study suggests that the strange retrograde spin of the planet Venus is the result of a massive impact event. Could Dark Matter explain what’s happening at the centre of our galaxy A new study has failed to rule out Dark Matter as the source of the so called Galactic Center Excess at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. Trying to solve a meteor cold case Last month astronomers detected a small near Earth meteoroid on a collision course with our planet. The Science Report The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu detected on the Australian mainland for the first time. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has officially declared an El Niño. The risk of suicide among males can persist for years following a relationship break up. Research continues on nuclear diamond batteries that could last thousands of years. A new species of shark discovered in the tropical Pacific, north of Australia. Skeptics guide to five lessons on misinformation from the ancients. Our Guests This Week: Dr Hadrien Devillepoix from Curtin University NASA Swift scientists Brad Cenko and Regina Caputo Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee Katalyst LINK lead Kieran Wilson And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ)

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Cosmic Queries: Weighty Matters, Stellar Ages & Moonless Earth Scenarios | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:42:23 +1000

Q&A Edition: Cosmic Curiosities and What-If Scenarios In this engaging episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from our listeners. From the nuances of weight variations on Earth to the implications of a moonless planet, join us for a deep dive into cosmic curiosities and scientific speculation.

Episode Highlights:

- Weight Variations: DJ from Indianapolis wonders about the difference in weight between the North Pole and the equator, leading to a discussion on gravity, centrifugal force, and the shape of the Earth [00:00–15:00].

- The Age of the Solar System: Nick from Cambridge asks about the age of the solar system and the older material that contributed to its formation, prompting an exploration of supernovae and isotope ratios [15:01–30:00].

- Interstellar Travel: Keith from Vancouver ponders the feasibility of reaching another star, sparking a conversation about current technology, time dilation, and the future of space exploration [30:01–45:00].

- What If the Moon Disappeared? Mark shares a nostalgic reference to Space 1999, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on the potential effects of a moonless Earth on tides, climate, and planetary stability [45:01–60:00].

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Weight Differences on Earth

- Age of the Solar System and Supernovae

- Future of Interstellar Travel

- Implications of a Moonless Earth

- Listener Questions and Cosmic Speculations

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33911174?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Secrets in Ocean Rocks, Record-Breaking Ariane Launch, and a Salty Pink World Revealed

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:04:32 +1000

This weekend's Astronomy Daily wraps up the biggest stories from across the cosmos, starting with two completely fresh discoveries — a 1976 ocean rock that's turned out to hold atomic-scale proof of an ancient neutron star collision, and a record-breaking rocket launch from Europe's Ariane 6. Then we wind back through the week for our four biggest headlines: a new crew for Artemis III, JWST's salty 'Pink Planet' discovery, an update on the daring Swift Observatory rescue mission, and China's Tianwen-2 closing in on its target asteroid. Story 1: A Kilonova's Fingerprint, Found in a 1976 Ocean Rock • A rock sample dredged from the Pacific seafloor in 1976 has been found to contain a few hundred atoms of plutonium radioisotopes. • The plutonium originated from a kilonova — a collision between two neutron stars — that occurred over 100 million years ago. • Stellar debris from the merger settled to Earth and was slowly incorporated into a ferromanganese crust on the ocean floor. • Isotope ratios provide the strongest physical clues yet to what created the elements and roughly when the merger occurred. • Study published 18 June 2026. Story 2: Ariane 6 Smashes Its Own Heaviest-Payload Record • On 17 June 2026, an Ariane 64 rocket launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites from French Guiana (mission VA269 / LE-03). • First flight of new P160C solid boosters — about a metre longer than the previous P120C, holding up to 156 tonnes of propellant each. • Boosters deliver roughly a 10% performance increase, raising Ariane 64's LEO capacity to approximately 22 tonnes. • The mission broke the 13-year record for heaviest payload ever launched by an Ariane rocket, previously held by the 2013 ATV 'Albert Einstein' resupply flight. • Eighth Ariane 6 launch overall; 100th Amazon Leo satellite deployed by Arianespace. Story 3: Artemis III Crew Revealed • NASA announced the Artemis III crew on 9 June 2026 at Johnson Space Center: Commander Randy Bresnik, Pilot Luca Parmitano (ESA), and Mission Specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas, with Bob Hines as backup. • The Artemis II crew (Wiseman, Glover, Koch, Hansen) symbolically passed their lunar baton to the new crew. • Artemis III is a two-week test flight in low Earth orbit to test docking procedures between Orion and commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. • Targeted for launch as early as late 2027, ahead of a planned lunar surface landing in 2028. • Will be Andre Douglas's first spaceflight. Story 4: JWST Cracks the 'Pink Planet' Mystery • JWST has confirmed salt clouds in the atmosphere of GJ504b, the 'Pink Planet,' located 57 light-years away. • First direct evidence of salt clouds on a cold substellar companion object, a phenomenon theorised 15 years ago. • At approximately 550°F, GJ504b is the coldest companion object ever directly imaged. • Its true nature remains uncertain — it may be a giant planet or a brown dwarf. • Research led by a Northwestern University team. Story 5: The Swift Rescue Mission Heads for the Pacific • NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (orbiting since 2004) faces premature reentry due to orbital decay accelerated by recent solar activity. • Katalyst Space Technologies' LINK robotic servicing spacecraft will attempt to grapple and boost Swift to a safer ~600km orbit. • LINK launches on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, carried by Stargazer, the last flying Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. • Stargazer departed NASA Wallops Flight Facility on 18 June 2026, en route to Kwajalein Atoll via California and Hawai'i. • Launch targeted for 27 June 2026; if successful, it will be the first capture of an unprepared US government satellite by a commercial vehicle. Story 6: Tianwen-2 Closes In on Kamo'oalewa • China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft, launched May 2025, completed orbital insertion at near-Earth asteroid Kamo'oalewa on 7 June 2026. • Amateur radio trackers in Germany detected fine ion-engine course-correction burns between 11–14 June 2026. • Rendezvous and sample collection are expected around 4 July 2026. • Kamo'oalewa is a 40–100 metre quasi-satellite of Earth; its origin (possibly a lunar fragment) remains scientifically debated. • After sample return, Tianwen-2 will travel on to rendezvous with comet 311P/PanSTARRS in 2035.

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Salty Skies on a Pink Planet, Black Holes Burp, and a Lunar Lander for Moon Base 2

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:23:13 +1000

Welcome back to Astronomy Daily! In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six of the biggest stories in space and astronomy for Friday June nineteenth, twenty twenty-six — from a salty surprise on a mysterious pink world to a little rover completing a marathon on Mars. Story 1: JWST Reveals Salty Clouds on the 'Pink Planet' GJ504b Northwestern University astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope to finally crack open the spectrum of GJ504b — the so-called 'Pink Planet' 57 light-years away. The discovery, published in The Astronomical Journal on June 18, reveals an atmosphere filled with exotic chemistry and salt clouds unlike anything previously observed. At just 550°F, it's the coldest planetary-mass companion ever directly imaged. Whether it's a giant planet or a brown dwarf remains an open question, but its salty skies are a first for astronomy. Study led by Aneesh Baburaj, Northwestern University's CIERA. Story 2: Astronomers Solve the Mystery of Black Holes' Delayed Radio 'Burps' Using the NSF's Very Large Array, a team led by Kate Alexander (University of Arizona) has found that roughly 40% of all tidal disruption events — moments when a supermassive black hole shreds a passing star — produce a powerful delayed radio burst months to years after the initial flare. The study, announced June 16, also identifies a chemical fingerprint in early optical spectra that can predict which black holes are likely to produce these late-stage outbursts, giving astronomers a roadmap for long-term monitoring. Story 3: SpaceX Launches NROL-179 — the 14th NRO Proliferated Architecture Mission SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the early hours of June 19, making it the 14th mission dedicated to building out the National Reconnaissance Office's 'proliferated architecture' — a constellation of small, resilient surveillance satellites. It was the 71st Falcon 9 launch of 2026. Mission details including satellite count and orbit remain classified. Story 4: Astrobotic Unveils Griffin-1: NASA's Moon Base II Lander Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic publicly revealed its Griffin-1 lunar lander on June 15, ahead of environmental testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Designated 'Moon Base II' by NASA, Griffin-1 is a 650kg-capacity infrastructure-class lander targeting the lunar south pole region. It will carry 10 payloads from 6 nations, led by Astrolab's FLIP rover (500kg), and is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in Q4 2026. Astrobotic has been recently acquired by Voyager Technologies. Story 5: Lucy Reveals the Life Story of Double-Lobed Asteroid Donaldjohanson Results from NASA's Lucy spacecraft's April 2025 flyby of asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson were published in Science on June 18. The study, led by Simone Marchi (Southwest Research Institute), reveals a contact binary with a surface over 40 million years old and a younger neck (under 20 million years) built by slow-motion landslides triggered as sunlight gradually braked the asteroid's rotation from a few hours to its current 252.6-hour period. Donaldjohanson is likely a fragment of the Erigone family's parent body, destroyed ~155 million years ago. Story 6: Perseverance Rover Completes a Marathon Distance on Mars NASA's Perseverance rover has driven more than 26.2 miles (42.2 km) on Mars since landing in Jezero Crater in February 2021 — completing a marathon distance. The rover continues science operations beyond the crater's western rim, studying some of the oldest rocks in the mission's history. Perseverance is approaching Opportunity's all-time distance record of 45.16 km for a rover on another world. Mission operations are funded through at least 2028. Links & References • JWST Pink Planet (GJ504b): The Astronomical Journal, June 18 2026 — Northwestern University / CIERA • TDE Radio Burps: NSF VLA / University of Arizona — Kate Alexander et al., announced June 16 2026 • NROL-179: space.com / spaceflightnow.com — launched June 19 2026 • Griffin-1: astrobotic.com / spacenews.com / spaceflightnow.com — unveiled June 15 2026 • Lucy / Donaldjohanson: Science journal, June 18 2026 — Simone Marchi, Southwest Research Institute • Perseverance Marathon: space.com — June 18 2026

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Ancient Quasar Discovered: Flickering Light from the Dawn of Time, Mars’ Life-Hunting Mission

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:07:48 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 73 The earliest known flickering quasar Astronomers have discovered the earliest known flickering quasar dating back to a time when the universe was just 850 million years old. ExoMars to target vast clay beds in search for life on Mars The European Space Agency has selected a vast clay bed called Oxia Planum as the best place on the red planet to search for signs of life. Understanding neutron star mergers Scientists have used deep learning neural networks to better understand the violent events associated with the merger of neutron stars. The Science Report New GLP-3 drugs significantly improve blood sugar levels and lead to substantial weight loss. Ocean waves generated in the Southern Ocean tracked all the way to the shores of Alaska. Are dogs left or right handed? Skeptics guide to fish oil supplements. Our Guests This Week: Kovi Rose from the University of Sydney And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ)

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A Milky Way Fossil Unearthed, Extreme Weather on a Roasted Planet, and a Space Telescope’s Last...

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:21:48 +1000

A landmark episode packed with discoveries at the cutting edge of space and astronomy. Webb and Hubble redefine a category of stellar object, JWST delivers unprecedented chemistry data from an extreme exoplanet, a 21-year-old NASA observatory faces a daring robotic rescue, a multi-telescope image reveals an ancient galactic supernova, China's Tianwen-2 zeroes in on a possible fragment of our own Moon, and astronomers detect the chemical fingerprint of a planet swallowed by its star. Story 1: Webb & Hubble Rewrite History: Terzan 5 Is a 'Bulge Fossil Fragment' Using the James Webb Space Telescope and archival data from Hubble spanning 12 years, researchers have definitively reclassified Terzan 5 — a stellar system 22,000 light-years away in Sagittarius — from a globular cluster to an entirely new class of object: a 'bulge fossil fragment.' Four distinct generations of stars have been identified within Terzan 5, formed 12.5 billion, 4.7 billion, 3.8 billion, and 2.5 billion years ago. Unlike a typical globular cluster with a single ancient stellar population, Terzan 5 repeatedly formed new stars by retaining the gas and heavy elements expelled by its own supernovae. Astronomers believe Terzan 5 is a surviving relic of the primordial clumps that merged to form the Milky Way's central bulge billions of years ago — a living fossil of galaxy formation. Results were presented at the 248th American Astronomical Society meeting and published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Source: NASA / ESA / STScI press release, 16–17 June 2026 Story 2: JWST Catches the 'Roasted Exoplanet' HD 80606 b in the Act Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope's MIRI instrument have observed the extreme exoplanet HD 80606 b experiencing a temperature increase of 1,100°F (600°C) during its close approach to its host star. HD 80606 b is a gas giant four times the mass of Jupiter on a highly elliptical 111-day orbit. The JWST study — led by Tiffany Kataria of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory — also detected specific atmospheric chemical signatures including methane and carbon dioxide, enabling detailed study of how the planet's chemistry shifts under extreme heating. This is the most detailed look yet at an atmospheric response to a rapid, intense heating event. Results were presented at the 248th AAS meeting in Pasadena, California. Source: NASA / JPL press release, 16–17 June 2026 Story 3: Swift's Rescue Mission Cleared for Launch: LINK on the Pad NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has studied gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic events since 2004, is facing re-entry as its orbit decays under increased solar activity. NASA contracted Katalyst Space Technologies in September 2025 to build and launch a robotic servicing spacecraft — called LINK — to boost Swift to a higher orbit. LINK is now encapsulated inside a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, which has been attached to the Stargazer L-1011 carrier aircraft and is en route to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands for launch later in June 2026. This will be the final flight of the Pegasus XL — the world's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, which first flew in 1990. Its air-launch capability is uniquely suited to reaching Swift's unusual low-inclination orbit. Source: NASA press release and media teleconference, 17 June 2026 Story 4: Possible Supernova Remnant at the Galactic Centre A striking multi-telescope composite image released as NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day on 18 June 2026 reveals a possible supernova remnant near the galactic centre — a blue X-ray-emitting structure whose light is estimated to have reached Earth approximately 1,700 years ago, in the third century CE. The image combines X-ray data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton (the blue structure), radio data from the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa (the large red cloud), and optical background star data from the PanSTARRS telescopes in Hawaii. Source: NASA APOD, 18 June 2026. Image credit: NASA/CXC/UCLA/Z. Zhu et al.; ESA/XMM-Newton; MeerKAT; PanSTARRS Story 5: China's Tianwen-2 Closes In on Earth's 'Quasi-Moon' China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft — launched in May 2025 — performed its primary orbit insertion burn at asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa on June 7, 2026, and has since been performing fine adjustment burns tracked by amateur radio astronomers in Germany and the Netherlands. China's space agency has released no official updates. Kamoʻoalewa is a 40–100 metre quasi-satellite of Earth, orbiting the Sun in a path that keeps it perpetually near our planet. Its reflectance spectrum resembles weathered lunar rock, fuelling a theory that it is a fragment blasted from the Moon by an ancient impact — though a competing theory holds that it is an ordinary inner asteroid belt migrant. Sample collection is scheduled to begin July 4, 2026. Tianwen-2 will depart Kamoʻoalewa in April 2027, with the sample return capsule landing in Inner Mongolia in late November...

Cosmic Connections: Mapping Magnetic Fields, Dark Matter Mysteries & SpaceX’s IPO Success |...

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:16:42 +1000

Join us as we delve into the latest space science stories, from the universe's most comprehensive magnetic map to the mysteries of black holes and dark matter. Our casual chat is packed with insights into ongoing research and space exploration plans, including Elon Musk's ventures into space and beyond.

In this episode:

The CSIRO's groundbreaking map of the universe's magnetic fields, five times more extensive than previous efforts, revealing complex galactic structures and the role of magnetic fields in galaxy evolution [00:00–10:00]

How polarization and Faraday rotation are used to infer magnetic fields across the cosmos, and what the map tells us about the Milky Way's center [10:00–12:40]

The innovative method of reverberation mapping in studying black holes and the potential connection to dark matter congregations around these cosmic giants [16:37–22:39]

The speculative but exciting prospects for interstellar travel, including the limitations posed by physics, time dilation effects near relativistic speeds, and the Breakthrough Starshot initiative [50:57–55:36]

Elon Musk's recent public offer of SpaceX ventures, merchandise, and the symbolism of mission patches and rockets, illustrating his flair and boldness in space entrepreneurship [24:00–34:10]

The impact of lunar and planetary dynamics on Earth's tides, weather, and ocean currents, with reflections on moonless Earth scenarios [60:00–62:48]

Nostalgic references to 70s science fiction, notably Space 1999, and its imaginative visions of moon-based colonies and space wandering [58:56–59:53]

For enthusiasts eager to explore further, check out resources like:

CSIRO's Magnetic Map of the Universe

Breakthrough Starshot Initiative

SpaceX Official Website

Physical Review D - Space Science Publications

Connect with our guest, Professor Fred Watson:

LinkedIn | Twitter

Looking for the perfect space-themed gear? Visit our Shop for stickers, caps, T-shirts, and mission patches that celebrate our cosmic curiosity.

Join the conversation: Share your questions or comments at spacenutspodcast.com, and help us explore the universe together. Thanks for listening—until next time, keep looking up!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33857597?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Evolution Explored: Milky Way’s Dance with Dwarfs, Jupiter’s Life-Giving Secrets

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:34:38 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 72 Our ever-changing Milky Way Galaxy New observations are showing astronomers how our galaxy the Milky Way is being slowly changed through its gravitational interactions with our nearby neighbouring satellite dwarf galaxy the Large Magellanic Cloud. How Jupiter may have helped life start on Earth A new study suggests the solar system’s largest planet Jupiter may have provided some of the key ingredients for life to Earth. Astronauts on the space station prepare for emergency evacuation Astronauts aboard the International Space Station ordered to prepare of emergency evacuation of the orbiting outpost as cosmonauts began working to try and repair a growing leak in the Russian Zvezda service module. The Science Report Global warming reaches 1.37°C above pre industrial levels in 2025. A new AI study claims laser-powered engines could one day support ‘intelligent’ 6G networks. Kids with smartphone aren’t more likely to end up depressed or overweight, but will be more sleepy. Alex on Tech computer tablet sales continue to rise.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33855124?utm_source=youtube

Rockets Across Continents, A Black Hole’s Jet Unveiled, and Rain of Rubies on Distant World

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:28:00 +1000

A launch-packed Wednesday kicks off with two rocket milestones — SpaceX's BlueBird 8-10 direct-to-cell satellite launch and Ariane 6's record-breaking Amazon Leo flight — followed by a splashdown update for the science-laden Dragon CRS-34. Then a Chandra double-header delivers the most detailed X-ray view ever of M87's famous black hole jet, plus the discovery of possible supernova wreckage at the very heart of the Milky Way. We close with JWST's extraordinary weather portrait of WASP-121b — a planet where the rain is made of rubies and sapphires. Story Summaries & Key Facts Story 1 — SpaceX BlueBird 8-10 Launch • Launched: 2:39 a.m. EDT, 17 June 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (SLC-40) • Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 (booster B1077, 29th flight) • Booster recovery: drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas', Atlantic Ocean • Payload: AST SpaceMobile BlueBird 8, 9 & 10 (Block 2 next-generation satellites) • Antenna array: ~2,400 sq ft each — largest commercial phased arrays in LEO • Peak data speed: 120 Mbps per coverage cell (nearly double Block 1) • Processing bandwidth: 10 GHz per satellite • Goal: space-based cellular broadband direct to standard smartphones • AST network partners: 50+ MNOs including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone (~3 billion subscribers) Story 2 — Ariane 6 Record Payload • Mission: VA269 / LE-03 (Amazon Leo 3rd Ariane 6 flight; 8th Ariane 6 overall; 3rd of 2026) • Launch site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana • Payload: 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites — heaviest Ariane payload ever (~20,820 kg) • First flight of upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters (debut; replaces P120C) • P160C improvement: +1 metre longer, carries 156 tonnes propellant each (+10% performance) • Ariane 64 LEO capacity with P160C: ~22 tonnes • Previous flights each carried 32 satellites; today's adds 4 more • Arianespace milestone: 100 Amazon Leo satellites launched in under 5 months • Next Ariane 6 launch: 28 August (2-booster configuration; likely Meteosat-14) Story 3 — Dragon CRS-34 Splashdown (Update) • UPDATE on yesterday's S05E116 story (undocking reported 16 June 2026) • Dragon CRS-34 splashed down off Southern California coast, 17 June 2026 (~5:08 a.m. PDT) • Capsule: Cargo Dragon 2 (C209, 6th flight); undocked ~12:25 p.m. EDT 16 June • Science returned: bioprinted organ/cartilage tissue; DNA-inspired cancer treatment materials • Also returned: blood-forming stem cells; cryogenic propellant storage experiment data • Dragon is the ONLY ISS cargo vehicle capable of returning cargo to Earth intact • Time-sensitive samples flown by helicopter from recovery ship to Kennedy Space Center • CRS-34 launched 15 May 2026; delivered ~6,500 lbs cargo to Expedition 74 crew Story 4 — Chandra / M87 Jet (Double-Header Part 1) • Published: 15 June 2026; presented at 248th AAS Meeting, Pasadena, CA • Lead researcher: Camille Poitras (PhD student, Laval University, Canada) • M87* mass: 6.5 billion solar masses; distance: ~55 million light-years • M87* was the first black hole ever directly imaged (Event Horizon Telescope, 2019) • Data span: Chandra observations 2012–2025, processed with advanced deconvolution • Key finding 1: Two distinct components revealed in feature HST-1 (previously blended) • Key finding 2: Global X-ray emission decrease of up to 84% — consistent with synchrotron cooling • Key finding 3: Jet features show both quasi-stationary and superluminal apparent motion • Multi-wavelength: Chandra + JWST + Hubble + VLA + ALMA combined • Significance: most detailed evolving picture of any black hole jet ever produced Story 5 — Chandra / Galactic Centre Supernova (Double-Header Part 2) • Published: Astrophysical Journal, released 14–15 June 2026 • Lead: Zhenlin Zhu et al. (UCLA); data from Chandra + ESA XMM-Newton + MeerKAT + Pan-STARRS • Location: Sagittarius C complex, ~26,000 light-years from Earth • Finding: possible supernova remnant (diffuse X-ray emission) near Sgr A* • If confirmed: closest supernova remnant ever found to Sagittarius A* • Estimated age of explosion: ~1,700 years ago (approx. 3rd–4th century CE) • Ejection speed: ~2 million mph; brightens region ~10x vs nearby star clusters • Galactic centre context: extreme region of massive stars, magnetic threads, fast-orbiting gas • Importance: SNRs supply iron, oxygen, silicon — key ingredients for planet/life formation Story 6 — JWST / WASP-121b • Published: June 2026 (JWST new observational results); story filed 16 June 2026 • Planet: WASP-121b — ultra-hot Jupiter, ~855 light-years away, constellation Puppis • Size: ~1.75–2× Jupiter; tidally locked (one side always faces its star) • Orbital period: just 30.5 hours (one of the shortest known) • Dayside temperature: ~3,000°C (hot enough to vaporise metals including iron, aluminium) • Wind speed: ~18,000 km/h, carrying vaporised metals from dayside to nightside • Ruby/sapphire rain: aluminium + oxygen → corundum (Al₂O₃) → with impurities = ruby/sapphire • JWST delivered: most detailed 3D...

James Webb’s Cosmic Revelation, Lunar Landers Take Flight, and a Race Against Time for SWIFT

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:27:58 +1000

Today's episode covers six stories spanning cosmic mysteries, lunar exploration, robotic rescue missions, cutting-edge space medicine, and what's happening in your own night sky tonight. 1. JWST Solves the "Little Red Dots" Mystery Four years after the James Webb Space Telescope began spotting strange, compact red objects in the ancient universe, scientists have a definitive answer. A team led by Vasily Kokorev at the University of Texas at Austin published the most detailed spectrum ever obtained of one of these objects — GLIMPSE-17775 — in The Astrophysical Journal on June 10. The data confirms these objects are supermassive black holes in their furious early growth phase, wrapped in dense cocoons of hot gas that disguise them. The universe is not broken — the little red dots were just very well hidden. 2. Astrobotic Unveils Griffin-1 Lunar Lander Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic publicly unveiled its Griffin-1 lunar lander on June 15 at the Moonshot Museum. NASA selected Griffin as the vehicle for its Moon Base II mission. The lander will carry Astrolab's FLIP rover and payloads from multiple nations — including Australia — to the lunar South Pole, targeting launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in late 2026. Griffin-1 heads to JPL for environmental testing this month. 3. Robotic Rescue Mission for NASA's Swift Observatory NASA's 22-year-old Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is losing altitude fast due to accelerated solar activity. A startup called Katalyst Space Technologies has built a robotic spacecraft — LINK — in under a year, and it's now integrated into a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket ready for launch from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, later this month. If successful, LINK will boost Swift's orbit and extend its life — while pioneering on-orbit servicing capabilities. 4. SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon Departs the ISS NASA's 34th SpaceX commercial resupply mission departed the ISS today, June 16, carrying blood stem cells, bioprinted organ and cartilage tissue, DNA-inspired cancer treatment materials, and cryogenic fuel storage experiment data. Splashdown off California is expected June 17. 5. Tonight's Sky: Moon Meets Three Planets A stunning western sky show is on offer tonight — a crescent Moon appearing between Mercury and Jupiter about an hour after sunset, with brilliant Venus also on display. Mercury reached its greatest eastern elongation on June 15, making this the best time of its current apparition to spot it. Tomorrow evening the Moon drifts to sit beside Venus. 6. Space Weather: CME Glancing Blow A coronal mass ejection from June 12 is expected to deliver a glancing blow to Earth on June 16-17. Active geomagnetic conditions (Kp up to 4) are forecast, with a chance of minor G1 storm conditions. High-latitude aurora watchers in the Southern Hemisphere may see some activity. Links & Further Reading • GLIMPSE-17775 study — The Astrophysical Journal (June 10, 2026) • Astrobotic Griffin-1 mission info: astrobotic.com • NASA Swift Boost mission: science.nasa.gov/mission/swift/swift-boost-mission • ISS research blog: nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation • Space weather: spaceweather.gov | NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center Find us at astronomydaily.io | Follow: @AstroDailyPod

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Cosmic Acceleration Confirmed: Dark Energy’s Role, Mysterious Signals Decoded

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:29:25 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 71 Universe expansion still accelerating after all A new study has confirmed that the universe is continuing to expand at an ever-accelerating rate under the force of dark energy and heading for a cold, dark and empty fate. Mysterious cosmic signals finally explained Astronomers have discovered that dead stars called white dwarfs located in binary systems are a primary source of mysterious signals from deep space called long-period radio transients. What made last week’s New England meteor incident so rare? Last week we reported on a meteor that rocked the afternoon spring skies over New England. It now turns out that was a very rare event. The Science Report Sugar-sweetened drinks increase the risk of two types of liver cancer. New fish species swimming in the warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. A new study claims that living with cats does not worsen asthma or allergies in children. Skeptics guide to on line influencers. 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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Stellar Q&A: Rusty Moons, Space Stations & What If Earth Disappeared? | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:33:15 +1000

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Q&A: Cosmic Queries and What If Scenarios In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of intriguing questions posed by our curious listeners. From the mysteries of small celestial bodies to the hypothetical survival of humanity's legacy, this episode explores the cosmos through the lens of imagination and scientific inquiry.

Episode Highlights:

- Small Bodies in the Solar System: Bill's question about why small bodies aren't all fluffy leads to a fascinating discussion on the formation of planets and the role of gravity in shaping these celestial objects.

- Leaving a Legacy: Peter's thought-provoking "what if" scenario about leaving something behind after Earth's destruction sparks a conversation about the Voyager spacecraft and humanity's enduring mark on the universe.

- Saturn's Moons and Rings: Martin asks about the minimum size for an object to be classified as a moon, leading to an exploration of Saturn's numerous satellites and the dynamics of its iconic ring system.

- Impact of a Space Station: Finn's imaginative query about a giant space station's effect on the Earth and Moon orbits prompts a discussion on gravitational dynamics and the stability of planetary systems.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Formation of Small Celestial Bodies

- Humanity's Cosmic Legacy

- Saturn's Moons and Ring Dynamics

- Gravitational Effects of Space Structures

- Listener Questions and Cosmic Curiosities

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33795969?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud’s Demise, Lunar Base Blueprint

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:35:33 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 70 *The Small Magellanic Cloud is being ripped apart A new study reveals that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, is slowly being torn apart by gravitational forces from the Large Magellanic Cloud. Researchers have utilised over a decade of observations to uncover the galaxy's dynamic state, challenging previous models of coherent rotation. *Blueprint for a lunar base NASA's plans for a lunar base at the Moon's South Pole are sparking innovative proposals for construction using local lunar materials. The Texas A&M Space Institute is leading research into using lunar regolith, a challenging construction material, to develop habitats for future lunar missions. *Meteor rocks New England A recent meteor explosion over New England has been confirmed as a sonic boom from a meteor entering the Earth's atmosphere, sending shockwaves across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The meteor, travelling at 121,000 kilometres per hour, likely fragmented before falling into the North Atlantic Ocean. *The Science Robert Increased wildfire risks are predicted across parts of Australia, while a study reveals that Iceman Otzi's microbiome remains active even after 5,300 years. Additionally, video technology may allow for heart rate monitoring through facial recognition.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33758553?utm_source=youtube

Space Chronicles: Blue Origin’s Boom, The Case for Primordial Black Holes | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:17:30 +1000

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Space Exploration: Blue Origin's Explosive Test and the Mysteries of the Universe In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson reunite to discuss a range of captivating topics, including the recent explosive test of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, primordial black holes, and the ongoing debate around dark energy. Buckle up as we delve into the cosmos and explore these fascinating themes.

Episode Highlights:

- Blue Origin's Test Launch: The episode kicks off with an analysis of the dramatic Blue Origin test that resulted in an explosive incident at Cape Canaveral, raising questions about the future of the Artemis programme and the implications for upcoming lunar missions.

- Primordial Black Holes: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss a recent microlensing event observed in the Large Magellanic Cloud, exploring the possibility that the mysterious object, dubbed Phoebe, could be a primordial black hole, a concept first proposed by Stephen Hawking.

- Gravitational Microlensing Explained: The hosts break down the phenomenon of gravitational microlensing, illustrating how invisible objects can magnify the light of distant stars and what this means for our understanding of dark matter and the universe.

- Dark Energy: A Possible Furphy? A thought-provoking discussion ensues about the nature of dark energy, with insights from a recent paper suggesting that our current model of the universe may be oversimplified, raising the possibility that dark energy may not be necessary at all.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Blue Origin's Explosive Test

- Understanding Primordial Black Holes

- Gravitational Microlensing Phenomenon

- The Debate Around Dark Energy

- Implications for Future Space Exploration

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33758087?utm_source=youtube

Planetary Destruction Unveiled: Evidence of a Lost World, SETI’s Interstellar Quest...

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:24:15 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 69 *Evidence of planetary destruction in the early solar system Scientists have confirmed a cosmic collision in the early solar system which saw the complete destruction of a planet possibly as big as Mars. *Are we missing a planet A new study suggests that one of our planets might be missing, and it could explain why the solar system looks the way it does. *SETI investigates interstellar comet 3I Atlas The search for extraterrestrial intelligence SETI institute says it’s found no evidence of any alien technology associated with the interstellar comet 3I Atlas. *The Science Report Global average temperatures likely to continue at or near record levels over the next five years. A new study has discovered two distinct subtypes of autism with different underlying biology. Does reading stuff on paper help you better understand than reading it on a digital device. Alex on Tech Computex 2026.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33736008?utm_source=youtube

NASA’s Historic Artemis 3 Crew, Early Launch for Roman Telescope, and a Solar Storm Spectacle

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:00:59 +1000

In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six major stories: NASA's historic Artemis III crew announcement, the official August 30 launch date for the Roman Space Telescope, a G3 geomagnetic storm delivering northern lights to mid-latitudes, a worrying air leak aboard the International Space Station, the fallout from Blue Origin's New Glenn explosion and its impact on NASA's Moon programme, and JAXA's H3 rocket attempting a redemption launch tonight. Stories Covered • BREAKING: NASA announces the four-person crew for Artemis III at Johnson Space Center -- a mission redesignated as a low-Earth-orbit docking rehearsal, paving the way for the Artemis IV Moon landing in 2028. • NASA officially sets August 30, 2026 as the launch date for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope -- eight months ahead of schedule. Roman will survey the sky 100x wider than Hubble, targeting dark energy, dark matter and exoplanets. • A cannibal coronal mass ejection -- two merged CMEs -- arrives at Earth triggering a G3 geomagnetic storm, with auroras visible to mid-northern latitudes on June 8-9. • Crew aboard the ISS briefly shelters in the docked SpaceX Dragon on June 5 as a worsening air leak in the Russian Zvezda module's PrK transfer tunnel prompts precautionary evacuation procedures. • NASA seeks an alternative launch vehicle for Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander following the catastrophic May 28 New Glenn explosion at Cape Canaveral, which destroyed LC-36 and threatened the autumn cargo lander demonstration flight. • JAXA launches the H3 rocket (H3-30 variant) tonight from Tanegashima on a test flight -- Japan's first large rocket powered entirely by liquid engines -- following the December 2025 failure that lost the QZS-5 navigation satellite. Links & Further Reading NASA Artemis III crew announcement: nasa.gov Roman Space Telescope launch update: science.nasa.gov/blogs/roman Space weather updates: spaceweather.com | earthsky.org/sun ISS status blog: blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation Blue Origin New Glenn updates: spaceflightnow.com JAXA H3 launch: global.jaxa.jp

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Interstellar Inquiries: Hot Jupiters, Rocket Fuel Solutions & Debunking the Artemis Conspiracy |...

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:00:36 +1000

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Q&A: Ultra Hot Jupiters and Rocket Fuel Recycling In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the nature of ultra hot Jupiters to the complexities of reusing spent rocket fuel, this episode is packed with insights and cosmic curiosities.

Episode Highlights:

- Ultra Hot Jupiters Explained: David from the Sunshine Coast asks about the origins of the materials that form stars and their planets, leading to a fascinating discussion about the lifecycle of stars and the cosmic recycling of elements.

- Rocket Fuel Reuse: Mark from the UK presents a thought-provoking idea regarding the potential for reusing water ice as rocket fuel, prompting a deep dive into the challenges of capturing exhaust and the physics of propulsion.

- Flat Earth Conspiracies: Paul shares his experiences with flat Earth discussions and questions the feasibility of the Artemis mission, allowing Jonty to clarify orbital mechanics and the importance of relative motion in space travel.

- Astrophysical Insights: The hosts explore the implications of past star generations on our solar system's composition and the future of space travel technologies, including the potential for innovative propulsion methods beyond traditional rockets.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Origins of Stellar Material

- Challenges in Rocket Fuel Reuse

- Addressing Flat Earth Theories

- Future of Space Propulsion Technologies

- Cosmic Recycling of Elements

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33672985?utm_source=youtube

Black Hole Jets Dance, MAVEN’s Mars Mission Ends, and Earth’s Rare Blue Micro Moon

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:23:10 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 68 *How black holes shape the cosmos A new study has revealed how powerful jets generated by black holes shape the universe. *NASA forced to end its MAVEN Mars Mission NASA has been forced to shut down its MAVEN mission orbiting Mars following a mysterious spacecraft failure in December. *Earth gets a rare blue micro moon Skywatchers have just experienced a rare blue micro-moon. *The Science Report An El Niño climate event to develop this month and last at least until the southern hemisphere spring. One in six cases of COVID-19 might have resulted in patients suffering long covid. Palaeontologists have identified fossils of a new species of raptor-like dinosaur in Patagonia. Skeptics guide to antivaxxers change of heart. Our Guests This Week: Dr Steve Prabu from Curtin University Beth Johnson from the search for extraterrestrial intelligence SETI institute Texas A&M Space Institute Director Dr Nancy Currie-Gregg Texas A&M Space Institute lead Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr Rob Ambrose NASA Johnson Space Centre Director Vanessa Wyche And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33672777?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Life Hunt: Delving into Astrobiology Part 2 & the Quest for Extraterrestrial Existence |...

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:30:12 +1000

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Astrobiology Part 2: The Search for Life Beyond Earth In this captivating continuation of our exploration of astrobiology, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve deeper into the complexities of life in the universe. Following up on their previous discussion, they tackle the intriguing factors that influence the potential for life on other planets, as well as the implications of our own technological advancements.

Episode Highlights:

- Review of Astrobiology: The episode kicks off with a quick recap of the previous discussion on the history of astrobiology, including the ongoing search for life within our solar system and beyond.

- The Exoplanet Era: Jonty shares insights on our current capabilities to identify exoplanets that may harbour life, discussing the significance of size, distance from stars, and other critical factors in determining habitability.

- Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: The hosts explore the challenges of detecting intelligent life and the fascinating concept of alien megastructures, as well as the importance of understanding what to look for in the cosmos.

- Planetary Systems and Habitability: The conversation shifts to the dynamics of planetary systems and how factors like Milankovitch cycles, orbital stability, and the presence of water influence a planet's ability to support life.

- Ethics of Seeding Life: A listener question prompts a discussion on the ethical implications of potentially seeding other planets with life, exploring the concept of panspermia and the responsibilities of humanity in the cosmos.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Recap of Astrobiology Part 1

- The Exoplanet Landscape

- Searching for Intelligent Life

- Factors Influencing Habitability

- Ethical Considerations in Seeding Life

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33656686?utm_source=youtube

Earth in a Cosmic Void? Black Holes Before Galaxies and SpaceX’s Latest Triumph

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:32:39 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 67 *Are we in a cosmic void after all? It’s an hypothesis which has been around for decades and refuses to go away: Are we in a cosmic void? *New study confirms a black hole that formed before its galaxy Astronomers using the Webb Space Telescope have identified a supermassive black hole in the early universe that formed before its host galaxy. *Another win for SpaceX over Boeing NASA has just awarded SpaceX six more crew transfer missions to the International Space Station because Boeing still can't certify its Starliner spacecraft as safe for human operation. *SkyWatch June The June Solstice, the constellation Sagittarius, and the Taurids meteor shower are among the highlights of the June night skies on Sky watch. Our Guests This Week: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman NASA Associate Administrator Lori Glaze NASA Moon Base executive Carlos García-Galán And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ)

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33655330?utm_source=youtube

Starship Test Flight 12: Triumphs and Trials, Blue Origin’s Fiery Setback, and Earth’s...

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:04:31 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 66 *Starship undertakes its 12th test flight The world’s largest and most powerful rocket, the SpaceX super heavy Starship has undertaken its 12th test flight with mixed results. *Massive rocket explosion at Cape Canaveral Blue Origin's latest New Glenn rocket has exploded in a spectacular ball of flame and fire during a static hot fire test at the Cape Canaveral Space Force base in Florida. *How Earth recycles the continents A new study claims Earth’s crust and mantle have been mixing together for billions of years continuously reworking the planet’s continents deep beneath the surface. *The Science Report A new study shows that dentists have been drilling teeth to treat cavities for almost 60,000 years. Warnings that even moderate increases in temperatures heightens the likelihood of koala deaths. One in six kids now experiencing some form of online sexual exploitation and abuse. Alex on Tech : Rokid’s new smart glasses.

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From Rocket Ruins to Cosmic Discoveries: Blue Origin’s Resilience and New Magnetic Insights

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:27:03 +1000

In today's Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six major stories: Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp pledges New Glenn will fly again before year's end despite last week's launchpad explosion; astronomers announce the first direct evidence of magnetic fields on exoplanets using Hot Jupiter wind data; NASA's Roman Space Telescope clears its final mirror inspection ahead of a September 2026 launch; SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force contract for an airborne threat-tracking satellite constellation; a reflection on the lasting scientific legacy of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS; and Hungarian researchers publish the definitive mass boundary between neutron stars and black holes at 2.2–2.3 solar masses. Stories Covered • Blue Origin New Glenn explosion aftermath — CEO Dave Limp confirms damage is less severe than feared, pledges return to flight before end of 2026 • First direct evidence of exoplanet magnetic fields — Nature Astronomy, June 2, 2026 — ESO VLT and Gemini North study of seven Hot Jupiter wind speeds • NASA Roman Space Telescope primary mirror passes final Earth-side inspection — September 2026 launch target confirmed • SpaceX $4.16 billion US Space Force SB-AMTI contract — threat-tracking satellite constellation targeting 2028 operational capability • 3I/ATLAS scientific legacy — new analysis on what the interstellar comet reveals about solar system formation across the Milky Way • Neutron star mass limit defined at 2.2–2.3 solar masses — HUN-REN Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungary Key Terms Explained • Hot Jupiter: A gas giant exoplanet similar in size to Jupiter, orbiting very close to its host star, typically tidally locked • Magnetic field: An invisible force field generated by electrically conducting material moving inside a planet, critical for atmospheric protection • Lagrange point 2 (L2): A gravitationally stable point in space approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, opposite the Sun — home to both JWST and (soon) Roman • SB-AMTI: Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator — a satellite constellation for tracking airborne threats from orbit • Neutron star: The ultra-dense remnant of a collapsed massive star, composed almost entirely of neutrons • 3I/ATLAS: Third confirmed interstellar object, discovered July 2025; an active comet from outside our solar system • Deuterium: A heavy isotope of hydrogen containing one neutron; its abundance in 3I/ATLAS water suggests formation in an extremely cold environment

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NASA’s Lunar Dreams in Jeopardy, China’s Bold Moves, and a Lava World Reimagined

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:33:49 +1000

Episode Summary In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six major space and astronomy stories: the growing implications of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket explosion for NASA's lunar plans; China's surprise maiden flight of the Long March 12B reusable rocket plus the return of the Shenzhou-21 crew; Starship V3 being grounded by the FAA following Flight 12 — with SpaceX's IPO in the balance; the upcoming launch of NASA's Roman Space Telescope and its mission to find 100,000 new exoplanets; new research suggesting Earth remained a global magma ocean for up to half a billion years; and a stunning new Hubble image of galaxy M88 on a perilous journey through the Virgo Cluster. Story 1 — New Glenn Aftermath: NASA Moon Plans Under Threat Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket was destroyed on May 28 during a pre-launch static fire test at Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral. As of June 2, the damage to Blue Origin's lunar programme is becoming clear: the Blue Moon Mark 1 lander — scheduled to deliver Moon Base 1 hardware in autumn 2026 — now faces likely delays, and the crewed Blue Moon MK2 timeline may slip as a result. LC-36 is Blue Origin's only orbital pad; rebuilding will take considerable time. NASA had signed a new New Glenn launch agreement for Moon rovers just two days before the explosion. Sources: Space.com, Time Magazine, TechTimes (June 1–2, 2026) Story 2 — China's Long March 12B Debut + Shenzhou-21 Returns China's new Long March 12B rocket completed its maiden flight on June 1 from Jiuquan, deploying Qianfan constellation satellites in a no-advance-notice launch. The rocket — China's answer to the Falcon 9 — features a 20-tonne LEO capacity, a 5.2m fairing, kerolox propulsion, and dual independent flight computers ('dual brains'). No booster recovery on this flight, but planned for future missions. Developed in just 21 months. In other Chinese space news: the Shenzhou-21 crew (Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, Zhang Hongzhang) returned safely on May 29 after a record 210-day stay aboard Tiangong, landing in a Shenzhou-22 emergency rescue capsule after their original return craft was damaged by a suspected space debris strike. Sources: SpaceNews, Global Times, Xinhua (June 1, 2026) Story 3 — Starship V3 Grounded: FAA Mishap Investigation Following Flight 12 (May 22), the FAA has formally classified the Starship V3 debut as a mishap and grounded the vehicle. The Super Heavy booster failed its boostback burn and hard-splashed in the Gulf of America; one Raptor Vacuum engine on the upper stage also failed. SpaceX must complete an FAA-overseen investigation before Flight 13. This is Starship's seventh grounding in three years. A July–August return-to-flight window is cited; a booster catch may be skipped on Flight 13. SpaceX's IPO (ticker: SPCX, Nasdaq) was filed May 20 with shares potentially trading from ~June 12. Sources: SpaceNews, Aviation Week, TechCrunch (May 27–June 1, 2026) Story 4 — NASA Roman Space Telescope: 100,000 New Worlds NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is on track to arrive at Kennedy Space Center in June, with a launch target of early September 2026 — ahead of its May 2027 commitment. Over its five-year primary mission, Roman is expected to discover ~100,000 exoplanets, hundreds of millions of galaxies, and billions of stars, generating a 20,000-terabyte data archive. Its Galactic Bulge Survey will observe ~100 million stars in underexplored Milky Way regions. Roman also features a Coronagraph Instrument to directly image nearby exoplanets and test techniques for future Earth-analogue imaging. Sources: NASA.gov, ScienceDaily, SciTechDaily (June 1–2, 2026) Story 5 — Earth Was a Lava World for Half a Billion Years A preprint from researchers at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute (arXiv, June 2026) proposes that Earth's global magma ocean phase lasted up to 500 million years — far longer than previously assumed. Two key factors sustained the molten state: tidal heating from the newly formed, much-closer Moon; and a thick steam atmosphere that acted as a thermal blanket, slowing planetary cooling. The prolonged hot conditions would also have favoured the photochemical production of hydrogen cyanide — a key prebiotic molecule linked to the origin of RNA and amino acids. Sources: Universe Today, Phys.org (June 1, 2026) — preprint on arXiv Story 6 — Hubble Images M88 on a Perilous Virgo Cluster Journey NASA/ESA Hubble's June 2026 Picture of the Month features Messier 88 (M88/NGC 4501), a spiral galaxy 63 million light-years away in Coma Berenices. M88 is on a long inward journey through the Virgo Cluster, with a supermassive black hole ~100 million solar masses at its core. Ram pressure stripping is already depleting its cold gas reserves, visible as compressed gas on the galaxy's leading edge. In ~200–300 million years, M88 will make its closest pass to M87. Observed as part of Hubble program #18103 (PI: D. Thilker). Sources: NASA Science, ESA, ScienceDaily (May 29–June 1, 2026)

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NASA’s Moon Base Plans, Earth’s Core Flow Surprise, and Red Dwarfs Devouring Planets

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:04:03 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 65 *NASA confirms its moon base plans and first contracts NASA confirms its plans to have humans living on the Moon by 2032. The agency has released the latest draft of its lunar south pole base project and signed its first contracts. *A surprising core reversal deep inside the Earth The European Space Agency has discovered a mysterious flow reversal of Earth liquid iron outer core. *Red dwarf stars detected 'eating' Earth-like planets Astronomers have discovered some of the strongest evidence yet that stars eat their offspring. *The Science Report The healthy tomato-soy juice cocktail that could lower inflammatory proteins. A new species of giant mosasaur fossil discovered in Texas. Sodium-ion batteries could become a genuine low-cost rival to lithium-ion technology. Skeptics guide to secret flying saucers hidden in plain sight. Our Guests This Week: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman NASA Associate Administrator Lori Glaze NASA Moon Base executive Carlos García-Galán And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through The Big Bang editions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you… For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/33576383?utm_source=youtube

Stellar Q&A: Unraveling Fusion Mysteries, Martian Caves & Solar Cycles | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:54:36 +1000

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Cosmic Queries: Unraveling Stellar Mysteries In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a trio of intriguing questions from listeners. From the complexities of hydrogen fusion to the potential for life in Martian caves and the mysteries of stellar activity, this episode is a deep dive into the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- Hydrogen to Helium Fusion: Ken from Maroochydore seeks clarity on the fusion process in stars, questioning why the mass of helium appears greater than the sum of its hydrogen components. Jonty explains the concept of binding energy and how it plays a crucial role in energy production during fusion, demystifying this fundamental stellar process.

- Caves on Mars: Mark from Brisbane wonders about the possibility of limestone caves on Mars and whether they could support life with a stable atmosphere. The hosts discuss the geological differences between Earth and Mars, the challenges of oxygen presence, and the implications for future human habitation in Martian caves.

- Understanding Stellar Activity: Casey from Colorado inquires about the changing activity levels of stars and solar cycles. Jonty elaborates on the magnetic forces driving solar cycles, the variability of different stars, and the fascinating world of asteroseismology, revealing how stars can change over time and what that means for our understanding of the universe.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Introduction to Hydrogen Fusion

- The Binding Energy Explained

- Potential for Life in Martian Caves

- The Nature of Stellar Activity

- Understanding Solar Cycles and Variability

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33559880?utm_source=youtube

Neutrinos and Supernovae Secrets, Neptune’s Enigmatic Moon Nereid, and Hypersonic Returns to Earth

Sat, 30 May 2026 20:02:01 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 64 *A new explanation for how stars explode A new study suggests that neutrino which are some the least massive objects in the universe may trigger some of the biggest explosions in the cosmos – supernovae the explosive death of massive stars which are so bright they can outshine entire galaxies. *Neptune's mysterious moon Nereid A new study suggests the planet Neptune's distant moon Nereid may be the last of the ice giant’s original satellites which somehow managed to survive a cosmic collision.. *A safe return to Earth for a hypersonic test vehicle Varda Space Industries’ W-6 capsule has safely returned to Earth, parachuting down into the Australian outback. *The Science Report New study claims your eyes could indicate of how strong your bones are. Scientists confirm insects feel pain. Researchers show most Australian Wild Dogs have mostly dingo ancestry. Skeptics guide to bigfoot visits the Marines at Quantico. Our Guests This Week: Dr Finn Stokes from Adelaide University Dr. Kirsty Duffy from Fermilab Dr. Jessica Turner from the University of Durham. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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Exoplanet Expeditions: Discovering the Cosmic Diversity Beyond Our Solar System | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 29 May 2026 21:31:43 +1000

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Exoplanets: The Cosmic Neighbours We Never Knew In this special episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve into the fascinating world of exoplanets. With over 6,200 confirmed exoplanets and counting, the duo explores the diversity and complexity of these distant worlds, challenging our assumptions about planetary systems beyond our own.

Episode Highlights:

- The Birth of Exoplanet Discovery: Andrew and Jonty reflect on the first confirmed exoplanets in the early 1990s and how our understanding of planetary systems has evolved since then. From the initial excitement to the current reality of thousands of discoveries, they discuss the implications of these findings.

- Planetary Diversity: The hosts highlight the remarkable variety of exoplanets, including hot Jupiters, super-Earths, and even pulsar planets. They explore how these discoveries have shattered the notion that our solar system is typical, revealing a vast array of planetary types and characteristics.

- Methods of Discovery: Andrew and Jonty explain the different techniques used to find exoplanets, including the radial velocity and transit methods. They discuss the technological advancements that have made these discoveries possible and the role of amateur astronomers in the search for new worlds.

- Future Prospects: The conversation shifts to the future of exoplanet research, with a focus on upcoming missions like the Nancy Chris Roman Telescope and the Gaia satellite. The hosts speculate on the potential for discovering Earth-like planets and the ongoing quest to find life beyond our planet.

- Philosophical Implications: Andrew and Jonty ponder the profound questions surrounding the existence of life in the universe, considering the statistical likelihood of life on other planets given the vast number of stars and planets in the cosmos.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Introduction to Exoplanets

- The Evolution of Exoplanet Discovery

- The Diversity of Exoplanets

- Techniques for Discovering New Worlds

- The Future of Exoplanet Research

- Philosophical Implications of Life Beyond Earth

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33521542?utm_source=youtube

Europa’s Water Plume Debate, Earth’s Co-Orbital Mysteries, and ESA’s Smile Mission Launch

Wed, 27 May 2026 19:33:35 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 63 *Questioning the existence of Europa’s vapor plumes A new study of Jupiter’s ice moon Europa is casting doubt of previous evidence showing possible vapor plumes ejecting into space. *Are Earth's co-orbitals stray asteroids or chunks of the Moon? As well as our Moon, planet Earth also has a group of asteroids orbiting around the Sun with it. But questions remain about their origins. *SMILE launches on a mission to study Earth’s shield against the solar wind The European space agency has successfully launched its SMILE spacecraft on an ambitious mission to better understand the interaction between Earth’s protective magnetosphere and the constant stream of charged particles flowing out from the Sun in the solar wind and space weather events such as solar and geomagnetic storms. *The Science Report High blood pressure now affects two in every five adult Australians. A new tectonic plate boundary could be forming in Zambia. Teens spend almost an hour of their sleep time on their phones instead. Alex on Tech Google IO 2026

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NASA’s Lunar Base Blueprint, Starship V3’s Bold Launch, and the Secrets of Supernovae Revealed

Wed, 27 May 2026 02:27:05 +1000

Episode: S05E112 — Tuesday, 26 May 2026 Hosts: Anna & Avery Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network Website: astronomydaily.io | Social: @AstroDailyPod Story Summaries 1. NASA Unveils Ambitious Moon Base Plan As this episode was recorded, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was preparing to announce a landmark plan for a permanent human outpost at the lunar south pole by 2036. The programme carries a price tag of approximately $30 billion across a seven-year foundational phase, relies on nuclear power systems, leverages lunar water ice for fuel and life support, and effectively retires the Gateway orbital station concept. Commercial partners will supply rovers and habitat modules. Phase one targets around two dozen lunar launches, including Artemis IV, by 2028. Full details will be covered in tomorrow's episode. 2. Starship V3 Flight 12 — Engine Drama, Historic Debut SpaceX launched the first Starship V3 rocket on Friday, 22 May 2026, from brand-new Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas. Ship 39 reached space and completed a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean despite losing one of its six vacuum Raptor engines during ascent. The flight computer compensated by extending burns on the remaining five. The Super Heavy booster was lost in the Gulf of Mexico after a failed boostback burn. The FAA has opened a review. SpaceX declared most pre-planned test objectives met. 3. JWST Maps First Daily Weather Cycle on a Distant World Published in Science on 21 May 2026. Researchers from Johns Hopkins and Arizona State Universities used Webb's NIRISS instrument to observe WASP-94Ab — a hot Jupiter 690 light-years away — and detected the first daily cloud cycle ever recorded on another planet. Thick magnesium silicate clouds form each morning, then completely clear by evening. The finding also corrected a decade of skewed atmospheric composition data. 4. NASA's Fermi Telescope Solves 20-Year Supernova Mystery An international team led by Fabio Acero used NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to confirm the first definitive gamma-ray detection from a superluminous supernova — SN 2017egm. The data confirms a newly formed magnetar as the power source behind these extraordinarily bright explosions. Published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2026. 5. Most Rocky Exoplanets May Lack Earth-Like Metallic Cores A new paper submitted to the Astrophysical Journal challenges the long-held assumption that dense metallic cores are standard features of rocky planets. Researchers argue that most rocky exoplanets may have formed without Earth-style metallic cores — meaning no global magnetic field, with significant implications for atmospheric retention and habitability. 6. The Soviet Rover That Went Silent — and Came Back Lunokhod 1 was the world's first remote-controlled rover on another world (1970). After traversing 10.5 km of Mare Imbrium, contact was lost in 1971. For nearly 40 years its exact position was unknown — until NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter identified it in 2010. The APOLLO project then fired laser pulses and received ~2,000 photons back from its French-built retroreflector — four times stronger than expected. It remains an active contributor to lunar science today. Sources & Further Reading • NASA Moon Base announcement: nasa.gov/2026-news-releases • Starship Flight 12 updates: space.com • WASP-94Ab paper: Science, 21 May 2026 — DOI via Johns Hopkins Hub • Fermi supernova paper: Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2026 — DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202558547 • Exoplanet cores paper: submitted to Astrophysical Journal, May 2026

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Shenzhou-23 Makes History, Psyche’s Mars Masterclass, and a 19-Day Solar Mystery

Tue, 26 May 2026 01:17:59 +1000

China launches three astronauts to Tiangong — including Hong Kong's first-ever taikonaut — on a mission that breaks multiple records. NASA's Psyche probe delivers breathtaking imagery from its Mars flyby. A bizarre 19-day solar radio burst finally gets an explanation. Scientists zero in on the source of the most powerful neutrino ever detected. Two dead stars orbit each other in less than nine minutes. And researchers propose using fungi to turn Martian soil into farmland. It's a big Monday on Astronomy Daily. Story Timestamps

• 00:00 — Intro • 02:10 — Story 1: Shenzhou-23 Launches with Historic Crew • 08:45 — Story 2: NASA Psyche's Stunning Mars Flyby Images • 14:20 — Story 3: Record-Breaking 19-Day Solar Radio Burst Explained • 20:30 — Story 4: Source of Most Powerful Neutrino Ever Detected • 26:15 — Story 5: White Dwarf Devouring Its Companion in 8.5-Minute Orbit • 32:00 — Story 6: Mars Fungi Could Fertilise Red Planet Regolith • 37:30 — Outro Story Sources & Links

Story 1: Shenzhou-23 Mission — NPR / Space.com / CGTN (May 24, 2026) Story 2: NASA Psyche Mars Flyby — NASA JPL / Engadget (May 23, 2026) Story 3: 19-Day Solar Radio Burst — Astrophysical Journal Letters / Gizmodo (May 19-22, 2026) Story 4: Neutrino Source — Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics / ScienceDaily (May 24, 2026) Story 5: White Dwarf Binary — The Astrophysical Journal / Phys.org (May 23, 2026) Story 6: Mars Fungi — Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences / Universe Today (May 23, 2026)

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Exploring the Earliest Galaxy, Unraveling Muon Secrets, and Meteoric Wonders Over Sydney

Mon, 25 May 2026 18:28:01 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 62 *The most primitive galaxy in the early universe Astronomers have identified the most chemically primitive galaxy in the universe dating back over 13 billion years. *Understanding the true nature of the Muon Physicists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding the discrepancy between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions of magnetic properties of the muon, a heavier cousin of the electron. *Spectacular meteor streaks through the skies of Sydney The evening skies of Sydney and much of the New South Wales Pacific coast were lit up on Thursday by a spectacular meteoroid burning up in the atmosphere.. *The Science Report The World Health Organization warns Africa’s Ebola outbreak is a public health emergency. Claims Vitamin C affects chemical reactions in the digestive system that are linked to cancer. Explaining why T-rex has such tiny arms. Skeptics guide to the latest Apollo landing moon conspiracy Our Guests This Week: Dr Finn Stokes from Adelaide University Dr. Kirsty Duffy from Fermilab Dr. Jessica Turner from the University of Durham. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Navigating Time, Saturn’s Mysteries & Planetary Favourites | A Q&A Episode | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 25 May 2026 18:08:30 +1000

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Time Travel, Saturn's Rings, and Favourite Planets In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the complexities of moving through time to the intriguing origins of Saturn's rings, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding Time Travel: Rennie from California poses a fascinating question about the nature of time and whether one's lifespan could differ based on their movement through time. Jonty unpacks the concept of time as a dimension, exploring relativity and time dilation.

- The Mystery of Saturn's Rings: Paul from Brisbane asks about the potential for debris from a collision between Saturn’s moons to have impacted Earth 65 million years ago. The discussion delves into the origins of Saturn's rings and the dynamics of celestial collisions.

- Favourite Planets: Dan from the Gold Coast wonders about the hosts' favourite planets in the solar system. Andrew shares his admiration for Mars and its geological wonders, while Jonty contemplates the complexity of Earth and the awe of Jupiter.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

- Introduction to Time Travel

- The Nature of Time and Relativity

- Saturn's Rings and Cosmic Collisions

- The Search for Debris and Impacts

- Favourite Planets: Mars vs. Earth vs. Jupiter

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33440594?utm_source=youtube

Starship V3 Maiden Flight, New Glenn Cleared, Cosmic Web Photographed | Weekend Wrap

Sat, 23 May 2026 23:34:23 +1000

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Your weekly roundup of the biggest stories from across the cosmos — two fresh stories plus the best of the past seven days from Astronomy Daily. In This Episode • Starship V3 Flight 12: SpaceX launches its redesigned megarocket for the first time — an historic milestone with some drama along the way • New Glenn Cleared to Fly: Blue Origin completes its NG-3 failure investigation — the FAA approves the report and the rocket is back in action • First Direct Image of the Cosmic Web: A 3-million-light-year filament photographed in unprecedented detail by ESO's Very Large Telescope • Dark Matter Fingerprint? MIT researchers find a gravitational wave signal that may carry the first direct imprint of dark matter • Roman Space Telescope: NASA's next great observatory is targeting September 2026 launch — eight months ahead of schedule • AI Space Chip: NASA tests a radiation-hardened chip that could give future spacecraft genuine autonomous decision-making Story Sources & Further Reading Starship V3 / Flight 12: Space.com, Universe Today, Spaceflight Now, Next Spaceflight New Glenn / Blue Origin: SpaceNews (May 22, 2026), Space.com, TechCrunch Cosmic Web Image: Nature Astronomy — Tornotti et al.; ESO/VLT press release; Mirage News (May 16, 2026) Dark Matter / Gravitational Waves: Physical Review Letters — Aurrekoetxea et al.; ScienceDaily, Universe Today (May 19, 2026) Roman Space Telescope: NASA.gov, Scientific American, ScienceDaily (May 18, 2026) NASA AI Space Chip: ScienceDaily, NASA (May 15, 2026) About Astronomy Daily Astronomy Daily delivers the latest space and astronomy news every weekday, plus a Weekend Wrap on Saturdays. Hosted by Anna and Avery, and produced by the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Website: astronomydaily.io | Social: @AstroDailyPod

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Astrobiology Adventures: Exploring Life Beyond Earth | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic...

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:16:17 +1000

Astrobiology: The Search for Life Beyond Earth In this special edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve into the captivating field of astrobiology. With Professor Fred Watson away, Jonty brings his expertise to explore the complexities of life beyond our planet, the conditions necessary for its existence, and the ongoing quest to find it.

Episode Highlights:

- The Evolution of Exoplanet Discovery: Andrew and Jonty discuss the advancements in technology that have allowed astronomers to discover thousands of exoplanets, with a particular focus on Earth-like planets that could potentially harbour life.

- The Challenges of Finding Life: The hosts address the difficulties in the search for extraterrestrial life, including the implications of the absence of evidence and the complexities of distinguishing between life forms.

- Life in Our Solar System: Jonty shares insights on why we might find life within our solar system, particularly on Mars and the icy moons of the outer planets, and how robotic exploration is key to this search.

- Defining Habitable Zones: The conversation shifts to the criteria that define a habitable zone around stars and the importance of factors such as stellar type, distance, and planetary characteristics in the search for life.

- Philosophical Implications: The hosts ponder the philosophical questions surrounding the existence of life and the potential for advanced civilisations, and whether humanity is prepared for contact with extraterrestrial intelligence.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Chapters:

- Introduction to Astrobiology

- Technological Advances in Exoplanet Discovery

- Searching for Life in Our Solar System

- Defining Habitable Zones and Their Importance

- The Philosophical Questions of Extraterrestrial Life

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33420280?utm_source=youtube

’Hold That Thought’ - T-Minus 40: Starship Scrubs, Mars Beckons

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:55:53 +1000

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SpaceX came agonisingly close to launching the most powerful rocket ever built in its newest configuration — but a technical halt at T-minus 40 seconds sent Starship V3's debut back to the drawing board, with another attempt window opening this evening (6:30–8:00 p.m. EDT). Anna and Avery dig into what went wrong, what makes V3 different, and the stunning announcement buried in the webcast: a named commander for humanity's first crewed Mars flyby mission. Plus: JWST rewrites exoplanet atmospheric science with unexpected ice clouds on a distant super-Jupiter, researchers map a mysterious magnetic 'flip' inside the Milky Way, and Rocket Lab launches from New Zealand.

Links & Further Reading • Starship Flight 12 live updates: space.com • SpaceX launch webcast (tonight): spacex.com • Chun Wang Mars announcement: universetoday.com • JWST Epsilon Indi Ab paper (ApJL): doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ae5823 • Milky Way magnetic field study (ApJ): doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ae28d1 • Rocket Lab Viva La Strix mission: rocketlabusa.com • Astronomy Daily website: astronomydaily.io

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Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS, Milky Way’s Black Hole Dynamics, and Scotland’s Dark Sky Sanctuary

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:58:05 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 61 *The latest observations of interstellar comet 3i-Atlas using two spacecraft instead of just one Astronomers have used two separate spacecraft to obtain new ultra-violet spectrographic images of the interstellar comet 3i-Atlas as it continues its journey out of our solar system. *The shocking data in new AI models of our Milky Way Galaxy’s super massive black hole A new study has discovered that our Milky Way Galaxy’s super massive black hole is rotating almost as fast as the laws of physics allow, and its axis is pointing directly towards the Earth. *The Isle of Rum listed as Britain’s second dark sky sanctuary The Isle of Rum is the first place in Scotland to achieve Dark Sky Sanctuary status – one of just 23 places around the world so designated by Dark Sky International. *The Science Report Warnings of a link between Omega-3 supplements and your risk of dementia. Myanmar, state media is reporting the discovery of a giant 2.2 kilogram ruby. The Australian military will go ahead with the development of its new Speartooth underwater drone. *Skeptics guide to Dubai’s cancer curing cult. Our Guests This Week: Siding Spring Observatory director Dr. Christian Wolf Alex Mumford local Isle of Rum resident who organized the Dark Skies application And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive Money Saving NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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Starship V3 Flight 12: A Giant Leap for SpaceX | Neptune’s Moon Mystery Unveiled

Thu, 21 May 2026 22:00:30 +1000

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Starship V3 is on the pad and tonight's the night — Flight 12 launches the most powerful rocket ever built. Plus: Webb solves a decades-old Neptune mystery, why space debris is quietly corrupting climate science, new doubts cast on DESI's dark energy results, a smarter route to the Moon, and why the galaxy may be full of hellish Venus-twins rather than Earths. All that on Astronomy Daily for Thursday, May 21, 2026.

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Launch Eve: Starship V3 Ready for Liftoff | Lunar Laser Navigation Breakthrough | VAST Ventures...

Wed, 20 May 2026 23:17:52 +1000

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Astronomy Daily • S05E107 • Wednesday 21 May 2026 Starship V3 is on the pad and counting down for Thursday's debut launch — we bring you the full update including technical objectives, the Artemis stakes, and a sober note about a worker fatality at Starbase. Plus: a NIST proposal to build GPS for the Moon using lasers inside permanently frozen polar craters; space station startup Vast enters the satellite market; JWST finally has an explanation for the universe's impossibly large early black holes; the Roman Space Telescope locks in a September 2026 launch; and interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS gives up two remarkable new secrets — alien water thirty times richer in heavy hydrogen than anything in our solar system, and pre-discovery images that show it was spotted before anyone knew it was there. Stories This Episode • STORY 1 — Starship V3 Flight 12: Launch window opens Thursday 21 May at 6:30 PM EDT (8:30 AM AEST Friday 22 May). Splashdown of upper stage in Indian Ocean off Western Australia ~65 min after liftoff. First flight of Starship V3, first use of Starbase Pad 2. Key objectives: Raptor 3 engines, heat shield imaging by modified Starlink sats, 22 dummy Starlink deployments, Raptor relight in space. Worker fatality at Starbase 15 May under OSHA investigation. • STORY 2 — Lunar GPS via NIST: Proposal to place ultrastable silicon optical cavity lasers in permanently shadowed craters near lunar south pole (~16K, near-perfect vacuum). Could enable lunar GPS network, atomic timekeeping on Moon, precise satellite ranging, gravitational wave detection. • STORY 3 — Vast Corporation: Space station builder announces new line of high-power satellites, expanding beyond Haven-1 into commercial satellite manufacturing. Announced 19 May 2026. • STORY 4 — JWST Black Holes: New arXiv paper proposes 'episodic super-Eddington accretion' in gas-rich dark matter-dominated early galaxies explains overmassive black holes found by JWST. Identifies them as 'missing link' between heavy seeds and luminous quasars. • STORY 5 — Roman Space Telescope: Launch now confirmed as early as September 2026 — 8 months ahead of schedule, under budget. 100x Hubble's field of view, 1,000x survey speed. Targets dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets. Coronagraph for direct exoplanet imaging. • STORY 6 — 3I/ATLAS: Pre-discovery images found in Rubin Observatory data from 21 June–2 July 2025, over a week before official ATLAS discovery. Water deuterium ratio at least 30x higher than any solar system comet (ALMA/U of Michigan/Nature Astronomy). Comet estimated ~12 billion years old. Key Links • SpaceX Starship Flight 12 livestream: spacex.com • Flight 12 timeline (Space.com): space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/what-time-is-spacex-starship-v3-launch-starship-flight-12-timeline • Starbase worker death (Space.com): space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/worker-dies-at-spacexs-starbase-in-leadup-to-starship-v3-megarocket-launch • Lunar laser GPS (NIST): nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/05/shooting-moon-ultrastable-lasers-dark-craters-could-enable-lunar-navigation • Vast satellite announcement: space.com (19 May 2026) • Roman Space Telescope launch update: nasa.gov • 3I/ATLAS pre-discovery images: space.com/astronomy/comets • 3I/ATLAS water chemistry (ALMA): almaobservatory.org

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Interstellar Cloud Insights, Ramses Mission to Apophis, and Volcanic Ash on Mars

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:22:47 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 60 *Our solar system’s journey through an interstellar cloud A new study of cosmic dust found in Antarctic ice samples has revealed our solar system’s passage through the Local Interstellar Cloud – the remnants of an exploding star. *The Ramses mission to study the once considered doomsday asteroid Apophis The European Space Agency have confirmed their RAMSES mission to study once considered doomsday asteroid Apophis will launch in April 2028 to meet the half kilometre wide space rock prior to its close flyby of the Earth on Friday the 13th of April 2029. *Is volcanic ash reshaping the Martian surface Astronomers have witnessed a noticeable change on surface of the red planet Mars with a dark blanket of volcanic ash deposits creeping across the Martian surface over the past fifty years. *The Science Report Adding more soy and legumes in your diet may lower your risk of high blood pressure. Ocean temperatures are edging toward record highs suggesting a super powerful El Niño is coming. 80 years after the Trinity nuclear test, scientists have identified a new crystal formed in the blast. *Alex on Tech : the new Googlebook Laptop. Our Guests This Week: Siding Spring Observatory director Dr. Christian Wolf Alex Mumford local Isle of Rum resident who organized the Dark Skies application And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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Space News Update: SMILE Satellite’s Historic Launch | Starship V3 Delayed | Snappy’s Quest to...

Tue, 19 May 2026 23:35:01 +1000

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A launch day episode packed with big science and bigger rockets. Today we cover the real-time launch of the ESA/China SMILE space weather satellite, SpaceX's Starship V3 sitting on its brand-new pad (and why it's now heading for Thursday), a UCL study warning that megaconstellation launches may be accidentally conducting an 'unregulated geoengineering experiment' in our upper atmosphere, the world's first space-based neutrino detector operating in orbit, extraordinary evidence in Antarctic ice that Earth is collecting material from a dead star, and a clever new cosmic mapper called TIME that studies the ancient universe using a single spectral line.

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Are We Living in a Simulation? Physics Says No | Asteroid Buzzes Earth TODAY | Starship V3 Tomorrow

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:36:41 +1000

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In today’s episode, Anna and Avery cover a blue whale-sized asteroid making a close pass of Earth today, the imminent debut of SpaceX’s most powerful rocket yet, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft successfully completing its Mars gravity assist, fresh science arriving at the ISS, a new physics paper challenging the simulation hypothesis at its foundations, and Congress pushing back hard against proposed cuts to NASA’s science budget. Story 1 — Asteroid 2026 JH2 Newly discovered asteroid 2026 JH2 (first spotted 10 May 2026) makes a close Earth flyby today at ~90,000 km — within the orbital radius of many satellites. Estimated size: up to ~35 metres (blue whale-sized). Zero impact risk confirmed. Observable with binoculars at peak magnitude ~11.5. Live stream available via the Virtual Telescope Project. Orbital period: 3.7 years between Earth and Jupiter. Story 2 — Starship V3 / Flight 12 SpaceX targets May 19, 2026 for the debut of Starship Version 3 (Flight 12) from Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas. Launch window opens 6:30 PM EDT. Key upgrades: Raptor 3 engines (250 tf SL thrust, up from 230 tf), three larger grid fins, new integrated hot-stage design, updated propellant systems. No tower catch on this flight; booster splashes in Gulf of Mexico. Upper stage (Ship 39) targets Indian Ocean after 65 minutes. Payload: 22 Starlink simulator satellites. Critical step toward Artemis lunar landings. Story 3 — NASA Psyche Mars Flyby On 15 May 2026 at 3:28 PM EDT, Psyche completed its Mars gravity assist at 4,500 km altitude travelling at 12,333 mph. Passed inside the orbits of both Martian moons. Confirmed by Doppler shift monitoring. Mission: en route to metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche (arrival July 2029). Thousands of Mars observations gathered for science calibration. Story 4 — SpaceX CRS-34 SpaceX’s 34th Dragon cargo mission docked at ISS at 6:37 AM EDT on 17 May 2026, delivering ~6,500 lb of cargo for Expedition 74. Science payloads include: microgravity simulator validation study, wood-based bone scaffold (osteoporosis research), red blood cell/spleen spaceflight study. Dragon will return to Earth mid-June splashing down off California coast. Story 5 — Simulation Hypothesis Paper Paper: ‘Non-algorithmic physics and the limits of the simulation hypothesis’, published in the Journal of Holography Applications in Physics. Authors: Mir Faizal (UBC Okanagan), Lawrence Krauss, Arshid Shabir, Francesco Marino. Core argument: using Gödel’s incompleteness theorems, the team argues any theory of quantum gravity would be non-algorithmic — containing truths no computation can capture. Since any simulation requires algorithms, reality cannot be fully simulated. Note: this is a theoretical paper, not an experimental result. The authors acknowledge no complete quantum gravity theory currently exists. Story 6 — NASA FY2027 Budget House Appropriations Committee approved $24.438 billion for NASA in FY2027 — matching FY2026 and rejecting the White House’s proposed $18.8 billion (a 23% cut). The proposal would have cut the Science Mission Directorate by 46%, terminating 50+ missions. Committee protects science, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and STEM education funding. Bill still needs Senate passage and reconciliation. Skywatching TONIGHT — Moon-Venus conjunction: look west after sunset for the crescent Moon close to brilliant Venus. Earthshine visible on dark lunar limb. Southern Hemisphere: look west-northwest, best in first hour after sunset. Blue Moon on 31 May (second full Moon of the month).

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Supercharged Neutrinos, Exploding Black Holes & Lunar Mysteries Uncovered | Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:13:01 +1000

Exploding Black Holes, Lunar Mysteries, and Cosmic Questions In this enlightening Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle an array of fascinating questions from listeners. From the enigmatic nature of supercharged neutrinos linked to black holes to the mysteries of the Moon's surface, this episode is a deep dive into the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- Supercharged Neutrinos and Black Holes: Nick's intriguing question about the detection of a supercharged neutrino prompts a discussion on the theoretical concept of exploding black holes and Hawking radiation. Jonti explains the complexities of black hole evaporation and the potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

- The Dark Side of the Moon: Andrew returns with her questions about the far side of the Moon, exploring why it appears less damaged than the near side. Jonti provides insights into the Moon’s geological history and the differences in surface features that contribute to this phenomenon.

- Shallow Craters on the Moon: Continuing with Andrew's inquiries, the hosts discuss the nature of lunar craters and why many appear shallower than expected. Jonti elaborates on the processes that lead to complex craters and their unique characteristics compared to simpler ones.

- Planet Formation and Solar System Dynamics: Eli's two-part question leads to a discussion about the composition of planets in our solar system and how their formation relates to the elements present in the Sun. The hosts delve into the nuances of planetary formation and the role of distance from the Sun in determining a planet's composition.

- Speed of the Solar System: Eli's second question prompts an exploration of how fast our solar system could travel without causing noticeable effects on Earth. Jonti explains the implications of high speeds in a dense stellar environment and how it might alter our cosmic perspective.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33322213?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Black Hole Eruptions, Snowball Earth Theories, and the Impact of SkyMapper

Mon, 18 May 2026 17:21:24 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 59 *Black hole flare explodes in the heart of our galaxy Astronomers have observed a dramatic mid-infrared flare erupting from Sagittarius A*- the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. *A new explanation for Snowball Earth Scientists have developed a new explanation for one of our planet’s great climate puzzles: how a snowball Earth event known as the Sturtian glaciation could have lasted so long. *The legacy of Australia’s Sky Mapper – so far The fourth and most recent data release by the Sky Mapper southern survey has covered more than half the sky, generating some four hundred thousand images, showing 700 million objects and achieving 15 billion detections. *The Science Report Obesity trends growing faster in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income nations. The Gulf Stream continuing to weaken, threatening global climates. Palaeontologists discover a new type of plant-eating dinosaur in Southeast Asia. Skeptics guide to pseudo-archaeology. Our Guests This Week: Siding Spring Observatory director Dr. Christian Wolf Alex Mumford local Isle of Rum resident who organized the Dark Skies application And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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Weekend Wrap: Mars Slingshot, Dragon Launch, Cosmic Web, Dracula’s Chivito, Starship V3 & More

Sat, 16 May 2026 23:38:31 +1000

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It's the Astronomy Daily Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap — your Saturday deep dive into the biggest stories from across the week, plus two brand-new headlines and a bonus story we just couldn't leave out. This week on Astronomy Daily: • NASA's Psyche spacecraft executed its Mars gravity assist flyby yesterday — slingshotting past the Red Planet at 12,000 mph on its way to a $10 quadrillion metal-rich asteroid • SpaceX launched the record-breaking CRS-34 Dragon mission to the ISS Friday night — with docking happening TODAY (Sunday May 17) • James Webb Space Telescope maps the cosmic web in unprecedented detail — 164,000 galaxies, 13.7 billion years of history • Hubble reveals 'Dracula's Chivito' — the largest, most chaotic planet nursery ever seen, 1,000 light-years from Earth • Starship Version 3 is on the pad — debut launch targeting Tuesday May 19 from the new Launch Pad 2 at Starbase • Comet R3 PanSTARRS is in Southern Hemisphere skies NOW — and tonight is New Moon. Your last chance for 170,000 years • WEEKEND BONUS: NASA's Curiosity rover drilled into a rock on Mars — and the rock wouldn't let go Find us at astronomydaily.io | Follow @AstroDailyPod | Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network YouTube Show Notes Title: Mars Slingshot! Cosmic Web Mapped! Starship V3 Launch SOON! Weekend Space News Wrap | Today's Space News In this weekend edition of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover seven stories — two fresh headlines, four of the biggest stories from the past week, and a bonus story that's pure gold. It's been one of the best weeks in space in 2026. CHAPTERS: 1. 00:00 — Cold Open & Weekend Wrap Introduction 2. 01:30 — FRESH: NASA Psyche Spacecraft's Mars Gravity Assist 3. 04:00 — FRESH: SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon Launch to the ISS 4. 06:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: JWST Maps the Cosmic Web 5. 08:30 — WEEKLY WRAP: Hubble's 'Dracula's Chivito' Planet Nursery 6. 11:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: Starship V3 — Launch This Tuesday! 7. 13:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: Comet R3 PanSTARRS — Skywatching Now 8. 15:00 — WEEKEND BONUS: Curiosity Rover's Sticky Rock 9. 16:30 — Outro & Credits Subscribe for daily space and astronomy news | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod | Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Psyche’s Mars Flyby Happening RIGHT NOW + SETI’s Stunning 10-Year Results

Sat, 16 May 2026 02:18:38 +1000

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It's happening right now — NASA's Psyche spacecraft is executing a close Mars flyby at over 12,000 mph, using the Red Planet's gravity to slingshot toward a metallic asteroid. We've got live coverage of this extraordinary moment, plus the landmark results of a decade-long SETI search across 70,000 stars, Perseverance reaching the oldest Martian terrain ever explored, Hubble paving the way for the Roman Space Telescope launching this September, AI making supernova distance measurements four times more precise, and the James Webb Space Telescope finding a galaxy in the early universe that simply doesn't spin. All that and your southern hemisphere skywatching guide — on Astronomy Daily, Season 5, Episode 103. Chapter Timestamps 00:00: Cold Open — Psyche Mars Flyby Teaser 00:45: Introduction & Episode Overview 01:15: Story 1: Psyche's Mars Flyby — It's Happening Right Now 04:45: Story 2: UCLA SETI — 10 Years, 70,000 Stars, Zero Aliens Yet 08:45: Story 3: Perseverance Reaches Mars' Oldest Terrain 13:15: Mid-Roll Break 14:15: Story 4: Hubble Paves the Way for the Roman Space Telescope 17:45: Story 5: AI Makes Supernova Distances Four Times More Precise 21:15: Story 6: Webb Finds a Non-Spinning Galaxy From the Early Universe 24:45: Skywatching — Southern Hemisphere Highlights 26:15: Trivia Teaser 25:45: Outro & Sign-off Links & References • NASA Psyche Mission: science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche • UCLA SETI Paper: arxiv.org/abs/2605.05408 • Perseverance Rover Updates: mars.nasa.gov/mars2020 • Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: roman.gsfc.nasa.gov • Astronomy Daily: astronomydaily.io • Follow us: @AstroDailyPod

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Comets, Meteors & Celestial Wonders : A Cosmic Special | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic...

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:53:57 +1000

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Comets, Meteors, and Celestial Wonders In this engaging episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive deep into the fascinating world of comets and meteors. With Professor Fred Watson away, Jonti brings his expertise to explore these celestial phenomena, their historical significance, and the science behind them.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding Comets and Meteors: Andrew and Jonti kick off the episode by discussing the importance of comets and meteors in both ancient cultures and modern astronomy. They delve into how these celestial objects have been perceived throughout history and their impact on human events.

- Recent Discoveries and Predictions: The hosts share insights on recent comet discoveries, including the intriguing Comet Chichin Chan, and discuss what we can expect from this comet in the near future. They also touch on the challenges of predicting comet brightness and visibility.

- Meteor Showers Explained: Jonti explains how meteor showers occur, the significance of radiant points, and what conditions are best for viewing these spectacular events. They discuss the most notable meteor showers and when listeners can catch them in action.

- The Impact of Media on Public Perception: The conversation takes a turn as Andrew and Jonti address the role of media in shaping public understanding of astronomical events, particularly the sensationalism surrounding potential alien encounters and the importance of relying on scientific facts.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33283432?utm_source=youtube

Moon’s Ice Mysteries, Aussie Rover’s Lunar Mission, and a Distant World’s Unexpected Atmosphere

Fri, 15 May 2026 17:32:11 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 58 *Unlocking the mystery of water on the Moon New evidence suggests that water ice has been accumulating on the Moon for at least one and a half billion years. *An Australian Lunar rover to land on the Moon in 2030 NASA has scheduled the Australian developed ROOVER lunar rover to fly to the Moon in 2030 as part of the Intuitive Machines (https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/clps/nasa-selects-intuitive-machines-to-deliver-artemis-science-tech-to-moon/) CT-4 mission to the lunar South Pole. *Discovery of an atmosphere on a distant frozen world that shouldn’t have one Astronomers have discovered a thin atmosphere on a distant world far beyond Neptune where no atmosphere should exist. *The Science Report Claims micro and nano-plastics in the atmosphere may contribute to global warming. Evidence of copper mining going back over 5000 years. Study shows astronauts need extra time to remember how to hold things when they get back to Earth. Skeptics guide to the limits of anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous scientific testing. Our Guests This Week: Associate Professor Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales Bepi Columbo mission MIXS principle investigator Emma Bunce University of Leicester Bepi Columbo mission SIMBIO-SYS principle investigator Gabriele Cremonese Bepi Columbo mission MPO-MAG investigator Daniel Heyner Technical University of Braunschweig And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33283447?utm_source=youtube

Starship V3 Has a Launch Date + Psyche’s Mars Flyby + JWST Cosmic Web

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:46:08 +1000

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Astronomy Daily — S05E102 | Thursday 14 May 2026 In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six stories spanning the entire space science spectrum — from a record-breaking rocket debut to medieval literary theory. Stories in This Episode 1. Starship V3 Gets a Launch Date — SpaceX confirms May 19 for Flight 12, the debut of the fully redesigned Version 3 Starship and Super Heavy. 2. Psyche Mission: Mars Flyby Tomorrow — NASA's asteroid-bound spacecraft passes just 2,800 miles from Mars on May 15 for a crucial gravity assist. 3. JWST Maps the Cosmic Web — The James Webb Space Telescope charts 164,000 galaxies across 13.7 billion years in the most detailed cosmic web map ever made. 4. Aurora Watch: Coronal Hole Facing Earth — A large solar coronal hole is pointing at Earth; G2 storm conditions expected from May 15 with aurora potential for Southern Hemisphere observers. 5. Dante's Inferno and Impact Physics — New research presented at the European Geosciences Union argues Dante's 14th-century Hell maps the geometry of a planetary impact crater. 6. CRS-34: Dragon Docks at the ISS — After two weather scrubs, SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule successfully delivers 6,500 lbs of science experiments to the space station. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction & Headlines 01:00 — Starship V3: May 19 Launch Date Set 05:00 — NASA Psyche: Mars Gravity Assist Flyby 08:30 — JWST Maps the Cosmic Web 12:00 — Aurora Alert: Coronal Hole & Solar Wind 15:00 — Dante's Inferno as Impact Crater Science 18:30 — CRS-34 Dragon Docks at the ISS 21:30 — Skywatcher's Corner: Aurora Tips & Mars 23:00 — Trivia, Sign-Off & Socials Find us at astronomydaily.io | Follow @AstroDailyPod | Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Spacecrafts, Slingshots, and Satellite Power

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:22:50 +1000

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Today on Astronomy Daily: A weather-delayed rocket launch gets a second chance — Dragon is heading to the ISS tonight. The most powerful rocket ever built is fuelled and ready, with Starship V3 Flight 12 targeting as early as May 19. NASA's Psyche spacecraft is days away from a dramatic Mars slingshot. A startup wants to beam electricity to satellites using lasers. Physicists may have cracked one of science's greatest puzzles. And Juno delivers the closest-ever view of a mysterious moon of Jupiter. All this — plus a Southern Hemisphere skywatching guide and space trivia — on Episode 101. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 — Cold Open & Introduction 01:15 — Story 1: SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon cargo launch — weather scrub resolved 05:00 — Story 2: Starship V3 Flight 12 — launch as early as May 19 09:00 — Story 3: NASA Psyche spacecraft Mars flyby — this Friday 13:00 — Story 4: Star Catcher Industries raises $65M for space power grid 17:00 — Story 5: Brown University solves the cosmological constant problem 21:00 — Story 6: Juno's closest-ever image of Jupiter's moon Thebe 25:00 — Southern Hemisphere Skywatching Guide 26:30 — Space Trivia: What is asteroid Psyche made of? 27:30 — Outro & Sign-off Stories Covered Today • SpaceX CRS-34 mission launches tonight from Cape Canaveral after Tuesday weather scrub • Starship V3 completes wet dress rehearsal — Flight 12 targeting May 19 • NASA Psyche spacecraft performs Mars gravity assist flyby on May 15 • Star Catcher Industries raises $65 million for world's first orbital power grid • Brown University proposes topology solution to the cosmological constant problem • NASA Juno captures closest-ever image of Jupiter's inner moon Thebe Find us at astronomydaily.io | Follow @AstroDailyPod | Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Mercury’s Sulphur Secrets, Jupiter’s Slimmer Profile, and NASA’s Launch Tower Setback

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:09:03 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 57 *How the strange magmas on Mercury shaped the planet differently to Earth A new study has found that the sulphur rich magmas on the planet Mercury reshaped the tortured world’s interior evolution and crustal formation very differently compared to the Earth. *Confirmation of a slimmer Jupiter Astronomers have revised sciences understanding of the size of the solar system’s largest planet – the gas giant Jupiter -- finding it’s some 8 kilometres narrower at the equator and 24 kilometres flatter at the poles. *Work on NASA’s Launch Tower Two formally halted NASA has issued a formal stop work order on construction of its second Mobile Launch Tower at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. *The Science Report Warnings the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu can spread to humans in several different ways. Why some astronauts are at higher risk of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. A new study claims celebrity worship says a lot about your self-worth. Alex on Tech : warnings about streaming scams. Our Guests This Week: Associate Professor Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales Bepi Columbo mission MIXS principle investigator Emma Bunce University of Leicester Bepi Columbo mission SIMBIO-SYS principle investigator Gabriele Cremonese Bepi Columbo mission MPO-MAG investigator Daniel Heyner Technical University of Braunschweig And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33242604?utm_source=youtube

Episode 100: When Black Holes Beat Galaxies, Rocks Beat Rovers and Planets Smell Terrible

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:21:53 +1000

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Episode 100 of Series 5 and the universe is not slowing down. Today: a live ISS resupply launch, a Mars rover drama that took a week to resolve, a cosmic debate about our galactic neighbour, two extraordinary black hole findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, and a brand-new category of planet that smells of rotten eggs. Plus a quick milestone moment for the show. STORIES IN THIS EPISODE • SpaceX CRS-34 launches tonight — 6,500 lbs of cargo, science payloads, weather risks • Curiosity rover's 'Atacama' rock drama — a first in 14 years of Mars exploration • The Large Magellanic Cloud may be approaching the Milky Way for the very first time • JWST's little red dots: an X-ray clue a decade in the making • JWST: two early-universe black holes that outgrew their galaxies by a factor of hundreds • L 98-59 d: a brand-new class of planet — global magma ocean, sulphur-rich atmosphere CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS • 0:00 — Cold open & Episode 100 milestone • 1:30 — Story 1: SpaceX CRS-34 launches tonight • 5:00 — Story 2: Curiosity rover's 'Atacama' rock saga • 8:30 — Story 3: Is the Large Magellanic Cloud a first-time visitor? • 12:00 — Story 4: JWST's little red dots — the X-ray dot emerges • 15:30 — Story 5: JWST black holes that outgrew their galaxies • 19:00 — Story 6: L 98-59 d — the rotten egg planet • 22:30 — Southern skywatching & outro Subscribe for daily space and astronomy news. Find us at astronomydaily.io and across all platforms at @AstroDailyPod.

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Fireballs, UFO Files & Rocket Fire — Is The Universe Sending Us Messages?

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:11:10 +1000

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In this milestone episode — one away from our 100th — Anna and Avery cover six extraordinary stories: the Pentagon's unprecedented release of 162 declassified UFO/UAP files; SpaceX firing all 33 Raptor V3 engines on the Super Heavy booster ahead of Starship Flight 12; tomorrow's CRS-34 cargo launch to the ISS; JWST's breathtaking new portrait of cosmic buckyballs inside a dying star; never-before-seen mineral maps of the Moon's far side created from Artemis 2 mission photographs; and the American Meteor Society's growing alarm over an unexplained spike in large fireball events across the globe. Stories Covered 1. Pentagon Releases 162 Declassified UAP Files (May 8, 2026) • The Pentagon launched a public portal at war.gov/UFO on Friday 8 May, releasing 162 declassified files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena. • Files include 120 PDF documents, 28 videos, and 14 images — spanning sightings from the 1940s to 2025. • The PURSUE program (Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters) will release additional files on a rolling basis every few weeks. • The files show no evidence of extraterrestrial contact or government cover-up; they are classified as 'unresolved cases.' • Notable items include footage of a football-shaped UAP near Japan, a white orb over Syria, and Apollo 17 lunar imagery showing unexplained lights. 2. SpaceX Starship V3 Super Heavy — Full 33-Engine Static Fire (May 7, 2026) • SpaceX completed the first successful full-duration, full-thrust static fire of the Super Heavy V3 booster at Starbase, Texas, on 7 May. • All 33 Raptor V3 engines fired simultaneously — the most powerful ground test of any rocket first stage in history. • Previous tests on 15 April ended early due to ground equipment issues; the 7 May test went the full duration. • The Starship V3 Ship upper stage also completed its static fire in April — both vehicle halves now cleared for flight. • SpaceX is targeting 15 May for Starship Flight 12, a suborbital test mission. Starship is central to NASA's Artemis lunar landing system. 3. SpaceX CRS-34 — ISS Resupply Launch (12 May 2026) • Launch: 7:16 PM EDT, Tuesday 12 May from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. • Cargo: approximately 6,500 pounds, including scientific experiments, food, equipment, and crew supplies. • Autonomous docking scheduled: ~9:50 AM EDT, Thursday 14 May, at Harmony module's forward port. • Key payloads: Laplace (planet formation dust study), STORIE (space weather / ring current monitoring), wooden bone scaffold (osteoporosis research), and red blood cell / spleen change investigation. • Watch live on NASA+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and NASA's website from 7:00 PM EDT on 12 May. 4. JWST Reveals the Birthplace of Cosmic Buckyballs — Planetary Nebula Tc 1 • Western University astronomers returned to planetary nebula Tc 1 (10,000+ light-years away, constellation Ara) using JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). • First detected buckyballs (buckminsterfullerene / C60 molecules) in space here in 2010 using Spitzer; now JWST reveals the full structure for the first time. • Buckyballs are concentrated in a thin spherical shell around the central white dwarf — arranged like 'one giant buckyball.' • JWST imagery also reveals an unexplained upside-down question mark feature at the nebula's heart. • Current theoretical models don't fully explain the buckyballs' observed infrared emissions — multiple new papers are in preparation. • Buckyballs found in meteorites on Earth; understanding their space origins provides clues about organic chemistry and possibly life's building blocks. 5. Artemis 2 — Far-Side Moon Images (Published May 2026) • Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy collaborated pre-mission with Commander Reid Wiseman to plan detailed lunar photography during the Artemis 2 flyby. • McCarthy's image-stacking technique — applied to Wiseman's far-side photographs taken during the 6 April lunar flyby — has produced unprecedented colour mineral maps of the far side. • Colours reveal mineral composition variations (browns, blues, reds) not visible to the naked eye — described as 'cyborg vision' for the Moon. • NASA has released the full Artemis 2 photo archive: 12,217 images now publicly available. • Full archive: NASA astronaut photography public archive (link in episode resources). 6. The 2026 Fireball Surge — AMS Analysis (Published May 2026) • The American Meteor Society reports an anomalous spike in large fireball events in Q1 2026 that 'warrants serious investigation.' • Total Q1 event count (2,046) is only marginally above historical norms; the anomaly is in the SIZE of events — the largest fireballs are happening at roughly double the historical rate. • March 2026: 40+ major events, including a 3,229-witness fireball over Europe (8 Mar), an Ohio sonic boom explosion (17 Mar), and a meteorite through a Houston roof (21 Mar)....

Tatooine’s New Neighbours, Mars Rover’s Drilling Quest, and Soyuz 5’s Maiden Voyage

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:52:20 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 56 *Discovery of 27 new Tatooine type worlds reported on Star Wars Day Astronomers have discovered some 27 new planetary candidates orbiting in binary star systems using a new method to search for exoplanets which would otherwise be hard to find. *A new drill campaign for the Mars Curiosity Rover on the red planet NASA's Mars Curiosity rover has launched a new drill campaign at a site called Atacama on the red planet’s Gale Crater.. *New Soyuz 5 maiden flight Russia's new-next generation launch vehicle the Soyuz 5 has successfully completed its maiden flight. *The Science Report A third of Australian’s getting too little sleep. The extraordinary biodiversity hidden in deep underwater canyons off Western Australia’s coast. Studies show domestic dogs brains shrunk by 46% compared to wolves by the Late Neolithic. Skeptics guide to the link between authoritarianism and the paranormal. Our Guests This Week: Associate Professor Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales Bepi Columbo mission MIXS principle investigator Emma Bunce University of Leicester Bepi Columbo mission SIMBIO-SYS principle investigator Gabriele Cremonese Bepi Columbo mission MPO-MAG investigator Daniel Heyner Technical University of Braunschweig And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33202127?utm_source=youtube

Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time Dilation & Dark Matter Mysteries Unraveled | Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:45:39 +1000

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Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time, and the Vastness of Space In this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the nature of angular momentum in black holes to the perception of time across different gravitational fields, this episode promises to expand your understanding of cosmic phenomena.

Episode Highlights:

- Angular Momentum in Merging Black Holes: Mark from Baton Richie, Louisiana, asks whether two black holes spinning in opposite directions could result in a new black hole with zero angular momentum. Andrew and Fred Watson explain the nuances of angular momentum and how gravitational waves play a crucial role in this cosmic dance.

- The Age of the Universe and Gravitational Time Dilation: John poses a fascinating question about how the age of the universe might differ for someone near a supermassive black hole compared to an observer on Earth. The hosts discuss gravitational time dilation and the implications for our understanding of cosmic history.

- The Vastness of Space and Dark Matter: Pete shares his insights on the sparsity of matter in the galaxy and the uniform distribution of dark matter. Fred Watson elaborates on how dark matter influences galactic structures and why its effects are negligible on a solar system scale.

- The Big Leap and Speed Limits in the Universe: Martin Berman Gorvine challenges the hosts with a question about the theoretical possibility of circumventing the speed of light by accessing other universes. Andrew and Fred Watson navigate the complexities of this intriguing concept and its implications for our understanding of physics.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33198904?utm_source=youtube

The Sun’s Hidden Face Mapped, A Galaxy That Forgot to Spin | Plus Weekend Wrap

Sat, 09 May 2026 22:04:57 +1000

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Astronomy Daily — S05E98 | Weekend Wrap | May 9, 2026 Welcome to the Astronomy Daily Weekend Space & Astronomy News Wrap! Every Saturday, Anna and Avery bring you a roundup of the biggest stories from the past week in space and astronomy — plus two fresh stories to open the show. Here's what we covered this week: Fresh Stories 🌞 The Sun's Hidden Face Finally Gets a Full Read-Out For 25 years, helioseismology has let scientists detect sunspot groups forming on the Sun's far side — but not their magnetic polarity, the key factor in forecasting how dangerous an eruption might be. A new technique developed by the National Solar Observatory's GONG network changes that, enabling polarity-resolved magnetic maps of the Sun's hidden hemisphere for the first time. With a significant far-side flare firing just days ago, the real-world stakes couldn't be clearer. Published in Scientific Reports. 🌀 Webb Finds an Ancient Galaxy That Simply Refuses to Spin James Webb has spotted XMM-VID1-2075, a massive galaxy formed less than 2 billion years after the Big Bang that shows no rotation — a trait normally reserved for much older, evolved systems. Current theory says young galaxies should still be spinning. This one isn't. The UC Davis-led team is now searching for similar objects to understand how rare this truly is. Published in Nature Astronomy. Weekly Wrap — The Four Biggest Stories 🪐 The Planetary Odd Couple That Defies the Rules 190 light-years away, a hot Jupiter and a mini-Neptune are orbiting the same star — an arrangement once thought nearly impossible, since hot Jupiters typically scatter anything in their neighbourhood. Using JWST, MIT researchers have now read the mini-Neptune's atmosphere for the first time, finding a heavy mix of water vapour, CO₂, SO₂ and methane that points to formation far beyond the frost line. Both planets likely migrated inward together. Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters. 🟤 200,000 Volunteers Double the Known Brown Dwarf Population NASA's citizen science project Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 has announced the discovery of more than 3,000 brown dwarfs over 10 years — essentially doubling the known count. The 75-author paper in The Astronomical Journal includes 61 volunteer co-authors. New finds include extreme T subdwarfs, ultra-cool objects, and a brown dwarf that may have aurorae. The search continues through more than 2 billion WISE sources. 🍩 NASA Launches Space Doughnut Mission Tuesday SpaceX CRS-34 launches May 12 carrying STORIE (Storm Time O+ Ring Current Imaging Evolution), a joint NASA/U.S. Space Force instrument to be mounted outside the ISS. STORIE will study Earth's ring current — a doughnut-shaped region of trapped charged particles that can surge during solar storms, disrupting satellites and power grids — from the inside out. Six-month mission duration. 🪨 Webb Directly Reads an Exoplanet's Surface for the First Time JWST has achieved a planetary science first — directly characterising the surface of a super-Earth 48 light-years away. The findings reveal a dark, airless, Mercury-like world with no atmosphere. The technique marks a significant shift from atmospheric to direct surface analysis, opening new possibilities for characterising rocky planets in and near habitable zones.

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Fires on the Moon, Interstellar Glaciers & Mayan Timekeeping Mysteries | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Sat, 09 May 2026 21:21:43 +1000

Fires on the Moon, Interstellar Glaciers, and Mayan Mathematics In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a range of extraordinary topics that bridge the gap between the familiar and the cosmic. From the unexpected phenomenon of fires on the Moon to the discovery of interstellar glaciers, and a deep dive into the mathematical brilliance of the Mayans, this episode is packed with insights that will ignite your curiosity.

Episode Highlights:

- Fires on the Moon: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss NASA's upcoming Flammability of Materials on the Moon Experiment (FM2), designed to investigate how fire behaves in lunar gravity. With safety as a priority, they explore the implications of this research for future lunar habitats and the challenges posed by combustion in a 1/6 gravity environment.

- Interstellar Glaciers: The hosts delve into the findings from NASA's SphereX, which has revealed the presence of galactic ice and the building blocks of life within molecular clouds. They discuss the significance of these discoveries for our understanding of water in the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.

- The Mayan Calendar and Mathematics: In a fascinating exploration of ancient knowledge, Andrew and Fred Watson examine new research highlighting the sophisticated mathematical techniques used by the Mayans to predict astronomical events. They discuss how this insight reshapes our understanding of their civilization's intelligence and longevity.

- Artemis 2 Records: The episode wraps up with a quirky revelation about the Artemis 2 mission, where the distance between astronauts aboard Artemis and those on the Chinese space station Tiangong set a new record for human separation in space. The hosts reflect on the implications of this milestone for the future of human exploration.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/33181356?utm_source=youtube

Venus’s Hazy Secrets, Planetary Collision Insights, and Lunar Gateway Corrosion Concerns

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:19:38 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 55 *Scientists finally discover the cause of Venus’s enigmatic lower haze Astronomers have finally determined Cosmic dust as the source of a mysterious lower atmosphere haze that blankets the planet Venus. *Discovery of two worlds colliding Astronomers have found evidence of two planet colliding in a distant star system 11 thousand light years away. *The Lunar Gateway space station modules are rusting away NASA has confirmed that two of the habitation modules being built for the now postponed Lunar Gateway space station project are suffering corrosion problems. *May Skywatch We explore the constellation Scorpius, the spectacular M6 and M7 open star clusters and the Eta-Aquarids meteor shower produced by Halley’s Comet in the May edition of Skywatch. Our Guests This Week: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior Science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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An Atmosphere That Shouldn’t Exist + 12,000 Artemis II Photos

Wed, 06 May 2026 21:02:31 +1000

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Wednesday 6 May 2026 | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod Episode Summary In today's episode, Anna and Avery explore six remarkable stories from across the cosmos: a tiny frozen world beyond Pluto surprises scientists with an atmosphere it should never have; NASA drops twelve thousand stunning photographs from the Artemis II mission and Artemis III preparations accelerate; Blue Origin's uncrewed moon lander Endurance passes its toughest test; new research confirms the sun actively speeds up the descent of space debris; radar-equipped drones emerge as a key tool for mapping buried Martian ice; and Comet PanSTARRS makes its debut in southern skies. Stories in This Episode 1. The Atmosphere That Shouldn't Exist Japanese astronomers have detected a thin atmosphere around trans-Neptunian object 2002 XV93 — a Kuiper Belt body just 500 km across. Published in Nature Astronomy, the discovery challenges long-held assumptions about which bodies can retain atmospheres. Possible causes include cryovolcanism or a recent cometary impact. Lead researcher: Dr Ko Arimatsu, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. 2. NASA Releases 12,000+ Artemis II Photos + Artemis III Update NASA has published more than 12,000 high-resolution images from the Artemis II mission, captured using Nikon cameras and iPhone 17 devices by the crew of Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen. The archive includes lunar far-side close-ups, Earthset images, star trails, and a solar eclipse from space. Meanwhile, the Artemis III SLS core stage has arrived at Kennedy Space Center for assembly, with a mid-2027 launch targeting a 460 km Earth-orbit docking test. 3. Blue Origin's Endurance Passes NASA Vacuum Test Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 uncrewed cargo lander (nickname: Endurance) has completed thermal vacuum testing inside Chamber A at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. The lander is targeted for the Moon's south polar region later in 2026, carrying stereo cameras and a laser retroreflector array. MK1 informs the development of the crewed Blue Moon Mark 2. 4. Solar Activity Accelerates Space Debris Reentry A study published today in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences tracked 17 pieces of orbital debris through three solar cycles (1986–2024). Researchers at India's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre found that once sunspot numbers reach ~70% of their cycle peak, orbital decay rates increase sharply due to thermosphere expansion and increased drag. Lead researcher: Ayisha Ashruf. 5. Radar Drones Could Map Hidden Water Ice on Mars A new study in Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets proposes using low-flying radar-equipped drones to precisely map debris-covered glaciers on Mars. Tests on Earth's Galena Creek Rock Glacier in Wyoming demonstrated the technique can resolve the ice-debris boundary with unprecedented precision — information critical for future human missions planning to use Martian water resources. 6. Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS — Now Visible from Southern Hemisphere Having passed perihelion on 19 April 2026 (at ~75 million km from the Sun) and peak northern hemisphere visibility, Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS is now emerging in southern skies. Currently in Eridanus and heading toward Orion, the comet will pass within ~2° of the Orion Nebula 10–12 May. Best viewing conditions: around new moon 16 May. The comet is on a hyperbolic trajectory and will not return. Connect With Us Website: astronomydaily.io Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @AstroDailyPod TikTok: @AstroDailyPod Tumblr: @AstroDailyPod

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Uranus’ Ring Revelations, Africa’s Rapid Rift, and Eris Rocket Mishap

Wed, 06 May 2026 13:09:16 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 54 *The two outer rings of the ice giant Uranus show starkly different origins Astronomers have discovered that two of the planet Uranus’s outer rings have very different compositions and so must have come from different origins. *Africa breaking apart faster than thought A new study claims Africa is much closer to being physically torn apart into two separate continents than previously thought – possibly in just a few million years from now. *Engine issues blamed for the failure of the maiden flight of the Eris rocket The investigation into the failure of the maiden flight of the Eris rocket last year has traced the problem to two of the launch vehicles hybrid rocket engines. *The Science Report Scientists have discovered a new way for some coronaviruses to infect humans. The Australian Army to get 268 more Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles. Study warns most teens are sent sexting messages from strangers. Alex on Tech: Bad Samsung update.

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JWST reads alien geology, Io is FAR more powerful than we thought, and a meteor shower peaks TONIGHT

Tue, 05 May 2026 23:45:05 +1000

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Episode Summary In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six major space and astronomy stories: the James Webb Space Telescope's historic first direct study of a rocky exoplanet's surface; a dramatic upward revision of Io's volcanic heat output; the release of the FLAMINGO cosmological simulation dataset; a new technique for finding planets in binary star systems; the discovery of a novel state of matter inside ice giants; and how to watch tonight's Eta Aquarid meteor shower live online. Story Links & References Story 1 — JWST Exoplanet Surface Study Nature Astronomy: LHS 3844 b thermal emission spectrum — doi.org/10.1038/s41550-026-02860-3 Space.com coverage: space.com/astronomy/james-webb-space-telescope/james-webb-space-telescope-directly-studies-an-exoplanets-surface-for-the-1st-time Story 2 — Io Volcanic Power Revised arXiv pre-print: arxiv.org/abs/2605.00100 | Phys.org: phys.org/news/2026-05-massively-underestimated-io-thermal-output.html Story 3 — FLAMINGO Dataset Release Durham University: durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/2026/04/astronomers-release-gigantic-cosmological-simulation-dataset Leiden University: universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2026/04/astronomers-release-massive-set-of-virtual-universes-for-global-research Story 4 — TESS Binary Star Planets NASA Science: science.nasa.gov/missions/tess/for-nasas-tess-stellar-eclipses-shed-light-on-possible-new-worlds Story 5 — New State of Matter in Ice Giants Nature Communications: Carnegie Institution quasi-1D superionic phase study Universe Today: universetoday.com (April 30, 2026) Story 6 — Eta Aquarid Livestreams Livestream guide: space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/watch-the-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-online-with-these-free-livestreams ALMA Observatory livestream available via the above link. Peak: pre-dawn May 6 AEST.

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Ireland Joins the Artemis Coalition, Nuclear Mars Mission Advances & Halley’s Meteor Peak

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:35:23 +1000

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In today's Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six major stories: Ireland becomes the 65th nation to sign the Artemis Accords; the Artemis III rocket core stage arrives at Kennedy Space Center; NASA's nuclear-electric SR-1 Freedom Mars mission ramps up toward a 2028 launch; the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks overnight May 5-6; NASA releases spectacular dual panoramas from Curiosity and Perseverance rovers; and new research makes a compelling case that the Large Magellanic Cloud is on its first-ever pass by the Milky Way. Story Summaries & Key Facts 1. Ireland Signs the Artemis Accords • Ireland signed as the 65th Artemis Accords signatory on May 4, 2026 at NASA HQ, Washington DC • Hosted by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman alongside Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason and Minister Peter Burke • Three new signatories in two weeks: Latvia (#62), Morocco (#64), Ireland (#65) • Accords established in 2020, covering peaceful exploration, transparency, data sharing, and heritage preservation 2. Artemis III SLS Core Stage Arrives at KSC • The top four-fifths of the 212-foot SLS core stage arrived at Kennedy on April 27, 2026 via the Pegasus barge • Traveled 900 miles from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans • Now inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, being mated to the engine section • Artemis III (targeted late 2027) will test Orion docking with commercial landers in low Earth orbit — not a lunar landing • Artemis IV (2028) will land astronauts on the Moon's south pole 3. NASA SR-1 Freedom Nuclear Mars Mission • SR-1 Freedom will be the first nuclear-electric powered interplanetary spacecraft, launching December 2028 • Uses Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP): fission reactor generates 20kW of electricity to power ion thrusters • Hardware repurposed from the Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) • Will deploy the 'Skyfall' payload: three Ingenuity-class helicopters to scout for subsurface water ice • Could pave the way for megawatt-class reactors cutting human Mars transit time to two months 4. Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peak • Peak: overnight May 5-6, 2026, with pre-dawn hours on May 6 as prime window • Source: debris trail of Halley's Comet — Earth passes through it each May • Meteor speed: ~66 km/s — fast, with persistent glowing trails • Southern Hemisphere: up to 50 meteors/hour under ideal conditions — best shower for southern sky • Moon challenge: 84% waning gibbous — block the Moon behind a tree or building for best results • Active through May 28 — more opportunities if clouds intervene tonight 5. Curiosity & Perseverance Mars Panoramas • NASA released dual 360-degree panoramas from both active Mars rovers — 3,775 km apart on the planet • Curiosity: 1,031-image panorama of 'boxwork' formations in Gale Crater — fossil records of ancient groundwater • Perseverance: 980-image panorama near Jezero Crater rim showing some of the oldest rocks in the solar system • The two rovers are 'time-travelling in opposite directions' — Curiosity into younger terrain, Perseverance into older • Perseverance carries 23 rock core samples in sealed tubes, awaiting future Earth-return mission 6. Large Magellanic Cloud — First-Time Visitor • New pre-print paper claims definitive evidence the LMC is on its first-ever pass by the Milky Way • LMC mass: roughly 10-20% of the Milky Way — large enough to send gravitational ripples through our galaxy • Key evidence: LMC's gas corona is still largely intact — a previous close Milky Way pass would have stripped it away • Also explains why the SMC and companion satellites haven't been tidally disrupted • Rewrites the origin of the Magellanic Stream — now attributed to LMC-SMC interactions rather than Milky Way tidal forces

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Milky Way’s Black Hole Secrets, Solar Flare Spectacles, and Mars Rover Discoveries

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:24:31 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 53 *Milky Way's mysterious black hole gas clouds finally explained Astronomers have discovered a massive binary star system near Sagittarius A* the supermassive black hole at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy.. *Two massive solar flares explode out from the Sun The Sun has just emitted two strong solar flares blasting out into deep space within a day of each other. *NASA’s rovers show the two sides of Mars NASA’s Mars Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers have provided astronomers with two very different views helping to piece together the puzzle of the Red Planet’s past.. *The Science Report Warning a mega El Niño event is expected to develop within the next month or so. Some of the earliest octopus were enormous, powerful kraken like predators 20 metres long. Scientists have uncovered how Australia's iconic Twelve Apostles were formed. Skeptics guide to the British big foot sighting. 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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White Dwarfs, Black Holes & Cosmic Oddities Unpacked | Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:35 +1000

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White Dwarfs, Black Holes, and Cosmic Oddities In this enlightening Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a plethora of intriguing audience questions that span the cosmos. From the fascinating processes of white dwarf stars to the mysteries of black holes and the peculiarities of space, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding White Dwarf Crystallisation: Mark from Bloomington, Indiana, poses a thought-provoking question about the crystallisation process of white dwarfs and how it affects their cooling. Andrew and Fred Watson delve into the lifecycle of these stars, exploring the formation of diamond cores and the implications for the universe's timeline.

- Black Holes and Gravitational Forces: Steve from Tin Can Bay wonders about the effects of falling into different sized black holes. The hosts discuss the concept of spaghettification and how the gravitational gradient varies between smaller and supermassive black holes, shedding light on the physics of these enigmatic entities.

- Gravity in Orbit: Wayne's question leads to a discussion on how astronauts experience gravity while in orbit and how far they must travel to feel its absence. Andrew and Fred Watson explain the nuances of gravitational pull and the complexities of interplanetary travel, highlighting the continuous influence of celestial bodies.

- Oddities of the Cosmos: Casey from Colorado asks about the weirdest phenomena in space, prompting a lively discussion on everything from dark matter and dark energy to the peculiar shapes of celestial objects. The hosts share their favourite cosmic curiosities, including the coincidence of the sun and moon appearing the same size in the sky and the bizarre nature of neutron stars.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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The Weekend Wrap Debuts — Soyuz 5, Artemis II Revisited & Roman Telescope

Sun, 03 May 2026 02:57:42 +1000

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Welcome to Astronomy Daily S05E94 — our first ever Weekend Edition! Today we debut the Astronomy Daily Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap, featuring two fresh stories plus a roundup of the four biggest and most important space stories from across the past week. Today's Stories • Story 1: Russia's Soyuz 5 rocket completes its first successful suborbital test flight from Baikonur Cosmodrome. After nearly a decade of development, Russia's homegrown answer to the Zenit finally flew — a milestone for Roscosmos, even as questions remain about its competitiveness in a reusability-driven market. • Story 2: May's Flower Moon peaked on May 1st — and May 2026 is a double-micromoon month, with both the Flower Moon and the May 31 Blue Moon occurring near lunar apogee. Southern Hemisphere skies are perfect for viewing this weekend. Weekend Wrap — The Week's Four Biggest Stories • Wrap 1: Artemis II — The Full Picture. 694,481 miles, 252,756 miles from Earth at farthest, 57-minute eclipse from beyond the Moon, heat shield performance significantly better than Artemis I. The numbers of a mission for the history books. • Wrap 2: The Eclipse Only Four Humans Have Ever Seen. During the April 6 lunar flyby, the Artemis II crew experienced a 57-minute total solar eclipse from beyond the Moon — the first time in human history. Victor Glover's descriptions were extraordinary. • Wrap 3: Roman Space Telescope locks in September 2026 launch — 8 months ahead of schedule and under budget. With a field of view 100x larger than Hubble's, Roman is poised to become the most powerful survey telescope in history. • Wrap 4: Artemis III hardware arrives at Kennedy Space Center. The SLS core stage was offloaded from the Pegasus barge on April 27-28 — just as the Artemis II Orion capsule returned for post-flight analysis. The next mission is already assembling. Skywatching This Weekend • The Flower Moon is still at 99% illumination tonight — beautiful in Southern Hemisphere autumn skies. Look for it between Antares (Scorpius) and Spica (Virgo). • Venus and Jupiter are prominent in the western evening sky, slowly closing toward a June 9 conjunction. • Asteroid Vesta is at opposition today, May 2 — best viewed with binoculars or a small telescope from a dark site. • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks the night of May 5-6 — an excellent show from Southern Hemisphere locations.

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Black Hole Stars Confirmed, Universe Collapse Timeline & Falcon Heavy Returns

Sat, 02 May 2026 03:36:26 +1000

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Episode Summary Astronomy Daily is back for Season 5, Episode 93 — and space has not been idle during our brief break. In today's packed episode, Anna and Avery cover six major stories: the strongest-ever evidence that JWST's mysterious 'little red dots' are in fact black hole stars, courtesy of a new Chandra X-ray discovery; the double milestone at Kennedy Space Center as Artemis III hardware arrives and the Artemis II Orion capsule returns for analysis; the spectacular return of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy after an 18-month hiatus; a new cosmological model suggesting the universe could collapse in just 33 billion years; a debrief on post-mission lessons from Artemis II; and essential skywatching guidance for the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. Stories Covered • Chandra X-ray Observatory detects X-ray signal coinciding with a JWST 'little red dot' — strongest evidence yet for 'black hole star' theory • Artemis III SLS core stage arrives at Kennedy Space Center Vehicle Assembly Building — Artemis II's Orion capsule 'Integrity' returns same day • SpaceX Falcon Heavy returns to flight after 18 months, successfully launches ViaSat-3 F3 to complete global broadband constellation • New axion dark energy cosmological model suggests universe may collapse in 33.3 billion years — Big Crunch scenario revisited • Artemis II post-mission analysis: heat shield data, valve redesign needed, toilet issues flagged — teams prepare for tight Artemis III turnaround • Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks May 6 — up to 50 meteors/hour, best viewing from Southern Hemisphere before dawn Key Links • Astronomy Daily website: astronomydaily.io • Follow us: @AstroDailyPod • Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network • Chandra / JWST little red dots paper: The Astrophysical Journal Letters • NASA Artemis III core stage arrival: nasa.gov • Eta Aquarid viewing guide: NASA Science skywatching

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Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: Unveiling Its Alien Origins, NASA’s Roman Telescope Launch, and...

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:42:41 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 52 *Interstellar comet 3i/ATLAS is far more alien than we thought A new study has found that the interstellar comet 3i Atlas must have originated in a much colder star system with lower levels of radiation than our own solar system. *NASA now looking at September to launch its new Roman Space Telescope NASA are now targeting September as the likely launch date for their new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. *The European Space Agency’s new Australian dish The European Space Agency has commissioned its second Australian deep space communications dish at its New Norcia complex near Perth. *The Science Report How climate change is affecting the health of people in Europe. Warnings that agricultural soils exposed to glyphosates could be breeding grounds for superbugs. The Pentagon’s plans for big a new battleship for the US Navy -- the first since the 1940s. Skeptics guide to the big UFO announcement allegedly coming this year. Our Guests This Week: Professor Kliti Grice from Curtin University Jan Cami from Western University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you… For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/33043655?utm_source=youtube

Nuclear Power in Space, SETI from the Moon & the Hubble Tension Unravelled | Space Nuts:...

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:51:52 +1000

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Nuclear Space Policies, SETI from the Moon, and the Hubble Tension In this riveting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a range of fascinating topics that are shaping the future of space exploration. From the Pentagon's new nuclear energy policy for space missions to the exciting potential of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence from the far side of the Moon, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you pondering the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- Nuclear Energy in Space: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent directive from the Pentagon to NASA for the development of nuclear power stations in space, exploring the implications for lunar and orbital power supply systems. They examine the benefits and challenges of using nuclear energy in space, addressing public concerns and the potential for collaboration among government agencies.

- SETI from the Far Side of the Moon: The hosts explore the advantages of conducting the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) from the Moon's far side, where Earthly radio noise is absent. They discuss the capabilities of China's Chang'e 4 mission and its low-frequency radio spectrometer, which is attempting to detect technosignatures that could indicate the presence of alien life.

- The Hubble Tension Debate: Andrew and Fred Watson unpack the ongoing debate surrounding the Hubble constant, highlighting the discrepancies between measurements obtained through different methods. They discuss new research that aims to refine our understanding of the universe's expansion rate and its implications for our grasp of dark matter and dark energy.

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Mars’ Organic Molecules, Cosmic Buckyballs Unveiled, and Voyager 1’s Power Dilemma

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:19:42 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 51 *Discovery of organic molecules never before seen on Mars New data has confirmed that NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover has identified seven organic molecules on the red planet that have never been detected there before. *A spectacular new understanding of cosmic buckyballs Fifteen years after astronomers first discovered buckyballs in space, new observations have now shown how they’re distributed in a shell around the corpse of a dying star. *NASA shuts down another instrument on Voyager 1 to keep it operating NASA has been forced to shut down an instrument aboard the Voyager 1 spacecraft in order to conserve power and keep humanity’s first interstellar explorer operational. *The Science Report New implants to help sleep apnea sufferers who can’t use breathing masks. Palaeontologists have identified a new species of sauropod dinosaur. Artificial Intelligence successfully judge a person’s mood by the expression on their face. Alex on Tech: $25 billion for a new Aussie AI centre.

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DNA’s Cosmic Origins, Martian Metal Hotspots, and Mapping the Milky Way’s Edge

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:57:44 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 50 *Key ingredients of DNA discovered in the asteroid Ryugu A new study has confirmed that all five fundamental molecules needed to make up the DNA and RNA which underpins life as we know it, have been discovered in samples collected from the asteroid Ryugu. *Discovery of a metal‑rich hot spot tied to ancient Martian lake NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover has discovered the highest concentrations of iron, manganese and zinc ever found in the one place on the red planet. *The edge of the Milky Way revealed Astronomers have for the first time, identified where the star forming region of the Milky Way Galaxy ends, finding it occurs some 40,000 light-years of the Galactic Centre.. *The Science Report Study shows young Americans and Australians are less happy now than they were 15 years ago. A new study warns that gay guys with left-leaning political views are the most likely to be gold-diggers. Skynet’s Terminators are becoming reality with new bipedal humanoid robots out performing people. Skeptics guide to scientists view on life beyond Earth.

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Supermassive Black Holes, Voyager’s Journey & Gravitational Waves Explained | Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:41:16 +1000

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Show Notes

Supermassive Black Holes, Voyager 1, and Gravitational Waves In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing audience questions that span the cosmos. From the formation of supermassive black holes to the journey of Voyager 1 and the nature of gravitational waves, this episode is filled with cosmic curiosities and scientific insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Formation of Supermassive Black Holes: Martin from Merseyside sparks a fascinating discussion about the mechanisms behind the formation of supermassive black holes. Andrew and Fred Watson explore the gravitational instability theory and the contrasting processes that could lead to the creation of these colossal entities in the early universe.

- Voyager 1's Journey: Andy, our favourite train driver, raises an interesting question about whether the particles in space could slow down Voyager 1 as it travels at 38,000 miles per hour. The hosts clarify the nature of space and the spacecraft's trajectory, highlighting the vast emptiness of interstellar space and the spacecraft's remarkable speed.

- Gravitational Waves Explained: Ben from Kent asks a thought-provoking question about the nature of gravitational waves produced by colliding black holes. Andrew and Fred Watson delve into whether these waves are spherical or flat, providing clarity on how they propagate through the fabric of spacetime.

- Thought Experiments on Earth's Rotation: Judd from Brisbane brings up the current speed of Earth's rotation and its effects on gravity. The hosts discuss the fascinating implications of Earth's spin on weight, including the differences between the equator and the poles, and what would happen if Earth suddenly stopped rotating.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32965185?utm_source=youtube

Unraveling 3I ATLAS: Comet Chemistry, Psyche’s Craters, and the Space Junk Dilemma

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:02:52 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 49 *Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS is changing A new study has discovered that the interstellar comet 3I Atlas appears to be undergoing a change in the composition of the volatile gasses its emitting. *Large craters offering new clues to the origin of the strange asteroid Psyche Scientists believe large impact craters on the surface of the mysterious metallic asteroid 16 Psyche may provide clues about its formation. *Fighting the growing threat of space junk Debris from space craft is becoming a growing problem in orbit. Now days considerable time and effort is undertaken to track the millions of pieces of spent rocket stages, disused satellites, and collision or explosion sourced spacecraft debris currently orbiting the Earth. *The Science Report Older men are more likely to add extra salt to their food despite its health dangers. Sightings of the world’s two largest whale species - blue and fin whales - have increased in the southeastern Atlantic. New study shows Nutmeg, probably originated in the Banda Islands. *Skeptics guide to the Bank of England’s fears over UFO disclosures. Our Guests This Week: Astronomical Society of Australia Page Medal winner Jonathan Bradshaw Purdue University engineer Carolin Frueh And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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Primordial Black Holes, Planetary Chemistry & Lunar Crater Discoveries | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:47:22 +1000

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Primordial Black Holes, Ultra Hot Jupiters, and a New Moon Crater In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some of the most exciting developments in astronomy. From the intriguing possibility of primordial black holes being linked to dark matter to groundbreaking discoveries about the chemical composition of an ultra hot Jupiter, and the recent formation of a massive crater on the Moon, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations.

Episode Highlights:

- Primordial Black Holes: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent findings from LIGO that suggest the existence of black holes with masses less than that of the Sun. They explore how these primordial black holes, predicted by Stephen Hawking, could provide new insights into the nature of dark matter and the formation of the universe.

- Chemical Analysis of WASP 189B: The hosts examine the exciting discovery that the chemical makeup of the ultra hot Jupiter WASP 189B matches that of its parent star, challenging long-held assumptions about planetary formation and composition. This finding reinforces the connection between stars and their planets, providing vital clues for understanding exoplanetary systems.

- New Moon Crater: A recent impact on the Moon has created a stunning new crater measuring 225 metres across. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the implications of this discovery, including the significance of ongoing lunar observations and the potential for future research into the Moon's geological history.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Interstellar Comet From a Frozen Ancient World + Black Hole Mystery SOLVED

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:22:20 +1000

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Episode Summary In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery explore six major stories from the world of space and astronomy. Leading the show is a landmark result from the ALMA telescope: the first-ever measurement of semi-heavy water inside an interstellar object. The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS contains up to 40 times more deuterium-rich water than Earth's oceans, revealing it formed in an ultracold environment very unlike our own solar system. The hosts then unpack the solution to a decades-long mystery: a massive binary star system near the galactic centre is responsible for the gas clouds feeding the Milky Way's supermassive black hole. Japan's MMX spacecraft — currently on the launch pad — is introduced, along with the exciting detail that its sample capsule will return Phobos material to Australian soil in 2031. Stellar archaeologists at ISTA have found fossilised magnetism on white dwarf stars, shedding light on the Sun's distant future. A thought-provoking segment examines the idea that any alien civilisation searching for intelligent life may already have detected us. And the episode closes with timely aurora and comet skywatching advice for Southern Hemisphere listeners. Story Sources & Links Segment 1 — 3I/ATLAS Deuterium Water Study: Nature Astronomy (April 24, 2026) — 'A Direct View of the Chemical Properties of Water from Another Planetary System: Water D/H in 3I/ATLAS' — Salazar Manzano, Paneque-Carreno et al. ALMA Observatory press release: almaobservatory.org. University of Michigan news: eurekalert.org Segment 2 — Milky Way Black Hole Feeder Stars: 'The gas streamer G1-2-3 in the Galactic Center' — Gillessen et al., Astronomy & Astrophysics (2026). ESO/MPE press release: phys.org Segment 3 — Japan MMX Phobos Mission: JAXA MMX mission page: mmx.jaxa.jp. Space.com coverage. Sample capsule landing: Woomera Prohibited Zone, South Australia. Segment 4 — Stellar Archaeologists / White Dwarf Fossil Magnetism: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). Coverage: Space.com Segment 5 — Alien Technosignatures / SETI: Space.com feature. SETI Institute: seti.org Segment 6 — CME / Aurora / Comet: SpaceWeather.com. EarthSky sun news. NASA April 2026 skywatching guide (Comet C/2025 R3).

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Roman Telescope Gets September Launch Date, Hidden Moons Around Uranus & Comet Alert for...

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:31:40 +1000

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Welcome to Astronomy Daily, Season 5 Episode 91 — Thursday 23 April 2026. Hosted by Anna and Avery for the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. Today: NASA's Roman Space Telescope locks in a September 2026 launch date eight months ahead of schedule; new research reveals Uranus's rings are hiding secrets — and possibly hidden moons; Hubble returns to the Trifid Nebula nearly 30 years on; Jordan becomes the 63rd nation to sign the Artemis Accords; the Artemis III rocket core stage ships to Kennedy Space Center; and Southern Hemisphere skywatchers get their best shot at Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS this week. Story Summaries 1. Roman Space Telescope — September 2026 Launch Confirmed NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is now targeting a September 2026 launch — eight months ahead of its formal May 2027 deadline, and under budget. The 300-megapixel infrared observatory will survey the cosmos with a field of view at least 100 times wider than Hubble's, observing over a billion galaxies and discovering more than 100,000 new worlds in its first five years. It will travel to the Sun-Earth L2 point aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. 2. Uranus's Mysterious Rings Hint at Hidden Moons A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, using combined data from Keck Observatory, Hubble and JWST, has produced the first complete reflectance spectrum of Uranus's two outermost rings. The mu-ring is made of water ice sourced from moon Mab; the nu-ring contains carbon-rich organic compounds from unseen rocky bodies — suggesting undiscovered moonlets may orbit Uranus. Researchers say a dedicated spacecraft mission will be needed to solve the mystery fully. 3. Hubble Revisits the Trifid Nebula NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has re-imaged the spectacular Trifid Nebula, approximately 5,000 light-years away, nearly three decades after its original 1997 image. By comparing the two images, astronomers have tracked measurable changes in young stellar behaviour — demonstrating the power of long-lived space observatories as cosmic time-lapse cameras. 4. Jordan Signs the Artemis Accords The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed the Artemis Accords today at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC, becoming the 63rd nation to commit to the framework for peaceful space exploration. The Accords — established in 2020 — cover transparency, interoperability, data sharing, heritage preservation and resource extraction principles for Moon, Mars and beyond. 5. Artemis III Rocket Core Stage on the Move Just ten days after Artemis II's historic lunar flyby concluded, NASA rolled out the core stage of the Artemis III SLS rocket from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans onto the Pegasus barge for shipment to Kennedy Space Center. Artemis III is targeting 2027 for an Earth-orbit crewed rendezvous and docking test with commercial lunar landers, with a Moon landing pushed to Artemis IV in 2028. 6. Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS — Southern Hemisphere Viewing Window Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS reached perihelion on April 19 and is now entering its best viewing window for Southern Hemisphere observers. From late April through early May, the comet will appear in the evening sky after sunset, potentially reaching magnitude 3.5 or brighter. Its orbit may be hyperbolic — meaning this could be humanity's only ever encounter with this object. Closest Earth approach: April 26, at approximately 73 million kilometres. Links & Resources: • Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope: roman.gsfc.nasa.gov • Artemis Accords signatories: nasa.gov/artemis-accords • Comet C/2025 R3 tracking: theskylive.com/c2025r3-info • New research — Uranus rings: doi.org/10.1029/2025je009404 • Astronomy Daily: astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod

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Voyager 1 Dying? NASA Powers Down Science Instrument + Life Clues on Mars & Artemis Suit Crisis

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:24:41 +1000

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Astronomy Daily — S05E90 | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six stories spanning the fading power of humanity's most distant probe, fresh evidence for ancient life on Mars, a landmark black hole measurement, a SpaceX reusability milestone, a sobering assessment of the Artemis spacesuit programme, and tonight's moon and Jupiter conjunction. Story 1 — Voyager 1 Powers Down the LECP Instrument • NASA's JPL shut down Voyager 1's Low-energy Charged Particles experiment (LECP) on April 17, 2026, to conserve dwindling power. • The decision followed an unexpected power drop during a routine roll manoeuvre in late February that nearly triggered an automatic emergency shutdown. • Seven of Voyager 1's ten original instrument sets are now offline. Only the magnetometer and plasma wave subsystem remain active. • Engineers are developing 'the Big Bang' — a plan to swap older components with lower-power alternatives — to extend operations into the 2030s. Testing on Voyager 2 is planned for May/June 2026; Voyager 1 to follow no sooner than July. • Source: NASA JPL — https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-shuts-off-instrument-on-voyager-1-to-keep-spacecraft-operating/ Story 2 — Curiosity Rover Finds Organic Molecules on Mars • Published April 21 in Nature Communications, the study describes the first use of the TMAH chemical experiment on another planet. • More than 20 organic molecules were detected in clay-rich sandstone from the Glen Torridon region of Gale Crater, preserved for over 3.5 billion years. • Discoveries include a nitrogen-bearing molecule structurally similar to DNA precursors — never before confirmed on Mars — and benzothiophene. • The experiment cannot determine whether molecules are biological, geological, or meteoritic in origin. Future missions including Rosalind Franklin and Dragonfly will build on the technique. • Source: phys.org — https://phys.org/news/2026-04-mars-rover-compounds.html Story 3 — Black Hole Jets in Cygnus X-1 • Curtin University-led study published April 16 in Nature Astronomy directly measures the instantaneous power of black hole jets for the first time. • The jets in the Cygnus X-1 system carry energy equivalent to 10,000 suns and travel at approximately half the speed of light (150,000 km/s). • Researchers used the companion star's stellar winds to 'bend' the jets, allowing calculation of their real-time power — a technique compared to watching wind deflect a fountain. • About 10% of the energy released as matter falls into the black hole is carried away by the jets — confirming a long-held theoretical assumption. • The measurement will help calibrate future observations from the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, currently under construction in WA. • Source: ScienceDaily — https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416071949.htm Story 4 — SpaceX 600th Rocket Landing • SpaceX completed its 600th successful Falcon booster landing on April 19, 2026, during the Starlink 17-22 mission from Vandenberg SFB. • Booster B1097 landed on drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You' for its eighth successful recovery. The milestone arrived just 7 months after the 500th landing. • The tally includes 496 drone ship landings and 104 ground landings, per SpaceX VP Kiko Dontchev. • SpaceX's Starlink constellation now numbers over 10,275 satellites in orbit. • Source: Space.com — https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-17-22-b1097-vsfb-ofisly-600th-falcon-landing Story 5 — Artemis Spacesuit Crisis • NASA's Office of Inspector General report (released April 20) warns that next-generation Artemis spacesuits may not be ready until 2031 — three years after the stated 2028 target. • The xEVAS programme began as a two-company competition (Axiom Space + Collins Aerospace). Collins has effectively been removed after missing milestones. Axiom is now the sole contractor for the lunar surface suit. • OIG analysis: based on an 8.7-year historical average from contract award to first flight for comparable NASA programmes, Axiom's 2022 award points to a 2031 delivery. • NASA Administrator Isaacman has publicly maintained confidence in the 2028 date. Axiom plans a suit demonstration in 2026 on the ISS or during an Artemis mission. • A separate risk: if the ISS variant of the suit slips past 2030, the Station could run out of operational EVA suits before decommissioning. • Additional Artemis delays: SpaceX lunar Starship at least 2 years late; Blue Origin Blue Moon at least 8 months late (per separate March OIG report). • Source: SpaceDaily — https://spacedaily.com/sd-n-the-spacesuit-gap-why-artemis-iiis-2028-landing-date-is-already-slipping/ Story 6 — Skywatching: Moon & Jupiter Conjunction • Tonight (April 22), the half moon sits approximately 3 degrees from Jupiter in the constellation Gemini, near the stars Castor...

Young Stars Dim Quicker, Surprising Solar Winds, and Dream Chaser’s Milestone

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:46:10 +1000

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 48 *Finding that young Sun like stars dim quickly is good news for life A new study has discovered that young Sun like stars settle down and start to dim more quickly than previously thought, potentially benefiting orbiting planets and the prospects of life. *A surprisingly speedy solar wind found in inner corona A new study has found that the solar wind is travelling up to four times faster than expected in the Sun’s inner corona. *Dream Chaser passes another critical milestone The Sierra Space Dream Chaser space plane Tenacity has just completed launch acoustic testing at NASA’s Space Systems Processing Facility. *The Science Report Long-term HIV remission achieved following a stem cell transplant. How to save Venice from rising sea levels. Half of all answers to health and medical questions by AI found to be problematic. Alex on Tech: The 6G countdown has begun.

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NASA Unveils Its Next Great Telescope - Plus Mars Ocean Proof & FAA Grounds New Glenn

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:01:51 +1000

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Episode Description

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six major stories from the frontiers of space and science. NASA has unveiled the fully assembled Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope — one of the most powerful observatories ever built — with a launch as early as fall 2026. Researchers at Caltech have published striking evidence of an ancient Martian ocean, identifying a planet-wide 'bathtub ring' coastal shelf in the northern hemisphere. The FAA has formally grounded Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket following an official mishap classification after Sunday's failed satellite deployment. NASA's SPHEREx space telescope has delivered its first published science, mapping interstellar ice and organic molecules across the Milky Way in 102 infrared colours. New research warns that even habitable-zone exoplanets may not be truly habitable without sufficient water to maintain their carbon cycles. And a new study reveals that spaceflight doesn't just change astronauts' bodies — it changes their brains in ways that can linger long after they return to Earth.

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Blue Origin Reuses New Glenn But Loses Satellite + Artemis 2 Heat Shield News

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:26:01 +1000

In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six major stories from the past 24 hours. Blue Origin made history by reusing its New Glenn rocket for the first time -- but the upper stage deployed the BlueBird 7 satellite into the wrong orbit, forcing a deorbit. SpaceX delivered a clean GPS III SV10 launch for the US Space Force. Post-mission inspection of the Artemis 2 Orion capsule's heat shield provides initial good news after months of pre-flight controversy. A new MIT/WHOI planetary wave model reveals Titan's hydrocarbon seas could host 10-foot slow-motion waves from gentle breezes. The Lyrid meteor shower peaks Wednesday April 22 under ideal dark-sky conditions. And the Giant Magellan Telescope advances to its final design phase ahead of a crucial Congressional funding decision. Story Links Story 1 -- Blue Origin New Glenn NG-3 • Space.com: Blue Origin reuses New Glenn, deploys satellite to wrong orbit • TechCrunch: Blue Origin's New Glenn puts satellite in wrong orbit • GeekWire: Blue Origin reuses New Glenn; satellite goes into wrong orbit • CBS News: In its third flight, New Glenn puts satellite payload into wrong orbit Story 2 -- SpaceX GPS III SV10 • Space.com: Watch SpaceX launch GPS satellite for US Space Force -- April 20 • Spaceflight Now launch schedule -- spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule Story 3 -- Artemis 2 Heat Shield • Space.com: Artemis 2 heat shield seems to have aced its trial by fire • Gizmodo: NASA sets the record straight on that missing chunk of Artemis 2's heat shield • NBC News: Did the Artemis II spacecraft protect the crew well enough? Story 4 -- Titan Waves / PlanetWaves • Space.com: Tall waves moving in slow motion -- how oily oceans on Titan may behave • Popular Science: Saturn's largest moon could see 10-foot waves from a tiny breeze • Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (MIT/WHOI study) Story 5 -- Lyrid Meteor Shower • Space.com: Lyrid meteor shower 2026 -- when, where and how to see it • EarthSky: Everything you need to know -- Lyrid meteor shower 2026 • NASA: What's Up April 2026 skywatching tips -- science.nasa.gov Story 6 -- Giant Magellan Telescope • Space.com: This giant telescope could discover habitable exoplanets -- if it gets its funding • Giant Magellan Telescope official site -- giantmagellan.org Trivia Answer QUESTION: The Lyrid meteor shower is produced by debris from Comet Thatcher. Approximately how long does it take Comet Thatcher to complete one orbit around the Sun? ANSWER: Approximately 415 years. Comet Thatcher last visited the inner solar system in 1861 and is not expected to return until around 2276. The Lyrid shower occurs each year when Earth passes through the trail of debris it left behind. About Astronomy Daily Astronomy Daily is produced by the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. New episodes every day. Find us at astronomydaily.io and follow @AstroDailyPod for daily updates.

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Cosmic Fossils: Black Holes Before the Big Bang and Ancient Martian Oceans

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:35:01 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 47 *Are black holes from before the Big Bang shaping the Universe A new study suggests that ancient black holes from before the big bang may be shaping the universe. The idea is that the cosmos goes through eternal never ending cycles of expanding out from a big bang and then eventually collapsing in a big crunch which triggers another big band and so on. *The bathtub ring hinting at an ancient Martian ocean Scientists have identified geological features on Mars that appear to point to a vast sea shore or coast line stretching around the red planet’s northern hemisphere. *A just award for studying the stars The bi-annual Berenice and Arthur Page Medal winners for excellence in amateur astronomy for 2026 have been presented to Chris Stockdale, Jonathan Bradshaw and Renato Langersek at the Annual National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers in Tamworth. *The Science Report Study shows heart risk patterns of obesity differ between men and women. Ancient rock art shows Tasmanian Tigers roamed the main land as recently as 1000 years ago. Claims Australia’s most famous dinosaur – Muttaburrasaurus – might have been a picky eater. Skeptics guide to Russia’s UFO study.

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Planetary Orbits, Cosmic Expansion & The Nature of Nothing | Space Nuts Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:26:40 +1000

Planetary Orbits, Cosmic Expansion, and the Nature of Nothingness In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a diverse array of listener questions that delve into the intricacies of our universe. From the stability of planetary orbits to the enigmatic concept of nothingness before the Big Bang, this episode promises to enlighten and intrigue.

Episode Highlights:

- Planetary Orbits vs. Energy: Justin from Melbourne asks how planets maintain stable orbits around the sun without spiraling inwards. Andrew and Fred explore the negligible forces at play in interplanetary space, discussing the stability of planetary dynamics and the historical migrations of planets within the solar system.

- Expansion of Earth: Larry questions whether the Earth is expanding along with the universe. The hosts clarify that while space itself is expanding, the forces that hold the Earth together, such as gravity, prevent any significant changes at a local scale.

- The Concept of Nothingness: Mike from the UK raises a philosophical query about what existed before the Big Bang. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of time and existence, examining the idea that time itself may have begun with the Big Bang and the theories surrounding this profound mystery.

- Projectiles in Space: Giles presents a fascinating "what if" scenario regarding the accuracy of firing solid metal projectiles from orbit. The hosts analyze the challenges of targeting and the influence of atmospheric conditions, drawing parallels with historical warfare and modern technology.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Comet MAPS Is Gone — What Killed It & What Comes Next + Planet Parade Tonight

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 23:06:17 +1000

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six space and astronomy stories for Saturday, April 18, 2026. Comet MAPS has met its end at the Sun — the pair reflect on what happened and what comes next. Artemis III's SLS rocket stage rolls out of New Orleans on Monday. JWST and ALMA have revealed a stunning monster spiral galaxy hiding behind cosmic dust 11.5 billion years ago. An exoplanet system is changing its orbital architecture in real time. Four planets are gathering in a pre-dawn planet parade visible tonight. And 33,000 hydrogen halos have been found that solve a decades-old mystery about the early universe's fuel supply. Story 1: Comet MAPS — Death of a Sungrazer Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS), a Kreutz sungrazer discovered on January 13, 2026 by French amateur astronomers at the AMACS1 Observatory in Chile, disintegrated during its close solar approach on April 4. The nucleus — estimated at approximately 400 metres in diameter based on JWST observations — could not survive passage just 160,000 km above the solar surface. A brief dust tail was visible in coronagraph images from SOHO and GOES-19, but the debris cloud has since dispersed. Attention now shifts to Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) as the next comet of interest. MAPS was the furthest-discovered Kreutz sungrazer in history, spotted 81 days before perihelion. Sources: EarthSky | StarWalk Space News | Sky & Telescope Story 2: Artemis III SLS Core Stage Rollout On Monday, April 20, NASA will roll the top four-fifths of the Artemis III Space Launch System core stage — containing the liquid hydrogen tank, liquid oxygen tank, intertank, and forward skirt — out of the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and load it onto the Pegasus barge for delivery to Kennedy Space Center. The engine section is already at Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. Four RS-25 engines are expected to arrive from Stennis Space Center by July 2026. Artemis III is currently targeting a 2027 launch for a crewed Earth-orbit test of Orion docking with commercial lunar landers, with a crewed Moon landing planned for 2028. Source: NASA Artemis III Media Release | nasa.gov Story 3: JWST & ALMA Reveal Monster Spiral Galaxy ADF22.A1 Using the James Webb Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), an international team led by Hideki Umehata (Nagoya University) has revealed the true nature of ADF22.A1 — a galaxy in the SSA22 protocluster from 11.5 billion years ago. Previously hidden behind heavy cosmic dust, JWST unveiled its spiral stellar structure while ALMA mapped its rotating gas disk, spinning at an extraordinary 530 km/s — more than twice our own Milky Way. With an effective radius of approximately 22,800 light years, it is nearly twice the size of typical galaxies from that era. Cold accretion from the Cosmic Web is the leading explanation for its rapid growth and spin-up. A companion study examines nine additional dusty star-forming galaxies in the same protocluster, revealing diverse evolutionary stages and morphologies. Sources: ALMA Observatory Press Release | Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan (2025) | ApJ (2026) Story 4: TOI-201 — Shape-Shifting Exoplanet System A team led by Ismael Mireles (University of New Mexico) has published findings in Science Advances confirming three bodies in the exoplanet system TOI-201: a super-Earth (TOI-201 d, 1.4x Earth radius, 5.85-day orbit), a warm Jupiter (TOI-201 b, ~0.5 Jupiter masses, 53-day orbit), and a brown dwarf (TOI-201 c, ~7.9-year orbit). The brown dwarf's gravity is actively distorting the inner planets' orbits on human timescales — the super-Earth's transits are shifting, and within 200 years it will stop transiting the star from Earth's viewpoint. TOI-201 c is the longest-period transiting object ever discovered. The system is 372 light-years away in the constellation Pictor. Next transit of TOI-201 c: March 26, 2031. Paper: Mireles et al., Science Advances, April 15, 2026 | DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aef2618 Story 5: April 18 Four-Planet Parade Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune are gathering in a compact cluster just 4 degrees wide in the pre-dawn eastern sky. Mercury (mag -0.1), Mars (mag 1.2), and Saturn (mag 0.9) are naked-eye targets. Neptune (mag 7.8) requires binoculars. Southern Hemisphere observers have the best view. Look east 60-90 minutes before sunrise. Peak window: April 16-23, with April 18-20 optimal. The cluster sits near the Pisces-Cetus border. App guide: Star Walk 2 / Sky Tonight | starwalk.space Story 6: 33,000 Hydrogen Halos Found in the Early Universe The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) has published a landmark study in The Astrophysical Journal identifying more than 33,000 Lyman-alpha nebulae — massive hydrogen gas halos surrounding galaxies from 10-12 billion years ago ('Cosmic Noon'). The previous known count was approximately 3,000. Lead researcher Erin Mentuch Cooper (UT Austin) described the halos as 'giant amoebas...

’We Came Back as Best Friends’ — Artemis II Speaks | Blue Origin Sunday | FYST Opens

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:05:42 +1000

The heroes of Artemis II speak! Less than a week after their historic lunar flyby, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen held their first full post-mission press conference — and their words were extraordinary. Plus: Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is on the pad for Sunday's landmark first-ever booster reuse; a 34-year dream becomes reality as the world's highest telescope opens in the Chilean Andes; astronomers discover 33,000 hydrogen halos that were hiding the universe's missing fuel; tonight is your best chance to spot the brightest comet of the year; and a solar storm could paint the weekend skies with aurora.

Links & Sources • NASA Artemis II Postflight News Conference: nasa.gov/artemis-ii-news-and-updates • Blue Origin New Glenn NG-3: spaceflightnow.com • FYST Telescope Inauguration: news.cornell.edu • HETDEX Hydrogen Halos Study: hetdex.org / Astrophysical Journal • Comet C/2025 R3 Skywatching Guide: science.nasa.gov • Solar Activity & Aurora Forecast: earthsky.org

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Unveiling 11,000 New Asteroids and Earth’s Local Origins

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:41:30 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 46 *Discovery of over eleven thousand new asteroids Preliminary data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory has led to the discovery of over 11,000 new asteroids. *Confirmation that the Earth was made locally A new study has shown that planet Earth was formed from materials located in the inner solar system rather than stuff from beyond Jupiter. *Virgin Galactic’s new spaceship to be flying before the end of the year Space tourism company Virgin Galactic says work on the first of its new Delta class spacecraft will be completed within a few weeks. and construction of the second of these sub orbital space planes is now underway. *The Science Report Could routine be key to successful weight loss. A new study has found that Tyrannosaurus Rex walked and ran on their tippy toes. The Australian Army’s new Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers now rolling off the production line. Skeptics guide to monsters in the railroad yard. Our Guests This Week: DSN Spokesperson Rhianna Lyons from the CSIRO Sean Hodgman from the Australian National University Yogesh Sridhar from the Australian National University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you… For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/32792496?utm_source=youtube

Lunar Water Mysteries, Interstellar Juice & Graphene’s Cosmic Potential | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:20:12 +1000

In this intriguing episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest revelations in space science, focusing on the presence of water on the Moon, the fascinating findings from the comet 3I Atlas, and the innovative use of graphene in propulsion technology. This episode is a deep dive into how these cosmic elements intertwine and shape our understanding of the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- Water on the Moon: Andrew and Fred discuss the recent studies suggesting that the water found in lunar craters may have accumulated over billions of years, primarily through solar wind interactions rather than single impactful events. They delve into the implications of this discovery for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization.

- Comet 3I Atlas: The hosts share exciting insights from the ESA's JUICE spacecraft, which has provided unprecedented observations of the interstellar comet 3I Atlas. They highlight the significant water vapor emissions and the implications for understanding comet behavior as it travels through our solar system.

- Graphene Aerogel Propulsion: A fascinating discussion unfolds around the recent experiments with graphene aerogels and their potential for light-driven propulsion in space. Andrew and Fred explore how this innovative technology could revolutionize space travel, enabling efficient and sustainable propulsion methods for future missions.

- Future of Space Exploration: The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of ongoing research and technological advancements in the realm of space exploration, emphasizing the need for in-situ investigations to unravel the mysteries of our celestial neighbors.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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The Growing South Atlantic Anomaly and Its Implications for Planet Earth

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:21:48 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 45 *The South Atlantic anomaly is growing – are the planet’s poles about to flip A new study has confirmed that a gigantic weak spot in planet Earth’s protective magnetic field known as the South Atlantic anomaly is growing ever larger. *New study narrows down the mostly likely locations for water on the Moon A new study suggests water likely accumulated on the Moon slowly over billions of years, rather than during one big event. *Pairs of atoms observed existing in two places at once for the first time Quantum physicists have observed pairs of atoms entangled in two different places at once for the first time. *The Science Report Claims King Harold's legendary 200-mile march to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 never happened. A new study has shown that the world’ earliest known octopus fossil isn’t actually an octopus. Artificial Intelligence hardware is changing how fast large language models respond. Alex on Tech: On device AI has arrived.

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Artemis II: A Historic Journey to the Moon and Back

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:05:37 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 44

*NASA’s Artemis II returns to Earth after its historic mission to the Moon NASA’s Artemis II mission has returned safely to Earth following its historic journey around the Moon. The four person crew splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean off the San Diego coast ending the ten day record setting flight which saw them travel further from mother Earth than humans have ever ventured before. *Astronomers have discovered the most primitive star ever seen Astronomers have identified one of the earliest stars ever seen; and the nearest candidate yet found to the first generation of stars created out the primordial material of the big bang. *Fireball spotted over Victoria, Australia Residents in Rutherglen have reported a large green-tailed fireball streaking across the Victorian skies. It’s the latest is a spate of meteor sightings over the past month or so with others reported in Germany, Ohio, Texas, and Washington State.. *The Science Report A new study has shown that summer is arriving earlier, lasting longer and packing more heat. Scientists say people with obstructive sleep apnoea have a 71% higher risk of heart issues or death. The Australian Navy getting a new fleet of 40 Bluebottle unmanned warships. Skeptics guide to the creep of creationism in schools Our Guests This Week: DSN Spokesperson Rhianna Lyons from the CSIRO Sean Hodgman from the Australian National University Yogesh Sridhar from the Australian National University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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Relativistic Beaming, Martian Waters & Cosmic Trash: The Space Nuts Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:23:14 +1000

Relativistic Doppler Beaming, Martian Water, and Fusion Confusion

In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a variety of thought-provoking listener questions that explore the depths of astronomy and space science. From the complexities of relativistic Doppler beaming in black holes to the intriguing evidence of water on Mars and the mysteries of nuclear fusion in the sun, this episode is brimming with cosmic insights and scientific clarity.

Episode Highlights:

- Relativistic Doppler Beaming: Ron from New York asks about the brightness differences in black hole accretion disks. Andrew and Fred explain how relativistic speeds affect light emission, leading to the phenomenon known as Doppler beaming and why we don't see the expected color shifts.

- Water on Mars: Sunny from California questions the geological evidence for water on Mars. The hosts discuss the findings from the Phoenix lander and the implications of briny water on the Martian surface, confirming that it was indeed water, albeit potentially different from what we know on Earth.

- Earth's Mass and Space Junk: Holt raises a fascinating question about how much material we can send into space before it impacts Earth's orbit. Andrew and Fred provide insights into the negligible mass we've launched compared to the Earth's total mass, reassuring listeners that our planet remains unaffected.

- Fusion Reactions in the Sun: Ken from Maroochydore seeks clarification on the fusion process in the sun, specifically regarding mass loss and binding energy. The hosts unravel the complexities of fusion, explaining how energy is produced and the significance of mass defects in nuclear reactions.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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April Skies: Celestial Wonders and Planetary Alignments Await

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:18:11 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 43 *Climate change is slowing Earth's spin at an unprecedented rate A new study has found that climate change is slowing the Earth rotation at an unprecedented rate compared to past 3.6 million years *Magnetic waves discovered deep inside the Sun Scientists have detected large scale magnetic waves moving deep inside the Sun. The discovery reported in the journal Nature Astronomy could help scientists predict solar activity. *Mystery medical evacuation from space station finally explained That mystery medical evacuation from the International Space Station earlier this year has finally been explained. *April SkyWatch The splendours of the Southern Cross and its two pointer stars Alpha and Beta Centauri, the blue Supergiant Canopus and the Lyrids meteor shower are among the highlights of the April night skies on SkyWatch. Our Guests This Week: Artemis lunar science lead Kelsey Young from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

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One Sleep to Splashdown: Artemis II Heads Home + Lunar Science Bombshell

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:50:24 +1000

The Artemis II crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are on final approach to Earth after nine historic days in deep space. Splashdown is scheduled for Friday off San Diego. We have the full countdown, plus the story behind what NASA scientists called 'audible screams of delight' when the crew spotted micrometeorite impact flashes on the Moon during their lunar flyby. Also in today's episode: astronomers at ISTA in Austria have identified a brand new class of stellar remnant — two ultra-massive, X-ray emitting white dwarfs named Gandalf and Moon-Sized. Mars continues to disappoint on the habitability front. Four planets are lining up in April skies. And we close with the story of four astronauts, their iPhones, and the greatest selfies in human history. Sources & links: • Artemis II splashdown coverage: nasa.gov/artemis • Micrometeorite impacts & lunar science: space.com | sciencenews.org | spaceq.ca • Gandalf & Moon-Sized white dwarfs: ista.ac.at | universetoday.com • Mars surface habitability: universetoday.com • April planet alignment: starwalk.space • Artemis II iPhone photography: space.com | engadget.com

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Artemis 2 Success, ESO Fallout & The Intriguing World of X-Ray Binaries | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:24:58 +1000

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Artemis 2 Launch, Australian Astronomy Setbacks, and the Mystery of X-Ray Binaries

In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into the latest advancements in space exploration and the challenges faced by the Australian astronomy community. The successful launch of Artemis 2 marks a significant milestone for humanity's return to the Moon, while a recent government decision leaves Australian astronomers concerned about their future access to critical telescopes. The episode also explores the intriguing discovery of an X-ray binary that defies conventional understanding, revealing new mysteries in the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- Artemis 2 Launch: Andrew and Fred share their excitement over the successful launch of Artemis 2, discussing the mission's significance and the historic achievements of the crew as they become the first humans to travel further than Apollo 13.

- Australian Astronomy Challenges: The hosts delve into the Australian government's decision to discontinue its partnership with the European Southern Observatory, examining the potential impact on local astronomers and the future of optical astronomy in Australia.

- X-Ray Binary Discovery: A fascinating conversation unfolds around the discovery of two peculiar X-ray binaries that challenge existing theories, leading to discussions about the nature of these celestial objects and what they reveal about stellar evolution.

- Future of Astronomy: Andrew and Fred reflect on the implications of these developments for the broader astronomy community, contemplating the balance between funding, scientific advancement, and international collaboration.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Artemis II: Homeward Bound and The Lost Mars Mission

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:25:52 +1000

Today's Space News — Astronomy Daily S05E84 | April 8, 2026 In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six incredible stories spanning the final days of humanity's return to deep space, a lost spacecraft mystery, and fresh science rewriting how we understand our own planet. TODAY'S STORIES: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Story 1 — Artemis II Day 7/8: science debrief done, trajectory burns fired, and the crew heads home for a historic splashdown Friday (08:00) Story 2 — Cygnus CRS-24 launch delayed to April 10 due to weather — now launching the same day Artemis II lands (13:00) Story 3 — Earth formed entirely from inner Solar System material: Jupiter blocked everything else, and water was already here (19:00) Story 4 — ESA Juice delivers stunning new data on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS: 70 Olympic pools of water per second (24:00) Story 5 — Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS is the new comet to watch this April — and it's looking good (29:00) Story 6 — FEATURE: Mars 96, the lost Mars mission that crashed back to Earth 30 years ago — and was never found Subscribe for daily space and astronomy news | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod

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Artemis IV: Targeting the Moon’s South Pole for Human Exploration

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:51:59 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 42 *NASA looking at nine possible landing sites for man’s return to the Moon NASA have narrowed down their list of possible landing sites for their return of humans to the lunar surface. The Artemis IV mission will target one of nine possible landing sites around the lunar south pole. *Saturn's weird magnetic shield A new study has found that Saturn’s magnetosphere – the magnetic bubble surrounding the ringed world – is lopsided. *Concerns grow as a Starlink satellite explodes in orbit SpaceX are still trying to determine what caused the sudden break up of a Starlink broad band communication satellite last week. *The Science Report Climate change to push more venomous snakes towards populated communities. Germany checking out Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous combat aircraft. Teens turning to artificial intelligence for emotional support, validation, and companionship. Alex on Tech new Intel CPU 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you…

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Humanity’s Farthest Journey: Artemis II Flies the Moon

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:11:46 +1000

The Artemis II crew has completed the most significant human spaceflight milestone since 1972 — a historic lunar flyby that took four astronauts further from Earth than any humans in history. In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover every moment of Flight Days 6 and 7, including the far-side blackout, a solar eclipse observed from beyond the Moon, and what comes next on the journey home. Plus: NASA faces another proposed 47% science budget cut, a cargo ship heads to the space station, Europe and China are about to launch a groundbreaking solar shield explorer called SMILE, and Blue Origin reveals its ambitious plan to map the Moon's hidden water ice. Today's Stories 1. Artemis II Days 6 & 7: The Lunar Flyby • The crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen completed a 7-hour lunar flyby on April 6 • Orion reached a maximum distance of 252,760 miles from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles • Closest lunar approach: 4,067 miles above the surface at approximately 7 p.m. EDT • Christina Koch became the first woman to complete a lunar flyby • The crew witnessed an Earthset, Earthrise, and a solar eclipse from behind the far side of the Moon • Day 7 is a rest day; splashdown in the Pacific is targeted for April 10 2. NASA FY2027 Budget Proposal • White House proposes $18.8 billion for NASA — a 23% overall reduction • Science Mission Directorate would be cut by 47%, from $7.25B to $3.9B • More than 40 missions face termination; Mars Sample Return and SERVIR named explicitly • Exploration/Artemis funding would increase by ~10% • Congress rejected nearly identical cuts last year 3. Cygnus NG-24 ISS Resupply • Launch targeted April 8 from Cape Canaveral on SpaceX Falcon 9 • Named S.S. Steven R. Nagel after four-time shuttle veteran • Carrying 11,000+ lbs including Cold Atom Lab upgrade and stem cell research hardware • Also includes Africa's ClimCam AI-powered climate camera from Egypt, Kenya, and Uganda 4. SMILE Mission — Launch April 9 • Joint ESA / Chinese Academy of Sciences mission; first ever jointly designed, built, launched and operated by both agencies • Launches April 9 on Vega-C from French Guiana; 3-year science mission • Will give humanity its first complete, simultaneous view of Earth's magnetosphere reacting to the solar wind • Four instruments: soft X-ray imager, UV aurora camera, light ion analyser, magnetometer • Science orbit reaches 121,000 km above North Pole; up to 40 hours continuous observation per orbit • Critical for understanding and predicting space weather — protecting satellites, power grids and communications 5. Blue Origin Oasis-1: Lunar Water Ice Prospecting • Introduced at the 2026 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) • Two-smallsat mission deployed from Blue Origin's uncrewed Mk1 lander; ultra-low 10x50 km polar orbit • Instruments: neutron spectrometer (water ice to 1m depth), magnetometer (metals), multispectral imager (Helium-3) • 90-day global mapping phase followed by 10-day controlled deorbit — science continues to impact • Partnership with Luxembourg Space Agency; data licensed commercially, non-commercial data released publicly via ESRIC • Phase 1 of a 3-phase Project Oasis roadmap: orbit survey, surface mobility, then extraction operations 6. April Skywatching • Comet C/2025 R3: closest approach April 27, magnitude ~8, binoculars needed • Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 21–22, look toward Lyra from 10pm • Mercury at best visibility of 2026 in the eastern pre-dawn sky Links & Resources • NASA Artemis II Flight Day 6 updates: nasa.gov • Planetary Society Artemis II guide: planetary.org • NASA FY2027 budget: spacenews.com • Cygnus NG-24 launch: nasaspaceflight.com • ESA SMILE mission: esa.int/smile • Blue Origin Oasis-1: blueorigin.com Connect With Us • Website: astronomydaily.io • Twitter/X: @AstroDailyPod • Instagram: @AstroDailyPod • TikTok: @AstroDailyPod • YouTube: Astronomy Daily • Tumblr: AstroDailyPod

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Artemis II Soars Beyond the Moon + Comet MAPS’ Dramatic Demise

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:24:32 +1000

For the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, human beings are flying around the Moon — and it's happening RIGHT NOW. In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery deliver a full Artemis II update covering Flight Days 4 and 5, and the historic lunar flyby unfolding TODAY. We also have the promised verdict on Comet MAPS — the 'Easter comet' that plunged toward the Sun on April 4. Did it survive? Then two remarkable discovery stories: 87 hidden stellar streams uncovered in the Milky Way's outskirts, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's stunning debut — 11,000 new asteroids in just six weeks. We close with an extraordinary astronomical event: a solar eclipse witnessed from beyond the Moon's far side. IN THIS EPISODE: • 00:00 — Intro • Story 1 — Artemis II: Days 4 & 5 + Today's Lunar Flyby • Story 2 — Comet MAPS: The Easter Comet's Fate • Story 3 — Third Dark-Matter-Free Galaxy Discovered • Story 4 — 87 Hidden Stellar Streams Found in the Milky Way • Story 5 — Rubin Observatory: 11,000 Asteroids in 6 Weeks • Story 6 — Solar Eclipse from Beyond the Moon 🌐 astronomydaily.io | 🐦 @AstroDailyPod

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Artemis II: Humanity’s Historic Return to the Moon

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:53:15 +1000

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 41 *Human’s finally flying back to the Moon after a break of over half a century Humans have returned to the Moon for the first time in over half a century. The historic Artemis II mission blasted off from space launch complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida carrying four crew members aboard the Orion spacecraft Integrity on a ten day mission around the Moon and back. *Could gravitational waves be the origin of dark matter A new study suggests that gravitational waves could be responsible for the production of dark matter during the early phases of the formation of the cosmos. *Yet another large meteor sighting – should we be concerned? There’s been yet another large meteor sighting – this time in the Pacific northwest of the United States. *The Science Report Growing evidence vaping causes cancer just like cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine products. Australia and New Zealand have the highest prevalence of sexual violence against kids in the world. The first South Australian made guided missiles come off the production line in Port Wakefield. Skeptics guide to Australia’s most haunted house

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Black Hole Dilemmas, Pulsar Planets & Bennu’s Chemical Secrets | Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:01:44 +1000

Black Holes, Pulsar Planets, and the Mysteries of Bennu

In this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that delve deep into the cosmos. From the nature of black holes and their supermassive growth to the discovery of planets orbiting pulsars, and the latest findings from the asteroid Bennu, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and scientific discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding Black Holes: Andrew and Fred explore the complexities of black holes, addressing how they can accrete enough matter to become supermassive within cosmological time scales, and the fascinating concept of time dilation at the event horizon.

- Pulsar Planets: Hazel's question about planets orbiting pulsars sparks a discussion on the survival of these celestial bodies after supernova explosions and the potential effects of pulsar radiation on their environments.

- Asteroid Bennu Update: David inquires about the latest findings from the asteroid Bennu, and the hosts reveal exciting new research on the complex chemical landscape and the implications of liquid water's interaction with organic materials on this carbon-rich asteroid.

- Neutrinos and Black Holes: Keith's question leads to a discussion on the elusive neutrinos, their ability to pass through matter, and what happens to them when they encounter a black hole.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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No Course Correction Needed: Artemis II Day 3 Update + Comet MAPS Perihelion Report

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:02:50 +1000

Artemis II, Comet MAPS, and Mercury: Your Space Week Just Got Very Busy

It's Day 3 of the Artemis II mission, a sungrazer comet is emerging from the solar corona, an Atlas V just set a payload record, and Mercury is at its best of the year. Here's everything you need to know from today's episode of Astronomy Daily. Artemis II Flight Day 3: Orion Doesn't Even Need a Course Correction Four humans are on their way to the Moon, and everything is going better than planned. Flight controllers cancelled the first of three scheduled trajectory correction burns today — Orion is already on such a precise path that the burn simply wasn't needed. As Howard Hu, NASA's Orion program manager, noted, this reflects exceptional navigation performance throughout the mission. The crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen — spent Day 3 on medical readiness drills, practising CPR in weightlessness and checking out the spacecraft's medical equipment. They also successfully tested Orion's optical communications system, transmitting HD video back to Earth from deep space. On Monday, April 6th, Orion will swing around the lunar far side at its closest approach — briefly out of radio contact with Earth — and at the mission's farthest point will travel 252,757 miles from home. That breaks the human spaceflight distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. Fifty-six years. We're finally going further. Comet MAPS: The Solar Plunge Is Done — Now Comes the Wait At 14:22 UTC on April 4th, Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) reached perihelion — passing just 161,000 kilometres from the surface of the Sun, skimming through the lower solar corona. Whether it survived that encounter is still being determined from spacecraft imagery, as the comet remains in the Sun's glare for ground-based observers. If MAPS emerges intact, the Southern Hemisphere viewing window opens April 6th to 10th. Look west after sunset, low on the horizon, near Venus. Brightness predictions range from magnitude -5 (comparable to Venus) to extraordinary scenarios even brighter. Even a nucleus breakup could leave a spectacular dust tail — what's known as a 'headless wonder.' Either way, this story is not over. Atlas V Sets a Record: 29 Amazon Leo Satellites, Heaviest Payload Ever At 1:45 a.m. Eastern Time on April 4th, a ULA Atlas V 551 lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying 29 Amazon Leo satellites — the heaviest payload in the rocket's 102-mission history. Mission LA-05 continues Amazon's build-out of its 3,200-satellite internet constellation (formerly Project Kuiper), with around 241 satellites now on orbit. Amazon faces an FCC deadline to have half its constellation operational by July 2026. Blue Ghost Challenges a Fundamental View of the Moon New data from Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander — which operated on the lunar surface for two weeks in March 2025 — is shaking up decades of lunar science. Scientists expected Blue Ghost's landing site at Mare Crisium, well outside the Moon's 'hot zone,' to show significantly cooler interior temperatures than Apollo landing sites. It didn't. The near-side/far-side temperature divide may be far less pronounced than previously thought, suggesting heat-producing elements are more widely distributed beneath the surface. 'We may have to abandon that binary,' said principal investigator Seiichi Nagihara. Pulsars Broadcast Further Than Anyone Knew — With Australian Science Behind the Discovery A study led by Professor Michael Kramer (Max Planck Institute) and Dr Simon Johnston (CSIRO) has found that about one third of millisecond pulsars emit radio waves from two completely separate regions — including a distant zone at the very edge of their magnetic reach called the current sheet. This overturns decades of received wisdom and suggests pulsars should be detectable from a wider range of directions than previously thought — with implications for gravitational wave detection using pulsar timing arrays. Mercury Is at Its Best All Year — And Southern Hemisphere Skywatchers Win Mercury reached greatest western elongation on April 3rd — the year's best opportunity to see the innermost planet. From Australia and New Zealand, this is specifically the best morning apparition of Mercury in 2026. Look east about 30-40 minutes before sunrise for a steady point of light at around magnitude 0.4, just above Mars. Through binoculars or a small telescope, Mercury is currently showing a half-illuminated quarter phase. And on April 18th, Mercury, Saturn, Mars, and Neptune will gather in a tight morning-sky cluster — three of them visible to the naked eye.

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Artemis II Heads to the Moon + Comet Death or Glory + Dark Matter Mystery

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:31:38 +1100

Astronomy Daily Season 5, Episode 80 — Friday, April 3, 2026 It's Day 2 of the Artemis II mission and the crew is on their way to the Moon after a perfect translunar injection burn. We've also got a comet about to face perihelion, a dark matter mystery deepening, stunning new JWST images, and the escalating fight over the future of our night skies. In today's episode: 🚀 ARTEMIS II — TRANSLUNAR INJECTION BURN: The Orion spacecraft successfully completed its TLI burn on April 2, sending four astronauts toward the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen delivered one of the quotes of the year from orbit. 🚽 ARTEMIS II — THE LUNAR LOO: Hours after launch, Orion's toilet malfunctioned. Christina Koch fixed it. This is why test flights exist. ☄️ SUNGRAZER COMET C/2026 A1 (MAPS): Tomorrow, this Kreutz sungrazer passes 161,000 km from the Sun's surface. It could vaporise — or become the most spectacular comet since Ikeya-Seki. Southern Hemisphere watchers: eyes on the western horizon from April 6. 🌌 DARK MATTER-FREE GALAXIES: Yale astronomers have confirmed a third galaxy with essentially no dark matter — NGC 1052-DF9. The 'Bullet Dwarf' collision theory is gaining powerful evidence. 🌟 JWST + W51: The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed hidden young stars in the W51 star-forming region, piercing dust clouds that have blocked our view for decades. ⚠️ NIGHT SKY UNDER THREAT: Reflect Orbital's orbital mirror satellite launches this month. SpaceX wants one million satellites. The astronomical community is fighting back. Find us at: http://astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io) Follow us: @AstroDailyPod Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Reconnecting with Proba 3: Europe’s Solar Mission Resumes

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:43:34 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 40 *Using archaeology to study the history of galaxies like the Milky Way Astronomers have for the first time used what they’re calling galactic archaeology to trace the history of a galaxy beyond our own galaxy the Milky Way. *Europe reconnects with its lost Proba-3 spacecraft The European Space Agency has finally re-established contact with one of the spacecraft in its Proba 3 mission. *Using blue-green algae to grow food on Mars Scientists have used a cyanobacteria-based fertilizer could grow food in a simulated Mars environment. *The Science Report A new study warns that abstinence could affect sperm quality. Scientists recover ancient Pinot Noir grape pips almost 600 years old. New study shows many birds are boozing on the human equivalent of a beer every day. Skeptics guide to Age of Disclosure. Our Guests This Week: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman Dr. Lori Glaze acting associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Carlos Garcia-Galan program executive in charge of NASA’s Moon Base Project. Jasmin Plattner from ZARM -- the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM research scientist Tiago Ramalho from the University of Bremen. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ)

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Artemis Adventures, Interstellar Toilets & Unveiling Second Generation Stars | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:21:16 +1100

Artemis 2, Space Toilets, and the Discovery of a Second Generation Star

In this fascinating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson take you on a journey through the latest developments in space exploration. With Artemis 2 set to launch, they dive into the mission's exciting details, including Australia's role in communication and the innovative design of the spacecraft's toilet system. They also discuss NASA's ambitious plans for a permanent moon base and the recent evacuation of an astronaut from the International Space Station, shedding light on the challenges faced in space travel. Finally, the episode wraps up with an intriguing discovery of a second generation star, offering insights into the universe's early history.

Episode Highlights:

- Artemis 2 Launch: Andrew and Fred explore the Artemis 2 mission, discussing the significance of Australia's CSIRO involvement in communications and the advanced technology behind the Orion spacecraft's hygiene bay.

- NASA's Moon Base Plans: The hosts delve into NASA's announcement of a $20 billion investment over seven years to establish a permanent base on the moon, examining the implications for future lunar exploration.

- ISS Crew Evacuation Update: A detailed look at the recent medical emergency involving astronaut Mike Finke, including the mystery surrounding his seizure and the ongoing investigations to ensure astronaut safety in space.

- Second Generation Star Discovery: Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of discovering a second generation star, known as Pick 2503, and what it reveals about the universe's formation and the lifecycle of stars.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Artemis II Is Go — Humanity’s Return to the Moon

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:03:26 +1100

Today is the day. Artemis II — NASA's first crewed Moon mission in 54 years — lifted off last night, and as we record this, four astronauts are preparing to leave Earth's orbit forever on the Translunar Injection burn. In this special launch-day edition, Anna and Avery cover the near-flawless launch, today's critical TLI milestone, the historic firsts being set by the crew aboard Orion (named Integrity), what the next ten days look like on the road to the Moon, the international CubeSats that hitched a ride, and the stunning coincidence of a full Pink Moon rising as humanity headed moonward. Key Sources • NASA Liftoff Announcement — nasa.gov • NASA Artemis Live Updates Blog — nasa.gov/blogs/artemis • NASA Coverage Schedule — nasa.gov/missions/artemis • CNN Artemis II Live Updates — cnn.com • Time Magazine — 'The Lunar Mission the World Is Watching' • Astronomy.com — Live Updates: Artemis 2 • NPR — NASA Launches Four People on Artemis II • Wikipedia — Artemis II • FAI World Air Sports Federation — Artemis II Records • Fast Company — Pink Moon / Artemis II Upcoming Mission Milestones • Tonight, April 2 (~8 PM ET): Translunar Injection burn — crew leaves Earth orbit • Sunday, April 5: Crew communication downlinks; Apollo 13 distance record expected to be broken • Monday, April 6: Lunar flyby — closest approach ~4,000 miles from Moon surface • Friday, April 10: Pacific Ocean splashdown

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Ignition Phase: NASA’s Revolutionary Plans for Lunar Habitation

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:13:19 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 39 *Gateway space station axed in favour of a base on the Moon – Part 2 In the second part of our special report on the pausing of construction on the Lunar Gateway space station project, we’ll detail the plans to build a permanent base at the Moon’s south pole. The seven year 20 billion dollar project will see more than thirty spacecraft sent to the Moon to deploy rovers, equipment, habitat modules and of course people. *Extending the life of the International Space Station As part of NASA’s new Ignition program the International space Station will have its life extended until at least 2032. *Nuclear powered spacecraft to fly in 2028 In December 2028 NASA will launch the Space Reactor‑1 Freedom, the first nuclear powered interplanetary spacecraft which will journey to Mars demonstrating advanced nuclear electric propulsion in deep space. *Yet another meteor sighting – this time in Texas There’s been yet another large meteor sighting this time in Texas. It’s the third major meteor event in the past month. Last week, a large meteor air burst above Ohio, and the week before another exploded in the skies above northern Europe with fragments raining down across northern Germany. *The Science Report Australia's environment experienced above average conditions for the fifth year in a row. The world’s most detailed cellular atlas of early-stage prostate cancer. New study shows Tik Tok users have difficulty with their concentration and emotions. Alex on Tech Sora killed off.

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’Hey, Let’s Go to the Moon’ — Artemis II Launch Day

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:47:05 +1100

Launch day has arrived. In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery countdown to tonight's historic Artemis II launch — humanity's first crewed lunar mission since 1972 — and explore the dramatic stories unfolding alongside it: a sungrazing comet faces its moment of truth just three days from perihelion; astronomers raise urgent alarms over plans for one million new satellites; the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS leaves its open-data legacy; and fascinating new science unpacks the hellish reality of Venus and a creative low-tech solution for mapping the Moon's interior. Story References Story 1: Artemis II Launch • NASA Artemis II Mission Hub: nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii • NASA Live Coverage (NASA+, YouTube, Amazon Prime) — begins 7:45 AM EDT April 1 • Launch window: 6:24–8:24 PM EDT Wednesday April 1 (09:24–11:24 AEDT Thursday April 2) • Crew: Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen (CSA) • Mission duration: 10 days, splashdown April 10 off San Diego Story 2: Comet MAPS • C/2026 A1 (MAPS) perihelion: April 4, 2026 at ~14:23 UTC • Perihelion distance: ~160,000 km above Sun's surface (solar corona passage) • Kreutz sungrazer family — related to Great Comet of 1106 • Nucleus estimated ~400m diameter (JWST MIRI observation, Feb 7 2026) • Best-case post-perihelion brightness: magnitude -5 to -10 • Source: Sky & Telescope, EarthSky, Universe Today, Wikipedia Story 3: Satellite Megaconstellations • SpaceX proposal: 1,000,000 satellites (AI orbital data centres) — FCC filing Jan 30, 2026 • Reflect Orbital proposal: 50,000 mirror satellites — FCC filing July 31, 2025 • IAU, RAS, and ESO have all filed formal FCC objections • Nature study (Dec 2025): 96%+ of future space telescope exposures affected if constellations completed • Hubble: up to 1/3 of images contaminated • Source: Universe Today, Astronomy Magazine, Nature Story 4: 3I/ATLAS Open Data • NASA open data archive now available: science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/3i-atlas • Key finding: 3I/ATLAS unusually rich in methanol vs hydrogen cyanide • Observed by 12+ NASA missions including Hubble, JWST, TESS, SPHEREx, MAVEN, Perseverance • Jupiter flyby: March 16, 2026 at 0.358 AU • Source: NASA Science, Space.com, NRAO Story 5: Venus • Surface temperature: 464°C average • Atmospheric pressure: 92× Earth (equivalent to ~1km ocean depth) • Longest spacecraft survival: ~2 hours (Soviet Venera probes) • Source: Universe Today, April 1 2026 Story 6: Lunar Optical Fibre • Two new journal papers propose telecom-grade optical fibre for lunar seismic mapping • Could map deep interior and identify lava tube locations • Lava tubes: potential natural shelters for future astronauts • Source: Universe Today, April 1 2026

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Artemis II : Go for Launch — Plus Saturn’s Rings, The Gigamaser & A Star From The Dawn of Time

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:26:42 +1100

Episode 77 of Astronomy Daily, Season 5. Recorded 31 March 2026. Today's episode is our Artemis II launch-eve special — humanity prepares to return to the Moon for the first time in over 53 years. We also cover a record-breaking 'space laser' 8 billion light-years away, the ancient age of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, a star bearing the fingerprint of the universe's first stars, and new simulations supporting the shattered moon origin of Saturn's rings. STORY SOURCES • Artemis II Countdown — NASA.gov: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/03/30/nasas-artemis-ii-launch-mission-countdown-begins/ • Artemis II Mission Guide — NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/artemis-ii-nasa-moon-launch-time-astronauts-how-watch-what-know-rcna255627 • Artemis II Launch Coverage — CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-artemis-ii-moon-launch-astronauts-flight-plan/ • X1.4 Solar Flare — Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/sun/powerful-x-class-solar-flare-triggers-radio-blackout-ahead-of-artemis-2-launch • Solar Flare NASA Statement — NASA Science: https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/solar-cycle-25/2026/03/30/strong-solar-flare-erupts-from-sun-30/ • Gigamaser Discovery — Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/record-breaking-space-laser-erupts-from-merging-galaxies-8-billion-light-years-away • Gigamaser — ScienceAlert: https://www.sciencealert.com/astronomers-spot-a-record-breaking-space-laser-8-billion-light-years-away • 3I/ATLAS Age — Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/comets/interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-may-be-nearly-12-billion-years-old-so-ancient-its-star-system-may-no-longer-exist • 3I/ATLAS — Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/space/comets/interstellar-messenger-3i-atlas-could-be-nearly-as-old-as-the-universe-itself-james-webb-telescope-observations-reveal • PicII-503 Star — Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/astronomers-discovere-a-rare-primitive-star-that-provides-a-chemical-snapshot-of-the-early-universe-180988454/ • PicII-503 — NOIRLab: https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2607/ • Saturn Rings / Chrysalis — Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/saturn/are-saturns-rings-made-of-a-lost-shattered-moon-new-evidence-arises-for-the-case

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Artemis II: Three Days to Go — Plus Mars Sample Return Is Officially Dead

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:51:50 +1100

Episode Summary With Artemis II just three days from launch, today's episode delivers a landmark space moment alongside the sad news that Mars Sample Return's Earth Return Orbiter has been formally cancelled by ESA. We also cover SpaceX's enormous Transporter-16 rideshare launch, Cornell's definitive list of 45 best-bet habitable exoplanets, a paradigm-shifting discovery about pulsar radio emissions, and the first confirmed evidence of lightning-like activity on Mars. Stories Covered • Artemis II — NASA confirms zero technical issues, launch on track for April 1 at 6:24 p.m. EDT • ESA Earth Return Orbiter — formally cancelled after ESA member states vote to end the programme; Airbus in transition talks • SpaceX Transporter-16 — 119 payloads launched to Sun-synchronous orbit from Vandenberg this morning • 45 Habitable Exoplanets — Cornell/Carl Sagan Institute catalog published in MNRAS; TRAPPIST-1, Proxima Centauri b among top targets • Millisecond Pulsar Radio Emissions — signals confirmed originating beyond the light cylinder for the first time • Martian Lightning — MAVEN data reveals whistler wave consistent with electrical discharge during a 2015 dust storm Source URLs • Artemis II launch updates: https://www.space.com/news/live/artemis-2-nasa-moon-mission-launch-updates-march-29-2026 • ESA Earth Return Orbiter cancellation: https://europeanspaceflight.com/esa-member-states-call-for-cancellation-of-earth-return-orbiter/ • SpaceX Transporter-16: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/transporter-16/ • 45 Habitable Exoplanets (ScienceDaily): https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325005926.htm • Millisecond Pulsar discovery (Phys.org): https://phys.org/news/2026-03-radio-edge-extreme-stars-surfaces.html • Mars Lightning / MAVEN (Phys.org): https://phys.org/news/2026-03-nasa-maven-evidence-lightning-mars.html

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NASA’s Moon Base Ignition: A New Era in Lunar Exploration

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:41:11 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 38 *Gateway space station axed in favour of a base on the Moon – Part 1 In this special report, we’ll look at NASA’s decision to pause construction of the Lunar Gateway space station project in favour of accelerating plans to build a permanent base at the Moon’s south pole. Forget everything you’ve heard until now! NASA is shifting focus totally on a new endeavour named Ignition which is designed to achieve US President Donald Trump’s National Space Policy with the aim of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. The seven year 20 billion dollar project will see more than thirty spacecraft sent to the Moon to deploy rovers, equipment, habitat modules and of course people . *A New Artemis Mission As part of these changes the cadence of Artemis flights to the Moon will increase to at least one surface landing every year. And the configuration of the 98 metre tall SLS Space Launch System moon rocket will be standardised with the use of a Centaur V upper stage replacing both the current Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage and the planned Exploration Upper Stage. *Cosmonauts forced take control of a Russian Progress cargo ship Cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station were forced to take control of a Russian Progress cargo ship and dock the spacecraft manually after two of its KURS automated rendezvous antennas failed to deploy. *The Science Report Planet Earth has just experienced its 11 hottest years on record. Scientist have created a novel organism which has developed a primitive nervous system. Study shows people have been living with dogs as companions for over 14 thousand years. Skeptics guide to the ghost face in the northern lights

Our Guests This Week: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman Dr. Lori Glaze acting associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Carlos Garcia-Galan program executive in charge of NASA’s Moon Base Project. Jasmin Plattner from ZARM -- the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM research scientist Tiago Ramalho from the University of Bremen. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ)

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Cosmic Comets, Magnetic Pole Puzzles & The Enigma of Time | Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights...

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:47:21 +1100

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Cosmic Q&A: Comets, Magnetic Reversals, and the Nature of Time

In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing listener questions that span the cosmos. From the fascinating journeys of comets to the implications of Earth's magnetic pole reversal, and the philosophical musings on the origin of time, this episode is a rich tapestry of cosmic inquiry.

Episode Highlights:

- The Journey of Comets: Listener Nate from Perth dives into the paths of comets, exploring whether they all follow similar trajectories or carve out their own unique paths. Andrew and Fred unravel the mysteries of the Oort Cloud and the gravitational influences that shape these celestial wanderers.

- Magnetic Pole Reversal: Michael from Canada raises concerns about the potential effects of Earth's overdue magnetic pole reversal on satellites in low Earth orbit. The hosts discuss the gradual nature of these reversals and the implications for our technology as the magnetic field weakens.

- The Nature of Time: Local listener George presents a profound question about the essence of time, contemplating whether it exists as a construct of energy motion. Andrew and Fred delve into the complexities of time in the context of relativity and quantum mechanics, exploring its elusive nature and the philosophical questions it raises.

- Galaxies and the Observable Universe: Tom from Ireland grapples with the concept of distance in the universe, questioning how galaxies can appear to be further apart than the age of the universe itself. Andrew and Fred clarify the concepts of look-back time and the universe's expansion, shedding light on this common cosmic conundrum.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Countdown to the Moon: Artemis II Launch Week Begins | Plus Comet Reversal & ISS Medical Mystery...

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:43:12 +1100

Episode S05E75 — Saturday, 28 March 2026 | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod 🚀 Story 1: Artemis II Crew Arrives at Kennedy Space Center The four-person crew of NASA's Artemis II mission — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch (NASA), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (CSA) — arrived at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, March 27, 2026, ahead of a planned April 1 launch. The 10-day mission will fly the crew around the Moon and back to Earth — the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. Launch window: 6:24 PM EDT, April 1–6, 2026. Sources: NASA.gov, Space.com, AP, Orlando Sentinel ☄️ Story 2: Hubble Detects First-Ever Spin Reversal of a Comet A new study in The Astronomical Journal reveals that comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresák reversed its direction of rotation — a first in observational astronomy. Gas jets acting as thrusters slowed the comet's spin and flipped it into a new direction. The comet's nucleus measures just 1 km across. Researchers warn the rapid new spin could lead to the comet's disintegration. Source: NASA Science / Space Telescope Science Institute, March 26, 2026 🌑 Story 3: LIGO Signal May Be a Primordial Black Hole A November 2025 LIGO detection of a gravitational wave signal from an object with less than one solar mass — impossible through stellar evolution — may be evidence of a primordial black hole formed in the Big Bang's first moments. A new University of Miami study in The Astrophysical Journal finds the detection consistent with primordial black hole models and suggests these objects could help explain dark matter. Source: Universe Today / University of Miami, March 27, 2026 ⭐ Story 4: IXPE Delivers New Portrait of Oldest-Known Supernova NASA's IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) has produced a new X-ray image of supernova remnant RCW 86 (SN 185) — the oldest recorded supernova, first observed by Chinese astronomers in 185 AD. Combined with Chandra and XMM-Newton data, the image reveals the remnant's expansion has slowed at the edge of a low-density cavity, producing a reflected shock. Source: NASA / Phys.org, March 25–27, 2026 🏥 Story 5: Mike Fincke Speaks About His ISS Medical Emergency NASA astronaut Mike Fincke has given his first detailed account of the January 7, 2026 medical event that led to the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station. In an AP interview, Fincke revealed he lost the ability to speak for approximately 20 minutes while eating dinner. Doctors have ruled out a heart attack but the cause remains unknown. The incident ended Crew-11's mission early, returning Fincke, Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov to Earth on January 15. Source: Associated Press / Phys.org, March 27, 2026 ☀️ Story 6: Solar Activity — AR4403 Flares, Possible CME March 29 Sunspot region AR4403, which rotated into view on March 26, produced an M3.9 solar flare causing a minor radio blackout over the Indian Ocean. Conditions are quiet on March 28, but space weather forecasters expect a co-rotating interaction region and coronal hole high-speed stream to arrive March 29, bringing unsettled geomagnetic conditions and possible aurora visibility at mid-latitudes. Southern Hemisphere observers in Australia and New Zealand should watch Sunday–Monday nights. Source: EarthSky / The Sun Today, March 27, 2026

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Artemis II Crew Lands in Florida — Launch Countdown Is On

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:56:21 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, Season 5, Episode 74 — your daily briefing on the most exciting developments in space and astronomy, hosted by Anna and Avery. IN TODAY'S EPISODE • Artemis II crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center — launch just 5 days away • Webb and Hubble combine for the most detailed Saturn portrait ever captured • New research reveals Jupiter's lightning may be up to a million times more powerful than Earth's • Japan's XRISM telescope solves a 50-year X-ray mystery surrounding naked-eye star Gamma Cassiopeiae • Cornell astronomers publish a shortlist of 45 exoplanets most likely to host alien life • The Isar Aerospace Spectrum scrub mystery is solved — it was an unauthorised boat STORY SOURCES & LINKS Story 1 — Artemis II: NASA Kennedy Space Center / NASA.gov https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/03/25/nasa-teams-continue-artemis-ii-preparations-at-launch-pad/ https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/artemis-ii/nasa-sets-coverage-for-artemis-ii-moon-mission/ Story 2 — Saturn Images: NASA Science / Scientific American https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasa-webb-hubble-share-most-comprehensive-view-of-saturn-to-date/ Story 3 — Jupiter Lightning: Berkeley News / AGU Advances https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/03/23/lightning-bolts-on-jupiter-pack-more-than-100-times-the-power-of-earths-flashes/ Story 4 — Gamma Cassiopeiae: ScienceDaily / Astronomy & Astrophysics https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325041723.htm Story 5 — 45 Exoplanets: Royal Astronomical Society / ScienceDaily https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/research-highlights/best-places-look-alien-life-scientists-identify-45-earth-worlds Story 6 — Isar Aerospace: NASASpaceFlight.com / Bloomberg https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/isar-onward-and-upward/ CONNECT WITH US • Website: astronomydaily.io • Twitter/X: @AstroDailyPod • Instagram: @AstroDailyPod • TikTok: @AstroDailyPod • YouTube: @AstroDailyPod • Tumblr: @AstroDailyPod • Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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From Cosmic Collisions to Astronaut Safety

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:40:45 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 37 *Solving one of the mysteries of the Small Magellanic Cloud Astronomers may have finally solved one of the many mysteries of the Small Magellanic Cloud – a satellite dwarf galaxy the orbits the Milky Way. *Protecting astronauts from radiation in deep space NASA’s first manned mission to the moon in over half a century has been rolled out back to the launch pad and is now slated for launch on April first. *Another step forward in growing food in space Scientists have been putting their astronomical green thumbs to the test by trying to grow plants in simulated lunar and Martian soils. *The Science Report Study shows teen bullies are more likely to suffer faster biological ageing and obesity. Three new species of Australian rock-dwelling monitor lizards have been formally described. The spray-on fabric coating that can clean clothing without detergent. Skeptics guide to Florida’s skunk ape. https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/) This week’s guests include: Dr Trevor Lafleur from the University of New South Wales NASA Meteoroid Environment Office Lead Dr Bill Cooke from the Marshall Space Flight Centre Cryosat Principal Investigator Duncan Wingham University College London Ralph Cordey from EADS Astrium Research fellow Katharine Giles University College London And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you… For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/32433738?utm_source=youtube

Asteroid Spin, Superpuff Mysteries & Martian Groundwater Revelations | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:03:43 +1100

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Asteroid Spins, Superpuff Planets, and Martian Groundwater Discoveries

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a trio of captivating astronomical topics. From the peculiarities of a rapidly spinning asteroid to the mysteries surrounding superpuff planets, and groundbreaking revelations about Martian groundwater, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Spun Out Asteroid: Andrew and Fred discuss the intriguing asteroid 2025 MN45, which spins at an astonishing rate of 1 minute and 54 seconds per rotation. They explore the implications of such rapid rotation on its structure and what it might reveal about its composition.

- Superpuff Planet Kepler 51D: The hosts examine the latest findings on Kepler 51D, a planet with an unusually low density that has been compared to cotton candy. They discuss the challenges astronomers face in understanding its hazy atmosphere and the ongoing research aimed at uncovering its secrets.

- Martian Groundwater Insights: A major highlight of the episode is the discussion about new research suggesting the existence of a planet-wide groundwater system on Mars. Andrew and Fred analyze the geological evidence that indicates a historical hydrological network, shedding light on Mars's wet past and its potential for supporting life.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Spectrum Aborts at T-3 | Canada Loses Its Moon Rover | Triton Tilted Neptune

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:02:36 +1100

Episode Summary Today's episode opens with a brief update on the Isar Aerospace Spectrum rocket, which aborted at T-3 seconds on March 25 — just before engine ignition — with no new launch date yet announced. The main stories cover Canada's cancellation of its first lunar rover mission; the century-old mystery of Gamma Cassiopeiae's anomalous X-ray emissions finally solved by the XRISM space telescope; new research suggesting Neptune's axial tilt may have been caused by its captured moon Triton; NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft entering full integration and testing ahead of a 2028 launch to Saturn's moon Titan; Russia returning to orbit from Baikonur Cosmodrome following last November's structural collapse; and the new SPHEREx telescope detecting a bipolar hydrogen shell around the remnant of Nova Persei 1901.

Story Sources Update — Isar Aerospace Spectrum NASASpaceFlight.com — Isar Aerospace scrubs second launch of Spectrum rocket https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/isar-onward-and-upward/ Isar Aerospace Mission Updates https://isaraerospace.com/mission-updates-overview Story 1 — Canada Cancels Moon Rover Space.com — Canada cancels its 1st moon rover: 'It's hopefully not a lost cause' https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/canada-cancels-its-1st-moon-rover-its-hopefully-not-a-lost-cause Canadian Space Agency — Spending Plan 2026-27 https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/dp-2026-2027.asp Story 2 — Gamma Cassiopeiae Mystery Solved Space.com — Scientists finally solve century-old mystery of star with unexpected X-ray emissions https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/scientists-finally-solve-century-old-mystery-of-star-with-unexpected-x-ray-emissions ESA / EurekAlert — XRISM solves famous star's 50-year mystery https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1120872 ScienceDaily — Astronomers solve 50-year mystery of a naked-eye star's extreme X-rays https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260325041723.htm Story 3 — Neptune's Tilt & Triton Astrobiology.com / arXiv — Neptune's Obliquity Was Likely Engendered By Triton's Tidal Evolution https://astrobiology.com/2026/03/neptunes-obliquity-was-likely-engendered-by-tritons-tidal-evolution.html Story 4 — Dragonfly Integration Testing NASA Science — NASA's Dragonfly Mission Begins Rotorcraft Integration, Testing Stage https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/dragonfly/2026/03/10/nasas-dragonfly-mission-begins-rotorcraft-integration-testing-stage/ Johns Hopkins APL — Dragonfly Mission Begins Rotorcraft Integration, Testing Stage https://www.jhuapl.edu/news/news-releases/260312-dragonfly-integration-begins Story 5 — Russia Returns to Orbit from Baikonur Universe Today — Russia Returns to Orbit from Baikonur Following Structural Collapse https://www.universetoday.com/ Story 6 — SPHEREx & Nova Persei 1901 Phys.org — Using NASA's SPHEREx space telescope, astronomers observe remnants of the eruption of Nova Persei 1901 https://phys.org/space-news/

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Gas Giants vs. Brown Dwarfs: Unraveling the Cosmic Spin Mystery

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:48:50 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 36 *How to tell gas giants from brown dwarfs A new study has found that giant planets spin faster than their cosmic brown dwarfs lookalikes. *A nuclear power station on the Moon gets the green light NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have renewed their partnership to develop a nuclear fission reactor to power a permanent base on the lunar surface by 2030. *Using an ice satellite to detect powerful geomagnetic storms The European Space Agency’s Cryosat spacecraft has accurately measured the impact of resent geomagnetic storm activity from the Sun as it slammed into Earth’s magnetic field.. *The Science Report New study shows that higher air pollution levels increase the risk of physical disabilities. Working out someone’s mood by the way they walk. Over half of teens admit that they’ve created at least one image using AI nudification tools. Alex on Tech: Portable data centres on their way down under.

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NASA’s Moon Base Revolution: Gateway Cancelled, Nuclear Mars Mission Announced & More

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 22:08:41 +1100

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six major stories from the last 24 hours in space and astronomy — including two landmark NASA announcements that could reshape the future of human space exploration. Story 1: NASA Cancels Lunar Gateway — Pivots to $20 Billion Moon Base NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced at the agency's 'Ignition Day' event that the Lunar Gateway orbital space station has been paused, with resources redirected toward a phased $20 billion base on the lunar surface. The three-phase plan runs from 2026 to beyond 2032 and involves international partners including JAXA, the Italian Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/nasas-lunar-gateway-space-station-is-out-moon-bases-are-in (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/nasas-lunar-gateway-space-station-is-out-moon-bases-are-in) Story 2: NASA's SR-1 Freedom — The First Nuclear-Powered Interplanetary Spacecraft Also announced at Ignition Day, Space Reactor-1 Freedom is planned for a December 2028 launch to Mars. It will use Nuclear Electric Propulsion and carry the Skyfall payload — three Ingenuity-class helicopters designed to scout future human landing sites and map subsurface water ice. Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/nasas-1st-nuclear-powered-interplanetary-spacecraft-will-send-skyfall-helicopters-to-mars-in-2028 (https://www.space.com/astronomy/mars/nasas-1st-nuclear-powered-interplanetary-spacecraft-will-send-skyfall-helicopters-to-mars-in-2028) Story 3: Two Planets Forming Around Infant Star WISPIT 2 Astronomers using the ESO's Very Large Telescope have directly imaged two gas giant planets forming around the 5.4-million-year-old star WISPIT 2, located 437 light-years away in Aquila. The system is described as a mirror of our early solar system, with potential for more planets yet to be discovered. Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/scientists-discover-mirror-of-our-solar-system-in-2-exoplanets-forming-around-a-star (https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/scientists-discover-mirror-of-our-solar-system-in-2-exoplanets-forming-around-a-star) Story 4: Hubble Revisits the Crab Nebula — 25 Years On NASA has released new Hubble Space Telescope images of the Crab Nebula, taken 25 years after the telescope first observed the object. The images reveal the nebula's continued expansion — the still-evolving remnant of a supernova first observed by astronomers in 1054 AD. Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/hubble-revisits-a-cosmic-crab-after-25-years-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-23-2026 (https://www.space.com/astronomy/hubble-revisits-a-cosmic-crab-after-25-years-space-photo-of-the-day-for-march-23-2026) Story 5: Fiber-Optic Cables Could Detect Moonquakes Two new studies from Los Alamos National Laboratory suggest that fiber-optic cables deployed directly on the lunar surface could detect moonquakes using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). The technique could replace expensive individual seismometers, with a single cable acting as thousands of sensors across hundreds of kilometres of lunar terrain. Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/future-artemis-missions-could-use-fiber-optic-cables-to-monitor-moonquakes (https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/future-artemis-missions-could-use-fiber-optic-cables-to-monitor-moonquakes) Story 6: Rocket Lab 'Daughter of the Stars' — Europe's First Celeste Navigation Satellites Rocket Lab's Electron rocket launched the first two satellites for ESA's Celeste LEO-PNT constellation from Māhia, New Zealand on March 25. The mission is ESA's first foray into low-Earth orbit navigation, designed to complement and strengthen Europe's Galileo system. The constellation is named after Maria Celeste, daughter of Galileo Galilei. Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/rocket-lab-electron-launch-european-space-agency-celeste-navigation-satellites (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/rocket-lab-electron-launch-european-space-agency-celeste-navigation-satellites)

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Artemis II Countdown, Auroras Over Sydney, and the Lava World That Broke the Rules

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:16:44 +1100

Thank you for listening to Astronomy Daily! Here's everything from today's episode: Story 1: Artemis II — T-Minus Days to Launch NASA is targeting April 1, 2026 for the launch of Artemis II — the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will fly a 10-day free-return trajectory around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft on the SLS rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The six-day launch window runs April 1–6. Meanwhile, a new analysis suggests the mission could face elevated solar superflare risk, though NASA is proceeding after a successful Flight Readiness Review. Source: NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Solar risk analysis: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/artemis-2-moon-mission-shouldnt-launch-until-late-2026-new-analysis-of-solar-superflares-suggests Story 2: G3 Geomagnetic Storm & Aurora Australis Multiple coronal mass ejections from the Sun triggered a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm, producing vivid auroral displays from New York to Scotland to — remarkably — Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe storm warning for March 23. Conditions are easing on March 24 (Kp 3–4) but some aurora activity may continue. March is historically the best month for auroras due to the equinox effect, and with Solar Cycle 25 at its peak, scientists say this could be the best aurora viewing period until the mid-2030s. Aurora forecast: https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/ Aurora Australis guide: https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/aurora-australis-southern-lights-march-2026-tonight-alert/ Story 3: JWST Finds 'Impossible' Atmosphere on Lava World TOI-561 b A Carnegie Institution-led team used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to detect the strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere around a rocky exoplanet. TOI-561 b — an ultra-hot super-Earth about twice Earth's mass, orbiting its star every 10.56 hours — was expected to be a bare rock. Instead, JWST measured a dayside temperature far cooler than a bare rock would produce, indicating a thick atmosphere redistributing heat above a global magma ocean. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: Carnegie Institution for Science — https://carnegiescience.edu/ultra-hot-lava-world-has-thick-atmosphere-upending-expectations ScienceDaily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020255.htm Story 4: Sealed Apollo 17 Moon Rocks Reveal Surprise Sulfur Signal Sealed lunar samples from Apollo 17 (collected 1972, opened through NASA's ANGSA program) have revealed unexpected sulfur isotope signatures. A Brown University-led team found volcanic material from the Taurus-Littrow region is strongly depleted in sulfur-33 — unlike anything found on Earth. Possible explanations include ancient lunar atmospheric chemistry or a legacy of the Theia impact that formed the Moon. Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. Source: Brown University — https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-10-06/sulfur-isotopes-apollo-samples SciTechDaily: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-open-moon-rocks-locked-away-since-1972-and-find-something-totally-unexpected/ Story 5: This Week in Global Rocketry An exceptional week of launches spanning five countries and seven rocket types: SpaceX Falcon 9 (Starlink 17-17, Tuesday; Starlink 10-44, Thursday — B1067's record 34th flight; Transporter 16, Sunday), Rocket Lab Electron (ESA Celeste demo sats, Wednesday, NZ), Isar Aerospace Spectrum (Onward and Upward, Wednesday, Norway), Chang Zheng 2C (Wednesday, China), CAS Space Kinetica 1 (Friday, China), Russia's debut Soyuz-5 (Friday, Baikonur), and ULA Atlas V (Amazon Leo batch, Sunday). The 73rd orbital launch attempt of 2026 worldwide. Full preview: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/launch-preview-032326/ Update: Progress MS-33 & Spectrum Rocket Progress MS-33 (also known as Progress 94) launched from the newly-repaired Site 31/6 at Baikonur on March 22 carrying 2,509 kg of supplies for the ISS Expedition 74 crew. A KURS antenna failure required ISS commander Sergei Kud-Sverchkov to dock the vehicle manually using the TORU backup system, scheduled for 13:34 UTC on March 24. Separately, Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket remains on the pad at Andøya, Norway, with a new launch window on March 25 (20:00–21:00 UTC) after weather delays. Progress MS-33: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/progress-ms33/ Spectrum launch info: https://isaraerospace.com/mission-updates-overview

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Black Hole Merger Sparks Gamma Ray Burst and Iodine Propulsion Revolution

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:29:42 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 35 *The black hole merger that sent ripples through spacetime Scientists have detected the merger of a pair of stellar mass black holes which was quickly followed seconds later by a powerful gamma ray burst.. *A new type of ion propulsion system for spacecraft Scientists are developing a new type of ion propulsion system for spacecraft which would be easier to produce and provide better performance than current xenon based plasma systems. *Thousands watch a fireball streak across the Ohio skies Residents across North Eastern Ohio have seen a spectacular day time meteor streak across the skies. *The Science Report Study shows Greenland’s Ice dome melted over 7,000 years ago.. Warnings of worsening human health impacts from the production of plastics. Scientists discover the region of the brain responsible for controlling hypocrisy. Skeptics guide to America’s growing belief in flying saucers.

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Europe’s Rocket Moment, A Hidden Cosmic Explosion, and Brown Dwarfs in Love

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:11:28 +1100

Astronomy Daily — Season 5, Episode 70 Monday, March 23, 2026 In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six stories spanning a live European rocket launch attempt, a sixty-year-old NASA emergency brought back to life through newly surfaced photographs, a cosmic explosion caught only by its echo, the fight to preserve the night sky, a supply run to the ISS with an unexpected complication, and a first-of-its-kind discovery involving brown dwarf stars.

Story 1: Europe's Spectrum Rocket — Bid for Orbit Today Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket is attempting its second test flight today — its qualification mission for ESA's European Launcher Challenge. Launching from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, the mission carries five CubeSats and one experiment from European universities and companies, all supported by ESA's Boost! program. If successful, it would mark a landmark moment for European sovereign access to space. Source: ESA — Spectrum's Qualifying Second Launch (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Boost/Spectrum_s_qualifying_second_launch) Story 2: Neil Armstrong — The Gemini 8 Emergency Sixty years ago this month, Neil Armstrong and David Scott survived one of NASA's most dangerous pre-Apollo emergencies aboard Gemini 8. A spacecraft malfunction sent the capsule into an uncontrolled spin reaching one revolution per second. Never-before-seen photographs of Armstrong's recovery have been donated to the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Source: Phys.org — Space News (https://phys.org/space-news/) Story 3: Astronomers Catch the Echo of a Billion-Sun Explosion Using the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia, astronomers identified ASKAP J005512-255834 — a radio signal representing the most convincing "orphan afterglow" of a gamma-ray burst ever detected. The original explosion went unseen because its jet wasn't aimed at Earth, but the lingering radio echo has been detectable for over 1,000 days. Research published in The Astrophysical Journal. Source: The Conversation — A Cosmic Explosion With the Force of a Billion Suns (https://theconversation.com/a-cosmic-explosion-with-the-force-of-a-billion-suns-went-unseen-until-we-caught-its-echo-275565) Story 4: The Fight to Save the Night Sky The Royal Astronomical Society, ESA, and the International Astronomical Union have filed formal objections to the FCC over two proposed satellite constellations: SpaceX's application for up to one million orbiting AI data centre satellites, and Reflect Orbital's proposal for 50,000 space mirrors each four times brighter than the full Moon. Experts warn the proposals could permanently transform humanity's view of the night sky. Source: Space.com — Astronomers Protest Giant Orbiting Mirror Project (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/this-is-really-intolerable-astronomers-protest-giant-orbiting-mirror-project-and-spacexs-million-ai-satellites) Story 5: Progress 94 Launches to ISS — With a Glitch Russia's Progress 94 cargo spacecraft launched successfully from Baikonur on March 22, carrying around three tonnes of food, fuel, and supplies to the ISS. One of its KURS automated docking antennas failed to deploy after launch. Docking at the Poisk module is scheduled for March 24. If the antenna issue isn't resolved, commander Sergei Kud-Sverchkov will conduct a manual docking. Source: NASA — Progress Cargo Craft Launches to Resupply Station Crew (https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/03/22/progress-cargo-craft-launches-to-resupply-station-crew/) Story 6: First-Ever Brown Dwarf Pair Caught in Mass Transfer Caltech researchers using the Zwicky Transient Facility have discovered ZTF J1239+8347 — the first-ever observed brown dwarf binary undergoing mass transfer. The pair orbit each other every 57 minutes at a separation smaller than the Earth-Moon distance. The system will eventually either merge into a single star or one dwarf will accrete enough mass to ignite fusion. Research published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: Universe Today — This Pair of Brown Dwarfs Can't Get Enough of Each Other (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/this-pair-of-brown-dwarfs-cant-get-enough-of-each-other)

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Hawking Radiation, Dark Energy Dilemmas & Listener Curiosities | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights...

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:04:02 +1100

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Cosmic Queries: Hawking Radiation, Dark Energy, and Moving Earth

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into intriguing listener questions that span the cosmos. From the mysteries of Hawking radiation to the enigma of dark energy, and even a thought-provoking "what if" scenario about moving Earth to a new star system, this episode is packed with fascinating discussions and astronomical insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Hawking Radiation Explained: Tony from Marrickville poses a question about the entanglement of particles that pop into existence near black holes. Andrew and Fred explore the concept of quantum entanglement and how it relates to Hawking radiation, shedding light on this complex phenomenon.

- Understanding Dark Energy: Stuart Gary Gary from Tasmania asks about the implications of dark energy and its role in the universe's expansion. The hosts discuss current theories, including the cosmological constant, and unravel the mysteries surrounding this elusive form of energy.

- What If We Could Move Earth? Thomas from Virginia presents a thought-provoking scenario about relocating Earth to another star's Goldilocks zone. Andrew and Fred contemplate the potential effects on Earth's atmosphere during such a journey, drawing parallels to science fiction while grounding the discussion in scientific principles.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32347967?utm_source=youtube

Moon Rocket, Lost Spacecraft, and a Comet That Fell Apart on Camera

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:08:26 +1100

Today on Astronomy Daily: NASA's Artemis II moon rocket has arrived at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, with a launch target of April 1st — the first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit in over 53 years. Plus: astronomers have discovered the first-ever mass-transferring brown dwarf binary; Hubble accidentally caught a comet disintegrating in real time; 15 new moons have been confirmed around Jupiter and Saturn; our Moon is accumulating over 100 metric tons of human-made debris; and a dramatic spacecraft double-header — ESA's Proba-3 has been recovered from a month-long blackout, while NASA's MAVEN Mars orbiter remains missing after more than three months of silence. Story 1: Artemis II Arrives at Launch Pad 39B NASA's Artemis II SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft completed an 11-hour overnight journey to Launch Pad 39B on March 20, 2026. Launch is targeted for no earlier than April 1. The crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — will fly a 10-day free-return trajectory around the Moon, making this the first crewed deep-space mission since Apollo 17 in December 1972. Source: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/03/20/nasas-artemis-ii-rocket-arrives-at-launch-pad-39b/ Story 2: First Mass-Transferring Brown Dwarf Binary Researchers at Caltech have identified ZTF J1239+8347, a brown dwarf binary system with an orbital period of just 57.41 minutes in which one brown dwarf is actively pulling material from its companion — a first for this class of objects. The system, only ~1,000 light-years away, is a prime candidate for JWST follow-up observations. Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/this-pair-of-brown-dwarfs-cant-get-enough-of-each-other Story 3: Hubble Catches Comet C/2025 K1 Breaking Apart In a remarkable stroke of luck, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) fragmenting into at least four pieces over three consecutive days in November 2025. The comet was not the original target of the observation. The findings, published in Icarus, reveal the comet is unusually carbon-depleted and raise new questions about the delay between fragmentation and visible brightening. Source: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/nasas-hubble-unexpectedly-catches-comet-breaking-up/ Story 4: 15 New Moons Confirmed for Jupiter and Saturn The Minor Planet Center announced on March 16, 2026 that four new moons have been confirmed around Jupiter (bringing its total to 101) and 11 new moons around Saturn (bringing its total to 285). All are small irregular moons, discovered by combining archival telescope data with new observations. With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory now operational, further discoveries are expected. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/more-moons-for-jupiter-and-saturn-total-satellite-discoveries/ Story 5: Human Debris on the Moon — Over 100 Metric Tons and Counting More than 100 metric tons of human-made objects now litter the lunar surface — spacecraft hardware, scientific instruments, and even waste from Apollo missions. With a wave of crewed and commercial lunar missions approaching under Artemis and beyond, space policy researchers are urging the development of international agreements to protect scientifically sensitive lunar sites before they are damaged or contaminated by human activity. Source: https://www.universetoday.com — lunar debris policy Story 6: MAVEN Still Missing / Proba-3 Recovered NASA's MAVEN Mars orbiter, lost since December 6, 2025, remains uncontacted despite three months of recovery efforts using the Deep Space Network, Green Bank Observatory, and the Curiosity rover. An anomaly review board is assessing options. Meanwhile, ESA's Proba-3 coronagraph spacecraft — silent since February 14 after a power failure — has been successfully recovered after engineers exploited a brief window when the tumbling spacecraft's solar panels briefly faced the Sun. MAVEN source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasa-wont-give-up-hope-on-silent-maven-mars-probe-were-still-looking-for-it Proba-3 source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/03/europe-restores-contact-lost-spacecraft/

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Equinox Auroras, Ancient Stars, and a Satellite Resurrection

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 02:03:41 +1100

It's the first day of astronomical spring — and the universe is celebrating in style. On today's Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover a triple CME solar storm with aurora potential reaching as far south as Illinois, explain why the vernal equinox amplifies aurora activity, report on the ongoing meteorite hunt following Tuesday's spectacular Ohio fireball, reveal an extraordinary 14-billion-year-old star that carries the chemical fingerprints of the universe's very first stars, bring a happy update on Europe's Proba-3 solar science satellite which has ended a month of silence, and explain how X-ray CT scans of returned asteroid samples finally cracked one of Bennu's longest-standing mysteries. Stories in This Episode 1. Triple CME Strike + Equinox Aurora Alert Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently en route to Earth, with the first arriving today. Forecasters predict G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm conditions, potentially bringing auroras as far south as Illinois. The timing coincides with the vernal equinox — historically one of the best aurora windows of the year due to the Russell-McPherron effect. 2. The Vernal Equinox — Today! The 2026 March equinox arrived today at 14:46 UTC, marking the astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and autumn in the Southern). Tonight, a thin crescent Moon appears alongside Venus in the west-southwest sky. 3. Ohio Fireball — Meteorite Hunt Underway On St. Patrick's Day (March 17), a seven-ton asteroid exploded over northeast Ohio with the force of 250 tons of TNT. NASA confirmed meteorites landed near Medina County, and hunters from across the US have already found fragments in the Sharon Center area. 4. Ancient 'Cosmic Fossil' Star PicII-503 Astronomers have discovered PicII-503, a second-generation star in the Pictor II dwarf galaxy with only 1/40,000th of the Sun's iron — the lowest ever measured outside the Milky Way. Its extraordinary carbon-to-iron ratio links it to mysterious carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars scattered across our galaxy's halo, solving a long-standing stellar mystery. Published in Nature Astronomy by Anirudh Chiti (Stanford) et al. 5. Proba-3 Phones Home — 'A Great Relief!' ESA confirmed on March 19 that its Proba-3 Coronagraph satellite — silent since mid-February after an anomaly caused it to lose attitude control — has reestablished contact via the Villafranca ground station. The spacecraft is in safe mode, solar-powered, and undergoing health checks before science operations can resume. 6. NASA Cracks Bennu's Boulder Mystery X-ray CT scans of returned OSIRIS-REx samples reveal Bennu's boulders are riddled with internal crack networks — the missing piece explaining the asteroid's puzzling low thermal inertia. Published in Nature Communications. The findings will improve asteroid characterisation from Earth-based telescopes globally. Source Links Triple CME / Aurora Alert — Space.com: https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/aurora-alert-powerful-geomagnetic-storm-could-spark-northern-lights-as-far-south-as-illinois-on-march-19 (https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/aurora-alert-powerful-geomagnetic-storm-could-spark-northern-lights-as-far-south-as-illinois-on-march-19) Triple CME / Sun News — EarthSky: https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/ (https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/) NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre: https://www.spaceweather.gov (https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-vernal-or-spring-equinox/ (https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-vernal-or-spring-equinox/) Ohio Fireball — EarthSky: https://earthsky.org/earth/sonic-boom-from-a-meteor-cleveland-ohio-and-pennsylvania-mar-17-2026/ (https://earthsky.org/earth/sonic-boom-from-a-meteor-cleveland-ohio-and-pennsylvania-mar-17-2026/) Ohio Meteorite Hunt — Cleveland19: https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/03/19/meteorite-hunters-states-away-find-fragments-northeast-ohio/ (https://www.cleveland19.com/2026/03/19/meteorite-hunters-states-away-find-fragments-northeast-ohio/) PicII-503 Discovery — NOIRLab: https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2607/ (https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2607/) PicII-503 — Nature Astronomy (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-026-02802-z (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-026-02802-z) Proba-3 Phones Home — Space.com: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/a-great-relief-europes-proba-3-solar-eclipse-satellite-phones-home-after-a-month-of-silence (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/a-great-relief-europes-proba-3-solar-eclipse-satellite-phones-home-after-a-month-of-silence) Proba-3 ESA Statement: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Proba-3_s_Coronagraph_is_alive (https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Proba-3_s_Coronagraph_is_alive) Bennu...

Van Allen Probe’s Fiery Farewell and NASA’s Mobile Launcher Setback

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:42:49 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 34 *NASA's Van Allen Probe A comes to a fiery end After a mission lasting some 14 years, NASA's Van Allen Probe A spacecraft has re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in a fiery death plunge burning up over the Pacific Ocean. *NASA Mobile Launcher 2 on hold Last week’s announcement of changes to the Artemis Moon launch schedule has now resulted in NASA pulling the plug on further work on its Mobile Launcher two project which has been under construction at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for two years. *Spectacular failure for Japanese rocket . SpaceOne have failed in their third attempt to become the first private Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. *The Science Report New warnings that the rate of climate change has surged since 2015. The first patient to be surgically connected to a genetically modified pig liver. Why some domestic cats are prone to chronic kidney disease. Skeptics guide to the FBI investigating Big Foot. https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/) This week’s guests include: Linda Losurdo from the University of Sydney Van Allan probes Deputy Project Scientist Nicky Fox from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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Exoplanet Collisions, Cosmic Snowball Fights & Australia’s Astronomical Future | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:29:55 +1100

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Exoplanet Collisions, DART Mission Revelations, and Australia's Astronomical Future

In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest cosmic discoveries and their implications for the future of astronomy. From the dramatic collision of two exoplanets to groundbreaking insights from the DART mission and the potential fate of Australia's telescopic capabilities, this episode is packed with engaging discussions and astronomical insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Exoplanet Collision: Andrew and Fred delve into the recent observation of two exoplanets colliding around the star Gaia20ehk, located 11,000 light years away. They discuss the significance of this rare event, its potential implications for planetary formation, and what it might reveal about our own solar system's history.

- DART Mission Insights: The hosts revisit the DART mission, highlighting new findings from the impact on the asteroid moon Dimorphos. They discuss the peculiar surface streaks observed and the implications of material transfer between Didymos and Dimorphos, drawing parallels to cosmic events in our own solar system.

- The Future of Australian Astronomy: A critical discussion unfolds regarding the impending end of Australia's strategic partnership with the European Southern Observatory. Andrew and Fred consider the challenges and opportunities this presents, referencing a compelling economic study that advocates for continued investment in astronomical research and infrastructure.

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Moon Rocket Rolls Out, Dual Spacewalks & CERN’s New Particle | March 19, 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:06:18 +1100

A massive day in space as NASA's Artemis II moon rocket heads to the launchpad tonight, NASA and China both conduct spacewalks, CERN announces a brand-new particle, and astronomers reveal a nearby galaxy has been hiding the aftermath of a cosmic collision. Episode Highlights 🚀 Story 1: Artemis II Rollout — The Moon Rocket Heads to the Pad Tonight NASA is rolling the Artemis II Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B tonight (March 19), targeting an 8 p.m. EDT start for the slow 4-mile crawler journey. The April 1 launch window remains firmly on track. Crew members Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen have entered quarantine — making history as the first crew to venture to the vicinity of the Moon since 1972. Source: NASA Blogs / Space.com 👨‍🚀 Story 2: Dual Spacewalk Day — ISS & Tiangong Both Suit Up NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams completed U.S. Spacewalk 94 on March 18, spending 7 hours and 2 minutes preparing the ISS for a new roll-out solar array. Meanwhile on March 16, Shenzhou 21 commander Zhang Lu tied the Chinese EVA record with his sixth career spacewalk alongside crewmate Wu Fei outside China's Tiangong station. Sources: NASA / Space.com ⚛️ Story 3: CERN's LHCb Discovers New Doubly Charmed Particle The LHCb experiment at CERN announced the first discovery made by its upgraded detector: the Xi-cc-plus baryon, a proton-like particle containing two charm quarks and one down quark, making it roughly four times heavier than a proton. Detected at 7-sigma significance, it settles a two-decade-old scientific dispute and is the 80th particle discovered by LHCb. Source: CERN / Universe Today 🌌 Story 4: Small Magellanic Cloud Caught Mid-Transformation University of Arizona astronomers have confirmed that the Small Magellanic Cloud — one of the Milky Way's closest galactic neighbours — collided directly with the Large Magellanic Cloud a few hundred million years ago and is still reeling from the impact. The finding upends decades of assumptions about the SMC's use as a benchmark for early universe galaxy studies. Source: The Astrophysical Journal / Sky & Telescope 🪐 Story 5: Exotrojans — Hunting Asteroid Companions Around Other Stars A new paper in The Astrophysical Journal by Jackson Taylor (West Virginia University) and colleagues pushes the search for exotrojans — asteroid co-orbital companions to exoplanets — into some of the most extreme environments yet studied, as the hunt continues for the first confirmed detection. Source: The Astrophysical Journal / Universe Today 📡 Story 6: SETI Rethink — Time to Broaden the Search A new paper argues that the decades-long focus on narrow radio and microwave bandwidths in the search for alien signals may be too limiting, and proposes broadening the electromagnetic search to a much wider range of the spectrum. Source: Universe Today Find Us Everywhere • 🌐 Website: astronomydaily.io • 🐦 Twitter/X: @AstroDailyPod • 📸 Instagram: @AstroDailyPod • 🎵 TikTok: @AstroDailyPod • ▶️ YouTube: @AstroDailyPod • 📝 Tumblr: @AstroDailyPod • 🎙️ Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Live ISS Spacewalk, Asteroid DNA Discovery, Aurora Alert & Artemis II Rollout

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:22:13 +1100

A packed episode today: a live spacewalk is underway at the ISS as we record, asteroid Ryugu has yielded all five DNA building blocks, a solar storm is heading for Earth overnight, Artemis II's moon rocket is about to roll out, and Blue Origin has unveiled an asteroid defence mission concept. Story 1 — ISS Spacewalk 94: Meir & Williams EVA NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams conducted U.S. spacewalk 94 today (March 18), exiting the ISS Quest airlock at approximately 8:00 a.m. EDT for a planned 6.5-hour EVA. The pair installed a modification kit and routed cables to prepare the 2A power channel for a future roll-out solar array (IROSA). It is Meir's fourth spacewalk and Williams' first. A second EVA (spacewalk 95) is planned for approximately April 1 to prep the 3B power channel. • Source: NASA — nasa.gov • Watch: NASA+, Amazon Prime, YouTube (search 'NASA spacewalk 94') Story 2 — Asteroid Ryugu: All Five DNA Building Blocks Found Samples returned from asteroid Ryugu by Japan's Hayabusa-2 mission contain all five canonical nucleobases — adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil — the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The findings, published March 16 in Nature Astronomy, suggest these life-essential compounds are widespread across the solar system and may have been delivered to early Earth by asteroid impacts. • Source: Nature Astronomy (DOI: 10.1038/s41550-026-02791-z) • Lead researcher: Dr. Toshiki Koga, JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology) • Further reading: phys.org, space.com, gizmodo.com Story 3 — Aurora Alert: CME Arriving March 19 A coronal mass ejection (CME) produced by an M2.7 solar flare from active region AR4392 on March 16 is forecast to reach Earth on March 19. NOAA has issued a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch, with potential for isolated G3 (Strong) conditions. Aurora could be visible across northern US states, Canada, and northern Europe overnight March 19–20. The timing coincides with the vernal equinox, enhancing the geomagnetic effect via the Russell-McPherron effect. • Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center — swpc.noaa.gov • Aurora tracking: SpaceWeatherLive, My Aurora Forecast (apps) • Further reading: space.com, earthsky.org, watchers.news Story 4 — Artemis II: Rollout Decision Happening Today NASA's Artemis II SLS rocket is preparing to roll out from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, with the final timing decision being made today (March 18). Engineers completed repairs faster than expected after fixing an electrical harness in the flight termination system. Rollout is expected March 19 or 20, preserving the April 1 launch window. The crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (CSA) — the first crewed mission to lunar space since Apollo 17 in 1972. • Source: NASA — nasa.gov/artemis, space.com • Launch window: April 1–6, 2026 (with additional dates available) • Watch the rollout livestream: NASA YouTube channel Story 5 — Blue Origin NEO Hunter: Asteroid Defence Blue Origin has partnered with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech to develop the NEO Hunter mission concept — a planetary defence system built on the Blue Ring spacecraft platform. NEO Hunter combines ion beam deflection (firing charged particles to nudge an asteroid off course) and 'Robust Kinetic Disruption' (crashing into the asteroid at up to 22,600 mph), with a dedicated 'Slamcam' satellite documenting any impact. No launch date has been announced. • Source: Blue Origin (via X / space.com, March 17, 2026) • Blue Ring platform: modular satellite bus supporting up to 4,000 kg payload • Partners: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

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Stellar Migration and Cosmic Dust: Unveiling Galactic Origins

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:17:24 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 33 *What the birth of our Sun tells us about the evolution of our galaxy Astronomers studying the birth and early evolution of the Sun have uncovered how the shape of our galaxy has changed dramatically over the past few billion years.. *Making cosmic dust in the lab . A new study examining how the building blocks of life are formed in extreme deep space environments has created cosmic dust in a laboratory. *China selects a landing site for its first manned mission to the Moon Beijing has identified four possible landing sites for China's first manned mission to the lunar surface. *The Science Report The new Super K flu strain that’s beating vaccinations. A new study has shown that taking a daily multivitamin could help slow biological ageing. Social media and video games linked to poorer developmental outcomes in kids and teens. Alex on Tech: Norton scam genie

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The Rotten-Egg Planet, RBFLOAT’s Secret Origin & Goddard’s 100-Year Mystery

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:49:12 +1100

Astronomy Daily S05E65 — 17 March 2026 Six stories from the frontiers of space and astronomy, hosted by Anna and Avery. IN THIS EPISODE: • 🪐 JWST identifies a brand new class of exoplanet — a permanent magma ocean world with a hydrogen sulfide atmosphere 35 light-years from Earth • 📡 RBFLOAT — the brightest fast radio burst ever detected — is pinpointed to a galaxy 130 million light-years away, with a mysterious JWST infrared discovery at the same location • 🧑‍🚀 The first ISS spacewalk of 2026 is happening TOMORROW — NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Chris Williams step outside at 8am EDT, March 18. Watch live on NASA+ • 🌊 Hidden water beneath Mars — new research suggests the Red Planet was habitable far longer than we thought, and Curiosity is investigating strange 'spiderweb' formations that reveal its watery history • 🚀 100 years ago yesterday, Robert Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fuelled rocket. But where is 'Nell' — the original rocket — today? The mystery of space history's greatest missing artefact • 🛸 MIT, MITRE and Sandia publish a Nature paper on a photonic chip that could replace bulky mechanical mirrors on spacecraft — a potential revolution in space communications and LiDAR SOURCE LINKS: • JWST / L 98-59 d magma planet (Nature Astronomy, 16 March 2026): phys.org/news/2026-03-class-molten-planet-abundant-sulfur.html • RBFLOAT fast radio burst papers (Astrophysical Journal Letters): sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004348.htm • ISS Spacewalk 94 — live coverage: NASA+ / NASA YouTube (6:30am EDT, 18 March 2026) • Mars water research and Curiosity boxwork ridges: sciencedaily.com • Goddard centennial — collectSPACE: collectspace.com/news/news-031626a-robert-goddard-liquid-fuel-rocket-centennial-where-nell.html • MIT photonic chip paper (Nature): universetoday.com — March 16, 2026 Find us: astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Tumblr Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Goodbye, Star Traveller: 3I/ATLAS Bids Farewell at Jupiter

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:22:40 +1100

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six remarkable stories spanning an interstellar farewell, a stunning pre-dawn sky show, a potential new Martian mineral, ghost particles from long-dead stars, a revolutionary new framework for detecting alien life, and the astonishing possibility of habitable moons drifting starless through the galaxy. Stories Covered in S05E64 1. 3I/ATLAS: The Interstellar Comet's Jupiter Farewell: Today marks the closest approach of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to Jupiter before it leaves our solar system forever. New ALMA data reveals the comet carries extraordinary levels of methanol — a chemical fingerprint from another solar system entirely. 2. Mercury, Mars & the Moon: Tonight and tomorrow morning, Mercury and Mars gather close to a crescent Moon in the pre-dawn sky. Southern Hemisphere observers have the best view. This week also brings the March equinox (March 20) and heightened aurora activity. 3. A New Mineral on Mars?: Scientists may have discovered a previously unknown mineral hidden in Mars's ancient sulfate deposits. Found by combining laboratory experiments with orbital spectroscopy, the potential discovery could shed new light on Mars's ancient watery past. 4. Ghost Particles from Dead Stars: Japan's upgraded Super-Kamiokande detector may detect the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background for the first time in 2026 — a faint signal from every supernova across cosmic history, including stars that exploded before Earth was born. 5. Life, But Not As We Know It: A new framework called Assembly Theory, published today in Universe Today, offers a way to detect alien life that bears no resemblance to life on Earth. Rather than searching for specific biosignature gases, it asks how complex the atmospheric chemistry is — and is designed for the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory. 6. Starless Moons: Moons orbiting free-floating planets — worlds ejected from their home solar systems — could sustain liquid water oceans for up to 4.3 billion years, powered by tidal heating and insulated by hydrogen atmospheres. No star required. Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network. New episodes every weekday. Website: astronomydaily.io Twitter/X: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @AstroDailyPod TikTok: @AstroDailyPod

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Magnetar Birth and Lunar Bombardment: Cosmic Revelations Unveiled

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:52:40 +1100

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 32 *The birth of a magnetar seen for the first time Astronomers have for the first time seen the birth of a magnetar — a highly magnetized, spinning neutron star. *Rewriting the textbooks on the history of the Moon A new study claims the lunar near and far sides experienced similar levels of asteroid and meteor bombardment, despite the very different appearances of the two. *Spectacular fireball light up the skies of Europe The European Space Agency is analysing a spectacular fireball which lit up the skies over Europe last week dropping debris all along its trajectory. *The Science Report Study shows little science showing cannabis can help people with mental health conditions. Australia’s digital ID scheme moves to phase II forcing some adults to adopt it. The weird ancient crocodile that walked on two legs. Skeptics guide to predicting the end of the world.

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Stellar Evolutions, Dark Energy Mysteries & Your Questions Answered | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:33:54 +1100

Cosmic Q&A: Red Giants, Accretion Disks, and Dark Energy

In this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of listener questions that span the cosmos. From the fate of our Sun as it becomes a red giant to the mysteries of dark energy, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights and engaging discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- The Fate of Our Sun: Jeff from Arkansas asks about the implications of the Sun swelling into a red giant in approximately 5 billion years. Andrew and Fred explain the process and its potential effects on the outer planets, addressing concerns about rogue planets and gravitational influences.

- Understanding Accretion Disks: Blue from London inquires about the apparent high-speed motion of material in accretion disks around black holes despite gravitational time dilation. The hosts clarify the dynamics at play and the distances involved in these cosmic phenomena.

- Expanding Universe Mysteries: Julian from Canada poses questions about the expansion of the universe and its acceleration. Andrew and Fred dive into the complexities of dark energy and the Hubble constant, shedding light on current theories and ongoing research.

- Dark Energy and the Multiverse: Peter from Sandy Kaye explores the possibility of unseen matter in the universe affecting expansion and whether other universes could influence ours. The discussion delves into speculative theories and the nature of gravity.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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The Sun’s Great Galactic Road Trip, China’s Moon Museum & a Pi Day Planet

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:28:39 +1100

Episode: S05E63 | Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026 Hosted by Anna & Avery | Astronomy Daily Podcast Network — Bitesz.com From galactic migrations to Pi Day planets, Episode 63 covers six stories that span the breadth of the solar system and beyond. Our Sun turns out to have hitched a ride outward from the Milky Way's interior billions of years ago — and brought thousands of stellar companions with it. China has named a leading candidate for its first crewed Moon landing. Russia is dusting off the legacy of the legendary Soviet Venera programme with an ambitious 2036 return to Venus. NASA's nuclear-powered Titan drone is now being physically built. China's Mars sample return mission is constructing actual spacecraft. And in honour of Pi Day, we visit the exoplanet whose year lasts almost exactly 3.14 days. Story 1: The Sun Was Part of a Galactic Migration of Solar Twins A new study in Astronomy & Astrophysics by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan has built the largest-ever catalogue of solar twins — 6,594 Sun-like stars. Using ESA's Gaia satellite, they found a clustering of stars aged 4–6 billion years, suggesting the Sun migrated outward from the Milky Way's inner regions billions of years ago, possibly when the galactic bar was still forming and its 'corotation barrier' was weak enough to allow mass stellar movement. This migration may have placed Earth in a calmer, more life-friendly region of the Galaxy. • Journal: Astronomy & Astrophysics (March 2026) • Lead researchers: Daisuke Taniguchi (Tokyo Metropolitan University) & Takuji Tsujimoto (NAOJ) • Data source: ESA Gaia satellite — catalogue of ~2 billion stars • Key finding: Sun likely formed ~10,000 light-years closer to the Galactic Centre than its current position Story 2: China Eyes Rimae Bode for Its First Crewed Moon Landing A study published in Nature Astronomy (9 March 2026) proposes Rimae Bode — a volcanic region near Sinus Aestuum on the lunar near side — as a prime candidate for China's first crewed lunar landing, targeted for 2030. The site contains five distinct terrain types including pyroclastic deposits, mare basalts, rille systems and highland material. Researcher Jun Huang (China University of Geosciences, Wuhan) described it as a 'geological museum.' Four specific landing spots within the region have been proposed. • Journal: Nature Astronomy (March 2026) • Lead researcher: Jun Huang, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan • Site: Rimae Bode, near Sinus Aestuum, lunar near side • Oldest volcanic activity in region: ~3.2–3.7 billion years ago • China's crewed lunar landing target: 2030 Story 3: Russia Plans Venera-D Mission to Venus in 2036 Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov confirmed on 10 March 2026 that Russia plans to launch the Venera-D mission — comprising a lander, atmospheric balloon, and orbiter — to Venus in 2036. The mission would extend the legacy of the Soviet Venera programme (1961–1983), which remains the only national programme to have successfully landed on Venus. Scientific goals include searching for microbial life in Venus's clouds and studying the planet's atmosphere. • Mission: Venera-D (lander + balloon + orbiter) • Planned launch: 2036 • Agency: Roscosmos • Heritage: Soviet Venera programme — 16 missions, 1961–1983 • Science goal: Search for biosignatures in Venusian cloud layers (48–60 km altitude) • Source: TASS, citing Razvedchik Journal interview with Denis Manturov Story 4: NASA Begins Building Dragonfly — Nuclear-Powered Drone for Titan NASA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) officially began integration and testing of the Dragonfly rotorcraft on 10 March 2026. The car-sized, nuclear-powered octocopter is designed to fly across the surface of Saturn's moon Titan, targeting a 2028 launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy and arriving at Titan in 2034. It will explore diverse terrain including organic dunes and the Selk impact crater, studying prebiotic chemistry relevant to the origins of life. • Mission: Dragonfly | Agency: NASA / Johns Hopkins APL • Launch: No earlier than summer 2028 (SpaceX Falcon Heavy) • Arrival: Titan, 2034 | Mission duration: ~3.3 years • Power: Radioisotope thermoelectric generator (nuclear) • Range: 108 miles (175 km) across Titan's surface • Quote: "This milestone essentially marks the birth of our flight system." — Elizabeth Turtle, PI Story 5: China's Tianwen-3 Mars Sample Return Enters Construction Phase China's Tianwen-3 mission chief designer Liu Jizhong announced on 12 March 2026 that the mission has achieved key technology breakthroughs and is entering flight model development — building the actual spacecraft. Two Long March 5 rockets will launch in late 2028, carrying a lander/ascent vehicle and an orbiter/return spacecraft respectively. The goal is to return at least 500 grams of Martian samples to Earth by 2031 — what would be humanity's first Mars sample return. • Mission: Tianwen-3...

Artemis II Gets Its Launch Date: April 1 | Magnetar Born | Planets Collide | S05E62

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:48:09 +1100

It’s a bumper Friday edition of Astronomy Daily. NASA gives Artemis II the official green light to launch on April 1st, marking the first crewed lunar mission in over 53 years. Astronomers witness the birth of a magnetar for the very first time, confirming a decade-old theory and demonstrating Einstein’s general relativity in a supernova. A star 11,000 light-years away shows evidence of two planets catastrophically colliding in real time. A bus-sized asteroid buzzed past Earth last night closer than the Moon, discovered just five days ago. A fast solar wind stream from a coronal hole could bring auroras to higher latitudes tonight. And scientists may have identified the source of the most energetic neutrino ever recorded.

Story 1: Artemis II — Green Light for April 1 Launch NASA completed its Flight Readiness Review on 12 March 2026, with all mission teams voting unanimously ‘go’ for launch. The Space Launch System and Orion capsule will roll out to Launch Complex 39B on 19 March, with the primary launch window opening on 1 April at 6:24pm ET. Backup windows exist on 2–6 April and 30 April. The crew of four — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — will fly a 10-day figure-eight loop around the Moon. It will be the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The previously planned Moon landing on Artemis III has been moved to Artemis IV, though NASA’s 2028 goal for a lunar landing remains unchanged. • NASA Artemis II Mission Page: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ • CNN coverage of FRR outcome: https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/science/nasa-artemis-2-launch-date-risk-assessment

Story 2: First-Ever Observed Birth of a Magnetar Astronomers have for the first time directly observed the birth of a magnetar — a highly magnetized, rapidly spinning neutron star — confirming it as the power source behind some of the universe’s brightest stellar explosions. The discovery, published in Nature on 11 March 2026, centres on superluminous supernova SN 2024afav, located approximately one billion light-years from Earth. Graduate student Joseph Farah at UC Santa Barbara, working with Las Cumbres Observatory’s global telescope network, detected a distinctive ‘chirp’ pattern in the supernova’s fading light — four oscillations with shortening intervals. This pattern is explained by a wobbling accretion disc around the newborn magnetar, driven by Lense-Thirring precession — a general relativistic effect. The finding confirms a 2010 theory by UC Berkeley physicist Dan Kasen, and marks the first time general relativity has been required to explain supernova mechanics. • Berkeley News: https://news.berkeley.edu/2026/03/11/astronomers-capture-birth-of-a-magnetar-confirming-link-to-some-of-universes-brightest-exploding-stars/ • Space.com: https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/astronomers-witness-colossal-supernova-explosion-create-one-of-the-most-magnetic-stars-in-the-universe-for-the-first-time

Story 3: Two Planets Caught Colliding 11,000 Light-Years Away Researchers at the University of Washington have published evidence of a catastrophic planetary collision observed in real time around star Gaia20ehk, located approximately 11,000 light-years from Earth near the constellation Puppis. The star began flickering erratically from 2016, before its light output went ‘completely bonkers’ around 2021 — the signature of a massive debris cloud from two colliding worlds passing in front of the star. The debris orbits at roughly one astronomical unit from the star — the same as Earth’s distance from the Sun — and may eventually coalesce into new planetary bodies resembling an Earth-Moon system. The paper was published 11 March in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. • University of Washington: https://www.washington.edu/news/2026/03/11/uw-astronomers-spot-planet-collision-evidence/ • ScienceDaily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311213429.htm

Story 4: Asteroid 2026 EG1 Flies Past Earth A bus-sized asteroid designated 2026 EG1 made its closest approach to Earth at 11:27pm EDT on 12 March 2026, passing just 197,466 miles away — closer than the Moon. Estimated at 32–72 feet (10–22 metres) across and travelling at over 21,500 mph, it posed no threat. Notably, the asteroid was only discovered on 8 March — five days before its flyby — highlighting the ongoing challenge of detecting small near-Earth objects with short warning times. NASA’s Vera Rubin Observatory has already catalogued over 2,000 previously unknown solar system bodies since beginning operations. • Space.com: https://www.space.com/stargazing/bus-sized-asteroid-will-fly-past-earth-tonight-mere-days-after-being-discovered-heres-what-to-expect-march-12-2026

Story 5: Solar Wind & Aurora Alert A fast-moving stream of solar wind from a large coronal hole on the Sun is expected to reach Earth on 13 March 2026, potentially triggering G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm conditions. Auroras may be visible from...

Earth’s Energy Imbalance and Solar Secrets

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:18:03 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 31 *Planet Earth’s balance is shifting A new study claims planet Earth’s balance is shifting with the Northern Hemisphere absorbing significantly more solar energy than the Southern Hemisphere -- a shift that could reshape global weather patterns. *A unique insight into the Sun’s inner life Astronomers discover that the Sun’s internal structure changes from one solar cycle minimum to the next. *Landsat 9: More than just a picture For over 50 years, the Landsat program has provided the longest continuous satellite record of Earth's land surface from space. *The Science Report New warnings about the bleak future for Victoria’s critically endangered Brush-tailed rock-wallabies. Study shows teens who use cannabis are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Research shows bird watchers develop denser attention and perception-related areas in their brains. Skeptics guide to Elon Musk’s opinion on UFOs https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/) This week’s guests include: Professor Michele Trenti from the University of Melbourne Artemis II astronaut Christina Cook Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hanson Orion and Artemis systems food lab manager Ashua Ook NASA Artemis flight controller Wyatt Mckinley And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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Asteroids, Comets & the Latest from the DART Mission: A Cosmic Update | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:21:53 +1100

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Asteroid Updates, DART Mission Insights, and the Chris Case of 3I ATLAS

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the fascinating world of comets and asteroids. From the latest updates on asteroid 2024 YR4's potential impact with the Moon to groundbreaking findings from the DART mission, this episode is packed with cosmic discoveries and intriguing discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: The hosts discuss the recent observations made using the James Webb Space Telescope, which have ruled out the possibility of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting the Moon in 2032. They explore the significance of these findings and the implications for future lunar missions.

- DART Mission Success: Andrew and Fred revisit the DART mission, highlighting how the impact on the asteroid moon Dimorphos not only changed its orbit but also altered the orbit of the entire Didymos system around the Sun. This marks a historic achievement in planetary defense and asteroid science.

- The Mystery of 3I ATLAS: The episode concludes with a discussion on comet 3I ATLAS, which has been found to have an unusual chemical composition, particularly a high ratio of methanol to hydrogen cyanide. The hosts ponder what this could mean for our understanding of other solar systems and the chemistry of celestial bodies.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Tipsy Comet: Interstellar Visitor Loaded With Alcohol

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:50:36 +1100

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily — S05E61, Thursday 12 March 2026 — Anna and Avery cover six of the biggest stories in space and astronomy from the past 24 hours. Stories in this episode: • 3I/ATLAS, our third confirmed interstellar visitor, has been found to be extraordinarily rich in methanol — a type of alcohol — with ALMA observations revealing methanol-to-hydrogen cyanide ratios far beyond almost any known solar system comet. The findings offer a chemical fingerprint of a distant planetary system, and the comet makes its closest pass to Jupiter on March 16. • Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket successfully returned to flight on March 11, completing its seventh mission — 'Stairway to Seven' — after an 11-month stand-down following two mishaps in 2025. The mission also validated key Block II upgrade systems ahead of the next-generation rocket's debut on Flight 8. • NASA held its Artemis II Flight Readiness Review today at Kennedy Space Center, a critical milestone ahead of a potential April launch. The SLS/Orion stack is being prepared for its second rollout after a helium flow issue was repaired in the Vehicle Assembly Building. • A landmark helioseismology study from the University of Birmingham and Yale, drawing on 40 years of data from the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network, reveals that the Sun's internal structure shifts measurably between solar cycle minima — with implications for space weather forecasting. • NASA's Van Allen Probe A reentered Earth's atmosphere on March 11, eight years earlier than expected, with the current active solar cycle responsible for accelerating its orbital decay. Most of the 600kg spacecraft burned up over the eastern Pacific. • Astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered a third gas cloud — G2t — orbiting Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's central supermassive black hole. Its near-identical orbit to the previously known G1 and G2 clouds suggests all three likely originated from the same binary star system. Find full episodes, transcripts and more at astronomydaily.io. Follow us @AstroDailyPod on all major platforms.

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Gold From a Galactic Collision — Neutron Star Crash Stuns Astronomers | Astronomy Daily S05E60

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:04:55 +1100

Welcome to Episode 60 of Astronomy Daily Season Five! In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six major stories from the world of space and astronomy — including a neutron star collision in an unprecedented location, the latest Artemis II news, and a cosmic mystery solved after decades. Stories covered in this episode: 1. NASA Discovers Neutron Star Crash in Unexpected Location A fleet of NASA telescopes — including Chandra, Fermi, Swift, and Hubble — has detected a neutron star merger inside a tiny galaxy buried in a vast stream of gas, 4.7 billion light-years away. It's the first time this type of collision has been spotted in such an environment, and it may explain why gamma-ray bursts sometimes appear outside any galaxy — and how precious metals like gold and platinum ended up in distant stellar regions. Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. 2. Artemis II Flight Readiness Review NASA will host a Flight Readiness Review press conference on Thursday 12 March at Kennedy Space Center, covering progress toward the first crewed Artemis mission. The rocket is currently back in the Vehicle Assembly Building following a helium issue, with rollout to the launchpad expected around 19 March and a launch target of no earlier than 1 April 2026. 3. Firefly Alpha 'Stairway to Seven' Scrubbed Again Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket — attempting its return to flight after a 10-month grounding — has been scrubbed three times in 10 days. The latest scrub occurred on 10 March during fluid loading after off-nominal readings. A new launch date will be confirmed following engineering review. This mission is the final Block I Alpha flight, with the upgraded Block II debuting on Flight 8. 4. DART Mission Reveals 'Cosmic Snowball Fight' Between Asteroids Researchers at the University of Maryland have found the first direct visual proof of material transfer between two asteroids — fan-shaped streaks on the surface of asteroid moon Dimorphos, left by debris thrown off its parent asteroid Didymos at just 30.7 cm/s. The discovery provides visual confirmation of the YORP effect and has implications for planetary defence modelling. ESA's Hera mission arrives at Didymos in December 2026. Published in The Planetary Science Journal. 5. Starship Flight 12 — About Four Weeks Away SpaceX is approximately four weeks from the launch of Starship Flight 12, which will be the first flight of the upgraded V3 configuration — the most powerful version of the already record-breaking vehicle. Engineers have completed propellant system tests on Ship 39 at Starbase, Texas, and preflight preparations are continuing. 6. Giant Cosmic Sheet Discovered Around the Milky Way Astronomers from the University of Groningen, publishing in Nature Astronomy, have used advanced computer simulations to discover that the matter surrounding our Local Group is arranged in a vast, flat sheet — dominated by dark matter — stretching tens of millions of light-years across. This structure, flanked by enormous empty voids, explains why nearby galaxies are moving away from us rather than being pulled inward. It's the first detailed map of dark matter distribution in our cosmic neighbourhood.

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Martian Superstorms and Lunar Tectonics: Unraveling Cosmic Secrets

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:42:15 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 30 * Solar superstorm hits the red planet Over the past few years planet Earth has been slammed by a series of violent solar storms erupting from the Sun as it transitioned through solar max the climax of its eleven year solar cycle. But what happens when these same storms hit Mars? *Recent tectonic activity discovered on the Moon Scientists have produced the first global map and analysis of small mare ridges seen on the surface of the Moon. *Repair work underway on NASA’s Artemis II manned Moon rocket Work is continuing to repair NASA’s Artemis II rocket as mission managers prepare to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. *The Science Report Kids who consume more ultra-processed foods more likely to have issues with behaviour and emotions. New clues about how primates – including humans – evolved. New hope for banana lovers as the threat of Panama disease continues to challenge the Cavendish variety. Alex on Tech new MacBook Neo.

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Satellite Down, Meteorite Strike, ISS Saved & More

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:11:00 +1100

A 1,300-pound NASA satellite is falling back to Earth today, a meteorite punched through a German roof after a dazzling European fireball, Congress wants to keep the International Space Station flying until 2032, ALMA has captured the largest-ever image of the Milky Way's core, astronomers have mapped a hidden 'sea of light' from 10 billion years ago, and Jupiter appears to reverse direction in tonight's sky. Stories Covered 1. Van Allen Probe A Falls to Earth: NASA's 600kg Van Allen Probe A — launched in 2012 to study Earth's radiation belts — is making an unplanned early return to Earth today, March 10, 2026. Deactivated in 2019 after a seven-year mission, its descent was accelerated by unexpectedly high solar activity expanding Earth's atmosphere. Most of the spacecraft will burn up on reentry; the risk of any harm to people on the ground is approximately 1 in 4,200. 2. German Meteorite Strike: On the evening of Sunday 8 March, a brilliant fireball lit up the skies over Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, attracting over 3,000 reports to the International Meteor Organization. Fragments reached the ground in Koblenz, Germany — with the largest piece punching a football-sized hole through the roof of a residential building. No one was injured. ESA's Planetary Defence team estimates the original object was just a few metres across. 3. ISS Extended to 2032: The NASA Authorization Act of 2026 has passed the Senate Commerce Committee with bipartisan support, pushing the ISS retirement date from 2030 to September 2032. The extension aims to prevent a gap in U.S. human presence in low Earth orbit while commercial successor stations are developed. The bill also rejects proposed cuts to NASA's budget and funds key programmes including the Chandra X-ray Observatory. 4. ALMA's Milky Way Mosaic: The ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES) has produced the largest ALMA image ever — a sweeping 650-light-year mosaic of the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, assembled from hundreds of observations by over 160 scientists worldwide. The image reveals a intricate web of cold gas filaments feeding star formation near supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, and detects dozens of molecules from simple silicon compounds to complex organics like methanol and ethanol. 5. 3D Map of the Early Universe: Using data from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX), astronomers have created the largest 3D map yet of the universe as it appeared 9–11 billion years ago — during 'cosmic noon', the peak era of star formation. By tracking Lyman-alpha light from energised hydrogen rather than individual galaxies, the team revealed a hidden 'sea of light' filling the spaces between galaxies. The dataset comprised over 600 million spectra, with 95% still untapped for future research. 6. Jupiter's Retrograde Motion: Tonight, Jupiter begins its apparent reversal of direction against the background stars — a well-known optical illusion called retrograde motion caused by Earth overtaking the slower-moving outer planet in its orbit. Jupiter is well-placed in the evening sky and easily visible to the naked eye; binoculars will reveal its four bright Galilean moons. Links & Resources NASA Van Allen Probe A reentry update: nasa.gov/missions/van-allen-probes ESA fireball analysis: esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence ALMA ACES Survey: almaobservatory.org | ESO press release: eso.org/public/news/eso2603/ HETDEX project: hetdex.org Astronomy Daily: astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod on all platforms

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Barred Spiral Discoveries and Spirit’s Final Mission: A Cosmic Journey Unfolds

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:20:39 +1100

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 29 *Earliest known barred spiral galaxy Our Milky Way galaxy is known as a barred spiral, and debate continues on exactly how the bar section at the heart of these types of galaxies form and evolve. Now astronomers have discovered one of the earliest barred spiral galaxies ever seen. *Australia's SpIRIT satellite mission comes to an end After more than 25 months of successful operations in space, the University of Melbourne’s SpIRIT satellite mission (https://spirit.research.unimelb.edu.au/) has come to an end. *International Space Station to remain in orbit an additional two years International Space Station is now expected to remain in orbit for an additional two years extending its operational life to 2032. *The Science Report Climate is likely to see neutral El Ni?o/La Ni?a conditions until at least the middle of the year. New research into the mating habits between Neanderthals and modern human. The diverse range of foods eaten across Europe thousands of years ago. Skeptics guide to claims smoking cures cancer.

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Are We Missing Alien Signals? Space Weather, Brain Changes and the Mars Life Question

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:16:20 +1100

In today's episode, Anna and Avery explore five of the week's most compelling space and astronomy stories: a new SETI Institute study suggesting stellar space weather could be scrambling alien radio signals before they even leave their home systems; groundbreaking research revealing that spaceflight physically shifts and deforms the human brain inside the skull; the impressive engineering story behind Roscosmos restoring Baikonur's launch pad in record time ahead of the Progress MS-33 mission; a surprising new finding from Nature that Earth's elliptical orbit plays a much bigger role in shaping El Niño and global weather patterns than previously thought; and the endlessly fascinating question of whether asteroid impacts could allow microbes to travel between planets — including the possibility that life on Earth may have originated on Mars. Stories Covered • Why SETI may be missing alien radio signals — space weather around distant stars could be smearing narrowband signals beyond the reach of current detectors (SETI Institute, March 2026) • Spaceflight physically shifts and deforms the brain inside the skull — new MRI study of 26 astronauts published in PNAS reveals extent of microgravity's neurological impact (University of Florida, March 2026) • Baikonur's Site 31/6 launch pad fully restored after November 2025 damage — over 150 workers complete repairs in under two months, clearing path for Progress MS-33 on March 22 (NASASpaceFlight, March 2026) • Earth's distance from the Sun found to dramatically alter seasons — new Nature study shows orbital eccentricity drives its own annual cycle in the Pacific cold tongue, influencing El Niño over millennia (UC Berkeley, March 2026) • Did Earth life begin on Mars? New research examines how asteroid impacts could allow microbes to travel between planets via ejected rock (Universe Today, March 2026) Connect With Us Website: astronomydaily.io Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Tumblr: @AstroDailyPod Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Martian Meteorites, Gas Giants & The Search for Alien Life | Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:49:42 +1100

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Mars Meteor Showers, Gas Giants, and the Search for Alien Civilizations

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson respond to intriguing questions from listeners about our universe. From the risks of meteor showers on Mars to the gravitational effects of Jupiter on its moons, this episode is filled with cosmic curiosities and insightful discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- Meteor Showers on Mars: David from the UK wonders about the potential hazards of meteor showers on Mars, given its thin atmosphere. Andrew and Fred discuss how the reduced atmospheric pressure could allow smaller meteorites to reach the Martian surface and the implications for future human habitation.

- Exploring Gas Giants: Penny asks whether there are plans to fly spacecraft through the atmospheres of Saturn and Jupiter. The hosts explain the challenges of such missions and highlight ongoing projects focused on the fascinating moons of these gas giants instead.

- The Gravitational Dance of Europa: Andy from London seeks clarity on how Jupiter's gravity affects its moon, Europa, without pulling it closer. Andrew and Fred elaborate on the tidal forces at play and how they create the intriguing geological activity observed on Europa.

- The Search for Alien Civilizations: Duncan raises the thought-provoking question of whether we are truly alone in the universe. The hosts discuss the vast distances involved in the Milky Way and the implications for potential communication with extraterrestrial life.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Humanity Just Moved an Asteroid’s Orbit Around the Sun

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:18:38 +1100

ASTRONOMY DAILY — S05E57 | Saturday 7 March 2026

A landmark week for planetary defence — scientists confirm that NASA's DART impact didn't just move an asteroid's orbit around its companion, it shifted the entire binary system's path around the Sun. Plus: gravitational waves double, a European spacecraft goes silent, a 45-year theory bites the dust, a young Sun caught in the act — and a double planet show in tonight's sky. In This Episode • [00:00] Cold Open — Humanity moved a solar orbit • [02:00] Story 1: DART changed Didymos's orbit around the Sun (Science Advances, March 2026) • [06:00] Story 2: LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA doubles the gravitational wave catalog with GWTC-4 • [10:00] Story 3: ESA's Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft goes dark — recovery underway • [13:00] Story 4: Stars keep their rotation pattern for life — 45-year theory overturned (Nature Astronomy) • [16:30] Story 5: Chandra captures first astrosphere around a Sun-like star • [19:30] Story 6: Venus and Saturn pair up in tonight's sky — skywatching guide Connect With Us • Website & Blog: astronomydaily.io • Social: @AstroDailyPod • Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Moon Safe! Asteroid Threat Ends + Cosmic Laser Record + Solar Storm Hits Mars

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:06:46 +1100

Astronomy Daily — S05E55 | 6 March 2026 Six stories today covering planetary defence, a cosmic laser record, a solar superstorm on Mars, space debris pollution, a mystery satellite launch, and the most charming farming experiment you'll hear about all year. Stories This Episode 1. Asteroid 2024 YR4 — Moon Impact Officially Ruled Out NASA has confirmed, using the James Webb Space Telescope, that infamous asteroid 2024 YR4 will not hit the Moon in 2032. The space rock — once the most dangerous asteroid identified in two decades — will instead pass the Moon at a distance of around 13,200 miles. It previously held a 4% lunar impact probability, now fully eliminated thanks to Webb's extraordinary sensitivity pushing it to the limits of what the telescope can observe. 2. MeerKAT Detects Cosmic 'Gigalaser' 8 Billion Light-Years Away South Africa's MeerKAT radio telescope has spotted the most distant hydroxyl megamaser ever detected — a natural 'space laser' in a galaxy undergoing a violent collision more than 8 billion light-years away. The signal is so powerful it qualifies as a gigamaser. Adding to the serendipity, the signal was further amplified by a foreground galaxy acting as a gravitational lens on its 8-billion-year journey to Earth. The discovery points toward the future capability of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). 3. ESA's Mars Orbiters Record Solar Superstorm Hitting Mars A new Nature Communications study reveals what happened when the record-breaking May 2024 solar superstorm hit Mars. ESA's Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter recorded unprecedented electron density spikes in the Martian upper atmosphere — up to 278% above normal — and both spacecraft experienced computer glitches from the energetic particles. The study uses a novel spacecraft-to-spacecraft radio occultation technique and highlights how Mars's lack of a global magnetic field leaves it vulnerable to solar events in ways that Earth is not. 4. SpaceX Falcon 9 Re-entry Directly Linked to Atmospheric Lithium Plume For the first time, scientists have directly tied a specific rocket re-entry to a measurable atmospheric pollution event. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics detected a tenfold spike in lithium vapour in the upper atmosphere — from 3 to 31 atoms per cubic centimetre — in the hours following the uncontrolled re-entry of a Falcon 9 upper stage off Ireland in February 2025. Eight thousand backward atmospheric simulations confirmed the connection. Published in Communications Earth & Environment, the paper raises important questions about the growing chemical footprint of the commercial space industry. 5. Rocket Lab Launches Mystery Satellite — 'Insight at Speed is a Friend Indeed' Rocket Lab completed its 83rd Electron launch from New Zealand, deploying a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer to an orbit 470 km above Earth. The company announced the mission just hours before liftoff, offering no further details on the customer or the payload's purpose. 6. Scientists Grow Chickpeas in Simulated Moon Dirt for First Time Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University have successfully grown and harvested chickpeas in simulated lunar regolith — the first time this has ever been achieved. Using a combination of vermicompost (worm castings) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to condition the otherwise toxic, sterile moon dirt, the team produced flowering, seed-bearing plants in soil mixtures of up to 75% regolith simulant. The chickpeas have not yet been cleared for eating pending metal accumulation testing — but the team's goal of 'moon hummus' is, apparently, very much alive. Find Us: astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod on all platforms Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · YouTube · everywhere you listen

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Uranian Auroras and Planetary Defense: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:13:12 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 29 Episode 28

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into the groundbreaking mapping of Uranus's upper atmosphere, the European Space Agency's innovative Planetary Defense Fly Eye Telescope, and NASA's critical findings on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Mapping Uranus's Upper Atmosphere

A new study has successfully created a three-dimensional map of Uranus's upper atmosphere, revealing how the ice giant's unusual magnetic field influences its auroral activity. This detailed mapping, reported in Geophysical Research Letters , shows emissions from molecules located up to 5,000 kilometers above the cloud tops, confirming a cooling trend over the past 30 years. The research highlights the complex dynamics of Uranus's magnetosphere, which is tilted and offset, leading to unique auroral patterns unlike any other planet in our solar system.

ESA's Fly Eye Telescope for Planetary Defense

The European Space Agency is developing the Fly Eye Telescope, designed to detect Near Earth Objects (NEOs) that could pose a threat to Earth. Inspired by the compound eye of insects, this innovative telescope uses a unique design to scan vast areas of the sky efficiently, identifying potential impact risks. With plans for a network of these telescopes, ESA aims to enhance our capability to monitor and mitigate the dangers posed by asteroids and comets.

Nasa's Scathing Robert on Boeing's Starliner

NASA has released a critical report detailing the failures of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, highlighting engineering vulnerabilities and internal mistakes that jeopardized crew safety. The investigation found Starliner less reliable for crew survival compared to other manned spacecraft, leading to a recommendation that no further crewed flights occur until all technical issues are resolved. The report underscores the need for stringent oversight in space missions to ensure astronaut safety.

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✍️ Episode References

Geophysical Research Letters

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Artemis Updates, The Brain Nebula & Mapping the Galactic Center | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights...

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:29:15 +1100

Artemis Updates, the Brian Nebula, and Galactic Mapping

In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into the latest developments in space exploration and celestial phenomena. From the shifting timelines of the Artemis program to the fascinating discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and intriguing discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- Artemis Program Updates: Andrew and Fred discuss the recent delays in the Artemis 2 mission, which is now expected to launch no earlier than April. They also explore the implications of the newly inserted Artemis 3 mission, which will focus on testing spacecraft capabilities in Earth orbit before the lunar landing.

- The Brian in Space: The hosts delve into the discovery of the PMR1 nebula, also known as the Exposed Cranium Nebula. They discuss its unusual appearance and the significance of the James Webb Space Telescope's observations that reveal this nebula's intricate structure, reminiscent of a brain.

- Mapping the Galactic Center: Andrew and Fred highlight a groundbreaking survey of the center of our galaxy, revealing the complex dynamics and chemical compositions within this turbulent region. They discuss the technologies used in this research and what it means for our understanding of the Milky Way.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Auroras on Ganymede, Superflare Warnings and Japan’s Very Bad Week

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:32:48 +1100

Welcome back to Astronomy Daily! In S05E55, Anna and Avery explore six fascinating stories from across the cosmos — from auroras on Jupiter’s largest moon to the latest JWST galaxy reveal, a breakthrough solar storm warning system, a beautiful combined nebula image, Japan’s ongoing rocket struggles, and Europe’s ambitious plans for orbital repair robots. Stories This Episode 1. Ganymede’s Auroras Mirror Earth’s Northern Lights Scientists using data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft have revealed that Jupiter’s largest moon Ganymede has fragmented, patch-like auroras remarkably similar to those seen on Earth. The research, led by the University of Liège and published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, suggests that the fundamental physical processes generating auroras may be universal across magnetised bodies in the solar system. Ganymede is the only moon known to have its own intrinsic magnetic field. 2. New Solar Superflare Forecasting System An international team has developed the first system capable of predicting when and where extreme solar storms are likely to occur, with up to a year’s advance warning. By analysing 50 years of X-ray data, researchers identified a 1.7-year and a 7-year solar cycle whose alignment predicts high-risk periods. The current window (mid-2025 to mid-2026) is flagged as elevated danger. Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics. 3. Cat’s Eye Nebula — Euclid and Hubble Combined NASA and ESA have combined imagery from the Euclid and Hubble space telescopes to produce a breathtaking new composite view of the Cat’s Eye Nebula — the glowing remnant of a dying star about 3,000 light-years away in Draco. The image showcases the nebula’s complex layered shells and intricate inner structure in unprecedented detail. 4. JWST Reveals Spiral Galaxy NGC 5134 The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning infrared portrait of NGC 5134, a barred spiral galaxy 65 million light-years away. Webb’s infrared capability pierces through galactic dust to reveal glowing stellar nurseries and the full cycle of star birth and evolution playing out across the galaxy’s spiral arms. 5. Japan’s Kairos Rocket — Safety Abort on Third Attempt Space One’s Kairos No. 3 rocket was aborted just 30 seconds before liftoff on March 4 when a safety monitoring system detected unstable positioning satellite signals. Following two failed launches in 2024 and multiple weather scrubs this week, the company has yet to set a new launch date. The window remains open until March 25. A successful launch would mark the first orbital success for a fully private Japanese rocket. 6. Europe’s Orbital Repair Robots European companies led by Thales Alenia Space are developing robotic satellites capable of refuelling, repairing and repositioning spacecraft in orbit. A demonstration mission is planned for 2028. With nearly 15,000 operational satellites now in orbit — most never designed to be serviced — the in-orbit servicing market could transform how we manage space infrastructure. Regulatory questions around liability remain unresolved. Links & Further Reading Full show notes, images and source links: astronomydaily.io Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | All podcast platforms Watch on: YouTube — Astronomy Daily Follow us: @AstroDailyPod on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Tumblr Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Supernova Countdown and Auroral Insights: The Cosmic Show Ahead

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:58:48 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 27

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the potential explosion of a massive star, NASA's innovative mission to study Earth's auroras, and the latest setbacks for the Artemis 2 lunar mission.

Supernova on the Horizon

Astronomers are buzzing with excitement as WOHG 64, one of the largest stars known, shows signs of impending supernova activity. Located 163,000 light years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, this red supergiant is shedding its outer layers and transitioning toward its explosive end. With a luminosity 282,000 times that of the sun and an estimated size 1,500 times greater, WOHG 64's dramatic evolution raises questions about the lifecycle of massive stars and the nature of supernovae.

Nasa's CINEMA Mission to Study Auroras

NASA is set to launch the CINEMA mission in 2030, aiming to unravel the mysteries of Earth's auroras and the role of the magnetotail in their formation. This innovative mission will consist of nine small satellites designed to gather data on the dynamics of auroral activity and the magnetosphere. By combining particle measurements and imaging, CINEMA will provide insights into auroral substorms and their connection to explosive magnetic events, enhancing our understanding of space weather and its impact on technology.

Artemis 2 Mission Delayed

NASA has rolled back the Artemis 2 moon rocket into the vehicle assembly building due to issues with the helium system, further delaying the mission aimed at returning humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. This rollback follows earlier delays related to the liquid hydrogen fuel system and other minor technical issues. With the crewed mission now facing additional setbacks, NASA continues to work diligently to ensure a successful launch.

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✍️ Episode References

Nature Astronomy, PLOS ONE

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Blood Moon, Broken Records & the Hubble Mystery

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:18:06 +1100

The Blood Moon has come and gone — and what a show it was. In today's Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery recap last night's total lunar eclipse, the last visible from North America until New Year's Eve 2028. Plus: NASA confirms Artemis 2 repairs are complete and an April crewed Moon mission is back on track. Astronomers have found the most tightly packed quadruple star system ever discovered — four stars crammed into a space no bigger than Jupiter's orbit. Gravitational waves could be about to solve one of cosmology's biggest mysteries: the Hubble Tension. The world's first private commercial space telescope has captured its first star. And finally — why do physicists say interstellar travel is impossible and aliens definitely haven't visited? In This Episode • 00:00 — Cold Open & Show Introduction • 02:00 — Story 1: Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Recap • 06:00 — Story 2: Artemis 2 Repairs Complete, April Launch on Track • 09:00 — Story 3: Record-Breaking Quadruple Star System TIC 120362137 • 12:30 — Story 4: Gravitational Waves and the Hubble Tension • 15:30 — Story 5: Mauve — World's First Private Space Telescope • 18:30 — Story 6: Why Interstellar Travel Is Impossible • 22:00 — Show Close Find Us • Website: astronomydaily.io • Social: @AstroDailyPod • Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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What the Heck Is This Planet?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:29:22 +1100

In today’s episode, Anna and Avery cover six stories from across the space and astronomy world — including a seismic shift in NASA’s Artemis program, a jaw-dropping Webb telescope discovery, fresh imagery of an interstellar comet, and the debut of a powerful new reusable rocket from China. 🚀 IN THIS EPISODE • NASA officially redesigns Artemis 3 — no Moon landing, and SpaceX’s Starship may not even fly on the mission • The James Webb Space Telescope discovers PSR J2322-2650b: a lemon-shaped exoplanet orbiting a pulsar every 7.8 hours, with a carbon-rich atmosphere that defies all known planetary science • A new ‘stochastic siren’ method using gravitational waves from merging black holes could finally resolve the Hubble tension — one of physics’ deepest mysteries • ESA’s JUICE spacecraft captures its first detailed image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing a glowing coma and sweeping tail • This week’s global launch roundup: Japan’s Kairos rocket makes its third attempt, and SpaceX eyes its 600th Falcon booster recovery • China’s CAS Space prepares to debut Kinetica-2, a reusable heavy-lift rocket targeting late March 🔗 LEARN MORE • Full episode details and blog post: astronomydaily.io • NASA Artemis updates: nasa.gov/artemis • Webb telescope news: science.nasa.gov/mission/webb ⭐ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review — it helps other space enthusiasts find the show. New episodes every weekday. Find us: astronomydaily.io • @AstroDailyPod • Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Lunar Delays and Hypersonic Breakthroughs: Exploring the Depths of Space

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:09:42 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 26

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into NASA's postponed return to the lunar surface, a remarkable hypersonic test flight by an Australian company, and the fascinating hidden chemistry at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy.

Nasa's Lunar Return Delayed

NASA has announced a significant delay in its plans to return humans to the lunar surface, pushing the Artemis 4 mission to 2028. The upcoming Artemis 3 mission will focus on testing systems in low Earth orbit instead of conducting a lunar landing. NASA officials emphasize the need for a methodical approach to ensure the safety and success of future missions, including critical tests of lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. This strategic shift aims to facilitate at least one major lunar landing annually starting in 2028.

Successful Hypersonic Test Flight

An Australian scramjet has achieved a successful test flight, propelling the Dart hypersonic aircraft to speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. This milestone underscores the potential of scramjet technology, which utilizes a unique engine design without moving parts to achieve hypersonic speeds. The successful mission, launched from Rocket Lab’s Wallops Island facility, marks a significant step toward developing autonomous hypersonic vehicles capable of sustained flight and could pave the way for future space travel advancements.

Revealing the Milky Justin's Chemistry

Astronomers have captured the largest and most detailed image of the central region of the Milky Way galaxy, unveiling a complex network of filaments and cosmic gas. This groundbreaking observation, made possible by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), provides unprecedented insights into the processes of star formation in the galactic center. The study reveals the intricate chemistry of the central molecular zone, detecting various molecules and enhancing our understanding of star formation in extreme environments.

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✍️ Episode References

Scientific Reports, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

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Tonight the Moon Turns Red — Plus Five More Space Stories You Need to Hear

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:56:37 +1100

Tonight's sky is putting on a show — and we've got all the science to go with it! In this episode, Anna and Avery cover six incredible stories: a Blood Moon total lunar eclipse happening tonight, a revolutionary new telescope issuing 800,000 cosmic alerts in a single night, the violent origin story of Saturn's rings and its moon Titan, new research revealing Earth's magnetic poles can take 70,000 years to reverse, the James Webb Space Telescope mapping Uranus in 3D, and a wild — and cautionary — tale about the legal status of Apollo moon rocks. STORIES THIS EPISODE 1. 🌕 Blood Moon Tonight — Total Lunar Eclipse March 2/3 A total lunar eclipse turns the Moon blood red tonight, visible from North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Totality begins at 6:04 a.m. ET and lasts 59 minutes — the last blood moon until 2028. We explain why the Moon turns red and how to catch the rare 'selenelion' phenomenon. 2. 🔭 Vera Rubin Observatory — 800,000 Alerts in One Night The Vera Rubin Observatory — home to the world's largest digital camera at 3.2 gigapixels — issued 800,000 alerts to astronomers in a single night on February 24. At full capacity it could generate 7 million alerts nightly, revolutionising real-time astronomy. 3. 🪐 Titan & Saturn's Rings — Born from One Catastrophic Collision New research suggests Saturn's largest moon, Titan, formed from a colossal collision between two older moons hundreds of millions of years ago — and that same impact created Saturn's iconic rings. One event, two iconic solar system features. 4. 🌍 Earth's Magnetic Poles — 70,000 Years to Flip Scientists analysing 40-million-year-old deep-sea sediment cores have found evidence of a geomagnetic reversal that lasted 70,000 years — far longer than the 10,000-year benchmark. During that time, Earth's weakened magnetic field would have exposed the planet to significantly higher cosmic radiation. 5. ⭐ Webb Maps Uranus in 3D — Wild Auroras Revealed The James Webb Space Telescope has produced the first 3D map of Uranus's upper atmosphere using its Near Infrared Spectrometer, revealing complex auroras unlike anything seen before and mapping the structure of its ionosphere in unprecedented detail. 6. 🌑 Moon Rocks & the Law — Don't Even Think About It! Apollo moon rocks are US federal property — and buying, selling or owning them is a serious federal crime. We tell the extraordinary story of the 2002 NASA intern heist, and explain the one legal way you can own a piece of the Moon. USEFUL LINKS • Eclipse times for your location: timeanddate.com/eclipse (https://timeanddate.com/eclipse) • Vera Rubin Observatory: rubinobservatory.org • NASA Lunar Sample Laboratory: curator.jsc.nasa.gov • Astronomy Daily website: astronomydaily.io • Follow us on social: @AstroDailyPod

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Uncharted Discoveries, Comet C/2026 A1 & Elon’s Solar Pergola | SN604 Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:25:49 +1100

Unimagined Discoveries, Planet Nine Mysteries, and the Sungrazing Comet

In this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of thought-provoking listener questions that explore the unknowns of our universe. From the potential for undiscovered celestial phenomena to the enigma of Planet Nine, this episode is filled with cosmic curiosities and insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Unimagined Existence: Bailey from Durban asks whether there are things in the universe that we have yet to imagine. Andrew and Fred discuss the surprises revealed by the James Webb Telescope and the potential for new discoveries that could challenge our current understanding of the cosmos.

- The Planet Nine Puzzle: Sarah from Townsville wonders why we can locate distant exoplanets but struggle to find Planet Nine in our own solar system. The hosts explain the challenges involved in observing faint objects close to home and the technology behind planet detection methods.

- Comet C2026A1: Eli from Anchorage brings attention to a newly discovered sungrazing comet set to be visible in April. Andrew and Fred delve into what makes this comet special and the uncertainty surrounding its visibility, drawing parallels to previous comet behavior.

- Rusty's Solar Pergola: Rusty from Donnybrook revisits his idea of a solar pergola and its environmental implications in light of Elon Musk’s satellite plans. The hosts discuss the feasibility and potential consequences of such a massive solar array in orbit.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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NASA Artemis Overhaul, Vulcan Centaur Grounded, and the Milky Way’s True Origin Story

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:02:15 +1100

NASA rewrites the Artemis roadmap, the Space Force grounds Vulcan Centaur, astronomers peer back 11 billion years to the universe's most extraordinary construction site, water bears reveal surprising secrets about Martian soil, NASA passes a key milestone in extracting oxygen from lunar regolith, and ancient stellar lighthouses rewrite the Milky Way's origin story. Plus — six planets in tonight's sky.

📰 STORIES THIS EPISODE

1 — NASA Overhauls the Artemis Programme NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced a sweeping restructure of the Artemis Moon programme on Friday 27 February. The headline change: Artemis III will no longer attempt a crewed lunar landing. Instead it has been redesigned as a low Earth orbit test flight in 2027, where astronauts will dock with the SpaceX Starship Human Landing System and potentially Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander, testing suits, life support and rendezvous procedures before anyone attempts a surface landing. The Block 1B SLS upgrade has been scrapped, vehicle configuration standardised, and NASA is targeting annual Moon landings from Artemis IV and V in 2028, with at least one surface landing per year thereafter. Isaacman invoked Apollo's step-by-step approach as his model — pointing out the programme was essentially jumping from Apollo 8 to the Moon landing without the intervening tests. The Lunar Gateway space station was notably absent from the announcement. Artemis II — the crewed flight around the Moon — remains on track for no earlier than 1 April 2026 pending resolution of a helium pressurisation issue. 2 — Space Force Grounds Vulcan Centaur The U.S. Space Force has placed an indefinite hold on all national security launches aboard ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket following a repeat solid rocket booster anomaly during the USSF-87 mission on 12 February — the rocket's fourth flight. A booster nozzle appeared to separate during ascent, mirroring an incident on Vulcan's second certification flight in October 2024. The payloads were successfully delivered, but Space Force Col. Eric Zarybnisky confirmed at the AFA Warfare Symposium that no further Vulcan national security missions will fly until the issue is fully resolved. With over a dozen military launches manifested for 2026, the grounding threatens significant disruption to the Pentagon's launch schedule. 3 — The Universe's Most Extraordinary Construction Site Astronomers using the Very Large Array and ALMA telescope have discovered J0846 — the first strongly gravitationally lensed protocluster core ever found. A foreground galaxy cluster is acting as a cosmic zoom lens, magnifying a cluster of at least 11 furiously star-forming galaxies more than 11 billion light years away — all crammed into a region smaller than the distance between the Milky Way and Andromeda. Completely invisible to optical telescopes due to dense dust shrouding, ALMA's detection of cold dust and gas revealed the extraordinary scene. Lead researcher Nicholas Foo (Arizona State University) describes it as catching a galaxy cluster in the very first chapter of its life. 4 — Could Mars Soil Actually Block Earth Microbes? A Penn State-led international team published findings in the International Journal of Astrobiology showing that simulated Martian regolith significantly suppresses tardigrade (water bear) activity — one of the toughest creatures on Earth. Critically, rinsing the regolith with water largely reversed the harmful effect, suggesting the culprit is a water-soluble compound — possibly salts or perchlorates detected by previous Mars missions. The dual implication: Martian soil may naturally protect the Red Planet from Earth contamination, and could potentially be treated to support plant growth in future habitats. 5 — Extracting Oxygen from Lunar Soil — A Major Milestone NASA's Carbothermal Reduction Demonstration (CaRD) project has passed a key integrated prototype test aboard the ISS, confirming that concentrated solar energy can drive a chemical reaction in simulated lunar regolith to produce carbon monoxide — which can then be converted into breathable oxygen. Lunar regolith is approximately 45% oxygen by mass, locked in silicate minerals. The integrated system combines hardware from Sierra Space, NASA Glenn, Composite Mirror Applications, and Kennedy Space Center. Beyond breathing air, the process could produce rocket propellant in-situ — directly relevant to this week's Artemis restructuring and the goal of a permanent lunar presence. 6 — Ancient Stellar Lighthouses Rewrite the Milky Way's Origin Story Using the largest-ever catalogue of RR Lyrae variable stars — ancient pulsating 'cosmic lighthouses' over 10 billion years old — combined with ESA's Gaia satellite data, a large international team has found that the Milky Way's structural layers (halo, thick disk, thin disk) all formed at roughly the same early epoch, not sequentially as long assumed. The layers differ in chemistry, not age — each enriched by successive...

Dying Star, Skull Nebulae, and a Blood Moon

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:25:23 +1100

Episode 50 of Season 5! Today Anna and Avery bring you six unmissable space stories: a star 1,540 times the size of our Sun transforming into a rare yellow hypergiant in real time; SpaceX's Dragon CRS-33 capsule completing a historic ISS-boosting mission and splashing down this morning; the James Webb Space Telescope revealing the haunting 'Exposed Cranium' nebula in unprecedented detail; a total lunar eclipse blood moon arriving this Tuesday (March 3) — the last until 2028/29; groundbreaking research showing Jupiter's icy moons may have been born with life's molecular building blocks embedded in them; and NASA shaking up its human spaceflight leadership following a damning report on the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test. STORIES IN THIS EPISODE: • (00:00) Intro & Episode 50 Milestone • (02:00) WOH G64: Red supergiant transforms into yellow hypergiant — supernova imminent? • (06:00) SpaceX CRS-33 Dragon splashes down after historic six-month ISS-boosting mission • (09:00) Webb's Exposed Cranium Nebula: A dying star's brain-shaped farewell • (12:00) Blood Moon Alert: Total lunar eclipse Tuesday March 3 — where to watch • (14:30) Jupiter's moons born with life's building blocks — new research • (17:00) NASA leadership shakeup: Starliner fallout claims two senior figures • (19:30) Outro FIND US: • Website: astronomydaily.io • Social: @AstroDailyPod on all major platforms • Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Martian Gullies and Inside-Out Planets: Discoveries from the Cosmos

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:24:41 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 25

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the intriguing mysteries of Mars' gullies, uncover a unique inside-out planetary system, and witness the inaugural launch of Europe's most powerful rocket.

Mysterious Martian Gullies Explained

Scientists have made significant strides in understanding the enigmatic gullies on Mars, previously thought to be shaped by unknown forces. A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that blocks of frozen carbon dioxide are the culprits behind these formations. When the Martian winter sets in, CO2 ice accumulates and, upon warming, sublimates, creating gas pressure that carves deep gullies in the Martian surface. This groundbreaking phenomenon, likened to the sandworms of Dune, showcases a unique geological process not observed on Earth.

Inside-Out Planetary System Discovery

Astronomers have identified a remarkable new planetary system, catalogued as LHS 1903, that defies conventional models of planetary formation. Unlike our solar system, which features rocky planets close to the star and gas giants further out, LHS 1903 has a small rocky planet orbiting outside of two gas giants. This discovery, detailed in Science , suggests that this rocky world may have formed in a gas-depleted environment, challenging existing theories about how planets evolve and raising questions about the nature of planetary systems.

Europe's Powerful Rocket Launch

The European Space Agency has successfully launched the Ariane 64, its most powerful rocket to date, from the Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. This inaugural mission, VA267, carried 32 satellites into orbit for Amazon's LEO network, marking a significant milestone as the largest number of satellites ever launched by an Ariane rocket. With plans for an average of 10 launches per year, the Ariane 64 is set to play a crucial role in the future of satellite deployment.

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✍️ Episode References

Geophysical Research Letters, Science

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”Jupiter’s not quite as big as we thought.” | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:25:22 +1100

Tiny Jupiter, Unusual Comet Behavior, and Gravitational Lensing

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some intriguing astronomical discoveries. They discuss the surprising news about Jupiter's size, the strange rotation of Comet 41P, and the fascinating concept of utilizing solar gravitational lensing for deep space exploration.

Episode Highlights:

- Jupiter's Revised Size: The duo explores new measurements from NASA's Juno mission that indicate Jupiter is slightly smaller than previously thought. They discuss the implications of these findings on our understanding of the gas giant's internal structure and atmospheric dynamics.

- The Mystery of Comet 41P: Andrew and Fred reveal the unusual behavior of Comet 41P, which has experienced a significant slowdown in its rotation, potentially reversing its spin direction. They analyze the possible causes of this phenomenon and what it could mean for the comet's future.

- Solar Gravitational Lensing: The hosts dive into the concept of using the Sun's gravitational field as a lens to observe distant exoplanets. They discuss the challenges of reaching the solar gravitational lens focal point and the technologies that might one day make such missions feasible.

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Six Planets Tonight — And a Galaxy-Sized Mystery Solved ⭐

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:24:09 +1100

Astronomy Daily | S05E49 | February 26, 2026 Six Planets, a Surprise in the Milky Way, and the First ISS Medical Evacuation Revealed Tonight the Moon sits right next to Jupiter in what is the visual highlight of the February six-planet alignment. Meanwhile, astronomers have made a jaw-dropping discovery about our galaxy’s magnetic field, NASA has named the astronaut at the centre of last month’s historic ISS medical evacuation, and a hypersonic scramjet launch has been scrubbed. All that and more in today’s episode. IN THIS EPISODE • SKYWATCHING — Moon-Jupiter conjunction tonight: the six-planet alignment (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) is peaking right now, with Jupiter blazing beside the waxing Moon after sunset. The Blood Moon total lunar eclipse arrives March 3. • DEEP SPACE — The world’s largest radio telescope array has made new chemical discoveries in the turbulent heart of the Milky Way around Sagittarius A*, our galaxy’s supermassive black hole. • ARTEMIS UPDATE — NASA’s SLS rocket has returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs; early April is now the earliest realistic launch window for the crewed lunar flyby. • ISS — NASA has named the astronaut who required the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, following last month’s early return of Crew-11. • SCIENCE — A groundbreaking new map of the Milky Way’s magnetic field reveals an unexpected diagonal reversal in the Sagittarius Arm — a discovery that prompted an OMG moment for the lead researcher. • LAUNCH UPDATE — Rocket Lab’s HASTE ‘That’s Not a Knife’ hypersonic mission carrying an Australian hydrogen scramjet demonstrator has been scrubbed; no new date yet. FIND US Website: astronomydaily.io | Social: @AstroDailyPod | Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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The Birth of a Black Hole and Mars’ New Navigation

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:30:13 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 24

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover astonishing discoveries about the birth of black holes, a revolutionary Martian navigation system, and the arrival of NASA's SpaceX Crew 12 at the International Space Station.

The Birth of a Black Hole: A New Perspective

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing a star in the Andromeda Galaxy collapsing into a black hole without the expected supernova explosion. The star, catalogued as M31 2014 DS1, was seen glowing brightly in infrared light before fading away, leaving behind a dust shell. This event, which had been anticipated for decades, suggests that massive stars may collapse directly into black holes, challenging long-held assumptions about stellar deaths. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide new insights into the processes that govern black hole formation and indicate that such direct collapses may be more common than previously thought.

NASA's New Martian Navigation System

NASA has introduced an innovative navigation system for its Perseverance rover, allowing it to determine its location on Mars with remarkable precision—within 25 centimeters. The new technology, called Mars Global Localization, enables the rover to autonomously compare panoramic images with orbital terrain maps, eliminating the need for Earth-based assistance. This advancement significantly enhances the rover's ability to explore the Martian surface independently, paving the way for more extensive scientific investigations.

SpaceX Crew 12 Arrives at the ISS

NASA's SpaceX Crew 12 has successfully docked with the International Space Station, restoring the crew complement to seven members. The mission includes a diverse crew of two Americans, a Russian, and a French astronaut, who will conduct approximately 250 scientific experiments in orbit. Additionally, NASA has approved a sixth private mission to the ISS, slated for next year, which aims to support new research initiatives and infrastructure development for future human spaceflight missions.

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✍️ Episode References

Journal Science, NASA Reports

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31877069?utm_source=youtube

Webb Makes Astronomy History | Update - NASA Rolls Artemis Back to the Hangar | Is There Life on...

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:48:18 +1100

NASA's Artemis II moon rocket begins its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building today as a helium flow issue kills the March launch window — and the crew's unannounced presence at Trump's State of the Union adds a fascinating new dimension. Plus: James Webb achieves an astronomical first by identifying a supernova's progenitor star that was invisible to every other telescope; the case for life on exoplanet K2-18b keeps building; the sun goes spotless for the first time since 2022; China's Shenzhou-20 astronauts reveal gripping new details about last year's space debris emergency; and the U.S. Postal Service turns Webb's greatest hits into stamps. Full episode rundown at astronomydaily.io

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Slow Crawl, Fast Comet

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:50:17 +1100

Today on Astronomy Daily: NASA's Artemis II mission is rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building today after a helium flow issue dashed hopes of a March launch. We cover the latest on what went wrong, what it means for the April window, and what happens next. We also have five more stories to get through: Perseverance just gained the ability to locate itself on Mars with GPS-like precision — no Earth assistance required. Scientists have published a daring plan to intercept interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using a solar slingshot manoeuvre, with a launch in 2035 and a 50-year journey to follow. China's mysterious Shenlong space plane is back in orbit on its fourth mission, and we still know almost nothing about it. We run through this week's packed launch schedule — including Rocket Lab's hypersonic scramjet test flight happening today, and Firefly Aerospace's return to flight on Friday. And we close with a genuinely beautiful piece of science: researchers have used supercomputers to solve a 50-year-old mystery about how elements move inside red giant stars. In This Episode 00:00 — Introduction 01:30 — Story 1: Artemis II rollback — the latest 05:30 — Story 2: Perseverance gets GPS on Mars 09:00 — Story 3: The 50-year mission to chase 3I/ATLAS 12:30 — Story 4: China's Shenlong space plane — Mission 4 15:00 — Story 5: This week's launch schedule 17:30 — Story 6: Supercomputers solve the red giant mystery 19:30 — Outro Find Us Website: astronomydaily.io Social: @AstroDailyPod Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Dark Matter Galaxies and Artemis Delays: Unraveling the Secrets of the Cosmos

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:38:59 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 23

In this episode of SpaceTime, we investigate the discovery of a nearly invisible galaxy dominated by dark matter, the latest delays in the Artemis 2 mission to the Moon, and the anticipated launch of Australia's new hypersonic scramjet.

A Dark Matter Galaxy Unveiled

Astronomers have identified an almost invisible galaxy, catalogued as CDG2, located in the Perseus galaxy cluster approximately 300 million light years away. This galaxy is believed to be composed of about 99% dark matter, making it one of the most dark matter-dominated galaxies ever detected. The findings, published in Astrophysical Research Letters, reveal that dark matter constitutes roughly 80% of the universe's total matter, and CDG2's faint presence was confirmed through observations of its globular clusters using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Euclid Space Observatory.

Artemis 2 Mission Delayed Again

NASA has announced another delay for the Artemis 2 mission, which aims to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. A helium leak discovered in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's upper stage has prompted the agency to roll back the launch vehicle to the vehicle assembly building for repairs. This setback eliminates the potential for a March launch, with the next available windows opening in early April. The Artemis 2 mission will carry a crew of four on a 10-day journey to the Moon, including critical system tests and satellite deployments.

Australia's Hypersonic Scramjet Launch Imminent

An Australian company is set to test its new hypersonic scramjet-powered aircraft, the Dart AE, before the end of the month. This innovative vehicle will utilize a 3D printed Spartan Scramjet engine, designed to operate at speeds exceeding Mach 5 with liquid hydrogen fuel. The mission, codenamed Cassowary Vex, will launch aboard a Rocket Lab electron rocket and aims to validate the scramjet propulsion system under real hypersonic flight conditions while producing zero carbon emissions.

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✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Research Letters

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31832743?utm_source=youtube

NASA Stands Down: Artemis 2 Crew Released as Rocket Heads Back to the Hangar

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:07:08 +1100

🚀 Astronomy Daily — Season 5 | Monday, February 23, 2026 NASA rolls back the Artemis 2 moon rocket, Europa's ocean gets a life-friendly upgrade, SpaceX breaks its own booster reuse record, Rocket Lab launches a hypersonic mission TODAY, Mars dust storms reveal how the Red Planet lost its water, and SIX planets are visible in tonight's sky. IN THIS EPISODE: 🌕 Artemis 2 rollback — the crew is released from quarantine and the moon launch is pushed to April 🌊 Europa's hidden ocean may be receiving nutrients from the surface — big news for the search for life 🛸 SpaceX flies two Falcon 9s in one day and sets a new booster reuse record 🔥 Rocket Lab's HASTE hypersonic test rocket launches TODAY from Wallops, Virginia 🌪️ A Mars dust storm was moving water at unexpectedly high rates — new clues to the Red Planet's past 🌟 Six-planet parade peaks this week + the crescent Moon passes through the Pleiades tonight FOLLOW ASTRONOMY DAILY: 🌐 astronomydaily.io 📱 @AstroDailyPod on all platforms 🎙️ Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Dark Matter Mysteries, Telescope Innovations & the Quest for Gravitons | SN602 Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:39:32 +1100

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Exploring Dark Matter, Telescope Innovations, and Olympus Mons

In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions that dive deep into the mysteries of our universe. From the elusive nature of dark matter to the future of space telescopes, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.

Episode Highlights:

- The Mystery of Dark Matter: Listener Bob from Chicago asks how astronomers have determined that approximately 80% of the universe is made up of dark matter. Fred explains the historical context and the groundbreaking techniques that have led to this astonishing conclusion.

- Next-Gen Telescopes: Ben also inquires about the next large telescope to be launched. Fred shares his excitement for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos with its advanced capabilities.

- Understanding Telescopes: Ash from Australia seeks clarity on the different types of telescopes and the wavelengths they detect. Fred elaborates on the intricate designs of optical, infrared, and radio telescopes, explaining how their unique technologies allow them to observe various forms of light.

- The Graviton Enigma: Russ from the UK poses a thought-provoking question about the graviton and its relation to Einstein's theory of gravity. Fred discusses the complexities of gravity as a force and the ongoing quest to understand its fundamental particles.

- Olympus Mons and Space Elevators: Robert from Iceland wonders if Olympus Mons could serve as a staging point for a space elevator. The hosts explore the challenges and feasibility of this intriguing concept, revealing the importance of location in such ambitious projects.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Countdown to the Moon: Artemis II Crew in Quarantine

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:59:43 +1100

Astronomy Daily — Season 5, Episode 45 | February 21, 2026 "Countdown to the Moon: Artemis II Crew in Quarantine" The Artemis II crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch (NASA), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (CSA) — have officially entered quarantine ahead of a targeted March 6, 2026 launch. With the second Wet Dress Rehearsal completed successfully on February 19th, humanity is just two weeks away from returning to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Anna and Avery break down everything you need to know about this historic mission. Also on today's episode: • DARK MATTER UNDER PRESSURE: A new paper in Physical Review D claims its findings represent the first step toward the end of dark matter theory as we know it — researchers have found a plethora of baryonic (ordinary) dark matter signals that challenge the standard cosmological model. • AURORA WATCH: A large coronal hole on the Sun has rotated into a geoeffective position, with fast solar wind expected to reach Earth around February 22nd. Skywatchers at higher latitudes should keep their eyes on the skies tomorrow night. • MARS WATER UPDATE: New research suggests water ice on Mars may be accessible far closer to the equator than previously believed — a game-changing development for future human exploration of the Red Planet. • SERIAL KILLER BLACK HOLES: Astronomers using James Webb Space Telescope data have confirmed that active supermassive black holes don't just shut down star formation in their own galaxies — they can suppress star formation in neighbouring galaxies too. • SPACEX NEAR MISS: SpaceX successfully landed its Falcon 9 booster in The Bahamas for only the second time ever after launching 29 Starlink satellites — but someone at SpaceX admitted they 'almost did have a really terrible day.' Full show notes and episode sources available at astronomydaily.io Follow us: @AstroDailyPod on all platforms Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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”We Failed Them” — Starliner Bombshell as Artemis II Gets the Green Light

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:04:56 +1100

S05E44 | Friday, February 20, 2026 It's a big one today! We cover EIGHT stories including breaking news from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a damning independent report into the Boeing Starliner crisis, two astonishing dark matter discoveries, the first ancient Jellyfish Galaxy, SpaceX rocket pollution science, and a cosmic farewell to a comet we'll never see again. Plus — yes — we briefly and responsibly address the UFO/UAP conversation. Stories in this episode: • Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal — Did NASA just clear the path to a March 6 launch? • Starliner Independent Report — NASA says 'we failed them' as Type A mishap is confirmed • UAP Files — Trump hints at declassification: should we get excited? • Hubble finds CDG-2: the most dark matter-dominated galaxy ever discovered • Jellyfish Galaxy spotted 5 billion years after the Big Bang — earlier than thought possible • First real-time observation of SpaceX rocket re-entry pollution cloud • First confirmed dark galaxy — a structure with no stars at all • Comet Wierzchoś at closest approach today — and it's never coming back

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Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk’s Lunar Pivot & Titan’s Mysterious Origins | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:06:58 +1100

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Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk's New Target, and China's Lunar Ambitions

In this intriguing episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a variety of captivating topics that span our solar system. From the surprising discovery of lava tubes on Venus to Elon Musk's shifting focus from Mars to the Moon, this episode is packed with astronomical insights and updates on space exploration.

Episode Highlights:

- Lava Tubes on Venus: A new study suggests the existence of massive lava tubes on Venus, with evidence pointing to structures that could reach up to a kilometer wide. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of this discovery and how it was derived from radar data collected by the Magellan spacecraft.

- Elon Musk's Change of Plans: The hosts delve into Elon Musk's evolving vision for space travel, as he shifts his focus from colonizing Mars to prioritizing lunar missions. They discuss the logistical challenges of Mars travel and the advantages of a Moon base.

- China's Reusable Booster Test: The China Manned Space Agency has successfully tested a reusable booster and a new spacecraft designed for lunar missions. Andrew and Fred analyze the significance of this achievement in the context of the current space race.

- Titan's Mysterious Past: The episode concludes with a look at Saturn's moon Titan, which may have formed from a collision between two moons. The hosts explore the implications of this theory and what it means for future exploration of Titan.

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Primordial Black Holes and Saturn’s Ring Origins: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:05:50 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 22

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the formation of the universe's most enigmatic objects, explore the origins of Saturn's iconic rings, and get updates on NASA's Artemis 2 mission.

Black Holes and Exotic Cosmic Structures

A groundbreaking study suggests that some of the universe's most exotic entities, including black holes and cannibal stars, may have formed just seconds after the Big Bang. Researchers from the International School of Advanced Studies propose that subatomic particles condensed into halos of matter, which then collapsed to create these fascinating cosmic structures. Their findings, published in Physical Review D, indicate that even in the earliest moments of the universe, complex physical phenomena were already taking shape, paving the way for our understanding of cosmic evolution.

The Formation of Saturn's Rings

New research proposes that Saturn's largest moon, Titan, may have formed from the collision of two older moons, potentially linking this event to the creation of Saturn's spectacular ring system. The study, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, utilizes computer simulations to explore the dynamics of Saturn's moons and their interactions, suggesting that Titan's merger could explain its unique orbit and the age of the rings, estimated to be around 100 million years.

NASA's Artemis 2 Mission Update

Following the recent scrubbing of the Artemis 2 launch due to hydrogen leaks, NASA has made significant repairs and is preparing for another attempt. Engineers have replaced seals in the mobile launcher's umbilical area and are conducting further testing to ensure the rocket's readiness. With multiple launch windows available in March, the Artemis 2 mission aims to test key systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, setting the stage for future lunar exploration and the eventual return of humans to the Moon.

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✍️ Episode References

Physical Review D, Planetary Science Journal

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31768373?utm_source=youtube

Artemis, Pulsars, Big Crunch & City Killers

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:28:19 +1100

S05E43 | February 19, 2026 🚀 Artemis Fuels Up LIVE | Pulsar at Our Galaxy's Heart | Universe's Fate Revealed | City Killer Asteroids | Mercury Tonight! It's a big one today — and we mean that literally. As we record, NASA is fuelling its Artemis II Space Launch System rocket at Kennedy Space Center in a make-or-break second wet dress rehearsal. But that's just the start. We've also got a cosmic discovery that could let us test Einstein's theories like never before, new data suggesting the universe will end in a 'Big Crunch', a sobering warning about thousands of undetected city-killing asteroids, a perfect night to spot Mercury, and a music video filmed in orbit. Welcome to Astronomy Daily. IN THIS EPISODE: • 🚀 Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal: NASA loads 700,000+ gallons of cryogenic propellant in its second fuelling test — critical step toward a March 6 crewed launch around the Moon • 🌌 Pulsar Near Sagittarius A*: Columbia University & Breakthrough Listen detect a candidate millisecond pulsar spinning at 8.19ms next to our galaxy's supermassive black hole — a potential new test of General Relativity • 💥 Big Crunch Theory: Cornell physicist Henry Tye uses fresh DESI and DES dark energy data to calculate the universe has a ~33 billion year total lifespan — challenging the 'Big Freeze' consensus • ☄️ City Killer Asteroids: NASA's Planetary Defense Officer warns 25,000 mid-sized asteroids capable of devastating cities orbit near Earth — and we've only found 40% of them • 🔭 Mercury Tonight: The innermost planet reaches greatest eastern elongation — your best evening viewing chance of 2026. Look west after sunset! • 🎵 Space Music Video: China's Shenzhou 21 crew celebrate the Year of the Horse with a music video filmed aboard Tiangong Space Station Follow NASA's Artemis II live stream at nasa.gov | Follow us @AstroDailyPod

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Exploring Life’s Potential on the Red Planet and Saturn’s Tiny Moon

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:52:13 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 21

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore intriguing revelations about the search for life on Mars, the surprising effects of Saturn's moon Enceladus on its planet, and the monumental volcanic events that reshaped Earth's tectonic landscape.

Life on Mars: A New Perspective

Recent findings suggest that non-biological processes cannot fully explain the organic compounds found in Martian regolith samples collected by NASA's Curiosity rover. Published in the journal Astrobiology, the study indicates that life may have contributed to some of these compounds, challenging previous assumptions. The research involved evaluating potential non-biological sources and concluded that the abundance of organics on Mars could hint at past life, sparking renewed interest in the Red Planet's potential habitability.

Enceladus' Electromagnetic Influence

A fascinating study reveals that Saturn's icy moon Enceladus trails a wake of electromagnetic ripples extending over half a million kilometers, significantly influencing its giant host planet. Data from NASA's Cassini mission demonstrated how Enceladus' geysers contribute to energy and momentum circulation within Saturn's magnetic environment, marking a crucial discovery about the moon's role in the Saturnian system.

Earth's Volcanic History

New research highlights how Earth's largest volcanic event, associated with the Ontong Java Plateau, dramatically altered a major tectonic plate. The findings suggest that extensive volcanic activity led to significant physiochemical modifications within the oceanic plate, enhancing our understanding of plate formation processes and the environmental impacts of such massive eruptions.

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✍️ Episode References

Astrobiology, Geophysical Research Space Physics, Geophysical Research Letters

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31744215?utm_source=youtube

Moon Hides Mercury Tonight, Artemis II Tests Tomorrow, Saturn Ring Origin Revealed

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:13:57 +1100

Episode: S05E42 — Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Hosts: Anna & Avery Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six unmissable stories from across the cosmos. Here's what we're talking about in S05E42: 1. Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal Round Two NASA begins fuelling the SLS moon rocket tomorrow (Feb 19) for a second critical practice countdown. Engineers have replaced two seals and a filter after hydrogen leaks forced the February launch window to be abandoned. A clean test is required before NASA will commit to a launch date — currently no earlier than March 6. The four-person crew includes Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, each of whom will make history on the flight. 2. Moon Occults Mercury Tonight — Plus a Ganymede Transit Tonight, February 18, a thin crescent Moon passes so close to Mercury that observers in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia will see the Moon hide Mercury in a rare occultation. For everyone else, a stunning close conjunction is visible in the western sky just after sunset. Simultaneously, Jupiter's moon Ganymede transits the gas giant's face through the night. Two events, one evening. 3. Ariane 6 Launches Amazon Kuiper Satellites Europe's most powerful Ariane 6 configuration successfully launched 32 satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper broadband constellation today — a direct competitor to SpaceX's Starlink. The launch highlights both the commercial ambitions of Amazon's internet satellite programme and the ongoing resurgence of European launch capability. 4. 3I/ATLAS Update: JUICE Data Downlinking Now ESA's JUICE spacecraft is currently transmitting data it collected on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS back to Earth — the downlink window runs February 18–20. If successful, this would be the closest-ever spacecraft observations of an interstellar object. Meanwhile, 3I/ATLAS heads toward a close Jupiter flyby in March that may trigger fresh outbursts. 5. How Titan Formed — And Why Saturn Has Rings New research from the SETI Institute proposes a single ancient catastrophe that explains multiple Saturn mysteries at once: a moon called proto-Hyperion collided with proto-Titan about 400 million years ago. The merger debris re-accreted into Saturn's inner moons and left behind the iconic ring system. The hypothesis also explains Saturn's unusual axial tilt, Iapetus's orbital inclination, and the surprising youth of Titan's surface. 6. Russia's 30-Day Mars Engine Rosatom's Troitsk Institute is ground-testing a nuclear-powered magnetoplasma engine that its developers claim could reach Mars in 30 days — compared to 8 months for chemical rockets. With a plasma exhaust velocity of 100 km/s, the system is part of a global race toward deep-space plasma propulsion also being pursued by NASA's VASIMR programme and Chinese researchers. A flight prototype is targeted for 2030.

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Ring of Fire, Farewell Comet, and the Smell of Rotten Eggs in Space

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:04:34 +1100

Astronomy Daily — S05E41 | Tuesday 17 February 2026 Ring of Fire, Farewell Comet, and the Smell of Rotten Eggs in Space Two celestial events happen TODAY — an annular solar eclipse transforms the Antarctic Sun into a ring of fire, and a rare hyperbolic comet makes its closest pass to Earth before leaving the solar system forever. Plus, JWST uses the smell of rotten eggs to solve a major exoplanet mystery, NASA performs a CT scan on the northern lights, a startup plans to fuel rockets with water, and we preview why 2026 is the dawn of a golden age of eclipses. In This Episode: • Ring of Fire solar eclipse over Antarctica — happening today, February 17, with up to 96% of the Sun covered and a 616km-wide path of annularity • Comet Wierzchoś (C/2024 E1) makes its closest approach to Earth today at 151 million km — a one-way trip out of the solar system, never to return • JWST detects hydrogen sulfide in giant exoplanets orbiting HR 8799, proving they formed like planets, not brown dwarfs — published in Nature Astronomy • NASA’s BADASS and GNEISS twin rocket missions launch from Alaska to “CT scan” the electrical circuitry of the aurora • General Galactic, led by ex-SpaceX engineer Halen Mattison, reveals plan to make rocket fuel from water — satellite test in October 2026 • 2026: A golden age of eclipses begins — total lunar eclipse March 3, total solar eclipse over Europe August 12, and much more ahead Hosted by: Anna & Avery Produced by: Huw at Bitesz.com Website: astronomydaily.io Social: @AstroDailyPod across all platforms Network: Bitesz.com Podcast Network

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Earth’s Core Secrets and Solar Neutrinos: Unveiling the Mysteries of Our Planet and the Sun

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:35:32 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into groundbreaking research revealing the true composition of the Earth's core, explore new insights into solar neutrinos, and uncover the complexities of Martian volcanoes.

Earth's Core Contains Vast Hydrogen Reservoir

A recent study published in Nature Communications indicates that Earth's core may hold up to 45 oceans' worth of hydrogen, challenging the long-held belief that water on our planet primarily came from asteroids and comets. Utilizing advanced laboratory techniques, researchers simulated the extreme conditions of the core to uncover its surprising hydrogen content, suggesting a significant internal source of water far beyond previous estimates.

Neutrinos from the Sun's Core

A new dark matter experiment has successfully detected neutrinos originating from the Sun's core, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of these elusive particles. The LZ experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Facility captured signals from Brian 8 solar neutrinos, providing valuable data on solar processes and setting new limits for dark matter research. This breakthrough highlights the potential of neutrino studies in unraveling the mysteries of both dark matter and stellar dynamics.

Complexity of Martian Volcanoes

New findings published in Geology reveal that young Martian volcanoes are far more complex than previously thought. Researchers have discovered that these volcanoes were shaped by long-lasting and evolving magma systems rather than single eruptions. By analyzing surface features and mineral compositions from orbit, scientists have reconstructed the intricate eruptive history of these volcanic systems, shedding light on the Red Planet's geological past.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Communications, Geology

(00:00:00) New study reveals Earth's core may contain vast amounts of hydrogen

(00:08:30) Breakthrough in solar neutrino detection from the Sun's core

(00:16:45) Insights into the complex eruptive history of Martian volcanoes

(00:25:00) Science report: The link between caffeine consumption and reduced dementia risk

(00:32:15) Study on the frequency of passionate love experiences in humans

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31705905?utm_source=youtube

ISS Back to Full Strength, Artemis 2 Battles Hydrogen Leaks, and Enceladus Goes Electromagnetic

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:12:10 +1100

• Crew-12 Docks at ISS — The SpaceX Crew-12 mission docked at the International Space Station on Valentine’s Day, restoring the station to full strength after over a month with a skeleton crew. Astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev join Expedition 74 for an eight-month mission. • Artemis 2 Hydrogen Leak Update — NASA’s “confidence test” on the SLS rocket’s repaired hydrogen fueling seals showed mixed but cautiously encouraging results. March remains the earliest potential launch window for humanity’s first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. • Enceladus: Electromagnetic Powerhouse — A major new study of 13 years of Cassini data reveals Saturn’s tiny moon Enceladus generates Alfvén waves extending over 504,000 km, transforming our understanding of how small moons influence giant planetary magnetospheres. • Catching 3I/ATLAS — Researchers from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies propose a Solar Oberth Manoeuvre mission launching in 2035 that could intercept the interstellar comet, currently heading toward Jupiter for its closest pass on March 16. • Geomagnetic Storm Watch — G1 minor storming is likely today as a coronal mass ejection arrives alongside fast solar wind from a returning transequatorial coronal hole. Aurora possible at higher latitudes tonight. • SpaceX Starlink 6-103 — 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites launched to orbit in the early hours of today, the 10th orbital flight from Cape Canaveral in 2026. LINKS & RESOURCES: • NASA Crew-12 Docking: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/02/14/spacex-crew-12-docks-to-station-beginning-long-duration-mission/ • Artemis 2 Confidence Test Update: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/13/following-confidence-test-nasa-continues-artemis-ii-data-review/ • Enceladus Alfvén Wings Study: https://phys.org/news/2026-02-tiny-enceladus-giant-electromagnetic-saturn.html • 3I/ATLAS Solar Oberth Paper: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/a-new-concept-for-catching-up-with-3iatlas • Space Weather Updates: https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/ • Spaceflight Now Launch Schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ Astronomy Daily is part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network Website: https://astronomydaily.io Social: @AstroDailyPod

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Cosmic Questions: Dark Energy, Stellar Birth & the Nature of Black Holes | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:07:38 +1100

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Dark Matter Theories, Solar Origins, and Black Hole Temperatures

In this milestone 600th episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson celebrate with a captivating Q&A session , tackling a variety of thought-provoking questions from listeners around the globe. Prepare to dive deep into the mysteries of the universe as they explore intriguing theories and concepts that challenge our understanding of cosmology.

Episode Highlights:

- Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Daryl from South Australia presents a unique theory suggesting a connection between dark matter and dark energy, likening them to opposites with gravitational effects. Andrew and Fred dissect this idea and discuss the fundamental differences between these two cosmic phenomena.

- Where Was the Sun Born? Slaty Bartfast from Norway asks if we could see the Sun's birth by pointing a telescope at its historical coordinates. The hosts explain why this wouldn’t yield any observable results and discuss the concept of solar siblings born in the same gas cloud.

- Black Hole Temperatures: Bjorn from Gothenburg seeks clarification on the temperature of black holes and the material that spirals into them. Andrew and Fred clarify how the extreme heat of accreting material contrasts with the near-absolute zero temperature of the black hole itself.

- The Expansion of Space: Peter from Falun poses a complex question about the nature of space and time in an expanding universe. The hosts unravel the intricacies of how our measurements of distance and time are affected by the universe's expansion.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Love Is in the Stars

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 23:22:42 +1100

Happy Valentine's Day from Astronomy Daily! The cosmos has pulled out all the stops today — from astronauts docking at the space station to a dying star sending the universe a literal heart-shaped Valentine. Plus, the ring of fire eclipse countdown, why eclipses always arrive in pairs, a comet that flipped its spin, a six-planet parade to look forward to, and a chance of aurora tonight.

In this episode:

🚀 SpaceX Crew-12 launched yesterday and docks at the ISS today — a Valentine's Day arrival to end a month of skeleton-crew operations

🌑 Just 3 days until the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse over Antarctica on February 17th

🌒 Why eclipses come in pairs: eclipse seasons explained — and 2026 has four eclipses across two spectacular seasons

💖 A dying star's cosmic Valentine: Mira A ejects a heart-shaped cloud of gas and dust 300 light-years from Earth

☄️ Comet 41P stuns scientists by flipping its rotation direction — what's behind this mysterious spin reversal?

🪐 Six-planet parade coming February 28 — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune line up at a civilised hour

🌌 Bonus: Possible Valentine's Day aurora from geomagnetic activity tonight

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Social: @AstroDailyPod on all platforms

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Black Hole Born in Silence | Crew-12 Launches | Inside-Out Planets

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:50:46 +1100

Today on Astronomy Daily: Astronomers have witnessed something extraordinary in the Andromeda Galaxy — a massive star that simply vanished, collapsing into a brand-new black hole without the usual supernova fireworks. We cover the SpaceX Crew-12 launch to the ISS, Europe's powerful Ariane 64 flying for the first time with Amazon satellites aboard, another booster anomaly for ULA's Vulcan rocket, a bizarre inside-out planetary system that defies formation models, and NASA's plan to rescue the Swift observatory from orbital decay. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:30 — SpaceX Crew-12 launches to the ISS 04:00 — Star vanishes in Andromeda — a black hole is born 08:30 — Europe's Ariane 64 flies for the first time 10:30 — Vulcan rocket suffers repeat booster anomaly 13:00 — The bizarre inside-out planetary system of LHS 1903 15:30 — NASA's Swift observatory fights for survival 17:30 — Sign-off and how to stay connected Key Links • NASA Crew-12 Blog: nasa.gov/blogs/commercialcrew • Vanishing Star Study (Science): doi.org/10.1126/science.adt4853 • Inside-Out Planet Study (Science): doi.org/10.1126/science.adl2348 • NASA Swift Observatory: nasa.gov/swift • Show Website: astronomydaily.io • Social Media: @AstroDailyPod on all platforms

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Black Hole Explosions and Martian Water Loss: Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries and Planetary Secrets

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:40:08 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 19

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore astonishing discoveries in astrophysics, planetary science, and aerospace engineering.

Astronomers Observe Possible Black Hole Explosion

Astronomers are investigating what could be the first ever observation of a black hole explosion. A recent study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that the mysterious high-energy neutrino detected in 2023 may have originated from a quasi-extremal primordial black hole. This type of black hole, theorized to exist since the Big Bang, could explain the otherwise unexplainable energy levels of the neutrino and potentially unlock the secrets of dark matter and the fundamental nature of the universe.

Mars' Dust Storms and Water Loss

New research published in Communications Earth and Environment reveals that localized dust storms on Mars may play a significant role in the planet's water loss. While Mars is currently a dry desert, evidence from its surface indicates a wetter past. The study shows that intense dust storms can transport water vapor to higher altitudes, facilitating its escape into space, thus contributing to the long-standing mystery of Martian water depletion.

Plasma Daniel for Hypersonic Testing

A groundbreaking facility known as the plasma tunnel is now being used by scientists and engineers to simulate the extreme conditions spacecraft face during atmospheric reentry. The plasma tunnel generates high-speed plasma flows that mimic the intense heat and pressure experienced during reentry, providing critical data for developing safer and more efficient spacecraft. This innovative technology could revolutionize our understanding of hypersonic flight and enhance mission safety for future space exploration.

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✍️ Episode References

Physical Review Letters, Communications Earth and Environment

(00:00:00) Astronomers investigate a potential black hole explosion

(00:07:15) New study reveals how dust storms on Mars contribute to water loss

(00:15:30) The plasma tunnel: recreating atmospheric reentry conditions

(00:22:45) Science report: Genetic factors influencing life expectancy

(00:30:00) Bigfoot sightings and cultural phenomena in America

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31653798?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io & Following the Coal to Find Extraterrestrial...

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:11:14 +1100

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Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io, and the Quest for Intelligent Life

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a series of captivating cosmic stories that will spark your imagination. From the groundbreaking creation of cosmic dust in a lab to the simultaneous volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's moon Io, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Cosmic Dust in a Jar: A Sydney PhD student has synthesized cosmic dust in a laboratory setting. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of this breakthrough for our understanding of how complex organic molecules form in space, and whether this could reduce the need for future space missions to gather samples from asteroids.

- Simultaneous Volcanic Eruptions on Io: The hosts explore the extraordinary event of five volcanoes erupting at once on Io, revealing insights into the moon’s geological activity. They discuss the gravitational forces at play and how this discovery challenges previous theories about Io's solid interior.

- Follow the Coal to Find Intelligent Life: A new theory suggests that the presence of coal may be a key factor in the development of intelligent civilizations. Andrew and Fred unpack the idea that access to natural resources could influence technological advancement, raising questions about the rarity of intelligent life in the universe.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31653308?utm_source=youtube

China Aces Lunar Abort Test, Viking Life Debate Reignited, and Hubble’s Dying Star

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:22:16 +1100

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery unpack six major space stories. China has achieved a crucial milestone in its crewed lunar programme, successfully testing the Mengzhou capsule's abort system at maximum dynamic pressure while also demonstrating SpaceX-style rocket recovery with the Long March 10 first stage. ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket is set to launch its longest mission yet, delivering GSSAP space surveillance satellites directly to geosynchronous orbit for the US Space Force. We explain why NASA's Artemis 2 Moon mission has remarkably few launch opportunities — just 11 dates across March and April — and what orbital mechanics, solar power constraints, and hydrogen leaks have to do with it. In astronomy news, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has produced its clearest image yet of the Egg Nebula, a pre-planetary nebula offering a rare glimpse of a Sun-like star in its death throes. A provocative new study in the journal Astrobiology argues that the 1976 Viking missions may have detected signs of Martian life after all, with perchlorates masking the organic signatures. And finally, astronomers continue searching for remnants of Comet C/2019 Y4 ATLAS, which spectacularly disintegrated during the 2020 pandemic — but may not be entirely gone. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction [01:30] China's Mengzhou capsule abort test & Long March 10 rocket recovery [05:30] ULA Vulcan USSF-87 launch — GSSAP satellites for Space Force [08:30] Artemis 2 launch windows — why only 11 chances in 2 months [11:30] Hubble's stunning Egg Nebula image — a dying star's final act [14:00] Did NASA's Viking missions find life on Mars? New evidence says maybe [16:30] The mystery of 'dead' Comet ATLAS — could fragments survive? [18:00] Sign-off

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Crew-12 Spy Scandal, AI on Mars & Interstellar Comet’s Last Secret?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:06:43 +1100

Four astronauts are stuck in quarantine in Florida as weather keeps pushing back the Crew-12 launch — now targeting no earlier than Friday, February 13. We've got the full story, including the remarkable subplot involving a Russian cosmonaut who was quietly removed from the mission in December. Plus: interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is on its way out of the solar system forever, but new data from NASA's SPHEREx and James Webb telescopes reveals it's been carrying a chemical cocktail from another star system — one that's unlike anything we've seen in our own comets. Also in today's episode: NASA let an AI drive the Perseverance rover on Mars for two days straight; new research suggests Earth may have hit a rare chemical jackpot during formation that made life possible; the Ring of Fire solar eclipse is just one week away; and Starship is back on track after the Booster 18 disaster, with Flight 12 targeting a March launch window. In This Episode • SpaceX Crew-12: Three launch scrubs, skeleton ISS crew, and the cosmonaut spy subplot • 3I/ATLAS farewell: SPHEREx detects alien chemistry; JWST finds record CO2-to-water ratio • AI drives Perseverance on Mars — 456 metres without human control • Earth's lucky chemistry: why phosphorus and nitrogen almost didn't make it to the surface • Ring of Fire annular solar eclipse — February 17 over Antarctica • Starship Flight 12: Booster 19 passes cryo tests, March launch window in sight Key Links • Full show notes & blog: astronomydaily.io • NASA Crew-12 mission blog: nasa.gov • NASA SPHEREx 3I/ATLAS data: science.nasa.gov • Universe Today — AI drives Perseverance: universetoday.com • Nature Astronomy — Earth habitability study: nature.com Subscribe & Connect Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episode every weekday. Full transcripts, blog posts and show notes at astronomydaily.io

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Dark Matter’s Role and Lunar Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets of Our Galaxy and Moon’s Interior

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:18:46 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 18

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking theories about the nature of dark matter, the thermal differences between the lunar far and near sides, and new revelations regarding Jupiter's dimensions.

Dark Matter's Role in the Milky Way

A new study suggests that dark matter could be the driving force behind the gravitational dynamics of our Milky Way galaxy. Researchers propose that a clump of fermionic dark matter might exert similar gravitational influence as the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center, Sagittarius A. This theory challenges conventional understanding and is supported by data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, which mapped the galaxy's outer halo and rotational curve, indicating a potential new model for understanding galactic structures.

Lunar Far Side's Cooler Interior

Recent findings published in Nature Geoscience indicate that the lunar far side may be significantly cooler than the near side. Analyzing samples collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission, scientists discovered that the far side's regolith formed from lava at temperatures approximately 100 degrees Celsius lower than those from the near side. This study provides insight into the Moon's geological history and the uneven distribution of heat-producing elements, which may have resulted from ancient impacts or tidal forces from Earth.

Jupiter's Slimmer Profile

New measurements from NASA's Juno mission reveal that Jupiter is actually slimmer than previously thought, being about 8 kilometers narrower at the equator and 24 kilometers flatter at the poles. These findings refine our understanding of the gas giant's shape and have implications for models of planetary formation and evolution. The data also sheds light on Jupiter's atmospheric dynamics, including its powerful winds and cyclones, enhancing our knowledge of gas giants both within our solar system and beyond.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Nature Geoscience, Nature Astronomy

(00:00:00) New study claims that mysterious substance called dark matter could be powering our Milky Way

(00:08:01) New study suggests lunar far side may be a little bit colder than near side

(00:12:52) Space Time is brought to you by Squarespace. com spacetime

(00:14:23) New measurements based on NASA's Juno mission reveal Jupiter is much smaller than previously thought

(00:18:16) People with depressive personalities far more likely to have sexual fantasies, study finds

(00:20:34) New test shows artificial intelligence chatbot admitting it would kill to save itself

(00:27:09) Already we have security companies treating AI chatbots like humans

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31613940?utm_source=youtube

Solar Fireworks, Crew-12 Countdown, and Venus Hides a Secret

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:59:15 +1100

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover five major stories from across the cosmos. SpaceX Crew-12 is targeting Thursday February 12th for launch to the International Space Station, after weather pushed back the Wednesday window. Meet the international crew of four and find out why this mission will run longer than usual. Our Sun has been active overnight, with sunspot region AR4366 firing off four M-class flares including an M2.8 that triggered a radio blackout over the Pacific. We look at what this means for space weather and aurora watchers. A stunning new study from Penn State, published in PNAS, has rewritten how scientists think amino acids formed in asteroid Bennu — and the implications for where life's ingredients can arise in the universe are profound. Italian scientists have confirmed the first lava tube on Venus, using 30-year-old radar data from NASA's Magellan mission. The structure is larger than any lava tube found on Earth, the Moon, or Mars. And finally — could coal be the key to finding advanced alien civilisations? A provocative new paper in the International Journal of Astrobiology makes the case. All stories sourced from NASA, Nature Communications, PNAS, and Phys.org. Links below. Source Links • Crew-12 weather delay: nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation • NSF launch preview: nasaspaceflight.com/2026/02/launch-preview-020926 • Bennu amino acids (PNAS): doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2517723123 • Venus lava tube (Nature Communications): doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68643-6 • Aliens and coal: phys.org/news/2026-02-advanced-aliens-exoplanets-large-coal.html • Solar activity: earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates Chapters / Timestamps (approximate) • 00:00 — Cold Open • 01:00 — Story 1: SpaceX Crew-12 Weather Delay • 05:00 — Story 2: Solar Flare Activity AR4366 • 07:30 — Story 3: Asteroid Bennu & Amino Acid Origins • 10:30 — Story 4: Venus Lava Tube Discovery • 13:30 — Story 5: Alien Civilisations & Coal Deposits • 17:00 — Close

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Solar Storms and Artemis Delays: Navigating the Fury of the Sun and Lunar Ambitions

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 01:27:11 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 17

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the recent powerful solar storm that has impacted Earth, the delay of NASA's Artemis 2 manned moon mission, and China's ambitious plans for a futuristic orbital space carrier.

Massive Solar Storm Hits Earth

The sun has unleashed a barrage of solar eruptions, including 41 N-class flares and six X-class flares, with an X8.1 class flare setting a new record for 2026. This storm is described as the strongest radiation event in 20 years, with scientists noting its potential similarity to the historic 1859 Carrington event. The solar activity has disrupted radio communications and produced stunning auroras, while the sun continues its 11-year solar cycle.

Nasa's Artemis 2 Mission Delayed

NASA has postponed the launch of its Artemis 2 manned moon mission due to fuel leaks during a critical launch rehearsal. The mission aims to send a crew of four aboard an Orion spacecraft on a 10-day journey around the moon. The delays stem from issues with the SLS rocket's hydrogen tanks and other technical challenges, with new launch windows opening in March.

China's Orbital Space Carrier Plans

China has announced plans for a Star Wars-style orbital space carrier named Luanio, designed to deploy hypersonic missiles and unmanned stealth drones. This massive spacecraft would be part of an ambitious defense system, although the technology to build such a vehicle is still in the realm of science fiction. The announcement comes amid tensions between the U.S. and China regarding military advancements.

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SpaceX Shifts to Moon: The New Lunar Space Race Begins | Astronomy Daily

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:12:33 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Today we explore the new lunar space race as SpaceX shifts focus from Mars to the Moon, Europe establishes its Moonport company, and NASA continues Artemis II preparations. Plus, scientists solve the mystery behind auroras, explain Uranus's radiation anomaly from 1986, and SpaceX returns to flight after a brief stand-down.

Join hosts Anna and Avery for your daily dose of space and astronomy news!

---

### Featured Stories

**[00:00] Introduction**

Your hosts Anna and Avery preview today's Moon-focused episode

**[01:15] SpaceX Pivots from Mars to Moon**

- Elon Musk announces strategic shift to lunar settlement

- Moon city achievable in under 10 years vs 20+ for Mars

- Launch windows: Moon every 10 days vs Mars every 26 months

- Alignment with Trump's space policy and Artemis program

- Mars plans delayed but not abandoned (5-7 year timeline)

- History of Musk's changing Mars predictions

**[05:30] Europe's Moonport Ambitions**

- German aerospace company OHB establishes European Moonport Company

- Consolidating lunar mission activities and future infrastructure

- Involvement in ESA's Argonaut lander and Gateway ESPRIT module

- Moon base concept developed with Munich Airport International

- European funding commitments at ESA Ministerial Council

- Italy leads Moon exploration funding at €284 million

**[09:45] NASA Artemis II Progress Report**

- Technicians replace seals after hydrogen leak detection

- Tail service mast umbilical repairs and testing

- Operational changes for next wet dress rehearsal

- Extended countdown hold times for troubleshooting

- Crew training continues: Wiseman, Glover, Koch, Hansen

- March launch window still under consideration

**[13:00] Aurora Power Source Discovered**

- International team solves decades-old mystery

- Alfvén waves act as natural particle accelerators

- Analysis of Van Allen Probes and THEMIS mission data

- Universal model applicable to other planets

- Collaboration between HKU and UCLA researchers

- Applications for Jupiter, Saturn, and exoplanet studies

**[15:30] Uranus Radiation Mystery Solved**

- Voyager 2's 1986 anomaly explained after 40 years

- Co-rotating interaction region (CIR) supercharged radiation belts

- Comparative analysis with Earth's space weather events

- Southwest Research Institute breakthrough

- Implications for future Uranus orbiter missions

- Similar applications for Neptune studies

**[18:00] SpaceX Falcon 9 Returns to Flight**

- Successful Starlink launch from Vandenberg after 5-day stand-down

- 25 satellites deployed to orbit (Group 17-33)

- Booster 1088 completes 13th flight with successful landing

- February 2nd upper stage anomaly explained

- Gas bubble prevented deorbit burn

- FAA clearance after corrective actions implemented

- Starlink constellation exceeds 9,600 active satellites

- SpaceX's 15th launch of 2026

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Theia’s Fate, Galaxy Mergers & the Mysteries of Mars’ Atmosphere | Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:52:06 +1100

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Theia's Fate, Galactic Mergers, and the Mysteries of Hydrogen

In this captivating Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners, diving deep into cosmic mysteries and scientific theories. From the fate of the former planet Theia to the dynamics of galaxy mergers and the origins of hydrogen, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your understanding of the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- The Fate of Theia: Rusty from Donnybrook poses a thought-provoking question about Theia, the planet that collided with Earth. Andrew and Fred discuss the most accepted theories regarding Theia's remnants and how they may have been absorbed into Earth's mantle, leaving behind intriguing geological evidence.

- Galaxy Mergers Explained: New listener Melina asks about the merging of spiral galaxies in an expanding universe. The hosts explain how gravity can overcome the universe's expansion on galactic scales, leading to fascinating interactions and eventual mergers between galaxies.

- Olympus Mons and Mars' Atmosphere: Kevin wonders if the colossal eruptions of Olympus Mons could have contributed to Mars' atmospheric loss. Andrew and Fred explore the volcanic activity on Mars and clarify that while Olympus Mons is impressive, the planet's lack of a magnetic field is a more significant factor in its atmospheric decline.

- Hydrogen's Cosmic Origins: Five-year-old Yuki asks why hydrogen is the only element not formed in stars. The hosts explain that hydrogen was created shortly after the Big Bang, making it the most abundant element in the universe, while other elements formed later through stellar processes.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31570932?utm_source=youtube

Cleared for Launch: Crew-12, Mars Organics, and an Interstellar Farewell

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:56:09 +1100

## In Today's Episode:

- **FAA clears Falcon 9 — Crew-12 launch set for February 11** — The four-day grounding ends after SpaceX identifies and addresses the upper stage engine ignition failure. Fourth upper stage issue in 19 months.

- **NASA study: Non-biological sources can't fully explain Mars organics** — Researchers find that known non-biological processes don't account for the abundance of organic compounds discovered by Curiosity in Gale Crater. The team modelled 80 million years of cosmic radiation exposure.

- **Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS flares while exiting the solar system** — NASA's SPHEREx captures the comet dramatically brightening, releasing water vapour, CO₂, methane, methanol, and organic compounds from beneath its cosmic-ray-hardened crust.

- **UK proposes 30% cut to astronomy and physics research** — The deepest funding cut in a generation threatens early-career researchers and the UK's role in major international projects including the Square Kilometre Array and ESO.

- **New Glenn second stage reuse debate reignites** — Blue Origin's Project Jarvis faces the question: can a reusable upper stage beat expendable manufacturing costs? Bezos calls it a "horse race."

- **Fraggles land at Kennedy Space Center** — Jim Henson's beloved characters star in "Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure," a new live show blending comedy, music, and NASA science.

---

## Links & Sources:

- space.com — FAA clears Falcon 9, Crew-12 launch confirmed

- science.nasa.gov — NASA study on Mars organics

- space.com — SPHEREx observations of comet 3I/ATLAS

- space.com — UK astronomy funding cuts

- arstechnica.com — New Glenn second stage reuse debate

- arstechnica.com / kennedyspacecenter.com — Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure

---

## Connect With Us:

🌐 Website: https://astronomydaily.io

📱 Social: @AstroDailyPod (all platforms)

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Europa’s Ice Shell and Planet Nine: Unveiling the Thickness of Frozen Worlds and Cosmic Oddities

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:30:43 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 16

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into groundbreaking revelations about Europa's ice shell, explore new evidence for the existence of a potential Planet Nine, and discuss a significant advancement in quantum physics that challenges the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.

Europa's Ice Shell Thickness Revealed

Data from NASA's Juno mission has provided the first insights into the thickness of Europa's icy crust, estimating it to be around 29 kilometers. This measurement comes from Juno's 2022 flyby, where the spacecraft utilized its microwave radiometer to analyze the moon's surface temperature and characteristics. The findings suggest that beneath this thick ice lies a global ocean of liquid water, potentially harboring the ingredients necessary for life. Understanding the ice shell's structure is crucial for future missions, including NASA's Europa Clipper, set to arrive in 2030.

The Case for Planet Nine

A new study published in Nature Astronomy presents fresh simulations suggesting that wide-orbit planets, like the hypothesized Planet Nine, could be a natural outcome of chaotic early planetary systems. Researchers found that during turbulent phases of stellar formation, planets can be flung into distant orbits rather than being ejected entirely. This work offers a 40% chance that a Planet Nine-like object exists, providing a promising avenue for future exploration as telescopes become more capable of surveying the distant solar system.

Advancements in Quantum Physics

In a remarkable breakthrough, physicists have demonstrated a method to sidestep the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, allowing for simultaneous precise measurements of a particle's position and momentum. This innovative approach, detailed in Science Advances, could pave the way for ultra-precise sensor technologies across various fields, including navigation and astronomy. The study redefines the boundaries of quantum measurement, offering new possibilities for scientific exploration.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Astronomy

Science Advances

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Lunar Smartphones, Daytime Comet, and Jetty McJetface’s Cosmic Show

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:34:05 +1100

Episode S05E32 - Friday, February 6, 2026

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they bring you the latest space and astronomy news from across the cosmos.

Episode Highlights

Lunar Smartphones: NASA Approves Modern Tech for Space

NASA astronauts will finally be allowed to bring their smartphones on missions, starting with Crew-12 to the ISS next week and the Artemis II lunar flyby in March. After years of using decade-old cameras, astronauts can now spontaneously capture and share moments with iPhones and Android devices, promising unprecedented behind-the-scenes documentation of historic missions.

Comet MAPS: A Potential Daylight Spectacle

Newly discovered Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) could become visible to the naked eye—possibly even in broad daylight—when it passes within 120,000 km of the sun in early April. This Kreutz sungrazer was spotted farther from the sun than any previous sungrazer, suggesting it might survive its close solar encounter and put on a spectacular show.

Mercury's Best Evening Show of 2026

The elusive planet Mercury is currently offering its best evening viewing opportunity of the year! Shining brightly at magnitude -1.1, Mercury will reach greatest elongation on February 19th, appearing 17 degrees above the western horizon after sunset. Don't miss the stunning pairing with a crescent moon on February 18th!

China Joins Space Data Center Race

China's state-owned aerospace corporation announced ambitious plans for space-based data centers as part of their five-year expansion program. This puts China in competition with SpaceX, Axiom Space, and Google in the race to build orbital computing infrastructure powered by abundant solar energy.

Dark Matter vs Black Hole: What Powers the Milky Way?

Groundbreaking research suggests the Milky Way's core might be powered by a dense clump of fermionic dark matter rather than the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. This controversial model explains both central star orbits and the galaxy's rotation curve while mimicking the black hole "shadow" captured by the Event Horizon Telescope.

Jetty McJetface: The Star-Shredding Phenomenon

A supermassive black hole nicknamed "Jetty McJetface" continues to astound scientists four years after shredding a star. The black hole's relativistic jet has grown 50 times brighter since 2019 and is predicted to peak in 2027, making it one of the most energetic events ever observed in the universe—over 100 trillion times more powerful than Star Wars' Death Star!

Resources & Links

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on X (social media)

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society journal

Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration

Astrophysical Journal

Star Walk 2 app for comet tracking

Follow Astronomy Daily

Website: astronomydaily.io

Social Media: @AstroDailyPod on all platforms

Credits

Hosted by Anna & Avery

Produced by the Astronomy Daily team

Season 5, Episode 32

Keep looking up!

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One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms & the Search for Martian Shorelines | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:53:10 +1100

One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms, and Martian Shorelines

In this action-packed episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a variety of cosmic topics that will leave you both informed and entertained. From the ambitious plan to launch a million satellites to the intriguing discovery of Martian shorelines, this episode covers the latest in space exploration and technology.

Episode Highlights:

- One Million Satellites: Andrew and Fred dive into the shocking news of SpaceX's application to launch up to one million satellites. They discuss the implications of this vast constellation on astronomical observations and the potential challenges it poses for the night sky.

- Good News from Chile: The hosts celebrate the cancellation of a large energy project in Chile that threatened to introduce light pollution near some of the world's most significant telescopes. They commend the decision to prioritize astronomical integrity over industrial development.

- Artemis II Launch Delay: Following the latest updates on NASA's Artemis II mission, Andrew and Fred discuss a hydrogen leak that has postponed the launch. They reflect on the importance of safety in space exploration and the challenges faced by the Artemis program.

- Space Mushrooms: In a delightful twist, the hosts share a fascinating story about astronauts who grew mushrooms in space and enjoyed them upon their return. They highlight the significance of this experiment for future long-duration space missions and food sustainability.

- Perseverance Goes AI: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the Perseverance rover's recent milestone of executing its first autonomous drive on Mars, planned entirely by artificial intelligence. Andrew and Fred explore what this means for future Mars exploration and the potential benefits of AI in space missions.

- Martian Shorelines: Finally, the hosts reveal exciting new evidence of ancient shorelines on Mars, suggesting that large bodies of water once existed on the planet. This discovery expands the timeline for potential life on Mars and adds to the growing body of evidence supporting a more Earth-like past for our neighboring planet.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31531469?utm_source=youtube

Dark Sky Victory, Jupiter Redefined, and Monster Sunspot Faces Earth

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:44:25 +1100

Astronomy Daily - S05E31: Dark Sky Victory, Jupiter Redefined, Monster Sunspot

Victory for dark skies as industrial plant near major observatory cancelled • NASA's Juno mission reveals Jupiter is larger and flatter than we thought • 15-Earth-wide sunspot currently facing our planet • Unusual Martian storm reveals subsurface secrets • NASA acknowledges SLS rocket sustainability challenges • How red giant stars destroy their own gas giant planets

Host Anna and Avery discuss six major space stories for Thursday, February 5th, 2026.

Episode sponsored by astronomydaily.io - Your daily source for space and astronomy news

Mercury’s Hidden Activity and Titan’s Dragonfly: Exploring Volatile Streaks and Robotic Rotocopters

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:37:24 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 15

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover intriguing discoveries about Mercury's geological activity, NASA's innovative Dragonfly mission to Titan, and the environmental impacts of rocket fuel pollution.

Mercury's Surprising Streaks

A new study reveals bright streaks, or lineae, on Mercury's surface, suggesting the planet is not as geologically inactive as previously thought. Researchers from the University of Bern utilized machine learning to analyze over 100,000 images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, discovering that these streaks are likely caused by the outgassing of volatile materials from beneath Mercury's crust. This finding indicates ongoing geological processes and will be further explored by the BepiColombo mission, set to reach Mercury later this year.

NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan

NASA is developing the Dragonfly, a car-sized rotocopter designed to explore Saturn's moon Titan, which features methane and ethane lakes. Scheduled for launch in 2028, Dragonfly will utilize Titan's dense atmosphere to fly to various locations, examining environments that may harbor organic materials essential for life. The mission builds on the success of the Ingenuity rotocopter on Mars, with extensive testing underway to ensure optimal performance in Titan's unique conditions.

Rocket Fuel Pollution and the Ozone Layer

A recent study highlights the damaging effects of burning rocket fuels, such as kerosene, on Earth's ozone layer. The report indicates that the rapid growth of the rocket launch industry is exacerbating this issue, particularly affecting regions like Antarctica and parts of Australia. Researchers are calling for restrictions on the use of these fuels to mitigate environmental harm.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Communications, Earth and Environment

Climate and Atmospheric Science

(00:00:00) Streaks on the surface of Mercury suggesting it's not quite dead yet

(00:11:13) Burning rocket fuel damages Earth's ozone layer, study finds

(00:12:28) A new study claims cyber attacks can spark intense social media discussions

(00:14:53) Apple bans anti woke Holly Valent song from iTunes in Australia

(00:16:39) Apple has now had hypertension notifications authorized by the TGN

(00:18:04) Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through bitesz. com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/31508800?utm_source=youtube

Artemis 2 Delayed, SpaceX Unveils Stargaze Safety System

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:55:24 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, bringing you the latest space and astronomy news. I'm Anna, joined by my co-host Avery, with today's cosmic headlines for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026.

Episode Highlights:

🚀 ARTEMIS 2 DELAYED - NASA's historic moon mission pushed to March after hydrogen leak during wet dress rehearsal. Four astronauts await their journey around the Moon as teams address familiar technical challenges.

🛰️ SPACEX UNVEILS STARGAZE - Revolutionary space traffic management system uses 30,000 star trackers to detect 30 million orbital transits daily. Free conjunction data offered to all satellite operators starting this spring.

⚠️ FALCON 9 GROUNDED - SpaceX temporarily halts launches after upper stage deorbit issue. Critical Crew-12 astronaut mission scheduled for February 11th hangs in the balance.

🌌 JWST'S RARE DISCOVERY - Five-way galaxy merger spotted in early universe challenges cosmic evolution models. System formed just 800 million years after Big Bang shows unexpected complexity.

🌠 LOCAL VOID MYSTERY SOLVED - 50-year puzzle resolved as scientists map flat sheet of matter beyond Local Group. Milky Way fleeing massive cosmic void at 600,000 mph.

⭐ RUNAWAY STARS MAPPED - Largest study reveals dual mechanisms ejecting massive stars from the galaxy. 214 O-type stellar speedsters analyzed, some exceeding 700 km/s.

For more space news, visit astronomydaily.io and follow us @AstroDailyPod on all major platforms.

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Earth’s Water Origins and Io’s Volcanic Secrets: Unveiling Tectonic Climate Drivers and Lunar...

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:17:17 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore new insights into the origins of Earth's water, groundbreaking discoveries beneath the surface of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, and how tectonic plate movements may have influenced Earth's climate throughout history.

New Clues on Earth's Water Origins

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that asteroid and comet impacts could only account for a small fraction of Earth's water supply. By analyzing oxygen isotopes in lunar regolith collected during the Apollo missions, researchers found that the early Earth likely retained little to no water during its formative years. This challenges long-held beliefs and suggests that the majority of Earth's water must have originated from other sources, rather than being delivered by celestial bodies.

Unprecedented Volcanic Activity on Io

NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured remarkable data on Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system. Observations from a December flyby revealed the most energetic eruption ever detected on Io, affecting a vast area of 65,000 square kilometers. The findings indicate that interconnected magma reservoirs beneath Io's surface are responsible for this extraordinary volcanic activity, providing new insights into the moon's geological dynamics and evolution.

Tectonic Plates and Earth's Climate

A new study suggests that carbon released from shifting tectonic plates may have played a significant role in Earth's climatic transitions, rather than volcanic activity as previously thought. Researchers reconstructed carbon movements over the last 540 million years, providing evidence that carbon emissions from mid-ocean ridges were the primary drivers of climate shifts between ice ages and warmer periods. This research reshapes our understanding of past climate dynamics and offers valuable insights for future climate models.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Journal of Geophysical Research Planets

Communications Earth and Environment

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31487002?utm_source=youtube

Artemis 2 Setback, SpaceX’s Trillion-Dollar Orbital Vision & X8.3 Solar Flare

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:43:26 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery for Tuesday, February 3rd's space news roundup. Today we're covering a critical setback in NASA's Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal, Elon Musk's controversial vision for orbital AI data centers following SpaceX's acquisition of xAI, NASA's announcement of Axiom Mission 5 to the ISS, extraordinary solar flare activity from a volatile new sunspot, the start of NASA's IMAP mission to map our heliosphere, and exciting opportunities through ESA's Graduate Trainee Programme.

Episode Highlights: - https://jobs.esa.int/

• Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal terminated at T-5:15 due to hydrogen leak

• SpaceX acquires xAI with plans for million-satellite orbital data center constellation

• NASA books fifth Axiom private astronaut mission for January 2027 launch

• Sun unleashes 18 M-class and 3 X-class flares including X8.3 eruption

• NASA's IMAP begins mapping boundaries of our solar system

• ESA opens applications for 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme https://jobs.esa.int/ (https://jobs.esa.int/)

SpaceX’s Million-Satellite Vision, Ancient Star Maps, and China’s Solar Mission

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:40:15 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery for today's cosmic journey through space news, featuring SpaceX's audacious plan for one million solar-powered satellites, an ancient star catalog recovered from layers of medieval text, and China's groundbreaking solar mission to the L5 point.

**Episode Highlights:**

🛰️ **SpaceX's Million-Satellite Vision** - SpaceX files with the FCC to launch up to one million solar-powered satellite data centers for AI, framing it as a step toward becoming a Kardashev Type II civilization

⭐ **Ancient Star Map Revealed** - Scientists use X-ray technology to uncover Hipparchus's 2,000-year-old star catalog hidden under six layers of ink in a medieval manuscript

☀️ **China's Solar Observatory** - The Xihe-2 probe will become the first mission to monitor solar activity from the Sun-Earth L5 point, offering five-day advance warnings of space weather events

🔭 **Stellar Detective Story** - Astronomers discover WOH G64 isn't dying after all—a hidden companion star was fooling scientists about the red supergiant's fate

🚀 **Time Honors Artemis 2** - Time magazine releases special commemorative cover celebrating the Artemis 2 crew ahead of humanity's return to lunar orbit

🌍 **Remembering Gladys West** - Honoring the GPS pioneer and "Hidden Figure" whose mathematical work shaped navigation technology used by billions worldwide

**Episode Length:** 18-20 minutes

**Hosts:** Anna & Avery

**Production:** Astronomy Daily Podcast, Season 5

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## Story Sources

- TechCrunch

- Daily Galaxy

- Space.com

- Journal for the History of Astronomy

- CGTN News

- Keele University

- U.S. Department of Defense

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Solar Secrets, Cosmic Siblings & the Quest for Breathable Exoplanets | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:31:13 +1100

Solar Curiosities, Stellar Siblings, and the Quest for Sun Missions

In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a plethora of solar-themed questions submitted by their curious audience. From the intriguing arc of the sun across the sky to the search for the sun's long-lost siblings, this episode is packed with cosmic insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of our solar system.

Episode Highlights:

- The Sun's Arc: Andrew kicks off the episode with a question about the sun's arc as observed from the French Alps. Fred explains the celestial mechanics behind this phenomenon, illustrating how our perspective from Earth creates the illusion of an arc due to the spherical nature of the celestial sphere.

- Searching for Solar Siblings: Ernie's inquiry about the sun's siblings leads to a fascinating discussion on galactic archaeology. The hosts explore ongoing research aimed at identifying stars with similar chemical compositions to the sun, potentially revealing our sun's stellar family tree.

- Close Encounters with the Sun: Mark's question about missions to the sun sparks an exploration of the Parker Solar Probe, which has been gathering invaluable data by flying close to the sun. Andrew and Fred discuss the probe's findings and the various other missions dedicated to studying our star.

- Exoplanetary Possibilities: Martin shares his sci-fi aspirations and questions the potential for breathable atmospheres on exoplanets. The hosts reflect on recent discoveries of Earth-sized exoplanets and the challenges of confirming their atmospheres, while also encouraging Martin's creative writing endeavors.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31442835?utm_source=youtube

Artemis Delays, Blue Origin’s Lunar Pivot, and Life’s Building Blocks in Space

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:21:50 +1100

Join hosts Anna and Avery for Saturday's cosmic roundup! NASA's Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal faces weather delays, pushing the historic lunar mission to April 2026. Blue Origin announces a major strategic shift, pausing space tourism for two years to focus on their Blue Moon lunar lander program. We explore million-mile-per-hour cosmic winds racing through a "magnetic superhighway" in colliding galaxies, investigate a mysterious object sending unexplained signals across the galaxy, discover why Tatooine-style planets might be more common than expected, and celebrate a groundbreaking first - the detection of ethanolamine, a molecule critical to cell membranes, in interstellar space.

**Episode Keywords:** Artemis 2, NASA, Blue Origin, New Shepard, space tourism, lunar lander, cosmic winds, galaxy merger, IC 1623, mysterious signals, radio astronomy, circumbinary planets, binary stars, ethanolamine, astrobiology, interstellar molecules, space exploration, Kennedy Space Center

**Detailed Chapter Markers:**

- [00:00] Introduction & Episode Overview

- [02:15] NASA Artemis 2 Wet Dress Rehearsal Delay

- [06:45] Blue Origin Pauses Space Tourism for Lunar Ambitions

- [11:20] Million-MPH Cosmic Winds in Magnetic Superhighway

- [16:30] Mysterious Object Sending Unexplained Galactic Signals

- [21:15] Tatooine Planets More Common Than Expected

- [26:00] Life-Critical Molecule Detected in Interstellar Space

- [30:45] Episode Wrap-Up & Closing

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Challenger’s Legacy, Cosmic Moons & the Mystery of Rapid Black Hole Growth | Space Nuts:...

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:06:57 +1100

Challenger Remembrance, Australian of the Year, and the Mystery of Massive Moons

In this poignant episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger space shuttle disaster, sharing their memories and insights about this tragic event. They also celebrate the announcement of the Australian of the Year and delve into intriguing discussions about the definition of moons and the rapid growth of black holes.

Episode Highlights:

- Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster: Andrew and Fred discuss the Challenger disaster of 1986, revisiting the events leading to the tragic explosion and the lessons learned from this pivotal moment in space history. They reflect on the human cost and the impact it had on the space program.

- Australian of the Year: The hosts celebrate the recognition of Catherine Bennell Pegg, an Australian astronaut and Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, as the Australian of the Year. They discuss her contributions to space science and her role in inspiring future generations.

- Defining a Moon: Andrew and Fred explore a recent study that challenges our understanding of what constitutes a moon. They discuss the discovery of a massive potential moon orbiting a gas giant and the implications for our definitions in astronomy.

- The Rapid Growth of Black Holes: The episode concludes with a fascinating examination of how black holes can grow rapidly in chaotic conditions, as discussed in recent research. The hosts analyze the findings and what they mean for our understanding of the universe.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31421706?utm_source=youtube

Io’s Record Eruption, Nuclear Space Future, and Ancient Mars Beaches

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 03:42:44 +1100

Witness the largest volcanic eruption ever seen on Jupiter's moon Io, explore NASA's breakthrough in nuclear propulsion, and discover evidence of ancient Martian beaches that could rewrite the story of life beyond Earth.

In this episode, we cover:

• NASA's Juno spacecraft captures a colossal 150-mile-high volcanic plume on Io

• KRUSTY nuclear reactor test paves the way for deep space exploration

• Ancient beach deposits in Gale Crater reveal Mars' watery past

• Artemis II communication networks ready for lunar missions

• The Moon's February celestial tour featuring Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter

• Life's chemical building blocks form naturally in interstellar space

Hosted by Anna and Avery, Astronomy Daily brings you the latest space and astronomy news in an engaging, accessible format perfect for enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

**Links & Resources:**

Visit astronomydaily.io for full articles, transcripts, and sources

Watch on YouTube

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

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Cosmic Echoes and Jovian Secrets: Unraveling the Milky Way’s Black Hole and Jupiter’s Water...

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:54:21 +1100

Sponsor Link:

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 13

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover the hidden violent past of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, delve into the origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons, and explore how meteor impacts are triggering dust avalanches on Mars.

The Violent History of Sagittarius A

For years, Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, has been perceived as a quiet entity. However, new research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters indicates that it may have experienced dramatic flares in the past. Observations from the CRISM Space Telescope reveal X-ray emissions from a gas cloud near Sagittarius A, suggesting a history of explosive activity that alters our understanding of supermassive black hole evolution and the history of our galaxy.

Water Origins of Jupiter's Galilean Moons

A groundbreaking study has determined that the contrasting water content of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons was established during their formation rather than evolving later. This research sheds light on the stark differences between Io, which is dry and volcanically active, and Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that the primordial environment around Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping these moons' compositions.

Meteor Impacts Trigger Dust Avalanches on Mars

New evidence indicates that meteor impacts on Mars are causing dust avalanches, creating dark streaks on the planet's surface. An analysis of images from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals that these avalanches occur primarily due to dry processes, driven by seasonal dust and wind activity, rather than water-related phenomena. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian surface dynamics and the impact of meteor activity.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Nature Communications

(00:00:00) Sagittarius A's hidden violent past revealed

(00:12:45) Origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons

(00:25:30) Meteor impacts causing dust avalanches on Mars

(00:35:00) February night sky highlights and celestial events.

(00:00:00) This is space time series 29, episode 13 for broadcast on 30 January 2026

(00:00:47) X ray emissions from the Crism Space Telescope suggest Sagittarius A flared

(00:07:59) A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts are creating Martian streaks

(00:10:22) February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars

(00:12:03) February's Orion meteor showers usually peak around February 8th

(00:22:18) Blue supergiant Rigel is the second brightest star in the constellation Orion

(00:31:08) Rygel: Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky

(00:35:09) February is a great time to look for bright stars in the night sky

(00:38:04) The night sky is sparse with the old planets at the moment

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31400639?utm_source=youtube

Runaway Black Hole Confirmed, Mercury Still Active & 2032 Moon Impact Risk

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:36:04 +1100

Join hosts Anna and Avery for an exciting journey through today's most compelling space stories. We explore Mercury's surprising geological activity, NASA's TESS satellite recovery, a frigid Earth-like exoplanet discovery, an accelerated ISS crew launch, runaway black holes tearing through space, and the scientific opportunities of a potential lunar asteroid impact in 2032.

### Episode Highlights

**Mercury's Hidden Activity**

New research reveals that Mercury, long considered geologically dead, is still actively losing volatile materials from its interior. Using AI analysis of 100,000 MESSENGER images, scientists have mapped 400 bright slope streaks that indicate ongoing geological processes. The BepiColombo mission will provide unprecedented new data when it arrives at Mercury.

**TESS Satellite Recovery**

NASA's planet-hunting TESS satellite recently entered safe mode after a command error caused solar panel misalignment. The spacecraft successfully recovered, demonstrating the importance of built-in safeguards. NASA is reviewing procedures to prevent future incidents.

**Ice-Cold Earth Twin**

Astronomers have discovered HD 137010 b, an Earth-like exoplanet 146 light-years away that could be as cold as minus 90°F. Despite frigid temperatures, it orbits within its star's habitable zone, offering insights into the diversity of potentially habitable worlds.

**Crew-12 Launch Advanced**

SpaceX and NASA have moved up the Crew-12 launch to February 11, four days earlier than planned, to provide relief for the three-person skeleton crew managing the ISS after the first-ever medical evacuation from the station.

**Runaway Black Holes Confirmed**

The James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the first runaway supermassive black hole, ejected from its galaxy and leaving a 200,000 light-year trail of newborn stars. Traveling at 1,600 km/s, this discovery validates 50-year-old theoretical predictions.

**Moon Impact Opportunity**

Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 4% chance of striking the Moon on December 22, 2032. While posing risks to satellites and Earth, such an impact would provide unprecedented scientific data on lunar geology, create spectacular meteor displays, and deliver free lunar samples to Earth.

### Featured Stories

1. **Mercury Still Geologically Active** - University of Bern researchers discover 400 bright streaks indicating ongoing volatile loss (Source: Space Daily)

2. **TESS Satellite Command Error** - NASA's exoplanet hunter recovers from safe mode after solar panel misalignment (Source: Daily Galaxy)

3. **Frigid Earth-Like Planet Discovery** - HD 137010 b joins the search for Earth's twin despite extreme cold (Source: Daily Galaxy)

4. **ISS Crew-12 Launch Moved Up** - February 11 launch provides relief after historic medical evacuation (Source: Space.com)

5. **First Confirmed Runaway Black Hole** - JWST observations validate theoretical predictions with stunning stellar trail (Source: Phys.org/Science Sources)

6. **Asteroid 2024 YR4 Lunar Impact** - 4% chance creates scientific opportunity and satellite risk in 2032 (Source: Universe Today)

### Hosts

Anna and Avery

### Links & Resources

- Website: astronomydaily.io

- Social Media: @AstroDailyPod (X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)

- Subscribe for daily space news and updates

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Solar Sentinel Reaches L1, Challenger’s 40-Year Legacy, and AI’s Hubble Discoveries

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:29:50 +1100

## Today's Headlines:

🛰️ **NOAA Solar Observatory Reaches L1**

NOAA's Space Weather Follow-On satellite successfully arrived at Lagrange point 1 on January 21st, establishing the first component of a future constellation designed to provide early warning of solar storms and coronal mass ejections. The satellite offers 15-60 minutes advance notice of space weather events that could impact Earth's infrastructure.

🚀 **Challenger Disaster: 40 Years Later**

Marking four decades since the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, we examine how unseasonably cold weather and O-ring failures led to the loss of seven crew members. The disaster fundamentally changed NASA's safety culture and decision-making processes, lessons that continue to influence spaceflight today.

🤖 **AI Uncovers Cosmic Treasures in Hubble Archive**

Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms have identified hundreds of previously undetected gravitational lenses in Hubble Space Telescope data. These discoveries include rare Einstein rings and exotic lensing configurations that provide windows into the early universe and dark matter distribution.

☄️ **Venus's Potential Meteor Shower**

Astronomers predict Venus may experience a significant meteor shower in July 2026 from debris of asteroid 2002 VT37. The event offers a rare opportunity to study how meteor showers interact with Venus's dense carbon dioxide atmosphere.

🌌 **Stellar Fireworks at the Galactic Center**

New observations reveal intense stellar activity near Sagittarius A*, our galaxy's supermassive black hole, including star formation, supernovae, and tidal disruption events in one of the most extreme environments in the Milky Way.

📡 **Watch Artemis 2 Rocket Live**

NASA has launched a 24-hour livestream of the Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket on Launch Pad 39B as crews prepare for the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, currently targeting April 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVnsO_rdew (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVnsO_rdew)

#### Resources & Links:

- Story Sources: SpaceNews, Spectrum Local News, NASA Science, Space.com, Universe Today

- Website: astronomydaily.io

- Social Media: @AstroDailyPod (all platforms)

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Earth’s Hidden Mantle Secrets: Mars’ Blue Past and the Cosmic Gas Pipeline of Galaxy Growth

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:10:39 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 12

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking discoveries about Earth's mantle, the watery past of Mars, and the rapid growth of galaxies through cool gas filaments.

Distinct Histories of Earth’s Mantle Provinces

Recent research reveals that the two massive continent-sized regions deep within the Earth's mantle have unique chemical compositions and histories. This study challenges long-held assumptions and uses seismic wave data to illustrate how these large low velocity provinces differ in density and material, impacting the planet's heat extraction from the core and potentially affecting the stability of Earth's magnetic field.

Confirmation of Mars as a Blue Planet

New evidence from ancient Martian river deltas suggests that Mars was once covered by a vast ocean. High-resolution images reveal delta-like structures, indicating that water once flowed into an ocean approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery supports the notion of a once habitable environment on Mars, offering insights into its geological history and the potential for life.

Galaxies Growing Through Cool Gas Filaments

A fascinating new study has demonstrated how galaxies can rapidly grow by drawing in filaments of cool gas. Observations from the Keck Telescope's Cosmic Webb Imager provide direct evidence of these gas streams spiraling into galaxies, fueling star formation at unprecedented rates. This research offers significant insights into the processes of galaxy formation and the role of the cosmic web in shaping the universe.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Scientific Reports

MPJ Space Exploration

Nature Astronomy

(00:00:00) Distinct histories of Earth's mantle provinces

(00:12:15) Mars confirmed as a blue planet with ancient ocean

(00:25:30) Galaxies grow rapidly through cool gas filaments

(00:35:00) Discovery of the oldest known rock art in the world.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31361220?utm_source=youtube

Dark Matter Mapped: Webb’s Unprecedented Universe Discovery

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:57:56 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they explore today's most fascinating space and astronomy stories.

IN THIS EPISODE:

🌌 NASA's Dark Matter Map

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has created one of the most detailed dark matter maps ever produced, revealing the invisible scaffolding of the universe in unprecedented detail. Scientists mapped nearly 800,000 galaxies, showing how dark matter and regular matter have grown together throughout cosmic history - and how dark matter's influence may have been essential for creating the conditions necessary for life on Earth.

🚀 Weekly Launch Roundup

A busy week in orbital spaceflight with multiple missions planned from Florida, California, and New Zealand. SpaceX prepares to launch GPS III SV09 named after fallen Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka, while Rocket Lab readies its "Bridging the Swarm" mission carrying South Korea's NeonSat-1A satellite. Plus updates on multiple Starlink flights and possible Chinese launches.

🌙 Artemis II's Far Side Adventure

The Artemis II crew - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Jeremy Hansen - are training to become the first humans to see parts of the Moon never before observed by human eyes. Learn about their planned three-hour observation session focusing on Mare Orientale and other hidden lunar features, and how their geology training in Iceland is preparing them for this historic mission.

🪐 Jupiter's Hidden Depths

NASA's Juno spacecraft continues to revolutionize our understanding of Jupiter, revealing that the planet's iconic cloud bands extend 1,900 miles below the surface. Discover recent findings about Jupiter's diluted core, mysterious green lightning flashes, and the remarkably persistent polar cyclones that form octagonal and pentagonal patterns at the planet's poles.

☀️ Antarctica's Exclusive Eclipse

Only about 16 people might witness one of 2026's most spectacular celestial events - a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse crossing Antarctica on February 17th. Find out about the two research stations in the path of totality, the extreme conditions observers will face, and where else partial views of the eclipse will be visible.

🛸 Starship V3 Update

SpaceX's upgraded Starship rocket test has been rescheduled for mid-March following a November explosion during testing. Learn about the new capabilities of Starship V3, including plans to launch next-generation Starlink satellites and dock with other Starships in orbit - plus how Blue Origin's New Glenn is emerging as competition in the heavy-lift market.

EPISODE LINKS:

• NASA Dark Matter Discovery: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-reveals-new-details-about-dark-matters-influence-on-universe/

• Launch Schedule Details: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/01/launch-roundup-012626/

• Artemis II Far Side Views: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/artemis-first-humans-see-hidden-side-moon/

• Antarctica Eclipse Information: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/2026-ring-of-fire-eclipse/

• Starship Development Update: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/spacex-eyes-mid-march-for-first-test-of-upgraded-starship-rocket/

CONNECT WITH US:

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📘 Facebook: @AstroDailyPod

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Solar Storms and Lunar Returns: The Artemis 2 Mission and Earth’s Record-Breaking Solar Flare

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:28:05 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 11

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into the latest astronomical events, including a record-setting solar storm impacting Earth, the historic Artemis 2 mission preparing to return astronauts to the Moon, and groundbreaking evidence confirming an ancient asteroid impact in the North Sea.

Record-Breaking Solar Storm Strikes Earth

Planet Earth has recently experienced a massive geomagnetic storm triggered by an X1.9 class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection. This event produced stunning auroras, visible as far north as Sydney and Brisbane. We discuss how such solar storms can affect technology on Earth and in space, including potential disruptions to communications and navigation systems, as well as the impact on satellites in low Earth orbit.

Artemis 2: A Historic Return to the Moon

NASA's Artemis 2 mission is gearing up to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey, orbiting the Moon and traveling further than any humans have before. We explore the mission's objectives, including testing spacecraft systems, practicing docking procedures, and conducting deep space science experiments, all while preparing for future lunar landings.

Proof of an Ancient Asteroid Impact

A decades-long debate over the origins of the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea has been resolved with new evidence confirming it was formed by an asteroid impact 43 to 46 million years ago. Utilizing seismic imaging and microscopic analysis, researchers have established this crater as a significant impact site, shedding light on the history of asteroid collisions on Earth and their implications for our planet's geological evolution.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Communications

NASA Reports

(00:00:00) Record solar storm strikes Earth

(00:12:30) Artemis 2 mission prepares to send astronauts back to the Moon

(00:25:00) Evidence confirms asteroid impact in the North Sea

(00:35:15) New insights into Earth's climate from ancient geological events.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31336113?utm_source=youtube

Terraforming Mars: A Real Plan & Webb’s Dying Star Revelation

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:53:32 +1100

# Astronomy Daily - S05E22

## Monday, January 26, 2026

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they explore the latest developments in space and astronomy, from ambitious plans to terraform Mars to stunning new views of dying stars.

### Episode Highlights

**Mars Terraforming Gets Serious**

Scientists unveil a comprehensive blueprint for transforming Mars into a habitable world. Discover the three-phase plan using Martian resources, engineered nanoparticles, and hardy microorganisms that could warm the Red Planet by 30°C and eventually create breathable air. But should we terraform Mars at all?

**Harvesting Water from Mars' Atmosphere**

While underground ice remains the primary water source for future Mars missions, researchers reveal how atmospheric moisture could provide a crucial backup. Learn about the innovative technologies that could make Mars settlements more self-sufficient.

**Chandra's Cosmic Catalog Milestone**

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has now cataloged over 1.3 million X-ray detections across the sky. We explore this treasure trove of data spanning 22 years of observations, including a stunning view of the Galactic Center with over 3,300 sources in just 60 light-years.

**Earthquake Sensors Track Space Debris**

Ingenious new research shows how seismic monitoring networks can track dangerous falling satellites in near real-time. Discover how scientists reconstructed the trajectory and breakup of China's Shenzhou-15 module using earthquake sensors.

**Water Worlds or Lava Planets?**

Shocking new findings suggest 98% of planets we thought were ocean-bearing "hycean worlds" might actually be molten rock. Learn about the Solidification Shoreline model that's rewriting our understanding of sub-Neptune exoplanets.

**Webb Captures a Dying Star's Beauty**

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals the Helix Nebula in unprecedented detail, showing us the eventual fate of our own Sun. Witness stellar recycling in action as a dying star distributes the building blocks of future worlds.

### Links & Resources

- Research on Mars terraforming strategies

- Advances in Space Research journal study on atmospheric water harvesting

- Chandra Source Catalog: cxc.cfa.harvard.edu/csc/

- Science journal publication on seismic debris tracking

- arXiv preprint on sub-Neptune exoplanet composition

- Webb Space Telescope Helix Nebula observations

For more space news and daily episodes, visit astronomydaily.io

---

*Astronomy Daily: Your daily dose of space and astronomy news*

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Black Hole Temperatures, Cosmic Mapping & the Mystery of Dark Matter| Q&A | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:22:37 +1100

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Temperature of Black Holes, Cosmic Mapping, and the Nature of Space

In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle some of the most intriguing questions from their audience. Join them as they delve into the chilling temperatures of black holes, the expansive mapping of the universe by cutting-edge telescopes, and the enigmatic nature of space itself.

Episode Highlights:

- The Temperature of Black Holes: Andrew and Fred discuss Casey's question regarding the temperature of black holes. They explore the stark contrast between the scorching accretion disks and the surprisingly frigid temperatures within the event horizons, shedding light on the complexities of black hole physics.

- Mapping the Universe: Eli's inquiry about the James Webb and Vera Rubin telescopes leads to a fascinating discussion on how much of the universe has been mapped and what we can expect in the coming decade. The hosts highlight the capabilities of these telescopes and the potential discoveries that await.

- The Emptiness of Space: Robert poses a thought-provoking question about the nature of space and the Higgs boson. Andrew and Fred unravel the concept of the Higgs field, discussing its implications for our understanding of the universe and whether space is truly empty or filled with these elusive particles.

- The Impact of Dark Matter and Energy: Rennie challenges the hosts to consider how discovering the true nature of dark matter and dark energy might affect life on Earth. Andrew and Fred reflect on the long-term benefits of such knowledge, drawing parallels to historical scientific advancements.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31318370?utm_source=youtube

Rocket Lab’s Hungry Hippos Arrive!| NASA Enlists Global Volunteers for Artemis II

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:33:39 +1100

Rocket Lab's "Hungry Hippos" arrive at Wallops Island despite tank test setback, NASA enlists global volunteers to track Artemis II, ancient lunar impact explains Moon's asymmetry, affordable space memorials launching in 2027, massive exomoon challenges definitions, and an 11th-century monk may have discovered Halley's Comet first.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

🚀 Rocket Lab's Neutron program reaches major milestone as innovative "Hungry Hippo" reusable fairings arrive at Wallops Island after month-long sea journey from New Zealand, though first-stage tank ruptures during qualification testing at Maryland facility

🌕 NASA selects 34 volunteers from 14 countries to track Artemis II mission around the Moon, expanding from 10 participants during Artemis I and representing government agencies, commercial companies, universities, and amateur radio enthusiasts

🌑 China's Chang'e 6 lunar samples reveal unusual potassium isotope ratios in South Pole-Aitken Basin rocks, providing evidence that the giant impact 4.2 billion years ago fundamentally altered the Moon's chemistry and explains why the far side has so few maria

⭐ Space Beyond startup plans to send 1,000 people's ashes to orbit for just $249 using CubeSat technology on SpaceX rideshare mission in October 2027, founded by former Blue Origin engineer Ryan Mitchell

🪐 Astronomers detect potential exomoon around HD 206893 B that may be 40% the mass of Jupiter, so massive it could force redefinition of what constitutes a moon versus binary companion system

☄️ New research reveals 11th-century English monk Eilmer of Malmesbury recognized Halley's Comet's periodicity centuries before Edmond Halley, calling into question the comet's namesake

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Rocket Lab Neutron development: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/01/hungry-hippos-test-tanks-neutron/

• NASA Artemis II tracking participants: https://www.nasa.gov/technology/space-comms/nasa-selects-participants-to-track-artemis-ii-mission/

• Chang'e 6 lunar impact study: https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/a-colossal-asteroid-may-have-warped-the-moon-from-the-inside-out

• Space Beyond memorial service: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/this-startup-will-send-1000-peoples-ashes-to-space-affordably-in-2027/

• Massive exomoon discovery: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/alien-moon-massive-redefine-what-a-moon-is/

• Halley's Comet historical research: https://phys.org/news/2026-01-halley-comet-wrongly-11th-century.html

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Nuclear Rockets and Cosmic Mergers: Exploring the Future of Space Travel and Galactic Evolution

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:06:15 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 10

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the imminent launch of the first nuclear-powered rocket, the merging of low mass dwarf galaxies, and the intriguing connection between Earth-like planets and gas giants.

The Dawn of Nuclear Rocket Technology

History is set to be made as NASA and DARPA prepare to test the world’s first fully operational nuclear-powered orbital rocket. This innovative vehicle utilizes a nuclear thermal propulsion system that heats liquid hydrogen propellant through nuclear fusion, achieving nearly double the efficiency of conventional rockets. The test aims to validate reactor operation in orbit, potentially revolutionizing space travel by reducing transit times to Mars and allowing for larger payloads.

Merging Dwarf Galaxies: A New Discovery

A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters confirms that low mass dwarf galaxies can merge with one another. Observations of the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy reveal previously hidden stellar structures, suggesting that even the smallest galaxies experience mergers. These findings challenge traditional views on galaxy formation and evolution, indicating that interactions between dwarf galaxies may be more common than previously believed.

The Connection Between Earth-Like and Gas Giant Planets

Astronomers have found that rocky planets similar to Earth are more likely to exist in star systems that also contain large gas giants like Jupiter. This research, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics, shows that cold Jupiters, which orbit beyond the snow line, play a significant role in the formation of super Earths in the inner regions of their planetary systems. The study offers new insights into the complex dynamics of planetary formation and the conditions that lead to the development of terrestrial planets.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Science Advances

(00:00:00) NASA and DARPA prepare to test the first nuclear-powered orbital rocket

(00:10:15) New study confirms mergers among low mass dwarf galaxies

(00:20:45) Link discovered between Earth-like planets and gas giants

(00:30:00) China breaks through barriers in nuclear fusion reactor development

(00:35:20) The impact of ultra-processed foods on global health.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31291826?utm_source=youtube

Artemis II’s Historic Cargo, Orbital Debris Crisis, and AI Finds 7,000 New Worlds

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 01:11:29 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Today we explore NASA's inspiring collection of historic keepsakes heading to the Moon on Artemis II, including fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer. We examine an urgent warning about orbital debris—the CRASH Clock shows catastrophic collision could occur in just 5.5 days if satellites lose maneuvering capability. New analysis of Apollo lunar samples challenges our understanding of where Earth's water came from. Irish researchers solve the mystery of how supermassive black holes grew so quickly in the early universe. Plus, Blue Origin schedules its third New Glenn launch with a reused booster, and NASA's AI tool ExoMiner++ identifies 7,000 new exoplanet candidates in TESS data.

Hosts: Anna & Avery

Episode: S05E20

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Artemis 2 Progress, Iron Bars in Space & Life’s Deadly Origins | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights...

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:24:29 +1100

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Artemis 2 Updates, Cosmic Iron Bars, and the Role of Hydrogen Cyanide in Life's Origins

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest developments in space exploration and cosmic phenomena. Join them as they discuss the progress of the Artemis 2 mission, the discovery of a mysterious iron bar in the Ring Nebula, and the intriguing role of hydrogen cyanide in the potential origins of life.

Episode Highlights:

- Artemis 2 Progress: Andrew and Fred provide an update on the Artemis 2 mission, which recently moved to launch pad 39B at Cape Canaveral. They discuss the upcoming wet dress rehearsal and the significance of this mission as a precursor to future lunar explorations.

- The Iron Bar Mystery: The hosts explore a fascinating discovery in the Ring Nebula, where scientists have identified a linear structure made of highly ionized iron gas. They discuss its potential origins and what this could mean for our understanding of planetary nebulae.

- Hydrogen Cyanide and Life: Andrew and Fred examine a study suggesting that hydrogen cyanide, often seen as a deadly substance, may play a crucial role in the formation of prebiotic molecules. They ponder the implications for life on other celestial bodies, such as Titan.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31277179?utm_source=youtube

Blue Origin’s TeraWave Network, Historic ISS Medical Evacuation & Buzz Aldrin Turns 96

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:32:10 +1100

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! In today's episode, we explore Blue Origin's ambitious new TeraWave satellite internet network offering speeds up to 6Tbps, discuss the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and celebrate Buzz Aldrin's 96th birthday as the oldest living astronaut. We also dive into exciting science from Saturn's moon Enceladus, surprising plasma wave discoveries at Mercury, and groundbreaking Solar Orbiter observations revealing how magnetic avalanches power solar flares.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Blue Origin announces TeraWave: A new satellite network with 6Tbps speeds for enterprise and government customers

• Historic ISS evacuation: Crew-11 returns early in NASA's first medical evacuation from space

• Buzz Aldrin celebrates 96th birthday as Artemis II crew prepares for lunar journey

• Scientists develop new method to analyze Enceladus plumes for ocean habitability

• BepiColombo discovers Mercury shares plasma wave behavior with Earth

• Solar Orbiter reveals magnetic avalanches trigger solar flares

STORY TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Introduction

[01:15] Blue Origin's TeraWave Satellite Network

[05:42] ISS Medical Evacuation - Crew-11's Historic Return

[10:28] Buzz Aldrin's 96th Birthday & Artemis II Connections

[14:35] Enceladus Plumes May Hold Clues to Ocean Habitability

[18:20] Mercury and Earth Share Plasma Wave Behavior

[22:10] Solar Orbiter Discovers Magnetic Avalanches Power Flares

[26:45] Outro

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Blue Origin TeraWave: https://www.blueorigin.com/terawave

• NASA Crew-11 Mission Information: https://www.nasa.gov/

• Artemis II Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii

• BepiColombo Mission: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo

• Solar Orbiter Mission: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter

• Astronomy Daily Website: https://astronomydaily.io

CREDITS:

Hosted by Anna and Avery

Produced by Astronomy Daily

Episode S05E19 - January 22, 2026

SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Astronomy Daily on your favorite podcast platform and visit astronomydaily.io for more space news, articles, and community discussions.

#AstronomyDaily #SpaceNews #BlueOrigin #NASA #ISS #BuzzAldrin #ArtemisII #Enceladus #Mercury #SolarOrbiter #SpaceExploration

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Spectacular Auroras, Suni Williams Retires, China’s Space Rescue

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:57:44 +1100

Stunning northern lights dazzle the world after a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, legendary NASA astronaut Suni Williams retires after 27 years, and China executes a dramatic space rescue. Plus, Blue Origin's next tourist launch and groundbreaking telescope observations!

In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, hosts Anna and Avery bring you the latest space and astronomy news:

🌌 SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM UPDATE - Follow-up to yesterday's prediction as the CME slams into Earth, triggering spectacular auroras visible from New Mexico to China. We've got photos and the science behind the G4-level storm.

👩‍🚀 SUNI WILLIAMS RETIRES - After 27 years and 608 days in space, NASA astronaut Suni Williams hangs up her spacesuit. We celebrate her incredible achievements including 9 spacewalks and command of the ISS.

🚀 CHINA'S SHENZHOU-20 RESCUE - An incredible story of emergency response in orbit as China safely returns a damaged capsule after a suspected space debris impact. Three overlapping missions showcase impressive operational capability.

🔵 BLUE ORIGIN NS-38 LAUNCH - Six space tourists prepare for Thursday's suborbital flight aboard New Shepard, including Blue Origin's own director of launch operations.

☀️ NASA'S SUNRISE MISSION - Six toaster-sized satellites pass crucial tests and move closer to launch. They'll work together as one giant radio telescope to track dangerous solar eruptions.

🪐 ALMA REVEALS TEENAGE PLANETS - The most detailed images ever of 24 debris disks show planetary systems in their awkward teenage years, revealing the violent phase our solar system once experienced.

Visit astronomydaily.io for more space news and follow us on social media @AstroDailyPod

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Cosmic Mysteries: Unveiling the Secrets of Black Holes, Jupiter’s Oxygen, and Earth’s Gamma Ray...

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:50:37 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 9

In this episode of SpaceTime , we unravel the enigma of the universe's mysterious little red dots, delve into groundbreaking insights from Jupiter regarding the evolution of our solar system's planets, and mark the commencement of construction on Earth's largest gamma-ray observatory.

The Mystery of the Little Red Dots

A fascinating new study reveals that the enigmatic little red dots observed in early images from the NASA Webb Space Telescope are, in fact, young black holes cloaked in ionized gas. Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic Dawn Center have determined that these black holes, much smaller than previously thought, are in the process of consuming gas, which creates immense heat and radiation, giving them their distinctive red appearance. This discovery sheds light on the formation of some of the universe's earliest black holes just 700 million years after the Big Bang.

Jupiter's Role in Planetary Evolution

New simulations indicate that Jupiter may contain up to 50% more oxygen than the Sun, providing fresh insights into how the planets in our solar system formed. By developing a comprehensive model of Jupiter's atmosphere, researchers have resolved a long-standing debate regarding the gas giant's chemical composition. The findings suggest that Jupiter's atmosphere circulates much more slowly than previously believed, which could alter our understanding of planetary migration and formation processes.

Construction of Earth's Largest Gamma-Ray Observatory

Engineers have officially begun construction on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, set to be the largest gamma-ray telescope ever built. Located in Chile's Atacama Desert, this observatory will significantly enhance our ability to study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae. With over 60 telescopes across two sites, the observatory will allow astronomers to observe gamma rays with unprecedented accuracy, potentially unlocking new discoveries about dark matter and the fundamental laws of physics.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Journal

Planetary Science Journal

Advances in Atmospheric Sciences

(00:00:00) New study reveals little red dots in Webb images are young black holes

(00:07:30) Jupiter may have 50% more oxygen than the Sun, reshaping planetary formation theories

(00:15:45) Construction begins on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

(00:22:00) New data confirms 2025 saw record ocean heat storage

(00:25:30) Advances in autonomous driving technology showcased at CES 2026.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31229771?utm_source=youtube

Solar Storm Hits Early! Plus China’s Reusable Rockets & Exoplanet Magnetic Shields

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 02:01:34 +1100

The Sun's latest outburst arrived ahead of schedule! A powerful X1.9 solar flare and massive CME triggered severe G4 geomagnetic storms on January 19th, bringing spectacular auroras as far south as Alabama. Hosts Anna and Avery break down what happened and what to expect.

Also in today's episode: China successfully tests the Long March 12B reusable rocket, giving us a preview of their next-gen launch capabilities. We get an exclusive look at the Xuntian space telescope set to launch in 2027, which could rival Hubble with 300x the field of view. Plus, stunning new Hubble images reveal how baby stars carve out cosmic homes in the Orion Molecular Cloud.

We'll run through this week's packed launch schedule featuring SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and China, and explore groundbreaking research showing how hidden magma oceans might protect rocky exoplanets from deadly radiation.

**Episode Highlights:**

• BREAKING: Severe G4 solar storm strikes Earth early - aurora forecast through Jan 20

• China's Long March 12B reusable rocket passes critical static fire test

• Xuntian telescope preview: China's answer to Hubble launches 2027

• Hubble reveals protostar jets and cavities in Orion Molecular Cloud

• 7 launches from 6 sites this week: Your complete guide

• Basal magma oceans could generate protective magnetic fields on super-Earths

**Topics Covered:**

Space Weather, Solar Flares, CMEs, Geomagnetic Storms, Auroras, Reusable Rockets, Chinese Space Program, Space Telescopes, Star Formation, Orbital Launches, Exoplanets, Planetary Magnetism, Astrobiology

Visit us at astronomydaily.io for more space and astronomy news!

#SpaceWeather #SolarStorm #Aurora #NorthernLights #SpaceX #China #SpaceTelescope #Exoplanets #Astronomy #SpaceNews

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Mars and Earth’s Climate: Unveiling the Cosmic Connection and Crew 11’s Historic Return

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:50:43 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 8

In this episode of SpaceTime , we investigate the surprising ways Mars influences Earth's climate, hear about the safe return of Crew 11 following the first emergency medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and explore a cosmic clock that reveals insights into Australia's geological history.

Mars: A Climate Influencer

A new study has unveiled that the orbit of Mars can significantly impact Earth's climate, even triggering ice ages. Researchers from the University of California Riverside utilized computer simulations to demonstrate how Mars’ gravitational pull alters Earth's orbit and affects long-term climatic cycles. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Mars' minimal influence and highlight the planet's role in shaping Earth's climatic patterns over millions of years.

Crew 11's Safe Return

NASA's SpaceX Crew 11 has successfully splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean after a historic emergency medical evacuation from the ISS. The crew's return, which occurred a month earlier than planned due to medical concerns, was marked by a brilliant display in the night sky as they descended. This marks a significant event in the history of human spaceflight, emphasizing the importance of health monitoring aboard the space station.

Unveiling Australia's Geological History

Scientists have discovered that the rare gas krypton can be used to unlock the secrets of Earth's ancient landscapes. By examining tiny zircon crystals found in ancient beach sands, researchers can gauge how long these minerals have been exposed at the surface, providing insights into erosion rates and potential mineral deposits. This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the past but also has implications for future resource exploration in Australia.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

NASA Reports

(00:00:00) New study shows how the orbit of Mars can affect climate here on Earth

(00:05:52) NASA's SpaceX crew 11 safely returned to Earth after medical evacuation

(00:08:17) SpaceX and NASA astronauts splashdown after 167 days in space

(00:09:00) The crew were returning a month early due to medical concerns

(00:10:46) Scientists use rare gas called krypton to study ancient Earth landscapes

(00:23:05) New data from NASA shows 2025 was the second hottest year since records began

(00:24:38) Some AI chatbots are reporting abuse and fear following interactions with humans

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31206223?utm_source=youtube

Artemis II Reaches the Pad, Akatsuki’s Final Farewell, and China Cracks the FRB Code

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:33:57 +1100

Join hosts Anna and Avery for today's essential space and astronomy news roundup! 🚀

NASA's Artemis II rocket completes its journey to Launch Pad 39B, bringing humanity one step closer to returning to the Moon. We bid farewell to Japan's remarkable Akatsuki Venus orbiter after a decade of groundbreaking discoveries. China's FAST telescope solves a ten-year mystery about fast radio bursts, revealing they come from binary star systems.

Plus, we preview the incredible space science missions launching in 2026, discuss the devastating loss of Spain's brand-new military satellite to a tiny space particle, and explore new findings showing that dwarf galaxies host more active black holes than previously thought.

**Featured Stories:**

• NASA's Artemis II reaches the launch pad for wet dress rehearsal

• Japan's Akatsuki mission ends after 15 years and extraordinary Venus discoveries

• China's Sky Eye telescope cracks the fast radio burst mystery

• 2026 space science preview: Moon, Mars, and telescope missions ahead

• Spanish military satellite suffers catastrophic damage from millimeter-sized debris

• New census reveals surprising black hole activity in dwarf galaxies

Visit astronomydaily.io for full articles, images, and more space news!

#Astronomy #Space #NASA #ArtemisII #Venus #Akatsuki #FastRadioBursts #FAST #Mars #SpaceScience #BlackHoles #SpaceDebris

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Black Holes, Navigation, The Big Crunch & Re-Entry Speeds: Your Cosmic Questions Answered |...

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:32:12 +1100

This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts. We will be answering audience questions exclusively on this episode. We're looking at a concept that Ross has put up about black holes equaling dark matter, we'll explain that. Sandy is asking about navigation in space. John is talking relativity, time, black holes and the big crunch. And the speed of re entry is a question from Andy. We'll deal with all of that on this episode of space nuts.

For more Space Nuts visit www.spacenutspodcast.com (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31188641?utm_source=youtube

Titan’s Secrets: Unraveling the Chemistry of Life and the Enigma of Europa

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:25:56 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 7

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the origins of life, including new findings from Saturn's moon Titan and the implications for our understanding of life beyond Earth. We also explore the latest research on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, and uncover the sources of the sun's mysterious gamma rays.

Life's Building Blocks on Titan

A groundbreaking study reveals that Titan, Saturn's largest moon, exhibits unexpected chemical interactions at extremely low temperatures. Researchers found that hydrogen cyanide can mix with nonpolar substances like methane and ethane, challenging traditional chemistry principles. This discovery could provide insights into the prebiotic chemistry that may have preceded life on Earth, as Titan's environment mirrors that of early Earth.

Europa's Quiet Oceans

In a surprising turn, new calculations suggest that the vast subsurface ocean beneath Europa's icy crust may be lifeless. This research indicates that Europa lacks the geological activity, such as hydrothermal vents, necessary to sustain life. Lead author Paul Brian discusses how the moon's stable orbit around Jupiter limits the tidal forces that could drive geological processes, casting doubt on the moon's potential as a habitat for life.

The Source of Solar Gamma Rays

Astronomers have identified the origin of intense gamma radiation emitted during solar flares, linking it to high-energy electrons colliding with plasma in the solar corona. This finding, derived from observations of a significant solar flare in 2017, enhances our understanding of solar flare physics and could improve space weather forecasting.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications

Nature Astronomy

(00:00:00) Scientists studying Saturn's moon Titan have discovered that normally incompatible substances can mix

(00:05:19) NASA will launch the Dragonfly mission to Titan in 2028

(00:13:36) NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will study icy moon Europa

(00:18:11) Astronomers have discovered that gamma rays generated by solar flares are caused by electrons

(00:21:58) Most people who take diabetes drug Mounjaro gain weight back after stopping

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31178029?utm_source=youtube

MAVEN’s Final Hour: Mars Orbiter Crisis + Historic ISS Evacuation Update & Lunar Timekeeping

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:02:14 +1100

NASA attempts to contact the silent MAVEN Mars orbiter after 40 days—but prospects look grim. Plus: the first-ever ISS medical evacuation succeeds, Europe debuts its powerful Ariane 64, scientists crack asteroid defense secrets, China releases lunar timekeeping software, and Hubble reveals where planets are born. Your daily space news for January 15, 2026.

### Extended Episode Description (for podcast websites/apps)

After more than a month of silence, NASA is making what may be its final attempt to contact the MAVEN Mars orbiter. Mission leaders are pessimistic, but the veteran spacecraft has surprised them before. We break down what happened, what's at stake, and what MAVEN's potential loss means for Mars exploration.

On a brighter note, the SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts have safely returned to Houston following the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station—a historic operation that went flawlessly. We explore how NASA executed this unprecedented mission.

Europe's taking a major step forward with the announcement that the first Ariane 64 rocket will launch February 12th. This four-booster beast can carry more than double the payload of its predecessor, and its debut mission will deploy 32 satellites for Amazon's Kuiper constellation.

Scientists using CERN's particle accelerators have discovered that iron-rich asteroids are tougher than we thought—and they actually get stronger under stress. This surprising finding could reshape how we approach planetary defense.

China has released the world's first practical software for keeping time on the Moon. It sounds like science fiction, but lunar timekeeping is becoming essential as multiple nations prepare for sustained lunar operations.

And after 35 years in orbit, the Hubble Space Telescope is still delivering stunning science, with a new gallery of images showing protoplanetary disks where planets are being born around young stars.

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Artemis II Rollout Weekend: NASA Preps Moon Mission + ESA Hacked & Jupiter’s Oxygen Surprise

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:41:16 +1100

Artemis II is entering its final preparations! This weekend, NASA rolls out the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad for the first crewed mission to lunar orbit in over 50 years. We cover the crew, timeline, challenges, and what to expect in the coming weeks.

Plus: The European Space Agency suffers a major cyberattack with over 700 GB of sensitive data stolen. We discuss what was compromised, how it happened, and the broader cybersecurity implications for the space industry.

Also in this episode: China's successful dual satellite launches kick off an ambitious 2026, scientists discover Jupiter has 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, a mysterious iron bar is found hidden in the Ring Nebula, and we explore the fascinating legacy of the Apollo 14 Moon Trees.

New episodes every weekday!

---

## EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

**[00:00]** Intro

**[01:15]** Story 1: Artemis II Final Preparations

**[04:45]** Story 2: European Space Agency Cyberattack

**[08:30]** Story 3: China's Satellite Launches

**[11:45]** Story 4: Jupiter's Oxygen Surprise

**[14:30]** Story 5: Ring Nebula Iron Mystery

**[17:00]** Story 6: Apollo 14 Moon Trees Legacy

**[19:30]** Outro

---

## STORIES COVERED

### 1. NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission

NASA is entering the final stages of preparation for Artemis II, the first crewed mission beyond Low Earth Orbit in over fifty years. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will roll out to Launch Pad 39B this Saturday, January 17th.

**Key Points:**

- **Launch Window:** February 6 - April 2026 (subject to readiness)

- **Crew:** Reid Wiseman (Commander, USA), Victor Glover (Pilot, USA), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist, USA), Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canada)

- **Mission Duration:** 10 days circumlunar flight

- **Rollout:** 6.5 km journey takes ~12 hours on crawler-transporter-2

- **Recent Updates:** Valve replacement on Orion hatch pressurization system (Jan 5), leak repair on ground support hardware

- **Upcoming:** Wet dress rehearsal end of January with 2.65 million liters of cryogenic fuel

- **Next Steps:** Flight readiness review, final crew walkdown at pad

- **Historical Context:** First crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17 (1972)

- **Looking Ahead:** Artemis III lunar landing scheduled for 2028

**Why It Matters:**

This mission is a crucial stepping stone for returning humans to the lunar surface and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. It will validate all systems needed for deep space exploration and demonstrate international cooperation through the Canadian Space Agency's participation.

**Read More:**

- [Universe Today: NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/nasa-enters-final-preparations-for-artemis-ii-mission)

- [NASA Artemis II Mission Page](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/)

---

### 2. Cyberthieves Hit European Space Agency in Major Data Breach

The European Space Agency suffered significant cyberattacks over the Christmas period, resulting in over 700 gigabytes of potentially sensitive data being leaked to dark web forums.

**Key Points:**

- **Initial Attack:** Boxing Day 2025 - Hacker "888" dumps 200+ GB of data

- **Second Attack:** One week later - "Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters" claims 500+ GB more

- **Data Compromised:** Proprietary software, authorization credentials, access tokens, project documentation, operational procedures, spacecraft details, contractor data

- **Affected Contractors:** SpaceX, Airbus Group, Thales Alenia Space

- **ESA Response:** Criminal investigation launched, cooperating with authorities

- **Root Cause:** Possible "infostealer malware" harvesting browser-stored credentials

- **Broader Issue:** Email credentials of ESA and NASA employees frequently found on dark web

- **Security Gap:** Solar conjunction prevented communications blackout

- **Expert Warning:** Data could be combined with future breaches to enable attacks on space systems

**Industry Context:**

Cybersecurity researcher Clémence Poirier warns that cyberattacks against space agencies are common and will continue. NASA faces similar threats with vulnerabilities disclosed almost daily via BugCrowd platform.

**Why It Matters:**

As space infrastructure becomes increasingly critical for communications, navigation, and national security, cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent a major threat to space operations and international cooperation.

**Read More:**

- [Space.com: Cyberthieves hit European Space Agency](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/esa-email-credentials-on-dark-web)

---

### 3. China's Long March Rockets Launch Key Satellites to Start 2026

China successfully launched two Long March rockets on January 13, 2026, deploying the Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite and multiple Guowang constellation satellites, marking an ambitious start to their space program's busiest year yet.

**Key Points:**

- **Launch Date:**...

Mars Oceans Unveiled, Spinning Asteroids & Crew Evacuations | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:55:36 +1100

Exploring Mars Oceans, Fastest Asteroids, and ISS Evacuations

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and intriguing space news. Join them as they explore new evidence suggesting that Mars once boasted vast oceans, the astonishing characteristics of the fastest spinning asteroid ever recorded, and the unprecedented evacuation of the International Space Station due to a medical issue.

Episode Highlights:

- Mars’ Ancient Oceans: Andrew and Fred discuss groundbreaking research revealing that Mars may have once had oceans comparable in size to Earth's Arctic Ocean. They explore the implications of this discovery and what it means for the search for life on the Red Planet.

- The Fastest Spinning Asteroid: The hosts introduce the asteroid 2025 MN45, which spins at an incredible rate of one rotation every 1 minute and 53 seconds. They discuss the significance of this finding and what it reveals about the asteroid's composition and history.

- ISS Medical Evacuation: Andrew and Fred provide insights into the first-ever crew evacuation from the International Space Station, prompted by a medical issue. They discuss the implications of this event and the protocols in place for astronaut safety.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31150495?utm_source=youtube

Historic ISS Medical Evacuation: Crew Returns Safely + Missing Galaxies & Mars Crisis

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:29:45 +1100

From historic medical evacuations to missing galaxies and stunning new images of the Milky Way, today's episode covers the latest breaking news from space exploration and astronomy. Join Anna and Avery as they discuss six fascinating stories from across the cosmos.

---

## Episode Timestamps

**[00:00]** Intro

**[01:15]** Story 1: ISS Medical Evacuation

**[04:45]** Story 2: The Mystery of Missing Tiny Galaxies

**[08:30]** Story 3: NASA's MAVEN Spacecraft in Trouble

**[11:45]** Story 4: Viruses Behave Differently in Microgravity

**[14:30]** Story 5: Two New Exoplanets and Redefining Habitable Zones

**[17:00]** Story 6: Stunning New Radio Image of the Milky Way

**[19:30]** Outro

---

## Stories Covered

### 1. Historic First Medical Evacuation from ISS

Four International Space Station crew members successfully completed the first-ever medical evacuation in the ISS's 26-year history, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.

**Key Points:**

- SpaceX Crew-11 returned early after 5 months in space

- Crew included US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui

- Splashdown occurred at 12:41 AM ET on January 15, 2026

- Affected crew member remains in stable condition

- Three crew members remain aboard ISS to continue operations

- Demonstrates importance of medical protocols in long-duration spaceflight

**Read More:**

- [Phys.org: ISS astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation](https://phys.org/news/2026-01-iss-astronauts-splash-earth-medical.html)

---

### 2. The Universe's Missing Tiny Galaxies

New research using the James Webb Space Telescope suggests there may be far fewer small galaxies in the early universe than predicted by current models, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution.

**Key Points:**

- Study led by Xuheng Ma from University of Wisconsin-Madison

- Used JWST's UNCOVER program to study galaxies through gravitational lensing

- Observed the Epoch of Reionization (12-13 billion years ago)

- Discovery of "faint-end suppression" - galaxy numbers drop off at smaller sizes

- Suggests intense radiation from early massive stars prevented small galaxies from forming

- May require rethinking models of cosmic reionization

- Used Abell 2744 galaxy cluster as a natural gravitational lens

**Why It Matters:**

This finding has major implications for our understanding of how the universe evolved from the "cosmic dark ages" to its current transparent state.

**Read More:**

- [Space.com: The universe should be packed with tiny galaxies — so where are they?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/the-universe-should-be-packed-with-tiny-galaxies-so-where-are-they)

- Research paper on arXiv (preprint database)

---

### 3. NASA Pessimistic About Recovering MAVEN Mars Orbiter

NASA officials acknowledge it's "very unlikely" they'll recover the MAVEN spacecraft, which has been silent since December 6, 2025, marking a potential end to a highly productive Mars mission.

**Key Points:**

- MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched November 2013, entered Mars orbit September 2014

- Last communication: December 6, 2025

- Telemetry indicates spacecraft is tumbling and orbit may have changed

- Solar conjunction (Mars and Earth on opposite sides of Sun) complicated recovery efforts

- Attempts to photograph spacecraft with Curiosity rover were unsuccessful

- Other orbiters (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter) can maintain communications relay

- Spacecraft studied Mars atmospheric loss and recently observed interstellar object 3I/ATLAS

**Mission Legacy:**

Despite the likely loss, MAVEN has provided over a decade of groundbreaking data about Mars' upper atmosphere and how solar wind strips away the Martian atmosphere.

**Read More:**

- [SpaceNews: NASA pessimistic about odds of recovering MAVEN](https://spacenews.com/nasa-pessimistic-about-odds-of-recovering-maven/)

- [NASA Science: MAVEN Spacecraft Updates](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/)

---

### 4. Space Station Study Reveals Unusual Virus-Bacteria Dynamics

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered that viruses infecting bacteria evolve differently in microgravity, potentially opening new avenues for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections on Earth.

**Key Points:**

- Study used E. coli bacteria and bacteriophage T7

- Parallel experiments conducted on ISS and Earth

- Virus infection delayed but not blocked in microgravity

- Both viruses and bacteria developed unique mutations in space

- Space-evolved viruses showed increased activity against drug-resistant E. coli strains

- Findings could lead to improved phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections

- Published in PLOS Biology journal

- Demonstrates ISS value as unique research platform

**Scientific Significance:**

This research shows how the space environment fundamentally alters...

Celestial Revelations: Betelgeuse’s Hidden Companion and the Most Powerful Black Hole Event Ever...

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +1100

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 6

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics, including the confirmation of Betelgeuse's elusive companion star, a spectacular black hole event, and the BepiColombo spacecraft's approach to Mercury.

Betelgeuse's Companion Star Confirmed

Astronomers have finally confirmed that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse has a companion star, named Saguara. Utilizing data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories, researchers traced the influence of Saguara as it interacts with Betelgeuse's outer atmosphere. This discovery sheds light on the star's peculiar brightness variations and its eventual fate as it nears a supernova explosion, which could occur at any time in astronomical terms.

A Black Hole's Powerful Feast

In a remarkable observation, astronomers witnessed a black hole shredding a massive star in what is described as the most powerful event of its kind ever recorded. Known as a gravitational tidal disruption event, this phenomenon released energy equivalent to 400 billion times that of our Sun, surpassing even the most energetic supernovae. The event, cataloged as AT 2024WPP, offers new insights into black hole behavior and the dynamics of stellar destruction.

BepiColombo's Journey to Mercury

The BepiColombo spacecraft is nearing its orbit insertion around Mercury after a seven-year journey. Launched in 2018, this multi-spacecraft mission will study Mercury's surface, magnetic field, and interaction with solar activity. The mission consists of two orbiters that will work in tandem to gather comprehensive data about this enigmatic planet, promising to enhance our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

European Space Agency Reports

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31127697?utm_source=youtube

Nuclear Moon Power, Mars Ocean Evidence, and Brains in Space

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:40:28 +1100

Astronomy Daily - January 14, 2026 Episode Nuclear Moon Power, Mars Ocean Evidence, and Brains in Space Episode Description Join hosts Anna and Avery for an action-packed episode covering six major space stories! We explore NASA's ambitious plan to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, get the latest on tomorrow's historic ISS medical evacuation, examine compelling new evidence for an ancient Martian ocean, discover how spaceflight literally shifts astronauts' brains, learn about a revolutionary privately-funded space telescope, and find out how scientists finally solved the mystery of the Moon's two faces. Episode Duration: 17 minutes Episode Highlights ⚛️ NASA Commits to Lunar Nuclear Reactor by 2030

NASA and DOE sign memorandum of understanding

President Trump's executive order drives ambitious timeline

Nuclear power essential for permanent lunar bases

Building on 50+ years of space nuclear collaboration

🚀 Crew-11 Cleared for Wednesday Departure

First-ever medical evacuation from ISS proceeds on schedule

Undocking set for 5:05 PM EST Wednesday, January 15

Splashdown off California coast at 3:41 AM Thursday

Station will operate with skeleton crew of three

🌊 Ancient Martian Ocean Evidence Discovered

River delta features identified in Valles Marineris

Ocean covered half of Mars 3+ billion years ago

High-resolution orbital imagery reveals ancient coastline

Major implications for Mars' past habitability

🧠 Spaceflight Shifts Astronaut Brains Inside Skulls

MIT study reveals brains move "backward, upward and tilted"

Changes persist up to 6 months after return to Earth

Brain displacement linked to post-flight balance issues

Critical for planning longer Moon and Mars missions

🔭 $500M Private Space Telescope to Launch in 3-5 Years

Eric Schmidt funds Lazuli Space Observatory

"Move fast" philosophy applied to flagship telescope

Designed to catch transient events like gravitational waves

Will test technology for future NASA missions

🌙 Moon's Two-Faced Mystery Finally Solved

Chang'e-6 samples reveal impact chemistry differences

Ancient collision reshaped Moon's internal structure

Evidence of hemisphere-wide mantle convection

First hard evidence from lunar far side

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Medical Evacuation from the ISS | Wobbling Black Hole Jets | Lunar Hotel Reservations: Your...

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:03:57 +1100

Astronomy Daily - January 13, 2026 Episode Historic ISS Evacuation, Wobbling Black Holes, and Lunar Hotels Episode Description Join hosts Anna and Avery for an exciting episode packed with groundbreaking space news! We cover the International Space Station's first-ever medical evacuation, a stunning discovery of a galaxy-wide wobbling black hole jet, this week's busy launch schedule, two NASA missions reaching their destinations, and the surprising announcement that you can now reserve a hotel room on the Moon. Episode Duration: 18 minutes Episode Highlights 🚨 BREAKING: First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation

SpaceX Crew-11 returns early due to undisclosed medical condition

Historic change of command ceremony on the ISS

Crew scheduled for Pacific splashdown Thursday morning

Station operations continue with skeleton crew of three

🌌 Astronomers Discover Wobbling Black Hole Jet

Largest extended jet ever observed spans 20,000 light-years

First precessing jet found in galaxy VV 340a

Combined observations from Keck Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, and VLA

Discovery challenges theories of galaxy evolution

🚀 This Week's Launch Schedule

Eight orbital launch attempts from China, US, and Norway

SpaceX Starlink missions and classified NRO launch

China debuts new Ceres 2 rocket

Isar Aerospace's Spectrum attempts second test flight

🛰️ NASA Missions Reach L1 Destination

Carruthers Geocorona Observatory arrives at target orbit

IMAP mission begins mapping the heliosphere boundary

Both spacecraft launched together on September 24, 2025

Science operations begin in February 2026

🌙 You Can Now Reserve a Moon Hotel Room

GRU Space opens applications for lunar tourism

Deposits range from $250,000 to $1 million

Target opening: 2032

Hotel inspired by San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts

#AstronomyDaily #SpaceNews #ISS #BlackHoles #NASA #SpaceX #LunarTourism #Astronomy #SpaceExploration

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Galactic Mechanics: How Dark Matter and Neutrinos Shape the Universe

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:53:15 +1100

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In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover new evidence suggesting that dark matter may interact with neutrinos, a revelation that could reshape our understanding of the universe. We also discuss a serious medical issue that has forced one of the crews aboard the International Space Station to return home early, and learn about the remarkable discovery that galaxies spin like clockwork.

Dark Matter and Neutrinos: A Possible Interaction

Scientists are challenging the long-standing standard model of particle physics with new findings indicating that dark matter and neutrinos may interact. This groundbreaking research, reported in Nature Astronomy, provides a rare glimpse into the universe's hidden components. By analyzing data from both the early and late universe, researchers suggest that these elusive cosmic entities could influence the formation of galaxies and other structures, potentially addressing discrepancies observed in cosmological measurements.

Medical Emergency Forces ISS Crew to Return Early

NASA's SpaceX Crew 11 is returning to Earth ahead of schedule due to a medical concern involving one of the astronauts. While the situation is stable and not classified as an emergency, the decision was made to ensure the crew member receives comprehensive medical evaluation on the ground. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in 26 years of ISS operations that a medical issue has necessitated an early return.

Galaxies Spin Like Clockwork

Recent studies have confirmed that galaxies rotate approximately once every billion years, regardless of their size. This research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reveals a consistent rotational pattern across different types of galaxies, enhancing our understanding of their mechanics and structure. The findings indicate that older stars exist even at the edges of galaxies, providing valuable insights into galactic formation and evolution.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Astronomy

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

British Medical Journal

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31088634?utm_source=youtube

Anomalies in India’s Launch| SpaceX’s Starlink Expansion| Cosmic Dawn Signals: Your Daily Space...

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:18:21 +1100

In today’s episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery take you from rocket pads on Earth to the farthest corners of the cosmos. We cover India’s latest PSLV launch and its unexpected anomaly, the FCC’s green light for thousands more Starlink Gen2 satellites, NASA’s Pandora mission to decode exoplanet atmospheres, a fleeting signal from a supernova that exploded 13 billion years ago, a breakthrough in understanding the Sun’s most violent flares, and the surprising discovery of a barred spiral galaxy in the early Universe.

It’s an episode where orbital mechanics meet cosmic archaeology — with a dash of solar storm science.

---

## 📰 Stories Covered

1. India’s EOS‑N1 Launch on PSLV-C62

- First PSLV liftoff since a May 2025 anomaly.

- Carried a military Earth‑observation satellite plus 15 payloads.

- Third‑stage deviation under investigation.

2. FCC Approves 7,500 Additional Starlink Gen2 Satellites

- Expansion to boost coverage and speed.

- Partial approval pending further review of SpaceX’s larger request.

- Implications for connectivity, orbital traffic, and astronomy.

3. NASA’s Pandora – Exoplanet Atmosphere Investigator

- Small, dedicated telescope to study exoplanet atmospheres.

- Focused on separating signals from planets and their stars.

- Could refine the hunt for biosignatures.

4. A Ten‑Second Signal from the Early Universe

- Likely a supernova about 13 billion light‑years away.

- Offers a rare probe into early stellar death.

- Discovered via coordinated, multi‑wavelength observations.

5. Unmasking the Sun’s Most Violent Flares

- Discovery of ultra‑energetic particles in the upper solar atmosphere.

- Provides a clearer picture of gamma‑ray production.

- Could improve space weather forecasts.

6. Earliest Known Barred Spiral Galaxy

- Dated to 11.5 billion years ago.

- Challenges models of how fast galaxy structures form.

- May force revisions in early-Universe galaxy evolution theories.

---

## 🔍 Key Themes & Takeaways

- Space Operations: Even reliable rockets can have anomalies — data analysis is crucial.

- Policy & Infrastructure: Starlink expansion reshapes the orbital environment.

- Scientific Frontiers: Compact, focused missions can massively advance our understanding.

- Cosmic Forensics: The early Universe was more structured than we thought.

- Solar Hazards: Better flare science means better protection for tech and people.

---

## 📚 Further Reading & References

- [India launches EOS‑N1 military satellite with PSLV-C62](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/india-eos-n1-military-satellite-15-payloads-pslv-launch)

- [FCC approves 7,500 more Starlink Gen2 satellites](https://spacenews.com/fcc-approves-7500-additional-starlink-satellites/)

- [NASA’s Pandora mission launch coverage](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/watch-spacex-launch-nasas-pandora-exoplanet-studying-satellite-on-jan-11)

- [Supernova signal from 13 billion years ago](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/earth-receives-10-second-signal-from-supernova-13-billion-years-ago/)

- [Breakthrough on Sun’s flare particle populations](https://scitechdaily.com/what-powers-the-suns-most-violent-flares-scientists-finally-have-an-answer/)

- [Early barred spiral galaxy discovery](https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7631/Barred-spiral-galaxy-may-be-the-earliest-seen-yet?searchresult=1)

---

## 🎧 How to Listen

Subscribe to Astronomy Daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

---

## 💬 Join the Conversation

Do you have a question about today’s stories or space science in general?

Send us a message via the Astronomy Daily page — your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.

🌌 Clear skies, and see you next time.

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Cosmic Q&A: Black Holes, Stellar Densities & the Sun’s Sudden Disappearance | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:14:28 +1100

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Q&A Edition: Black Holes, Cosmic Expansion, and the Fate of the Sun

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the implications of a black hole's mass to the mysteries of cosmic expansion, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic curiosities.

Episode Highlights:

- Black Hole Mass and Star Density: Justin from Melbourne wonders about the radius in light years of a sphere containing the nearest 4 million stars, comparing it to the mass of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Andrew and Fred discuss star density and the methods to calculate it.

- The Universe's Future: Charles from Brooklyn asks whether the universe's potential retraction would shorten its lifespan from trillions of years to just a few billion. The hosts delve into the complexities of dark energy and the various theories surrounding the fate of the universe.

- What If the Sun Disappeared? Dean from Queensland poses a thought experiment about the consequences of the sun's sudden disappearance. Andrew and Fred explain how gravity and light travel at the same speed, leading to an eight-minute delay before Earth feels the effects of the sun's absence.

- Voyager Plaque Mysteries: Patrick brings an intriguing question about the Voyager spacecraft and the accuracy of the plaques they carry. The hosts clarify the misconception and explore the significance of the messages sent into space.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31068653?utm_source=youtube

Medical Drama on the ISS-Update | ESA’s Rocket Revamp | Mysterious Early Galaxies: Your Daily...

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:44:36 +1100

In this episode, we dive into a wealth of exciting updates and discoveries that are shaping the world of space exploration. We begin with a significant follow-up on the medical situation aboard the International Space Station, where NASA and SpaceX have set a target date for Crew 11's return to Earth. This historic early evacuation marks the first time an entire crew has been medically evacuated from the ISS in its 25-year history, highlighting the human element of spaceflight.Next, we shift our focus to Europe, where the European Space Agency is exploring innovative upgrades to the Ariane 6 rocket. These proposed modifications aim to introduce reusable components to improve cost-effectiveness and competitiveness against reusable rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9.In a thrilling revelation, the James Webb Space Telescope has identified peculiar cosmic objects that may represent a new class of early universe galaxies, nicknamed "baby platypus galaxies." These oddly shaped formations challenge existing models of galaxy formation and could reshape our understanding of the early universe.We also examine new observations of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way, revealing its turbulent past filled with energetic outbursts that have influenced galactic evolution.Lastly, we discuss China's ambitious plans for the Chinese Space Station Telescope, set to launch in 2026. This revolutionary telescope aims to uncover cosmic secrets and complement existing observatories like Hubble and JWST with its wide field of view and advanced imaging capabilities.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily companion for all things space and astronomy

00:46 – **NASA and SpaceX set target date for Crew 11's return after medical concern

02:46 – **ESA is considering turning Ariane 6 into a Franken rocket with reusable elements

04:09 – **James Webb Space Telescope has spotted unusual galaxies in the early universe

06:07 – **Chinese Space Station Telescope on track for 2026, ready to uncover universe

07:07 – **Thank you for listening to Astronomy Daily. What a packed day### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) 4. Chinese Space Station (https://www.china-space-station.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

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Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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Galactic Mysteries: Unveiling Supermassive Black Holes and the Secrets of Comet 3I Atlas

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 01:07:27 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 4

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the latest revelations about supermassive black holes, the enigmatic interstellar comet 3I Atlas, and NASA's innovative tests on lunar surface interactions.

Do All Galaxies Host Supermassive Black Holes?

A groundbreaking study utilizing NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory challenges the long-held belief that all galaxies harbor supermassive black holes at their centers. Analyzing data from over 1,600 galaxies, researchers discovered that only about 30% of dwarf galaxies contain these cosmic giants. The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provide crucial insights into the formation of supermassive black holes and suggest that smaller galaxies may have significantly fewer black holes than their massive counterparts.

No Evidence of Alien Intelligence from Comet 3I Atlas

Despite sensational claims, a thorough investigation into the interstellar comet 3I Atlas has yielded no signs of extraterrestrial technology. Observations from the Green Bank Radio Telescope during the comet's closest approach revealed only radio frequency interference, dismissing earlier speculations of alien signals. The analysis reinforces the understanding that the comet's behavior aligns with natural phenomena, rather than advanced civilizations.

NASA's Rocket Plume Studies on Lunar Regolith

NASA is conducting new experiments to understand how rocket plumes interact with the lunar surface, crucial for future lunar landings. Using a sophisticated camera system, scientists are simulating rocket engine behavior in a vacuum chamber to analyze the impact of exhaust on lunar dust and rocks. The data collected will inform the design of landing systems for the Artemis missions and future Mars explorations, ensuring crew safety and mission success.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

NASA Reports

Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 4 for broadcast on 9 January 2026

(00:00:47) Study reveals fewer supermassive black holes in smaller galaxies

(00:12:30) No signs of alien technology from comet 3I Atlas

(00:20:10) NASA's lunar regolith plume interaction tests

(00:25:00) Science report: Microplastics and neurodegenerative diseases, dog ownership and community ties

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31032264?utm_source=youtube

ISS Crew Emergency Evacuation | Mars Mission Dead | Fastest Spinning Asteroid: Your Daily Space...

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:59:08 +1100

In this episode, we explore a remarkable array of developments in space exploration and astronomy that are making headlines. We begin with a historic moment as NASA orders its first controlled medical evacuation from the International Space Station, bringing home the entire Crew 11 team due to a medical issue affecting one astronaut. This unprecedented decision underscores the importance of crew safety and the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.Next, we look forward to the upcoming February full moon, known as the Snow Moon, which promises a stunning display in the night sky. With peak illumination set for February 1st, we provide tips for the best viewing experience across various regions.Shifting our focus to the ongoing advancements at SpaceX's Starbase, we discuss significant upgrades to Pad 1, preparing for the next generation of Starship launches. These enhancements aim to facilitate rapid reusability and increase launch frequency, crucial for the ambitious goals of the Starship programme.We also address the unfortunate news regarding NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, which has effectively been shelved due to budget cuts. This opens the door for China's simpler and potentially quicker plans to return Martian samples, marking a significant shift in the landscape of Mars exploration.In a thrilling discovery, the Vera Rubin Observatory has identified the fastest spinning large asteroid ever recorded, prompting discussions on the implications for asteroid deflection strategies.Finally, we unveil a new map detailing the origins of billions of ghostly neutrinos that pass through us daily, offering insights into stellar processes and the mysteries of our galaxy.Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news from space and astronomy

00:57 – **NASA orders medical evacuation of entire ISS crew due to medical issue

03:43 – **February full moon is coming up soon. Peak illumination at 5:09pm Eastern on February 1st

05:29 – **NASA's Mars sample return mission effectively dead after budget cuts

06:31 – **The Vera Rubin Observatory has spotted the fastest spinning large asteroid ever discovered

07:47 – **From ISS drama to neutrino maps. What a day in space news### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. Galactic Neutrinos (https://www.galacticneutrinos.org/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves & Rogue Planet Revelations | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:39:51 +1100

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New Year, New Discoveries: Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves, and Rogue Planets

In this exciting New Year edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson kick off 2026 with a bang, discussing groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomy. From innovative proposals for expandable space stations to intriguing discoveries on Mars, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Expandable Space Stations: Andrew and Fred dive into a fascinating proposal for an inflatable space station that could expand to be larger than the International Space Station. They explore the technology behind this concept and its potential implications for future space tourism and research.

- Strange Caves on Mars: The duo discusses recent findings of unique caves on Mars that may have formed through water-driven processes. These caves could provide a habitat for microbial life, sparking interest in future rover missions to investigate their potential.

- Observations of Rogue Planets: Andrew and Fred delve into the elusive nature of rogue planets, discussing how recent observations using gravitational microlensing have shed light on a planet 22 times the mass of Jupiter, located approximately 10,000 light years from Earth. They reflect on the significance of these findings and the advancements in technology that facilitate such discoveries.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31026598?utm_source=youtube

From Betelgeuse’s Secrets to Lunar Wonders: Your Daily Space Update

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:59:01 +1100

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the latest astronomical discoveries and cosmic phenomena that are captivating enthusiasts around the globe. We begin with a groundbreaking revelation about Betelgeuse, the iconic red supergiant star. Astronomers have uncovered the cause behind its perplexing brightness fluctuations and the dramatic dimming event of 2020, attributing it to a hidden companion star, affectionately named Siwarha, which disrupts Betelgeuse's atmosphere and light.Next, we present a stunning decades-long time-lapse video of Kepler's supernova remnant, showcasing the evolution of this cosmic explosion as observed by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. This visual journey through time reveals the dynamic expansion of the remnant and its implications for the elements that contribute to new star formation.Shifting our focus closer to home, we discuss a comprehensive all-sky census of K dwarfs, revealing promising candidates for potential life-bearing planets. These cooler, longer-lived stars present a stable environment for life to evolve, providing a treasure trove of data for future exoplanet exploration.For sky watchers, we highlight a series of spectacular lunar events in 2026, including a total lunar eclipse, a blue moon, and a Christmas Eve supermoon, all offering breathtaking views for observers.We also explore a thought-provoking study on the potential risks posed by passing stars to our solar system, suggesting that galactic flybys could destabilise Earth's orbit, although the probability remains exceedingly low.Finally, we delve into the feasibility of asteroid mining, examining recent research on meteorites that sheds light on the challenges and potential of extracting resources from asteroids.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we discuss the coolest space news

00:44 – **Astronomers have finally cracked Betelgeuse's biggest mystery

02:34 – **NASA releases stunning video of supernova remnant from Chandra Xway Observatory

05:40 – **Could a passing star fling Earth into deep space faster than thought

07:45 – **Thanks for listening to Astronomy Daily! We appreciate every listen### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Hubble Space Telescope (https://www.hubblesite.org/) 3. Chandra X-ray Observatory (https://www.chandra.harvard.edu/) 4. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

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Cosmic Clues: Unlocking Dark Matter Secrets from a Distant Supernova

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:18:14 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 3

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the latest discoveries in astrophysics and the challenges faced by space agencies worldwide.

Ancient Supernova Offers Clues to Dark Energy

Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding dark energy, the enigmatic force driving the universe's accelerated expansion. A newly observed supernova, located 10 billion light years away, has been gravitationally lensed by a foreground galaxy, allowing scientists to analyze multiple images of the same explosion. This phenomenon could help determine the Hubble constant, shedding light on the universe's expansion rate and its ultimate fate, which ranges from a Big Crunch to a Big Rip.

Sterile Neutrino Hypothesis Nearly Ruled Out

After over a decade of research, scientists have come close to ruling out the existence of the sterile neutrino, a proposed particle that could explain anomalous neutrino behavior. Data from the Micro BooNE experiment at Fermilab has shown no signs of sterile neutrinos, providing a pivotal moment in particle physics that narrows the search for new theories beyond the standard model.

China's Reusable Rocket Setback

China's efforts to develop a reusable rocket faced a significant blow as its Long March 12A failed on its maiden flight. Although the rocket's first and second stages performed as expected, the first stage failed to return successfully, highlighting the challenges in achieving reusability akin to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This setback underscores the competitive nature of the global space industry as China strives to enhance its capabilities.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Letters

Nature

Fermilab Reports

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 3 for broadcast on 7 January 2026

(00:00:47) Discovering dark energy through a unique supernova

(00:12:30) Ruling out the sterile neutrino hypothesis

(00:20:10) China's reusable rocket faces a major setback

(00:25:00) Science report: Climate change impacts, endangered species, and digital privacy concerns

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31007030?utm_source=youtube

From Europa’s Stillness to Artemis’ Historic Launch: Your Daily Space Update

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:56:54 +1100

In this episode, we delve into a thrilling array of space news and discoveries that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We start with a sobering update on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, where new research suggests its vast subsurface ocean may lack the necessary energy to support life as we know it. Despite its potential, the study highlights the importance of geological activity for habitability, leaving us with more questions than answers.Shifting gears, we turn our attention to the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, set to mark the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. With a launch date tentatively scheduled for February 6, 2026, the excitement builds as NASA prepares for this historic journey, testing life support systems and navigation in deep space.Next, we explore a surprising discovery made by the James Webb Space Telescope in the dwarf galaxy Sextans A, which has revealed unexpected dust content, challenging previous assumptions about early galaxies. This finding could have significant implications for our understanding of star formation and planet-building materials in the early universe.On Mars, the Curiosity rover continues to impress with stunning new panoramas from Mount Sharp, showcasing the planet's geological history and ongoing exploration efforts. The rover's advanced autonomy allows it to multitask while analyzing the Martian landscape, providing invaluable insights into the planet's past.For sky watchers, we discuss an intriguing upcoming astronomical event: a rare predicted double exoplanet transit set for April 1, 2026. However, due to scheduling constraints at major telescopes, real-time observations may be elusive, reminding us of the challenges in capturing such fleeting cosmic moments.Finally, we reflect on NASA's bittersweet decision to demolish three historic test facilities at the Marshall Space Flight Center, marking the end of an era in space exploration. While progress is essential, it comes with the acknowledgment of our rich history and the legacy of past achievements.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily dose of space and astronomy news

00:52 – **New research suggests Europa's vast subsurface ocean might not support life

02:38 – **NASA is eyeing February 6, 2026 for launch of historic Artemis 2 mission

03:50 – **James Webb Space Telescope finds dwarf galaxy with super low metallicity

06:36 – **Astronomers predict rare double exoplanet transit in 2026### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

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Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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From Cosmic Collisions to Habitable Moons: Your Daily Space Update

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:10:06 +1100

In this episode, we journey through the latest cosmic developments that are capturing our imaginations and shaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a concerning update about Spain's Spainsat NG2 satellite, which encountered a space particle during its ascent to orbit, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space travel. Fortunately, contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted communications for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.Next, we delve into a busy launch schedule, featuring SpaceX's Falcon 9 missions that will deploy new Starlink satellites and a variety of rideshare missions, including NASA's Pandora project aimed at observing exoplanet transits. The excitement continues with ISRO's upcoming launch of an Earth observation satellite, showcasing the rapid advancements in global space initiatives.We then explore groundbreaking laboratory research supporting the RNA World hypothesis, which suggests that RNA could have been the first self-replicating molecule on Earth. This study, which mimics early Earth conditions, provides compelling evidence that life may have emerged more quickly than previously thought, with implications for the search for life on Mars.As we look towards the Moon, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration, with several companies planning missions to scout resources and test technologies essential for a sustainable human presence.We also discuss an ambitious proposal to develop a kilometric baseline interferometer to hunt for habitable moons around distant exoplanets, potentially revolutionising our search for life beyond Earth.Finally, we highlight China's Chang'e 7 mission, which is set to investigate the Moon's South Pole and its ancient ice deposits, crucial for future lunar habitation efforts.Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily podcast, hosted by Anna and Avery

00:38 – **Spainsat NG2 hit by space particle while heading to final orbit

01:51 – **SpaceX and ISRO have several missions scheduled for next week

03:08 – **RNA World hypothesis says RNA was first self replicating life precursor

04:30 – **2026 could be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration

07:13 – **This week's Astronomy Daily includes: Satellite hits, launch previews### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 2. ISRO (https://www.isro.gov.in/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details:

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Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

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Galactic Secrets: Unravelling the Milky Way’s Chemical Bimodality

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:48:57 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 2

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the intriguing history of our galaxy and the secrets of Earth's early water retention.

Unraveling the Milky Way's Chemical Bimodality

A groundbreaking study suggests that the Milky Way's stellar formation and its unique chemical bimodality may stem from intergalactic gas rather than traditional star formation or galactic collisions. Researchers utilized advanced computer simulations to analyze the formation of 30 simulated galaxies, revealing that the Milky Way's distinct groups of stars, defined by their iron and magnesium content, can emerge through various mechanisms. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Milky Way's evolution but also challenges previous assumptions about the role of smaller galaxies in shaping its chemical structure.

Earth's Mantle: A Reservoir of Ancient Water

New findings indicate that Earth's mantle may have locked away vast amounts of water during the planet's formative magma ocean phase. Researchers discovered that bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in the mantle, could store significant quantities of water, potentially equating to the volume of all today's oceans. This study reshapes our understanding of how water was retained during Earth's extreme early conditions and its role in the transition to a habitable planet. The implications of this research may provide insights into the geological processes that sustain Earth's dynamic environment.

The Astronomy of Standing Stones

Reflecting on archaeological astronomy, we revisit a pivotal study that revealed how ancient standing stones in Britain were constructed with astronomical alignments in mind. This research confirms that the earliest stone monuments, including the Great Circles of Scotland, were intentionally oriented to mark the movements of the sun and moon. By examining the patterns of alignment, researchers established a connection between these ancient structures and the cultural significance of celestial events, illustrating the sophisticated understanding early Britons had of their environment and the cosmos.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Journal of Science

Journal of Archaeological Science Reports

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 2 for broadcast on 5 January 2026

(00:00:47) New study on the Milky Way's chemical bimodality

(00:12:30) How bridgmanite in Earth's mantle may have stored ancient water

(00:20:10) The astronomical significance of ancient standing stones in Britain

(00:25:00) Science Robert: Sleep apnea linked to Parkinson's disease and more news in science

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30970659?utm_source=youtube

From VLEO Satellites to Black Hole Breakthroughs: Your Daily Space Update

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:52:52 +1100

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of the cosmos, uncovering groundbreaking advancements and intriguing discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with an exciting look at very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, which operate at altitudes between 100 and 400 kilometres, offering sharper images for Earth observation and enhanced communication capabilities. The benefits of these closer orbits could revolutionise agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response, despite the challenges posed by atmospheric drag.Next, we delve into the BepiColombo mission, which is on the verge of entering orbit around Mercury after an arduous journey since its launch in 2018. This collaborative effort between the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency promises to yield unprecedented insights into Mercury's surface composition and its magnetic field, advancing our understanding of the inner solar system.We then discuss a remarkable confirmation of Einstein's general theory of relativity, as astronomers observe a black hole twisting spacetime during a tidal disruption event. This stunning finding not only validates a century-old theory but also provides a new method for measuring black hole spins.In launch news, SpaceX continues its impressive streak with a successful Falcon 9 mission, deploying 29 Next Gen Starlink satellites to bolster global broadband coverage. With a record-breaking number of launches in 2025, SpaceX is set to maintain its momentum into the new year.We also highlight NASA's Escapade mission to Mars, which will investigate how solar wind erodes the Martian atmosphere. The mission's unique approach of waiting in a halo orbit around Earth's Lagrange point before heading to Mars exemplifies the clever engineering strategies that are becoming increasingly important for space exploration.Finally, we celebrate the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), which has delivered the clearest X-ray spectrum yet from a fast-spinning supermassive black hole, revealing critical insights into black hole behaviour and their relationship with host galaxies.Join us for these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, January 5, 2026

00:56 – **Very low Earth orbit satellites could revolutionise how we monitor Earth

03:43 – **The BepiColombo mission is set to enter orbit around Mercury in 2026

06:06 – **Astronomers detect black hole's spin dragging spacetime

07:54 – **SpaceX launched 29 Next Gen Starlink satellites on January 4

09:06 – **NASA's Escapade mission to Mars will investigate how solar wind erodes atmosphere

10:53 – **X ray spectrum of fast spinning supermassive black hole from NASA mission

12:48 – **This week's episode is packed with innovation, discovery and cosmic wonders### Sources & Further Reading1. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 2. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (https://www.jaxa.jp/) 3. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 4. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

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Gravity Questions, Cosmic Energy & Hidden Galaxies | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic...

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:40:31 +1100

This episode originally aired in 2024.

Cosmic Q&A: Gravity, Energy, and Hidden Galaxies

In this thought-provoking holiday repeat episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into listener questions that explore the intricate relationships between gravity, energy, and the cosmos. With inquiries from Steve, Gus, and Nick, the discussion spans the nature of gravity, the implications of energy on gravitational fields, and the mysteries of galaxy movements.

Episode Highlights:

- Gravity Without Mass: Steve from New Zealand poses a fascinating question about the possibility of gravity existing without mass. Andrew and Fred discuss the theoretical implications and whether energy can contribute to gravitational effects, referencing concepts like thermal energy and dark matter.

- Energy and Gravity: Gus from Jessica, Washington, raises an intriguing point about the equivalence of mass and energy and its relationship to gravity. The hosts navigate the complexities of gravitational energy and ponder whether the energy of gravitational fields could influence mass.

- Hidden Galaxies: Nick from Auckland, New Zealand, wonders if there are early galaxies moving towards us that we can't yet see. The discussion delves into the concepts of redshift and peculiar motion, clarifying how the expansion of the universe affects our observations of distant galaxies.

- Listener Engagement: The episode wraps up with Andrew and Fred encouraging listeners to keep sending in their questions, fostering a sense of community and curiosity about the universe.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30952966?utm_source=youtube

From Danish Moonshots to Vanishing Planets: Your Daily Space Update

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:41:13 +1100

In this episode, we traverse the cosmos, unveiling the latest developments in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. We kick off with exciting news from Denmark, as the European Space Agency has greenlit its first lunar mission, named Mani, aimed at high-resolution mapping of the Moon's surface. This marks a significant milestone for Denmark, showcasing its commitment to lunar exploration alongside ESA's push for cost-effective missions.Next, we celebrate SpaceX's impressive start to 2026, with the successful launch of the Cosmoskymet satellite, enhancing Earth observation capabilities for various applications. As we shift our focus to exoplanets, we unravel the mystery of Fomalhaut B, which has been revealed as an expanding cloud of debris rather than a planet, highlighting the dynamic nature of protoplanetary systems.Our journey continues with insights from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the tumultuous history of the Milky Way through the study of distant galaxies. This research reshapes our understanding of galactic evolution, showcasing a violent youth filled with mergers and intense star formation.As we look to the night sky, we provide tips for stargazing, with Jupiter shining brightly during its opposition on January 10th. This is the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to spot the gas giant and its moons, as well as enjoy the Quadrantids meteor shower.Finally, we share good news for the International Space Station crew, as a persistent leak in the Russian segment has been successfully sealed after years of effort. This development ensures continued stability for ongoing operations aboard the ISS.Join us as we explore these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to spot for space and astronomy news

00:34 – **Danish team gets green light from esa for first lunar mission

01:56 – **SpaceX launches Italian Earth observing satellite Cosmoskymet on January 2

04:24 – **Canadian astronomers used JWST data to piece together Milky Way's turbulent past

07:02 – **After years of dealing with leak in Russian segment, it's stopped

08:00 – **This week's Astronomy Daily includes: New missions, launches and more### Sources & Further Reading1. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 3. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 4. Hubble Space Telescope (https://www.hubblesite.org/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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From Rogue Planets to Lunar Missions: Your Daily Space Update

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:34:34 +1100

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos, uncovering the latest developments that are shaping our understanding of the universe. We begin with a significant update from low Earth orbit, where Starlink plans to lower its satellite constellation altitude to enhance space safety. This proactive measure aims to mitigate risks associated with space debris, showcasing responsibility in managing our crowded orbital environment. Next, we turn our attention to the Gaia Space Telescope, which has provided unprecedented insights into the formation of planets, detecting compelling evidence of planetary birth in 31 young stellar systems. This groundbreaking observation marks a shift from theoretical models to direct evidence of how solar systems like ours may have formed. We also discuss a remarkable achievement in the study of rogue planets, as astronomers successfully weighed one for the first time using microlensing techniques. This innovative approach not only measures the mass of the rogue planet but also reveals its distance from us, opening new avenues for understanding these elusive celestial bodies. Moving on to interstellar visitors, we explore the fascinating behavior of Comet 3I ATLAS, which has been releasing substantial amounts of water as it moves through space. This discovery indicates that the building blocks of planetary systems might be more common across the galaxy than previously thought. Looking ahead, we highlight the exciting prospects for 2026, with NASA's Artemis 2 mission set to return astronauts to the Moon, alongside advancements from the commercial sector, including new space stations and lunar landers. The upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope and China's Soontian telescope promise to revolutionize our view of the universe. Finally, we celebrate a major upgrade to the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, which will enhance its sensitivity and allow for clearer observations of the cold universe, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in cosmic history. Join us as we navigate these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest happenings from across the cosmos

00:33 – **Starlink plans to adjust its satellite constellation in 2026 for space safety reasons

02:49 – **Astronomers have successfully weighed a rogue planet for the first time

03:52 – **Comet 3I ATLs is behaving similar to comets from our solar system

05:03 – **2026 is shaping up to be an absolutely massive year for space exploration

06:08 – **The Atacama Large Millimeter Submillimeter Array in Chile recently upgraded

07:25 – **Astronomy Daily thanks you for listening to today's show### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

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Stellar Spectacles: January’s Night Sky Highlights

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:23:27 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 1

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into extraordinary cosmic phenomena and the ongoing exploration of our solar system.

Cosmic Matter Ejected at 20% the Speed of Light

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking observation of matter being ejected from a supermassive black hole at the center of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, located 135 million light years away. This matter, propelled at an astonishing 20% the speed of light, challenges previously held notions about how such superluminal jets are powered. The findings suggest that a sudden change in the magnetic field, rather than radiation, may be responsible for this high-speed outburst, providing new insights into the mechanisms of black hole dynamics and their impact on galactic evolution.

Wind-Sculpted Landscapes on Mars

NASA's Perseverance Rover continues its exploration of Mars, focusing on megaripples—large sand formations shaped by wind. These megaripples, some reaching up to 2 meters in height, offer scientists a unique opportunity to study current Martian atmospheric processes. As the rover investigates the Honeyguide region, researchers hope to gain insights into the planet's wind patterns and surface chemistry, which will be crucial for future human missions to Mars.

Potential Ocean Beneath Uranus's Moon Ariel

New research suggests that Uranus's moon Ariel may harbor a vast subsurface ocean, potentially more than 170 kilometers deep. This discovery, reported in the journal Icarus, highlights Ariel's unique geological features and raises questions about its past interior structure and orbital dynamics. The study indicates that understanding Ariel's ocean could provide crucial context for the moon's surface fractures and cryovolcanic activity, emphasizing the need for future missions to the Uranian system to confirm these findings.

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✍️ Episode References

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Icarus

NASA Reports

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 1 for broadcast on 2 January 2026

(00:00:47) Cosmic matter ejected from supermassive black hole

(00:12:30) Perseverance Rover studies wind-sculpted megaripples on Mars

(00:20:10) Evidence of a subsurface ocean beneath Uranus's moon Ariel

(00:25:00) Skywatch: January night sky highlights and celestial events

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30923864?utm_source=youtube

From SpaceX Records to Lunar Gold Rush: Your Daily Space Update

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:39:07 +1100

In this episode, we delve into the latest astronomical marvels and groundbreaking developments that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We kick off with an astonishing achievement by SpaceX, which has shattered its own launch record with 165 orbital flights in 2025, averaging a launch every 2.2 days. The Falcon 9 rocket has been the backbone of this success, while the next-generation Starship is also making strides towards becoming a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle.Next, we explore an innovative solution for cleaning up space junk, inspired by science fiction. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam that uses a focused electrostatic beam to attract and maneuver debris without physical contact, promising a safer method of orbital debris removal.Shifting our gaze beyond Earth, we discuss a recent search for alien signals from the interstellar object 3i Atlas. Despite initial excitement over potential technosignatures, the search yielded no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial technology, but it set a new standard for future investigations.We then dive into the burgeoning lunar resource race, where countries and companies are vying to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3. However, outdated international laws complicate this endeavor, prompting calls for a clearer framework to ensure responsible mining practices.As we look to the night sky, we highlight celestial events to watch for, including the brightest star, Sirius, and an upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 3rd. Jupiter will also be at opposition, shining brightly throughout the night, while Venus returns as the evening star.Finally, we unravel a cosmic mystery nearly a thousand years in the making regarding the supernova remnant PA30. Recent findings reveal it to be a failed type 1ax supernova, with a surviving white dwarf at its center emitting powerful winds that shape the nebula's unique structure.Join us for these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **This podcast features the latest in astronomy news from around the world

00:32 – **In 2025, SpaceX successfully completed 165 orbital flights

01:39 – **Researchers at Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam to clean up space junk

02:54 – **Astronomers conducted a highly sensitive radio search on an interstellar visitor

04:09 – **There's a growing and increasingly urgent international race to mine the moon

05:36 – **There's plenty to see in the night sky as we head into 2019

06:43 – **Astronomers finally solve puzzle of supernova remnant known as PA30

08:42 – **Until tomorrow, this has been Avery and Anna telling stories### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 2. University of Colorado Boulder (https://www.colorado.edu/) 3. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 4. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

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Europa’s Ocean Secrets, Gravitational Waves & Black Hole Mysteries | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:44:38 +1100

Archived Insights: Europa Clipper, Gravitational Waves, and Black Hole Mysteries

In this special episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson take a fascinating journey through some of the most compelling questions and discoveries in astronomy. As they explore the Europa Clipper mission, the nature of gravitational waves, and the enigmatic world of black holes, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of cosmic knowledge. This episode originally aired in 2019.

Episode Highlights:

- Europa Clipper Mission: Andrew and Fred discuss NASA's exciting approval for the Europa Clipper mission, aimed at exploring Jupiter's icy moon Europa. They delve into the spacecraft's objectives, including investigating the moon's potential subsurface ocean and the challenges posed by Jupiter's intense radiation.

- Gravitational Waves Explained: The hosts explore the recent detection of gravitational waves, speculating on their origins, including a possible black hole-neutron star merger. They discuss the significance of these findings and the ongoing efforts of astronomers to understand the universe's most violent events.

- Black Hole Chris: Listener questions about the nature of black holes spark a lively discussion on topics such as infinite density, event horizons, and the complexities of capturing images of these cosmic phenomena. Andrew and Fred clarify misconceptions and provide insightful explanations.

- Space Travel and Relativity: The episode wraps up with an intriguing listener question about the effects of traveling near the speed of light. Andrew and Fred clarify how relativistic mass works and dispel myths surrounding the transformation of spaceships into black holes.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30915703?utm_source=youtube

From Stellar Winds to Martian Caves - Your Daily Space Update

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:03:35 +1100

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos, exploring groundbreaking discoveries and developments that could reshape our understanding of the universe. We begin with a revelation about red giant stars, challenging long-held beliefs about how they spread life's essential elements across galaxies. New research on the star R Doradus suggests that powerful forces, rather than simple starlight pressure, are responsible for driving stellar winds, prompting a reconsideration of how galaxies are enriched.Next, we delve into the enigmatic world of hot Jupiters—gas giants that orbit perilously close to their stars. Recent studies indicate that many of these planets may have formed through a calmer process known as disk migration, providing insight into the evolution of planetary systems.Transitioning back to Earth, we provide a roundup of recent rocket launches, highlighting China's active role in space exploration and SpaceX's successful deployment of the CSG 3 satellite. As we shift our focus to Mars, we uncover the discovery of potential karst caves, which could harbor signs of ancient life, preserved from the planet's harsh surface conditions.We also celebrate the fourth anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing a stunning new video that offers an immersive tour of the cosmos, highlighting its remarkable contributions to astronomy. ( https://youtu.be/lFiOZqyymUY?si=lOCkdIoMU5aRKuIB (https://youtu.be/lFiOZqyymUY?si=lOCkdIoMU5aRKuIB) ) Finally, we report on Iran's significant advancements in its space program, with the successful launch of three domestically built Earth observation satellites, marking a strategic collaboration with Russia.Join us as we traverse these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **This week's podcast features a look at how giant stars might spread life

00:38 – **New study could rewrite our understanding of how stars seed the cosmos

02:04 – **New research suggests 30 hot Jupiters likely formed through disk migration

03:23 – **China has been particularly active with two recent launches

04:12 – **Chinese researchers have identified eight potential karst caves on Mars

05:27 – **The James Webb Space Telescope recently celebrated its fourth anniversary

06:20 – **Iran successfully launched three of its domestically built earth observation satellites

07:11 – **This is the last Astronomy Daily podcast of 2017### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

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Lunar Leap: Artemis 2’s Historic Mission and the Future of Moon Exploration

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:05:21 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 28 Episode 154

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore significant milestones in lunar exploration and the latest challenges in space technology.

Accelerated Launch for Artemis 2

NASA has moved up the launch date for the historic Artemis 2 manned moon mission to early February, marking the first human journey to the moon in over 50 years since Apollo 17. The Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, will embark on a 10-day mission, completing a free return trajectory around the moon. This episode discusses the mission's objectives, including in-space demonstrations and the deployment of five cubesats, as well as the importance of this mission for future lunar exploration and potential Mars missions.

New Insights from Lunar Rock Samples

Recent studies of lunar rock samples have revealed a new timeline for lunar impacts, pushing back the history of Earth's nearest celestial neighbour by 300 million years. The Apollo 17 rock sample, known as 76535, has provided crucial insights into the moon's formation and its geological history. Advanced computer simulations suggest that the impact that formed the Serenitatis Basin may have brought this rock to the surface, reshaping our understanding of the moon's bombardment history and its implications for Earth.

Japan's H3 Rocket Failure

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has faced a setback with the failure of its new H3 rocket during a satellite launch. This follows a previous failure during its maiden flight. The H3 rocket, designed to replace the H2, aims to enhance Japan's capabilities in the global space market but has encountered significant technical challenges.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Geophysical Research Letters

NASA Reports

JAXA Updates

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 154 for broadcast on 31 December 2025

(00:00:47) NASA accelerates Artemis 2 moon mission launch

(00:12:30) New lunar rock samples shift timeline of impacts

(00:20:10) Japan's H3 rocket fails to deploy satellite

(00:25:00) Study reveals links between social media use and cognitive performance in children

(00:27:30) Coffee and tea's effects on bone health in older women

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30899647?utm_source=youtube

From Kuiper Belt Discoveries to Space Burial Innovations: Your Daily Space Update

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:31:49 +1100

In this episode, we explore a diverse array of captivating stories from the far reaches of our solar system to pressing challenges in Earth's orbit. We kick off with a critical discussion on satellite disposal, weighing the merits of designing for demise versus non-demise as mega constellations like Starlink proliferate. The environmental implications of each approach are examined, highlighting the need for a sustainable solution.Next, we journey to the Kuiper Belt, where astronomers from Princeton University have uncovered a new structure known as the "inner kernel" of objects. This discovery challenges our understanding of the solar system's formation and reignites the search for the elusive Planet Nine.We then celebrate Rocket Lab's remarkable achievements over the past year, including 21 successful launches of their Electron rocket and the introduction of their innovative Neutron rocket, designed to compete with industry giants.As we mark the end of an era, we pay tribute to NASA's Terra satellite, which has provided invaluable data on Earth's climate and environment for 26 years.The James Webb Space Telescope surprises us with findings on the super Earth TOI561b, revealing it to be a dynamic volcanic world with a rich atmosphere, defying previous assumptions about such close proximity to its star.Finally, we delve into the unique business of space memorials with Celestis, which is set to launch its most ambitious mission yet—a permanent orbit around the sun for cremated remains and DNA, creating a man-made comet that will journey through the cosmos indefinitely.Join us as we unravel these intriguing stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Give us 10 minutes to give you the universe

00:37 – **With mega constellations launching thousands of satellites, disposal of satellites is critical

02:24 – **Scientists at Princeton University have found something new in the Kuiper Belt

05:18 – **NASA's Terra satellite has been retired after 26 years of service

06:12 – **The James Webb Telescope has turned its gaze to an exoplanet

08:19 – **This week's Astronomy Daily features a variety of topics### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Princeton University (https://www.princeton.edu/) 3. Rocket Lab (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/) 4. Celestis (https://www.celestis.com/) 5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

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Doomsday Dance: Ramses Mission and the Secrets of Apophis

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:49:06 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 28 Episode 153

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into thrilling new missions and groundbreaking discoveries in the universe.

Ramses Mission to Asteroid Apophis

The European Space Agency has greenlit an exciting new mission to study the infamous doomsday asteroid Apophis. The Ramses spacecraft will closely observe the 450-meter-wide asteroid as it makes a close flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029, at a mere 32,000 kilometers away—closer than many satellites. Initially feared to be on a collision course with Earth, further observations have since ruled out the threat of impact. However, the Ramses mission aims to understand how Earth's gravitational forces might affect Apophis during this close encounter, potentially setting the stage for future impacts. The spacecraft will deploy smaller probes to monitor changes in Apophis's orbit, rotation, and surface, providing vital data for planetary defense and insight into the evolution of asteroids.

Solving the Mystery of Existence

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at CERN have made strides in explaining the universe's existence by observing a slight imbalance in the behavior of matter and antimatter. This charge parity (CP) violation suggests that a tiny difference favored matter over antimatter during the Big Bang, allowing the universe to evolve into its current state. The findings, based on 80,000 decays of the Lambda beauty particle, indicate a significant deviation that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.

The Largest Planetary Nursery Ever Seen

Astronomers have discovered the largest planetary nursery ever observed, located in a massive protoplanetary disk around a young star. This chaotic environment, cataloged as IRAS230776707, spans an astonishing 650 billion kilometers and showcases intricate structures that hint at the complex processes of planet formation. The observations, made using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, reveal a unique perspective on how planetary systems may develop in extreme conditions, raising new questions about the dynamics shaping these disks.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

Nature

CERN Reports

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 153 for broadcast on 29 December 2025

(00:00:47) ESA's Ramses mission to study asteroid Apophis

(00:12:30) CERN's discovery of matter-antimatter imbalance

(00:20:10) Astronomers observe the largest protoplanetary disk ever found

(00:25:00) New insights into sleep apnea and mental health risks

(00:28:30) Potential discovery of a new ancient human species

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30884321?utm_source=youtube

From Solar Eclipses to Voyager Discoveries: Your Daily Space Update

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 23:21:11 +1100

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the cosmic events and scientific discoveries that await us in 2026. We kick off with an exciting preview of lunar exploration, as NASA's Artemis program prepares to send astronauts on a historic flyby of the Moon, alongside a fleet of robotic landers from various commercial companies, including Jeff Bezos's Blue Moon. Next, we highlight the total solar eclipse on August 12, which will cross the Arctic, as well as a ring of fire eclipse in Antarctica, making 2026 a year for eclipse chasers.Shifting our focus to the edge of our solar system, we discuss the latest findings from the Voyager probes, which have uncovered a "wall of fire" at the boundary of the heliosphere, challenging our understanding of solar and interstellar interactions. We also explore Russia's recent launch of the Abzor R1, a radar Earth observation satellite that enhances their surveillance capabilities, marking a significant step in their sovereign space program.In a discovery that feels like science fiction, scientists have detected interstellar tunnels—narrow structures of hot plasma extending from our solar bubble into the galaxy, possibly formed by ancient supernovae. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to our understanding of galactic structure.Finally, we examine the rapidly evolving commercial space race, with updates on China's reusable rocket initiatives and how companies like Stokespace and Relativity Space are transforming Florida's historic Space Coast into a hub for future launches. Join us as we explore these captivating stories and much more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news from across the cosmos

00:43 – **2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for lunar exploration

01:41 – **A total solar eclipse will cross over the Arctic on August 12th

02:36 – **NASA's Voyager probes have detected a searingly hot region of space

04:16 – **Russia launches new radar Earth observation satellite with huge strategic importance

05:24 – **Scientists have detected narrow structures of hot plasma extending into the wider galaxy

06:58 – **The reusable rocket race is heating up, and it's not just SpaceX

08:22 – **Stokespace and Relativity Space are building out launch sites at Cape Canaveral

09:40 – **This is the end of today's Astronomy Daily show### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Roscosmos (https://www.roscosmos.ru/) 3. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

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Space Light, Cosmic Shields & Moon Mysteries | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:07:56 +1100

Cosmic Q&A: Light in Space, Astronaut Shielding, and Ice Giants

In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing listener questions that delve into the mysteries of space. From the visibility of Voyager 1 in the depths of the solar system to the challenges of shielding astronauts from cosmic radiation, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic knowledge.

Episode Highlights:

- Light in Space: Lee from New York City poses a thought-provoking question about how much light exists in space. Andrew and Fred explore the visibility of Voyager 1 and the implications of being far from the Sun, shedding light on human eye sensitivity and the ambient light from stars.

- Shielding Astronauts: Fenton from St. Paul, Minnesota, raises an important question about protecting astronauts from radiation beyond the Van Allen Belt. The hosts discuss potential technologies, including superconducting electromagnets and the surprising effectiveness of hydrogen-rich materials like water as radiation shields.

- Moon Comparisons: Robert from Vienna, Austria, wonders how our understanding of the solar system would differ if Earth had a moon like Europa or Titan, rather than our heavily cratered moon. The discussion highlights the significance of craters in understanding planetary history and the feasibility of landing on such moons.

- Ice Giants Explained: Duncan from Weymouth, UK, questions why Uranus and Neptune are termed "ice giants" instead of "rock giants." Andrew and Fred clarify the definitions and characteristics that distinguish these planets from their gas giant counterparts, emphasizing the unique atmospheric compositions.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30869022?utm_source=youtube

From Corporate Strategies to Cosmic Discoveries: Your Daily Space Update

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 23:07:46 +1100

In this episode, we dive into a myriad of exciting developments in the space industry and cosmology. We kick things off with a major shake-up as Blue Origin hires Tory Bruno, the former president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, to lead their new national security group. This strategic move signals Blue Origin's serious intent to compete for lucrative national security launch contracts, especially with their upcoming Glenn Heavy Lift rocket. Next, we explore a new and intriguing theory regarding dark matter, proposing that it may be composed of giant, star-sized objects, referred to as exotic astrophysical dark objects (IADs). Researchers are optimistic about detecting these objects through gravitational lensing, potentially using data from the Gaia Space Telescope. Shifting our focus, we discuss the upcoming close encounter of Asteroid Apophis with Earth in 2029, where the European Space Agency and JAXA will collaborate on the Ramses mission to study the asteroid's behavior under Earth's gravity. Understanding these interactions is crucial for future planetary defense strategies. We also tackle the mystery of missing normal matter in the universe. A recent study utilizing fast radio bursts has confirmed that a significant portion of this matter resides in the cosmic web, providing a monumental victory for cosmology by completing the census of normal matter. As we move closer to home, we highlight a groundbreaking dataset released by researchers at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, mapping one million stable trajectories in the cis-lunar space. This open-source resource will aid future lunar missions and infrastructure planning. Finally, we preview the astronomical events of 2026, including a total solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse, and exciting meteor showers, all set against a backdrop of high solar activity promising stunning auroras. Join us as we unravel these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast that brings you the universe

00:16 – **Blue Origin has hired Tory Bruno to head up its national security group

01:07 – **New theory suggests dark matter could be made of giant star sized objects

02:21 – **Asteroid Apophis will pass by Earth in 2029

03:18 – **Big Bang theory predicts a certain amount of normal matter in the universe

04:48 – **Researchers at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory have created a roadmap for lunar navigation

05:52 – **Total solar eclipse in 2026 is expected to be spectacular### Sources & Further Reading1. Blue Origin (https://www.blueorigin.com/) 2. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. JAXA (https://www.jaxa.jp/) 5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

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From UAP Mysteries to Cosmic Dipoles: Your Daily Space Update

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:39:08 +1100

In this episode, we delve into the latest advancements in UAP research and explore a groundbreaking discovery that suggests our universe might not be as symmetrical as once thought. We begin with the ongoing investigation into unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), where experts emphasize the need for rigorous scientific study and funding to uncover the truth behind these mysterious sightings. As momentum builds, institutions like the University of Wurtzburg and the Galileo Project are stepping up to collect high-quality data on UAPs, with potential national security implications highlighted by former Navy pilot Ryan Graves.Next, we shift our focus to a fascinating cosmological anomaly that challenges the long-held cosmological principle of isotropy. A new study reveals that the cosmic microwave background exhibits temperature variations that suggest our galaxy is moving through space in a preferred direction, raising questions about dark energy and the Big Bang itself.On Mars, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified the largest fresh impact crater ever confirmed, providing valuable insights into the planet's active geological processes. This remarkable discovery showcases the ongoing dynamism of our solar system.We then explore a rare cosmic phenomenon involving a triple system of galaxies, each hosting supermassive black holes that are actively feeding. This unprecedented finding enhances our understanding of galaxy evolution and the interactions that drive black hole growth.Finally, we discuss innovative strategies to protect future astronauts from the dangers of cosmic rays during long-duration missions. With insights drawn from biology and the study of resilient organisms, researchers are uncovering potential methods to safeguard human health in the harsh environment of space.Join us as we unpack these captivating stories and more on this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news from across the cosmos

00:37 – **Unidentified anomalous phenomena are still being reported in America's skies

02:51 – **New study suggests the universe may not be as symmetrical as we've always thought

04:40 – **NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered the largest fresh impact crater

06:04 – **Astronomers have confirmed first known triple system where all three black holes feed

07:40 – **One of the single biggest obstacles for future long duration space missions is cosmic rays

09:42 – **This week's Astronomy Daily features a number of interesting topics### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (https://www.scientificcoalitionforuapstudies.org/) 3. HuffPost on UAPs (https://www.huffpost.com/topic/unidentified-aerial-phenomena) 4. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

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Super Kilonova Surprise: Unravelling the Mystery of Cosmic Explosions

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:50:13 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking astronomical events and the latest advancements in space exploration.

First Ever Super Kilonova Detected

Astronomers have made a significant discovery with the potential detection of the first ever super kilonova explosion. This extraordinary event, cataloged as AT 2025ULZ, is believed to have been triggered by a double supernova explosion, producing both gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation. Lead author Manzi Kasliwal from Caltech's Palomar Observatory discusses how this unique phenomenon could reshape our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of heavy elements in the universe. With only one confirmed kilonova event to date, this new discovery presents an exciting opportunity to explore the complexities of cosmic explosions.

Blue Ghost 2 Spacecraft Shake Test

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 2 spacecraft has undergone rigorous shake testing at NASA's Environmental Test Laboratory. This critical assessment simulates the intense vibrations and acoustics experienced during launch, ensuring the spacecraft can withstand the harsh conditions of a rocket ascent. JPL engineer Michael Williams explains the importance of these tests in preparing spacecraft for successful missions, as the Blue Ghost 2 aims to deliver multiple payloads to the lunar far side next year.

Shenzhou 20 Capsule Returns Safely

China's Shenzhou 20 spacecraft has successfully completed an unmanned return to Earth after sustaining damage from space debris. Initially intended to bring a crew of Tigernauts back home, mission managers opted for a safe return without the crew due to concerns over a crack in the capsule's viewport. This decision highlights the importance of safety in space missions, while also providing valuable data for future flights.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

NASA Reports

Nature Communications

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 152 for broadcast on 26 December 2025

(00:00:47) Astronomers detect what could be the first ever super kilonova explosion

(00:15:30) Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 2 spacecraft undergoes shake testing at NASA's JPL

(00:20:10) China's Shenzhou 20 capsule returns safely to Earth after damage from space debris

(00:25:00) New study reveals the benefits of swearing during physical exertion

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30840070?utm_source=youtube

Space-Time Dragging, Martian Rovers & Stellar Discoveries | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:15:22 +1100

Cosmic Discoveries: Frame Dragging, Mars Rover Naming, and Intern Triumphs

In this holiday replay episode from the Space Nuts archives , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore groundbreaking astronomical phenomena and inspiring stories from the cosmos. From the intriguing discovery of frame dragging in space-time to the triumphs of young minds in the field of astronomy, this episode is packed with fascinating insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Frame Dragging Phenomenon: Andrew and Fred delve into the recent detection of frame dragging around a white dwarf pulsar binary system, discussing its implications for general relativity and our understanding of gravity in the universe.

- Naming the Next Mars Rover: The hosts share the story behind the naming of the Mars 2020 rover, "Perseverance," chosen by a young student, highlighting the importance of perseverance in scientific exploration.

- Young Intern's Discovery: A remarkable tale of a 17-year-old intern at NASA, who discovered a new planet just three days into his internship, showcasing the potential of the next generation in astronomy.

- Listener Questions: The episode wraps up with insightful listener questions about black holes and the mysterious nature of singularities, prompting deep discussions on the complexities of the universe.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30833021?utm_source=youtube

From Lunar Power Plants to Wobbling Comets: Your Daily Space Update

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:36:29 +1100

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking developments in lunar colonization and the intriguing behaviors of interstellar visitors. We kick off with a bold announcement from Russia, revealing plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon in collaboration with China, aiming for completion by 2036. This ambitious project signifies a shift towards sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. Next, we dive into a sci-fi-inspired innovation as Russia's Energia rocket company patents a spacecraft design featuring artificial gravity, a game-changer for long-duration space missions, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of zero gravity on astronauts.Shifting gears, we celebrate a significant achievement in satellite technology with the launch of Bluebird 6, a record-breaking satellite designed to provide broadband internet directly to smartphones, boasting the largest communication array ever deployed in low Earth orbit. However, not all news is positive, as Japan faces a setback with the failure of its H3 rocket during a critical mission to deliver the Michibiki 5 satellite, crucial for enhancing GPS accuracy in East Asia.Finally, we journey beyond our solar system to investigate the interstellar comet 3I ATLAS, which exhibits unusual behavior, including a rare sun-facing anti-tail and wobbling jets of outgassing material. This discovery provides insights into the comet's rotation, revealing its nucleus spins once every 15.5 hours. Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Today we're covering ambitious plans for lunar colonization and fascinating new discoveries

00:36 – **Russia plans to build a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2036

01:49 – **Russian rocket company has just secured a patent for a new spacecraft design

03:11 – **Indian rocket recently launched the Bluebird 6 satellite, and it's a record breaker

04:27 – **Japan's ambitions for an independent satellite navigation system suffered a significant blow

05:31 – **Astronomers studying interstellar comet 3I ATLAS have observed unusual behavior

06:59 – **Today's featured news includes ambitious plans for nuclear power on the Moon### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. Roscosmos (https://www.roscosmos.ru/) 3. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) 4. AST SpaceMobile (https://www.asti.space/) 5. JAXA (https://www.jaxa.jp/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

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Martian Moves: Perseverance’s Journey and Fashionable Microbes in Space

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:36:59 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore significant advancements in space exploration and innovative scientific projects.

Perseverance Rover's New Journey

After nearly five years on Mars, NASA's Perseverance Rover is on the move again, heading to a new site on the rim of Jezero Crater named Lac du Charm. Having traversed over 40 kilometres and collected vital rock core samples, the rover is undergoing extensive evaluations to ensure its longevity, with engineers confident it can operate until at least 2031. We discuss the rover's advanced autonomous driving capabilities and its mission to uncover signs of past microbial life.

Fashion Meets Science: Microbial Fabrics

A groundbreaking project is set to merge fashion and science by sending specially designed fabrics made from bacteria into space. These innovative materials will change colour in response to radiation exposure, potentially protecting astronauts from harmful levels of UV radiation and offering new applications for skin cancer prevention on Earth. Lead researcher Giles Ballet shares insights into how this technology could revolutionise both space exploration and everyday fashion.

Expedition 73 Crew Returns

The Expedition 73 astronauts have safely returned to Earth after an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Their journey has contributed to over 250 experiments, including advancements in bioprinting and remote robotic operations. We also discuss the implications of recent challenges faced by Russia's manned space program.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Science

NASA Reports

Nature Communications

(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 151 for broadcast on 24 December 2025

(00:00:47) NASA's Perseverance Rover begins a new journey on Mars

(00:12:30) Innovative microbial fabrics set to be tested in space

(00:19:15) Expedition 73 crew returns safely to Earth after eight months in orbit

(00:24:05) New study suggests humans have been using fire for 400,000 years

(00:27:30) Technology tips for buying the right printer for your needs

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30819057?utm_source=youtube

From Rocket Crashes to Cosmic Balances: Your Daily Space Update

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:07:00 +1100

In this episode, we navigate through a range of significant stories impacting the space industry today. We begin with a setback for South Korea's Innospace, as their Hanbit Nano rocket tragically crashes just 30 seconds after liftoff from Brazil's Alcantara Space Center. While the company cited a vehicle abnormality, the incident raises questions about the challenges faced by emerging private space firms. Next, we take a fascinating journey back in time to explore a period when Earth's day lasted only 19 hours. New research reveals a unique balance between lunar and solar forces that maintained this rhythm for a billion years, potentially influencing the evolution of early life on our planet. As we shift our focus to the present, we discuss an exciting and busy launch schedule for the end of 2025, featuring missions from China, India, Russia, and SpaceX, highlighting the global nature of the space industry. We also address serious safety concerns surrounding Boeing's Starliner following its first crewed test flight. A NASA advisory panel has criticized the agency for not adequately recognizing the mission's issues, which led to astronauts being stranded on the ISS for nine months. Finally, we report on a major leadership change at United Launch Alliance, with CEO Tory Brian resigning after nearly 12 years, leaving behind a legacy tied to the development of the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Join us as we unpack these stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Today we'll cover some unfortunate news for South Korea's burgeoning space industry

00:31 – **South Korean company Innospace's first commercial orbital rocket crashed in Brazil

02:10 – **For about a billion years Earth's day flatlined at 19 hours

04:34 – **The last full week of 2025 is shaping up to be incredibly busy for space launches

06:18 – **NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel has come out with a pretty strong statement

09:49 – **Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch alliance, has resigned

11:06 – **It's been another busy day in astronomy and spaceflight### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 3. United Launch Alliance (https://www.ula.com/) 4. Innospace (https://www.innospace.co.kr/) 5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: hello@astronomydaily.ioWebsite: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/) Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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From Paraplegic Astronauts to a Lemon-Shaped World: Your Daily Space Update

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 23:02:09 +1100

In this episode, we celebrate remarkable advancements in space exploration and the intriguing discoveries that challenge our understanding of the universe. We kick off with the inspiring story of Michaela Benthaus, who has made history as the first paraplegic and wheelchair user to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, showcasing the importance of accessibility in space travel. Next, we delve into NASA's groundbreaking PUNCH mission, which is set to provide an unprecedented view of the solar wind, allowing us to track solar phenomena and improve space weather forecasting like never before.Shifting our focus to lunar exploration, we discuss innovative engineering solutions for building reusable launch pads on the Moon using in situ resource utilization. This ambitious project aims to utilize lunar regolith to create durable surfaces, paving the way for sustainable human presence on the Moon.Then, we venture into the depths of space to explore a bizarre lemon-shaped planet, PSR J2322 2652B, orbiting a pulsar. Its unusual carbon-rich atmosphere and oblong shape challenge our current understanding of planetary formation around such extreme celestial objects.Finally, we return to Mars, where NASA's Perseverance rover is examining massive megaripples on the Martian surface, providing insights into the planet's dynamic climate history. Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this packed episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – 00:33 – 01:28 – 03:44 – 06:15 – 08:32 – 09:35 – ### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. Blue Origin (https://www.blueorigin.com/)

3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

4. NASA Mars Exploration (https://mars.nasa.gov/)

5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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Stellar Ballet: Apep’s Cosmic Dance and Titan’s Liquid Mystery

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:05:31 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 28 Episode 150

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into intriguing discoveries and ongoing challenges in the realm of astrophysics and planetary science.

Cosmic Dance of Dying Stars

Astronomers have made fascinating observations of a unique star system named Apep, located over 8,000 light years away in the constellation Norma. This rare system consists of three massive stars locked in a 190-year orbit, creating stunning spirals of cosmic dust. Using the advanced capabilities of NASA's Webb Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope in Chile, researchers captured extraordinary images revealing four distinct dust shells spiraling outward from the stars. Lead author Ryan White from Macquarie University discusses how these findings enhance our understanding of stellar interactions and the evolution of massive stars over time.

Titan's Liquid Ocean: A New Perspective

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that Saturn's largest moon, Titan, harbors a vast underground ocean. Instead, researchers suggest that Titan may have a more complex internal structure characterized by slushy tunnels and pockets of meltwater rather than a global liquid water ocean. This revelation, based on a reanalysis of data from NASA's Cassini mission, could have significant implications for the search for potential life on Titan, indicating that any existing life forms might inhabit a more confined environment with concentrated nutrients.

NASA's MAVEN: Communication Challenges

Mission managers at NASA are working diligently to restore contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which went silent during a routine pass behind Mars on December 6. Engineers are analyzing data from before the loss of signal to identify the cause and determine if the spacecraft can be salvaged. MAVEN has been crucial for studying Mars' atmosphere and has served as a vital communications relay for surface missions.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

Nature

NASA TV

(00:00:00) This is space time series 28 episode 150 for broadcast on 22nd December 2025

(00:00:47) NASA's Webb Space Telescope reveals four spectacular dust shells from distant star system

(00:10:58) New study says Titan probably doesn't have a vast underground liquid water ocean

(00:15:57) NASA mission managers continue efforts to restore contact with missing maven spacecraft

(00:18:36) New study finds shared genetic patterns across 14 common psychiatric disorders

(00:20:56) A new study claims acupuncture treatment for lower back pain reduces pain

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30779243?utm_source=youtube

Gravitational Waves, Cosmic What-Ifs & Dark Energy Dilemmas | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:18:17 +1100

Archived Insights: Gravitational Waves, Earth's Fate, and Dark Energy

In this special episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most compelling questions from their Q&A sessions. This episode features discussions on gravitational waves produced by the Big Bang, a thought-provoking "what if" scenario regarding the Earth's fate if the Sun never dies, and a deep dive into the enigmatic nature of dark energy.

Episode Highlights:

- Gravitational Waves and the Big Bang: Andrew and Fred tackle a listener's inquiry about whether the Big Bang generated gravitational waves and how these might be detected alongside the cosmic microwave background radiation.

- The Fate of Earth: A "what if" question explores the implications of an immortal Sun and how Earth's environment might evolve, leading to fascinating speculations about tidal locking and atmospheric changes.

- Time and Dark Energy: The hosts discuss a listener's theory proposing a connection between time and dark energy, addressing the complexities of cosmic expansion and the role of gravity in shaping our understanding of the universe.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30776545?utm_source=youtube

From Comet Closures to Space Station Shifts: Your Daily Astronomy Update

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 21:09:21 +1100

In this episode, we bid farewell to the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it completes its closest approach to Earth, offering a glimpse into a cosmic journey that spans billions of years. We discuss the Parker Solar Probe's remarkable 26th close approach to the Sun, where it continues to gather critical data about solar activity at a staggering speed of 430,000 miles per hour. In a more whimsical turn, we share the exciting news of a public contest to design a mascot for NASA's Artemis 2 mission, highlighting the incredible engagement from around the globe.Shifting gears, we delve into the enigma of luminous fast blue optical transients (LFBOTs), exploring a recent discovery that suggests these cosmic explosions may arise from massive black holes tearing apart companion stars. We also examine the potential threat posed by asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a small chance of impacting the Moon in 2032, potentially scattering debris into near-Earth space. Finally, we analyze Russia's revamped plans for its future in space, as it opts to repurpose aging modules from the International Space Station into a new national space station, raising questions about safety and scientific capabilities.### Timestamps & Stories01:05 –

Story 1: Farewell to Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas**

**Key Facts**

- Comet 3I/Atlas made its closest approach to Earth, coming within 168 million miles.

- It is only the third interstellar object detected passing through our solar system.03:20 –

**Story 2: Parker Solar Probe's Close Approach**

**Key Facts**

- The probe completed its 26th perihelion, flying just 3.8 million miles from the Sun.

- It operated autonomously while gathering crucial data about solar activity.05:45 –

**Story 3: NASA's Artemis 2 Mascot Contest**

**Key Facts**

- NASA invited the public to design a zero gravity indicator for the Artemis 2 mission.

- Thousands of submissions were received, with 25 finalists selected.08:00 –

**Story 4: Understanding LFBOTs**

**Key Facts**

- Recent findings suggest LFBOTs result from black holes shredding companion stars.

- The energy emitted during these events is significantly higher than typical supernova explosions.10:15 –

**Story 5: Potential Impact of Asteroid 2024 YR4**

**Key Facts**

- There is a 4% chance that this building-sized asteroid will hit the Moon in 2032.

- The impact could release energy equivalent to 400 times the Hiroshima bomb.12:00 –

**Story 6: Russia's Future in Space**

**Key Facts**

- Russia plans to repurpose the old ISS modules into a new national space station.

- Concerns arise regarding the safety and maintenance of aging infrastructure. ### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

3. Space.com (https://www.space.com/)

4. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

5. NASA Solar System Exploration (https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io)

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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From Titan’s Slush to Interstellar Visitors: Space News Roundup

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:38:31 +1100

In this episode, we journey through a captivating array of discoveries and cosmic events that challenge our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a surprising revelation about Titan, Saturn's largest moon, where new analysis suggests its interior may be a thick, warm slush rather than a vast ocean, complicating the search for extraterrestrial life. Next, we discuss a recent anomaly involving SpaceX's Starlink satellites that resulted in a satellite breaking apart, raising concerns about space debris and its implications for future missions.Shifting gears, we delve into the implications of President Trump's executive order on national space policy, which aims for a 2028 moon landing and addresses the increasing militarization of space. We then unravel the mystery of Fomalhaut B, once thought to be an exoplanet, but now revealed to be a cloud of debris from a cosmic collision, providing insight into the chaotic processes of planet formation.As we explore the interstellar comet 3I ATLAS making its closest approach to Earth, we highlight the fleeting opportunity for scientists to study this visitor from another solar system. Finally, we celebrate the Spherex Space Telescope's completion of its first all-sky infrared map, which promises to answer fundamental questions about the universe's structure and the origins of life.### Timestamps & Stories01:05 – **Story 1: Surprising Discovery about Titan**

**Key Facts**

- New analysis suggests Titan's interior may be a thick, warm slush instead of a vast ocean.

- This alters the prospects for extraterrestrial life.03:20 – **Story 2: SpaceX's Starlink Anomaly**

**Key Facts**

- A Starlink satellite experienced an anomaly, breaking apart and creating debris.

- The satellite is expected to deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere soon.05:45 – **Story 3: National Space Policy Changes**

**Key Facts**

- President Trump's executive order aims for a 2028 moon landing and addresses space security.

- The order reinforces NASA's Artemis program and emphasizes sustainable lunar presence.08:00 – **Story 4: The Mystery of Fomalhaut B**

**Key Facts**

- Fomalhaut B was revealed to be a cloud of debris from a cosmic collision, not a planet.

- This discovery offers a real-time look at planetary system formation.10:15 – **Story 5: Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS Approaches Earth**

**Key Facts**

- The comet is making its closest approach, providing a rare observational opportunity.

- It is too faint for the naked eye but can be tracked online.12:00 – **Story 6: Spherex Telescope's All-Sky Map**

**Key Facts**

- The Spherex Space Telescope has completed its first all-sky infrared map in 102 colors.

- This map will help answer questions about the universe's structure and the origins of life. ### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/)

3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

4. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟

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Cosmic Milestones: The Earliest Supernova and Martian Water Mysteries

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:57:34 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking discoveries and exciting celestial events that illuminate our understanding of the universe.

Earliest Supernova Ever Detected

Astronomers have achieved a remarkable milestone by detecting the earliest supernova ever observed, dating back to a mere 730 million years after the Big Bang. Using the powerful Webb Space Telescope, this supernova, cataloged as GRB250314A, emitted a gamma ray burst that has shattered previous distance records. Lead author Andrew Levin shares insights into how this discovery provides a glimpse into the universe when it was only 5% of its current age, revealing surprising similarities with modern supernovae despite the vast differences in their epochs.

Liquid Water on Mars: New Evidence

New seismic data from NASA's Mars InSight lander suggests that liquid water could still exist beneath the Martian surface, potentially providing a habitat for microbial life. The analysis of marsquakes has revealed boundaries in the Martian crust that indicate the presence of water-filled cracks, offering compelling evidence that life may persist on the Red Planet. We discuss the implications of these findings and the methodologies used to analyze the Martian subsurface.

The Great Geminids Meteor Shower of 2025

The annual Geminid meteor shower is reaching its peak, presenting stargazers with the chance to witness up to 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. Unlike many meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids are unique as they come from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Dr. Robert Massey provides tips on how to best observe this spectacular celestial event, emphasizing the importance of dark skies and the naked eye for optimal viewing.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astronomy and Astrophysics

British Medical Journal

Nature Communications

(00:00:00) New clues suggest that liquid water could still exist on Mars today

(00:00:48) Astronomers have detected the earliest supernova ever seen using the Webb Space Telescope

(00:05:10) New study based on seismic data suggests liquid water may still exist on Mars

(00:09:12) The Geminids are visible between now and December 20th

(00:13:10) New study finds coffee may slow down biological aging of people with mental illnesses

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30733576?utm_source=youtube

Snowball Earth, Dinosaur Asteroids & the Hubble Tension Unravelled | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:18:26 +1100

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1 . Experience the future of flight with the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone. With intuitive controls and immersive goggles, the Antigravity A1 redefines what it means to fly. Check it out at AntigravityA1 (https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=spacenuts) .

Frozen Frontiers: Snowball Earth, Dinosaur Origins, and Hubble Tension

In this captivating holiday episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson embark on a journey through time and space, discussing the intriguing concept of Snowball Earth, the origins of the dinosaur-killing asteroid, and the ongoing debate surrounding the Hubble tension in cosmology.

Episode Highlights:

- Snowball Earth: Andrew and Fred explore the fascinating theory of Snowball Earth, a period when our planet was completely frozen over, and how recent geological findings in Scotland and Australia shed light on this icy epoch.

- Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Origins: The hosts delve into the latest research pinpointing the Chicxulub impactor's origins within the asteroid belt, revealing the chemical markers that help trace its journey through the solar system.

- The Hubble Tension: A discussion on the so-called crisis in cosmology, as the hosts dissect the differing measurements of the universe's expansion rate and how new data from the James Webb Space Telescope may provide clarity.

- Listener Questions: The episode wraps up with engaging listener questions, including a fascinating inquiry about the impact of a frozen Earth on its diameter, prompting a thoughtful discussion on planetary changes over time.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30732090?utm_source=youtube

NASA’s New Leader, a Runaway Black Hole, and Mars’ Geological Secrets

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:37:53 +1100

In this episode, we explore a series of groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomy. We start with the monumental announcement of Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur and astronaut, as the new head of NASA, signaling a potential shift towards more commercially driven missions. Next, we delve into the astonishing discovery of a supermassive black hole racing through intergalactic space, leaving a trail of newborn stars in its wake—an incredible testament to the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope. We then turn our attention to Mars, where the Perseverance Rover has traveled nearly 25 miles, uncovering geological treasures that may hold clues to past life on the Red Planet.Moving closer to home, we discuss recent findings from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter that reveal the Moon is not as dormant as once thought, with young geological features indicating ongoing changes. Finally, we celebrate the successful inaugural launch of the Ariane 6 rocket by the European Space Agency, restoring Europe's independent access to space and enhancing its global navigation capabilities.### Timestamps & Stories01:05 – **Story 1: Jared Isaacman Appointed Head of NASA**

**Key Facts**- Billionaire entrepreneur and astronaut Jared Isaacman takes the helm at NASA.- His leadership may accelerate partnerships with private space companies.03:20 – **Story 2: Runaway Supermassive Black Hole**

**Key Facts**- Astronomers confirm a supermassive black hole moving at 2.2 million mph, leaving a trail of stars.- The black hole was ejected from its galaxy due to a cosmic collision.05:45 – **Story 3: Perseverance Rover's Milestone on Mars**

**Key Facts**- The rover has traveled nearly 25 miles and is conducting groundbreaking geological research.- It is analyzing rocks that may have interacted with water, hinting at past life.08:00 – **Story 4: Active Moon Surfaces**

**Key Facts**- New images reveal young geological features on the Moon, indicating ongoing changes.- These findings challenge previous assumptions about the Moon's inactivity.10:15 – **Story 5: Successful Launch of Ariane 6 Rocket**

**Key Facts**- The European Space Agency celebrates the successful inaugural launch of the Ariane 6 rocket.- This launch restores Europe's independent access to space and enhances the Galileo satellite system. ### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

4. NASA Mars Exploration (https://mars.nasa.gov/)

5. Space.com (https://www.space.com/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Earth-Like Planet Abundance, Alien Signals, and a Milestone Mars Image

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:00:05 +1100

In this episode, we dive into some thought-provoking topics that could reshape our understanding of the universe. A groundbreaking study introduces the immersion theory, suggesting that Earth-like planets may be far more common than previously believed, thanks to the explosive influence of nearby supernovae. We also explore the Eschtachian hypothesis, which proposes that our first contact with extraterrestrial life might come in the form of a powerful signal from a civilization in distress. Additionally, we highlight an exciting week of record space launches, including China's Long March 12A rocket and South Korea's Hanbit Nano. We celebrate a significant milestone for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has captured its 100,000th image, and we wrap up with the announcement of NASA's Orbit Challenge, inviting college students to innovate for future space exploration.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: Immersion Theory and Earth-like Planets**

**Key Facts**

- A new study suggests rocky planets may be more common due to supernova explosions.

- Estimates indicate that 10-50% of sun-like stars could host planetary systems formed under these conditions.

03:20 – **Story 2: The Eschtachian Hypothesis**

**Key Facts**

- Proposed by David Kipping, this theory posits that first contact with aliens may come from a civilization in its final phase.

- The idea suggests we may receive a powerful signal as a last testament rather than a friendly communication.

05:45 – **Story 3: Record-Breaking Week for Space Launches**

**Key Facts**

- Multiple agencies, including SpaceX and China's space program, are set to launch various missions.

- Notable launches include the Ariane 6 for Galileo satellites and Blue Origin's crewed flight.

08:00 – **Story 4: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Milestone**

**Key Facts**

- NASA's MRO has captured its 100,000th image, chosen by a high school student through the HiWish program.

- The landmark photo features stunning mesas and dunes in Syrtis Major.

10:15 – **Story 5: NASA's Orbit Challenge for Students**

**Key Facts**

- This new competition invites college students to develop solutions for Earth and deep space exploration.

- With a prize pool of up to $380,000, registration is open until February 9, 2026.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. Science Advances (https://www.science.org/)

2. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

3. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/)

4. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

5. JAXA (https://www.jaxa.jp/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Gamma Ray Revolution: The Longest Burst and Cosmic Mysteries Unveiled

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:29:53 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 28 Episode 147

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into remarkable discoveries that significantly enhance our understanding of the cosmos.

Longest Gamma Ray Burst Ever Detected

Astronomers have made headlines with the discovery of the longest gamma ray burst ever recorded, GRB 250702B, which lasted over seven hours. This unprecedented event is reshaping our understanding of stellar explosions and their aftermath. Initial observations indicate that this extraordinary burst may have originated from a black hole consuming a star, prompting new theories about the mechanisms behind these powerful cosmic phenomena. We explore the implications of this finding and how it challenges existing models of gamma ray bursts.

Elemental Bounty in Supernova Remnant

For the first time, scientists have detected chlorine and potassium in the remnants of the supernova Cassiopeia A, utilizing the advanced capabilities of the CRISM spacecraft. This discovery sheds light on the elemental processes that occur during stellar explosions and their connection to the formation of elements crucial for life on Earth. We discuss the significance of these findings and their impact on our understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis.

International Space Station Fully Occupied

In a historic first, the International Space Station has reached full capacity, with all eight of its docking ports in use. We discuss the implications of this milestone, including the logistics of managing multiple spacecraft and the ongoing missions currently underway aboard the ISS.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Nature Astronomy

(00:00:00) This is space Time Series 28, Episode 147 full broadcast on 17 December 2025

(00:00:47) Astronomers have detected the longest gamma ray burst ever detected

(00:11:11) Astronomers have detected chlorine and potassium in a supernova remnant

(00:18:27) International Space Station is fully occupied with all eight docking ports now in use

(00:20:05) New study claims flavonoids may help improve insulin resistance

(00:24:58) You're a multiple award winner. You've won in creative writing and controversy

(00:26:05) Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through bitesz. com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/30691704?utm_source=youtube

A Silent Mars Orbiter Update, Interstellar Comet Encounters, and Mining the Cosmos

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:45:15 +1100

In today's episode, we cover a wide array of intriguing updates from the cosmos, including a concerning communication loss with NASA's MAVEN spacecraft at Mars and the implications of its potential silence for ongoing research. We also highlight a successful rendezvous between two private spacecraft, showcasing advancements in autonomous orbital technologies. Additionally, we discuss the upcoming close approach of interstellar comet 3I Atlas, the fascinating discovery of primordial "dinosaur stars" by the James Webb Space Telescope, and the stunning visuals from the recent Gemin meteor shower. Finally, we explore the future of asteroid mining and its potential to revolutionize space exploration and resource sustainability.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: MAVEN Spacecraft Communication Loss**

**Key Facts**

- NASA's MAVEN spacecraft has lost communication, with a brief signal indicating unexpected rotation.

- MAVEN plays a critical role in studying Mars' atmosphere and relaying communications for surface rovers.

03:20 – **Story 2: Successful Private Spacecraft Rendezvous**

**Key Facts**

- Starfish Space and Impulse Space executed an autonomous rendezvous in Earth orbit, a significant step for satellite servicing.

- The project, named Remora, showcases rapid development from concept to execution.

05:45 – **Story 3: Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas Approaches Earth**

**Key Facts**

- The comet is set to make its closest approach on December 19th, providing a rare observational opportunity.

- Telescopes like Hubble and ESA's JUICE will be studying its composition.

08:00 – **Story 4: Discovery of Dinosaur Stars**

**Key Facts**

- JWST may have found evidence of massive primordial stars, potentially up to 10,000 times the mass of our Sun.

- These stars could explain the rapid formation of supermassive black holes in the early universe.

10:15 – **Story 5: Gemin Meteor Shower Highlights**

**Key Facts**

- The Gemin meteor shower peaked on December 13, showcasing bright meteors from asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

- Astrophotographers captured stunning images from around the world.

12:00 – **Story 6: Future of Asteroid Mining**

**Key Facts**

- Research suggests small asteroids could provide essential resources for Moon and Mars missions.

- The potential for water extraction and the economic implications of space resource ownership are discussed.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

4. Space.com (https://www.space.com/)

5. Science Daily (https://www.sciencedaily.com/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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MAVEN’s Silence: Unravelling the Mystery of Mars’ Lost Contact

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:11:25 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore significant developments in space exploration and cosmic studies that could reshape our understanding of the universe.

Nasa's MAVEN Mars Orbiter: Communication Loss

NASA's MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) spacecraft has gone silent, with contact lost on December 6th after passing behind Mars. The orbiter has been a vital asset for over a decade, studying the Martian atmosphere and solar wind interactions that have transformed Mars from a water-rich world to a cold desert. We delve into MAVEN's critical findings, including the mechanisms of atmospheric escape and the implications of its potential loss for ongoing Martian research.

Galactic Neighbourhoods: Influencing Evolution

A new study reveals how a galaxy's local environment can significantly affect its evolution. The research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, demonstrates that galaxies situated in densely populated regions tend to grow more slowly and develop different structures compared to their isolated counterparts. By analysing data from the Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey, astronomers have gained insights into the complex dynamics of galactic interactions and their impact on star formation rates.

Uranus and Neptune: More Richie than Icy?

Challenging long-held classifications, a recent study suggests that the solar system's ice giants, Uranus and Neptune, may actually be more rocky than icy. Researchers from the University of Zurich conducted computer simulations that indicate a broader range of internal compositions for these planets, which could explain their complex magnetic fields. This new perspective could alter our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, paving the way for future explorations of these distant worlds.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

NASA TV

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30669638?utm_source=youtube

Google’s Galactic Data Centres, Near Misses in Orbit, and Mars’ Hidden Influence

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:53:38 +1100

In today's episode, we delve into a series of captivating stories from the cosmos, including Google's ambitious Project Suncatcher, which aims to build data centers in space, harnessing solar power and the cold vacuum of space for efficiency. We also discuss a close encounter between a Chinese spacecraft and a SpaceX Starlink satellite, highlighting the urgent need for better space traffic management. Additionally, we explore a new theory suggesting that a rogue planet may have reshaped our solar system, and how Mars has been subtly influencing Earth's climate over millennia. To cap it off, we celebrate a remarkable milestone for Voyager 1, as it approaches a staggering distance of one light day from Earth.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: Google's Project Suncatcher - Data Centers in Space**

**Key Facts**

- Google plans to launch prototype satellites in 2027 to create an orbital data center powered by solar energy.

- The project aims to address the immense energy consumption of data centers on Earth.

03:20 – **Story 2: Close Encounter in Orbit**

**Key Facts**

- A Chinese spacecraft narrowly avoided a collision with a SpaceX Starlink satellite, coming within 200 meters.

- The incident underscores the growing problem of space congestion and the need for better coordination among satellite operators.

05:45 – **Story 3: Richie Planet Theory Reshaping Solar System**

**Key Facts**

- New research suggests a rogue planet may have triggered the rearrangement of our solar system's giant planets.

- Simulations indicate that a massive object could have caused the instability that shaped the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

08:00 – **Story 4: Mars' Influence on Earth's Climate**

**Key Facts**

- A study finds that gravitational interactions between Earth and Mars amplify long-term climate cycles on Earth.

- These interactions may enhance the effects of Milankovitch cycles, influencing ice ages over millions of years.

10:15 – **Story 5: Voyager 1's Milestone Journey**

**Key Facts**

- Voyager 1 is set to reach a distance of one light day from Earth by November 2026, making communication a 48-hour round trip.

- Launched in 1977, it remains the most distant human-made object, continuing to send valuable data from interstellar space.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. Google (https://www.google.com/)

2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/)

3. NASA Voyager Mission (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/voyager/index.html)

4. NASA Solar System Exploration (https://www.nasa.gov/solar-system/)

5. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Time Dilation, Black Hole Mysteries & Cosmic Curiosities | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:07:24 +1100

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Cosmic Queries: Time Dilation, Black Holes, and Gravastars

In this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the complexities of time dilation near supergiant stars to the mysteries surrounding black holes and the hypothetical concept of gravastars, this episode is a deep dive into the fabric of our universe.

Episode Highlights:

- Time Dilation Near Supergiants: Andrew and Fred discuss the effects of gravity on time near supergiant stars and whether significant time dilation occurs compared to black holes.

- Black Holes and Stars: A listener inquires why black holes can’t revert to stars, prompting a fascinating exploration of singularity and the structure of stars.

- Understanding Atoms and Black Holes: The hosts clarify the nature of atoms, free space, and how density calculations relate to black holes, addressing the paradox of infinite density.

- Redshift Limits and Gravastars: The episode wraps up with an examination of redshift limits in the expanding universe and a discussion about the theoretical existence of gravastars, including their implications for our understanding of cosmic phenomena.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30648493?utm_source=youtube

Uranus Unveiled: Decoding the Mystery of Radiation Belts and Martian River Systems

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:08:44 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we tackle some of the most intriguing cosmic mysteries and discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.

Unraveling Uranus: The Mystery of Its Radiation Belts

For 39 years, the intense electron radiation belts surrounding Uranus have puzzled scientists since NASA's Voyager 2 flyby in 1986 revealed unexpectedly high levels of radiation. New analyses suggest these findings may be explained by a solar wind structure interacting with the Uranian system during Voyager 2's visit. This research opens up new questions about the fundamental physics governing these extreme energy levels and the unique characteristics of Uranus itself.

Mapping Martian River Systems: A Historic First

A groundbreaking study has mapped ancient river systems on Mars, identifying 16 large drainage basins that could have supported life billions of years ago. By synthesizing previous data on Martian river valleys, lakes, and canyons, scientists have outlined how these systems could have formed a global network, similar to Earth's most biodiverse river basins. This research enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history and its potential for past life.

2026 Australasian Sky Guide Released

The 2026 Australasian Sky Guide has officially been released, offering skywatchers a detailed monthly map of celestial events. Highlights include supermoons, planetary alignments, and eclipses, providing an exciting year ahead for astronomy enthusiasts. Dr. Nick Glom shares insights into the guide's features and the astronomical events to look forward to in the coming year.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Communications Earth and Environment

(00:00:00) Scientists may have finally resolved 39 year old mystery about Uranus radiation belts

(00:03:55) A new study has begun the task of mapping ancient river systems on Mars

(00:08:06) The 2026 Australasian Sky Guide has just been released

(00:10:23) The book tells readers what's up in the sky for each month

(00:11:39) Total eclipse of the moon in March is spectacular and easy to photograph

(00:14:22) A new study suggests volcanic activity may have paved the way for the Black Death

(00:15:37) A new study claims people who want children are more likely to find older faces attractive

(00:17:33) Tim Mendham warns about the dangers of taking medical advice on social media

(00:20:08) Spacetime is available through bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/30625931?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Maps, Colour-Changing Spacesuits, and the Moon’s Hidden Resources

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:57:37 +1100

Episode Summary

In today's episode, we explore a myriad of fascinating developments in space science, ranging from a groundbreaking new galactic map created by NASA's Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope to innovative color-changing spacesuits designed to protect astronauts from radiation. We also discuss how Earth's magnetosphere may be enriching the Moon's soil with vital resources, a busy month for the International Space Station, and SpaceX's potential plans for an IPO. Finally, we take a closer look at Comet 3i ATLAS, which has been observed glowing in X-ray light, providing new insights into its composition and origins.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: New Galactic Map from NASA's Roman Telescope**

**Key Facts**

- NASA's new survey aims to create an unprecedented infrared map of the Milky Way, revealing tens of billions of stars.

- The Roman telescope will utilize microlensing techniques to study stellar formation and hidden galactic structures.

03:30 – **Story 2: Color-Changing Spacesuits for Radiation Detection**

**Key Facts**

- Scientists in Scotland are developing spacesuits with bacteria that change color in response to radiation exposure.

- This innovation aims to provide real-time monitoring of astronauts' radiation levels during missions.

05:45 – **Story 3: Earth's Magnetosphere Enriching the Moon**

**Key Facts**

- A study suggests that Earth's magnetic field may have seeded the Moon with vital resources like water and nitrogen over billions of years.

- This finding could enhance the Moon's potential for future human exploration and habitation.

08:00 – **Story 4: Busy Month for the International Space Station**

**Key Facts**

- The ISS celebrated 25 years of continuous human presence in space and had all eight docking ports occupied for the first time.

- The crew conducted various scientific experiments and welcomed new crew members via Soyuz MS.28.

10:15 – **Story 5: SpaceX's Potential IPO**

**Key Facts**

- Speculation arises around SpaceX considering an IPO valued at approximately $1.5 trillion to support ambitious projects like space-based data centers.

- This move could pave the way for future Moon factories and advanced AI infrastructure.

12:00 – **Story 6: Comet 3i ATLAS Observed in X-rays**

**Key Facts**

- The European Space Agency's XMM-Newton Observatory captured images of the interstellar comet 3i ATLAS emitting X-rays through charge exchange processes.

- This observation provides insights into the comet's composition and its distant stellar origins.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

3. University of Rochester (https://www.universityofrochester.edu/)

4. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/)

5. International Space Station (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/iss/main/index.html)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Wheelchair Astronaut, Cosmic Fireworks, and the Race to Mine the Moon

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:16:40 +1100

### Episode Summary

Today’s episode features groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the historic journey of Michaela Benthouse, the first wheelchair user set to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's NS37 mission. We also delve into a major survey of the Magellanic Clouds, revealing insights into their interaction with our Milky Way. Additionally, we discuss surprising findings from NASA's Parker Solar Probe regarding solar recycling, the new race for lunar resources, and the upcoming celestial fireworks from the binary star system V Sagittae. Finally, we explore the innovative Ristretto instrument aimed at studying Proxima B, our nearest exoplanet neighbor.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: Michaela Benthouse to Become First Wheelchair User in Space**

**Key Facts**

- Michaela Benthouse, an aerospace engineer, will fly on Blue Origin's NS37 mission, marking a milestone for accessibility in space.

- The mission emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in space exploration.

03:20 – **Story 2: Major Survey of the Magellanic Clouds**

**Key Facts**

- A new five-year survey using the VISTA telescope will utilize spectroscopy to create a detailed 3D map of the Magellanic Clouds.

- This data will help understand their interaction with the Milky Way and the dynamics of the Magellanic Stream.

05:45 – **Story 3: Surprising Findings from Parker Solar Probe**

**Key Facts**

- The probe captured footage of coronal mass ejections showing material recycling back to the sun.

- This discovery could enhance our understanding of solar activity and improve space weather predictions.

08:00 – **Story 4: New Space Race for Lunar Resources**

**Key Facts**

- Nations and companies are developing technologies to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3.

- Concerns arise regarding environmental impacts and the need for updated space treaties.

10:15 – **Story 5: Upcoming Nova from V Sagittae**

**Key Facts**

- The binary star system V Sagittae is predicted to undergo a nova explosion in the coming years, followed by a supernova event.

- This celestial display may be visible to the naked eye, potentially occurring around 2083.

12:00 – **Story 6: Ristretto Instrument to Study Proxima B**

**Key Facts**

- Ristretto, a new spectrograph, aims to analyze the atmosphere of Proxima B, our closest exoplanet.

- It will use advanced techniques to block out the star's glare and search for potential biosignatures in the planet's atmosphere.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. Blue Origin (https://www.blueorigin.com/)

2. European Southern Observatory (https://www.eso.org/public/usa/)

3. NASA Parker Solar Probe (https://www.nasa.gov/solarprobe)

4. Lunar Mining Developments (https://www.space.com/mining-the-moon)

5. Very Large Telescope (https://www.eso.org/public/usa/telescope/vlt/)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Martian Timekeeping: Synchronizing Clocks, Eccentric Orbits & Space Gum Discoveries | Space...

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:50:21 +1100

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Cosmic Conversations: Time on Mars, Eccentric Orbits, and Space Gum

In this riveting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson embark on a fascinating journey through the cosmos, tackling the complexities of timekeeping on Mars, the peculiar orbit of exoplanet TOI 3884B, and a surprising discovery from asteroid Bennu.

Episode Highlights:

- Timekeeping on Mars : Andrew and Fred delve into the challenges of synchronizing time between Earth and Mars, highlighting the unique aspects of Martian days and the effects of relativity that complicate clock synchronization.

- TOI 3884B's Eccentric Orbit : The hosts explore the unusual orbit of TOI 3884B, a planet that orbits its star at a significant angle, raising questions about its formation and the dynamics at play in its solar system.

- Space Gum from Asteroid Bennu : A surprising find of nitrogen-rich polymeric sheets in the samples returned from asteroid Bennu leads to a discussion about the origins of this "space gum" and its implications for understanding asteroid composition and formation.

- Curiosities and Speculations : The episode wraps up with playful banter about the implications of these discoveries and the mysteries that continue to unfold in our universe.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30601476?utm_source=youtube

Mars Mishaps, Earthly Tails, and the Hungry Hippo Rocket Fairing

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:20:17 +1100

Episode Summary

Today’s episode dives into a whirlwind of cosmic news, featuring a communications hiccup with NASA's MAVEN orbiter at Mars, the astonishing discovery of Earth's magnetic tail, and the unveiling of NASA's new Rover Operations Center. We also explore the intriguing hints of a methane-rich atmosphere on an exoplanet detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, a groundbreaking dual-mode drone from China, and Rocket Lab's innovative "Hungry Hippo" fairing design for their upcoming neutron rocket.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: MAVEN Orbiter Loses Contact with Earth**

**Key Facts**

- NASA's MAVEN orbiter has temporarily lost communication, crucial for relaying data from Mars rovers.

- The team is working to reestablish contact with the spacecraft.

03:15 – **Story 2: Earth Has a Magnetic Tail**

**Key Facts**

- A NASA study reveals Earth’s magnetotail stretches 2 million kilometers into space, formed by solar wind interaction.

- Understanding this structure helps predict space weather impacts on technology.

05:00 – **Story 3: New Rover Operations Center at NASA**

**Key Facts**

- NASA opens the Rover Operations Center to support future lunar and Martian missions.

- The center integrates advanced AI and emphasizes partnerships with commercial space companies.

07:30 – **Story 4: James Webb Telescope’s Potential Discovery**

**Key Facts**

- JWST observes the Trappist 1 system, hinting at a methane-rich atmosphere on Trappist 1 e.

- The findings are preliminary, and further observations are planned to clarify the signal.

09:10 – **Story 5: China’s Dual-Mode Mars Drone**

**Key Facts**

- A new drone concept combines flying and rolling capabilities to enhance Mars exploration efficiency.

- The design aims to conserve energy while allowing exploration of hard-to-reach areas.

11:00 – **Story 6: Rocket Lab’s Hungry Hippo Fairing**

**Key Facts**

- Rocket Lab’s neutron rocket features a unique fairing design that opens like a “Hungry Hippo” to release payloads.

- This innovation streamlines the recovery process, contributing to rapid reusability in space launches.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

4. Rocket Lab (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/)

5. Mars Exploration Program (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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Spacewalks, Supernovas, and the Mysteries of Super Jupiters

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:58:15 +1100

### Episode Summary

A thrilling spacewalk at the Tiangong Space Station, the discovery of the oldest supernova witnessed by the James Webb Telescope, and new insights into the chaotic nature of Super Jupiters highlight today's episode. We also explore the powerful winds generated by a supermassive black hole, showcasing the dynamic interactions in our universe.

### Timestamps & Stories

01:05 – **Story 1: Marathon Spacewalk at Tiangong Space Station**

**Key Facts**

- Two astronauts from the Shenshou 21 mission conducted an 8-hour spacewalk to inspect damage on the Shenshou 20 return capsule, struck by space debris.

- Installation of new debris protection systems highlights the growing threat of space junk.

03:40 – **Story 2: Record Launches by China**

**Key Facts**

- China set a national record with three Long March rocket launches in under 19 hours.

- Missions included broadband satellite deployments and classified military satellites.

05:20 – **Story 3: Bold Recommendations for Mars Exploration**

**Key Facts**

- A new report emphasizes the search for life as the top priority for crewed Mars missions.

- Proposed campaigns focus on glacier ice and deep subsurface exploration for biosignatures.

07:00 – **Story 4: Oldest Supernova Detected by JWST**

**Key Facts**

- James Webb Telescope identifies a supernova from 13 billion years ago, just 730 million years post-Big Bang.

- This discovery provides insights into the early universe and the lifecycle of massive stars.

08:40 – **Story 5: Super Jupiters Challenge Our Understanding**

**Key Facts**

- Research on exoplanet VHS 1256 b reveals a chaotic atmosphere, differing significantly from Jupiter's stability.

- The study suggests massive gas giants may exhibit turbulent weather patterns instead of organized bands.

10:15 – **Story 6: Winds from a Supermassive Black Hole**

**Key Facts**

- A supermassive black hole in galaxy NGC 3783 emits powerful winds at 1/5 the speed of light, impacting galaxy evolution.

- Observations from XMM-Newton and XRISM telescopes reveal the connection between black holes and their host galaxies.

### Sources & Further Reading

1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/)

2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/)

3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html)

4. Mars Exploration Program (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html)

5. NASA Black Hole Research (https://www.nasa.gov/blackholes)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Bennu’s Bounty: Uncovering Sugars, Space Gum, and Stardust in Asteroid Samples

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:26 +1100

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 28 Episode 145

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries that deepen our understanding of the origins of life and the dynamics of our galaxy.

Sugars and Stardust: Insights from Asteroid Bennu

NASA's Osiris Rex mission has returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, revealing the presence of biologically essential sugars, including ribose and glucose, along with a unique gum-like substance never before seen in astromaterials. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience and Nature Astronomy , suggest that the building blocks for life were widespread throughout the early solar system. The discovery of ribose supports the RNA world hypothesis, indicating that RNA might have been the first genetic material. Additionally, the presence of glucose hints at the early energy sources available for life on Earth.

Stars Defying the Black Hole

Astronomers have observed numerous stars in stable orbits around Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. This discovery, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics , challenges previous assumptions that these objects were merely clouds of dust on a collision course with destruction. Instead, the new data from the ERIS Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph reveals a dynamic and stable environment around the black hole, providing a unique laboratory for studying interactions between black holes and stars.

Martian Mystery Solved?

A new radar technique employed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has cast doubt on the existence of a suspected underground lake beneath the Martian South Pole ice cap. Initial signals that suggested the presence of liquid water have been reinterpreted as possibly being layers of rock and dust. This innovative approach opens new avenues for investigating subsurface resources on Mars, which could have significant implications for future exploration.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Geoscience

Nature Astronomy

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Geophysical Research Letters

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30557915?utm_source=youtube

Stellar Explosions, Galactic Surprises, and the Controversial Light Beaming Plan

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:35:04 +1100

### Episode Summary

Real-time images of exploding stars, a surprisingly “gentle” supermassive black hole, the return of a long-duration Soyuz crew, a packed week of launches, Subaru’s first new exoplanet and brown-dwarf finds, and a controversial plan to light up the night sky with orbital mirrors.

### Timestamps & Stories

00:00 – Cold Open

00:35 – Intro

01:05 – **Story 1: Astronomers watch novae explode in real time**

**Key Facts**

- First-ever direct imaging of two novae as they erupted using the CHARA optical interferometer

- V1674 Herculis: fastest nova on record; brightened & faded in days; showed two perpendicular gas jets

- V1405 Cassiopeiae: visible to naked eye for months; delayed ejection after 50+ days

- Gamma-ray bursts from Fermi telescope timed perfectly with visible jets

03:35 – **Story 2: Soyuz MS-27 crew lands after 8-month ISS mission**

**Key Facts**

- Crew of three returned safely to Kazakhstan on 8 Dec 2025

- 260+ days in orbit (launched April 2025)

- Handover completed; ISS now at full Expedition strength for next rotation

05:05 – ** Story 3: Launch Roundup (8–15 Dec 2025) **

**Key Facts**

- SpaceX Starship Flight 6 (Texas) – major reusability test

- China Long March 7A – new Tiangong station module

- ULA Vulcan Centaur Cert-2 (Cape Canaveral) – second certification flight

- Rocket Lab Electron (New Zealand) – successful dawn launch

- Russia Soyuz-2.1b (Vostochny) – classified payload

06:35 – ** Story 4: Subaru Telescope’s first discoveries* *

**Key Facts**

- First science results from upgraded high-contrast infrared instruments

- New brown dwarf (13–80 Jupiter masses) with dusty disk

- New wide-orbit gas-giant exoplanet ~300 light-years away showing methane & water signatures

08:05 – ** Story 5: Sagittarius A* is less destructive than thought **

**Key Facts**

- Objects like G2/DSO, D9, X3, X7 all survive stable orbits within 0.8 parsecs of the 4-million-solar-mass black hole

- 20+ years of VLT data (SINFONI, NACO, ERIS) show no tidal disruption

- Galactic Center may be a star-formation zone rather than a shredder

09:55 – ** Story 6: Giant space mirrors to light up the night **

**Key Facts**

- Reflect Orbital plans thousands of mirror satellites by 2030

- Each beam ~5 km wide, 4× brighter than full moon

- Goal: extend solar-farm output after sunset & aid night rescues

- Astronomers warn of catastrophic light-pollution increase and wildlife disruption

11:20 – Outro

### Sources & Further Reading

1. https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7462/Astronomers-watch-stars-explode-in-real-time-and

2. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/ (https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/)

3. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/)

4. https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet (https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet)

5. https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought)

6. https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/ (https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/)

# ## Quick Quotes

- “High-definition video of stellar explosions.” – Elias Aydi

- “Sagittarius A* is less destructive than was previously thought.” – Florian Peißker

- “Catastrophic for astronomy.” – Robert Massey (on orbital mirrors)

### Follow & Contact

X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod

Instagram: @astrodailypod

Email: hello@astronomydaily.io

Website: astronomydaily.io

Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud’s Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:28:05 +1100

(00:00:00) Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

(00:00:46) One of our nearest neighbouring galaxies being torn apart

(00:08:00) A giant spider on the Jovian Ice Moon Europa

(00:12:23) Mars could have been habitable for long periods

(00:14:14) The Science Report

(00:17:23) Skeptics guide to why some people are born suckers

(00:20:24) Episode Wrap

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into fascinating cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.

The Small Magellanic Cloud: A Galaxy Under Duress

Astronomers have uncovered that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, is being torn apart by gravitational forces from its neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This revelation, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights the complex movements of Cepheid variable stars within the galaxy, indicating that it is being stretched in multiple directions. By utilizing data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the interactions between these two galaxies, prompting a reevaluation of their structural dynamics and gravitational relationships with the Milky Way.

Europa's Spider: Signs of Subsurface Water?

A striking spider-like feature on Jupiter's moon Europa has scientists buzzing with excitement. Researchers suggest this formation, found near the Menanan impact crater, may be evidence of subsurface water seeping through the moon's icy crust following an asteroid impact. The findings, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, could have significant implications for the moon's habitability and the presence of life. By drawing parallels with similar features on Mars, scientists are eager to explore Europa's subsurface properties further, especially with the upcoming Europa Clipper mission set to launch in April 2030.

Mars: A Longer Habitable History?

New research indicates that Mars may have been habitable for a much longer duration than previously believed. A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets reveals that ancient underground water may have flowed beneath the Martian sand dunes, creating conditions conducive to life long after its surface water disappeared. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history but also highlights the potential of subsurface environments as targets for future exploration in the search for past life.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Planetary Science Journal

Journal of Geophysical Research Planets

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30529859?utm_source=youtube

Interstellar Mysteries, Solar Celebrations, and the AI Propulsion Revolution

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:45:17 +1100

Mysterious Interstellar Object 3i Atlas: The interstellar object 3i Atlas is back in the spotlight, exhibiting strange behavior that has scientists puzzled. With non-gravitational acceleration and focused jets forming an anti-tail, its upcoming close approach to Earth on December 19th has prompted coordinated space defense drills among various nations, raising intriguing questions about its true nature.

SOHO's 30th Anniversary: Celebrating 30 years of operation, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has not only revolutionized solar science but has also discovered over 5000 comets, making it the most prolific comet hunter in history. Its resilience and contributions to understanding space weather have been invaluable.

AI in Spacecraft Propulsion: Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming spacecraft propulsion systems. Through reinforcement learning, AI is optimizing engine performance in real-time, particularly in complex systems like nuclear thermal propulsion and fusion research, paving the way for more efficient travel across the solar system.

Hypersonic Space Gun: Longshot Space Technologies is developing a hypersonic space gun, a kinetic launch system designed to fire payloads into orbit at Mach 23. This innovative approach could dramatically reduce launch costs and revolutionize space logistics, although it is limited to ruggedized cargo.

Geminid Meteor Shower Preview: The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak on December 13th, offering ideal viewing conditions with a waning crescent moon. Stargazers can expect to see between 120 and 150 meteors per hour, with the chance to witness the colorful streaks originating from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.

Voyager 2's Uranus Mystery Solved: A decades-old mystery regarding Voyager 2's observations of Uranus has been revisited. New research suggests that the intense radiation belt detected during its flyby in 1986 was influenced by a solar wind structure, confirming a temporary solar storm effect far out in the solar system.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/). Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

3i Atlas Observations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

SOHO Achievements

[ESA SOHO]( https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/ (https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/) )

AI in Propulsion Research

[Journal of Propulsion and Power]( https://arc.aiaa.org/loi/jpp (https://arc.aiaa.org/loi/jpp) )

Hypersonic Launch System

[Longshot Space Technologies]( https://www.longshotspace.com/ (https://www.longshotspace.com/) )

Geminid Meteor Shower

[American Meteor Society]( https://www.amsmeteors.org/ (https://www.amsmeteors.org/) )

Voyager 2 Uranus Findings

[Southwest Research Institute]( https://www.southwestresearchinstitute.org/ (https://www.southwestresearchinstitute.org/) )

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Cosmic Questions: Time, Mass, and the Spectacle of Auroras | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:04:16 +1100

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Cosmic Curiosities: Time Dilation, Supernova Remnants, and Aurora Colors

In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from their curious audience. From the enigmatic nature of time in anti-gravity fields to the vibrant colors of auroras, this episode dives deep into the mysteries of the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- Time in Anti-Gravity Fields: Andrew and Fred explore the implications of time dilation in gravitational and anti-gravity environments, discussing how time appears to flow differently depending on the observer's frame of reference.

- Supernova Remnants: The hosts address whether we can still see the star remnants that contributed to the formation of heavy elements in our solar system, revealing the complexities of cosmic recycling.

- The Colors of Aurora: Listener Nate's question about the stunning colors of auroras leads to a fascinating discussion on the atmospheric processes that create different hues, from greens to reds and beyond.

- Relativistic Mass and Spacecraft Acceleration: Lee from Sweden poses an intriguing idea about using relativistic mass ejection to enhance spacecraft propulsion, prompting a conversation about the theoretical limits of current technology and the physics involved.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30507865?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Filaments, Earth 2.0, and Mayonnaise in Space

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:09:23 +1100

Discovery of a Cosmic Filament: Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable string of 14 galaxies spinning in unison within a colossal cosmic filament, a structure that is about 50 million light years long and rotates at an astounding 110 kilometers per second. This discovery reveals the profound influence of cosmic structures on galaxy formation.

China's Earth 2.0 Initiative: The China National Space Agency has unveiled ambitious plans for their upcoming missions aimed at exploring Earth-like planets. These missions include a radio astronomy experiment on the Moon's far side, a solar observatory, a space telescope for studying black holes, and an exoplanet-hunting satellite, positioning China at the forefront of space exploration.

International Space Station Leadership Change: Expedition 73 is transitioning to Expedition 74, with veteran cosmonaut Sergey Rysakov handing over command to NASA's Mike Finke. This change comes as the crew prepares for their return to Earth, while scientific research aboard the ISS continues unabated.

Mayonnaise Research in Space: Scientists are studying mayonnaise aboard the ISS to understand soft matter dynamics in microgravity. This research could reshape our understanding of materials and their applications on Earth, revealing that gravity significantly impacts the internal structures of these substances.

NASA's Punch Mission and Comet Swann: NASA's Punch mission has released a breathtaking 40-day timelapse of Comet Swann, showcasing its stunning bluish-green coma and glowing tail. The footage also features an unexpected appearance by the interstellar visitor 3i Atlas, making for a spectacular cosmic event.

NASA's Emmy Win: NASA has been awarded an Emmy for their production of the total solar eclipse broadcast from April 8, 2024. This monumental effort garnered nearly 40 million views and was recognized for its excellence in production technology, showcasing the agency's commitment to bringing celestial wonders to the public.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Cosmic Filament Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

China's Earth 2.0 Plans

[China National Space Agency]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

ISS Expedition Updates

[NASA TV]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html) )

Soft Matter Research

[Scientific Reports]( https://www.nature.com/srep/ (https://www.nature.com/srep/) )

Comet Swann Timelapse

[NASA Punch Mission]( https://www.nasa.gov/punch (https://www.nasa.gov/punch) )

NASA Emmy Award

[Academy of Television Arts and Sciences]( https://www.emmys.com (https://www.emmys.com/) /)

Sponsor Details:

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Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30488403?utm_source=youtube

Erupting Exo Comets, Boiling Ice Moons & Martian Climate Revelations | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:47:01 +1100

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Cosmic Discoveries: Erupting Comets, Boiling Ice Moons, and Mars' Climate Secrets

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical revelations that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. From the surprising eruptions of the exo-comet 3I Atlas to the intriguing boiling oceans beneath the icy crusts of moons like Enceladus, this episode is filled with cosmic wonders.

Episode Highlights:

- Eruptions on Comet 3I Atlas: Andrew and Fred explore the recent findings about the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, which appears to be experiencing volcanic eruptions. They discuss the concept of cryovolcanoes and how the comet's interactions with solar radiation may be causing these fascinating phenomena.

- Boiling Oceans of Ice Moons: The hosts examine new research from the University of California, Davis, which suggests that the ice moons of our solar system, including Enceladus, may have boiling oceans beneath their icy crusts. They explain how tidal forces and pressure changes could lead to this unexpected behavior.

- New Evidence of Mars' Climate: Andrew and Fred discuss exciting discoveries made by NASA's Perseverance rover, which has found evidence of a wet, tropical climate on Mars billions of years ago. They delve into the implications of these findings and what they might mean for the potential of past life on the Red Planet.

- Launch Pad Mishap: The episode concludes with a discussion about the recent incident involving the Soyuz launch pad, where a service platform was damaged following a successful launch. The hosts reflect on the challenges faced in human spaceflight and the ongoing cooperation between international space agencies despite geopolitical tensions.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30485159?utm_source=youtube

Lightning Strikes Mars: The First Detection of Electrical Discharges and NASA’s New Look at...

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:27:57 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries and intriguing phenomena from Mars to the depths of space.

Lightning Strikes on Mars: A Historic Discovery

NASA's Perseverance Rover has made a remarkable find by detecting lightning in the Martian atmosphere for the first time. Recorded within two dust devils in Jezero Crater, the rover's Supercam microphone captured electromagnetic and acoustic signals indicative of electrical discharges. This discovery not only confirms long-held theories about Martian electrical activity but also reveals significant implications for the planet's atmospheric chemistry and potential hazards for future missions.

NASA's Observations of Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

Following the European Space Agency's observations, NASA has released stunning images of interstellar comet 3I Atlas. As the comet passed close to Mars, NASA's MAVEN and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provided crucial data on its trajectory and chemical composition. These insights are helping astronomers piece together the comet's journey and origins, revealing potential clues about water in other star systems.

Moss in Space: Resilience Against the Void

A new study has shown that moss can survive the harsh conditions of space for up to 15 years. Researchers sent moss spores to the International Space Station, where they thrived despite exposure to the vacuum and extreme temperatures. This remarkable resilience could have implications for understanding life's potential to endure in extreme environments beyond Earth.

Skywatch: December Highlights

As the December solstice approaches, we take a look at the night sky's highlights, including the Geminids meteor shower and the ticking time bomb of Eta Carina. We also discuss the significance of the December solstice and the celestial events that define this time of year.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Nature

NASA Reports

Journal of Eye Science

(00:00:00) NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has captured evidence of electrical discharges

(00:03:47) NASA publishes its own observations of the Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

(00:07:26) Moss spores survive exposure to vacuum of space for up to 15 years

(00:09:40) The December solstice marks the beginning of winter in both hemispheres

(00:11:54) Axial precession causes a slow and continuous change in Earth's rotational axis

(00:15:11) Astronomers describe stars in terms of spectral types based on temperature and characteristics

(00:19:04) Two blue stars nearing end of their lives before exploding massive core collapse supernovae

(00:24:23) Just above the horizon is the constellation of Orion the Hunter

(00:34:04) Canopus talks about the effect of the Moon on stargazing

(00:37:03) The Southern Cross starts near the celestial equator and wanders far south

(00:39:06) There are two star clusters that we speak about quite often on the show

(00:41:50) The only planet that's up in the early evening is Saturn

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30473771?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Telescopes, Orbital Challenges, and the Secrets of Venus

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:15:43 +1100

Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope Assembly Complete: NASA has successfully assembled the Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, a major milestone that brings us closer to its anticipated launch in May 2027. This powerful telescope, equipped with a 288-megapixel camera, promises to gather data hundreds of times faster than Hubble, potentially unveiling over 100,000 new exoplanets and billions of galaxies.

Russian Soyuz Rocket Launch Damage: Following a successful launch to the International Space Station, damage was discovered at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, attributed to vibrations and heat from the launch. Repairs are expected to take around three months, but there’s no immediate threat to future crewed missions.

Satellite Mega Constellations and Light Pollution: A new forecast reveals that satellite mega constellations could severely impact astronomical observations, with projections showing that 1/3 of Hubble's images may be contaminated with satellite trails by the 2030s. Solutions are being explored to mitigate this growing issue.

Geological Differences Between Earth and Venus: Recent research sheds light on the geological differences between Earth and Venus, highlighting that Venus operates under a 'squishy lid' regime, which affects its volcanism and tectonic activity. This new framework helps explain the presence of active volcanoes on the otherwise stagnant planet.

James Webb Space Telescope's Stunning New Image: The James Webb Space Telescope captures a breathtaking image of two colliding dwarf galaxies, NGC 4490 and NGC 4485, revealing a bridge of gas and new stars formed from their gravitational interaction, showcasing the dynamic nature of the universe.

Rare High-Definition Sunspot Images: Astronomers have captured rare high-definition images of sunspots just before they erupted in a powerful solar flare. These images provide critical insights into the sun's magnetic activity and could improve our ability to predict solar events that impact technology on Earth.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Soyuz Launch Damage Report

[Roscosmos]( https://www.roscosmos.ru/ (https://www.roscosmos.ru/) )

Satellite Constellation Forecast

[Hubble Space Telescope]( https://hubblesite.org/ (https://hubblesite.org/) )

Venus Geological Research

[Planetary Science Journal]( https://www.planetarysciencejournal.com/ (https://www.planetarysciencejournal.com/) )

James Webb Space Telescope Image

[NASA Webb]( https://webb.nasa.gov/ (https://webb.nasa.gov/) )

Sunspot Observations

[Gregor Solar Telescope]( https://www.gregorsolar.telescope/ (https://www.gregorsolar.telescope/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30473138?utm_source=youtube

Exploding Rockets, Cosmic Rays, and the Secrets of Asteroid Bennu

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:53:15 +1100

China's Zhuqi 3 Rocket Launch: Landspace has successfully launched its Zhuqi 3 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the reusable rocket race. Although the first stage booster experienced a mishap during its landing attempt, the successful reach of orbit demonstrates the progress in China's commercial space industry.

WASP 107B's Atmospheric Loss: The James Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning images of the gas giant WASP 107B, which is actively losing its atmosphere due to intense stellar radiation. This phenomenon provides valuable insights into planetary evolution and the life cycles of exoplanets.

Asteroid Bennu's Life Ingredients: NASA's Osiris Rex mission has returned samples from Asteroid Bennu, revealing essential sugars like ribose and glucose. These findings support the theory that asteroids could have delivered the building blocks of life to early Earth, with a fascinating discovery of a complex organic material playfully dubbed "Spacegum."

December's Celestial Events: Sky watchers can look forward to a spectacular full moon, known as the Cold Moon, that will coincide with a supermoon and a major lunar standstill, making it a rare and beautiful sight in the winter sky.

Hataku Matu R's Stunning Imagery: Despite the crash landing of the Japanese lunar lander Hataku Matu R, it captured breathtaking images of Earth during a total solar eclipse, showcasing the beauty of our planet from a unique perspective.

Cosmic Ray and JetBlue Emergency Landing: A fascinating theory suggests that a cosmic ray may have caused a JetBlue airliner to experience a sudden altitude drop, highlighting the potential effects of high-energy particles from deep space on modern avionics.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Zhuqi 3 Rocket Launch

[Landspace]( https://www.landspace.com/ (https://www.landspace.com/) )

WASP 107B Observations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Osiris Rex Mission Findings

[NASA Osiris Rex]( https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex (https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex) )

Lunar Events Details

[Astronomy Magazine]( https://www.astronomy.com/ (https://www.astronomy.com/) )

Hataku Matu R Imagery

[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]( https://www.jaxa.jp/ (https://www.jaxa.jp/) )

Cosmic Ray Theory

[JetBlue Airways]( https://www.jetblue.com/ (https://www.jetblue.com/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30450805?utm_source=youtube

From Earthly Concerns to Martian Innovations: A Journey Through Space News

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:03:43 +1100

Threat to the Atacama Desert: Scientists are raising alarms over a massive renewable energy project near Chile’s Atacama Desert, home to the Paranal Observatory. Concerns include potential light pollution, dust interference, and atmospheric heating that could compromise the region's exceptional astronomical conditions. The scientific community is advocating for solutions to minimize these impacts while balancing sustainable energy needs.

Blue Origin's New Innovations: Blue Origin has unveiled exciting new hardware, including the Blue Moon Mark One robotic lander set to fly by 2026, a more powerful version of the New Glenn rocket, and Blue Ring, a space tug designed to support logistics in Earth orbit. These advancements highlight the company's commitment to building a sustainable space infrastructure.

Starquakes and Cosmic Mysteries: NASA's TESS has detected unusual starquakes from a red giant orbiting the black hole Gaia BH2. The star's rapid spin and curious chemical composition suggest it may be the result of a merger between two stars, showcasing the power of astroseismology in uncovering cosmic histories.

Time on Mars: A fascinating revelation indicates that time moves slightly faster on Mars compared to Earth due to its weaker gravity and slower orbit. This difference, while minuscule, poses significant implications for future Martian missions, necessitating a standardized time system for coordinated operations.

Innovative Martian Construction: Researchers propose a groundbreaking method for building on Mars using local resources. By combining Martian soil with Earth bacteria, scientists aim to create bioconcrete for construction, while also producing oxygen, offering a dual solution for habitat creation and life support in the harsh Martian environment.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Threat to the Atacama Desert

[Astronomy Journal]( https://www.astronomy.com/ (https://www.astronomy.com/) )

Blue Origin Innovations

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Starquakes Research

[NASA TV]( https://www.nasa.gov/tess (https://www.nasa.gov/tess) )

Time on Mars Studies

[Physics Today]( https://www.physicstoday.org/ (https://www.physicstoday.org/) )

Martian Construction Research

[NASA Mars]( https://mars.nasa.gov/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30427783?utm_source=youtube

Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth’s Moon and Lucy’s Journey to Jupiter’s Trojans

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:49:58 +1100

(00:00:00) Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

(00:00:50) New study claims Theia and Earth were once neighbours

(00:06:16) Lucy’s mission to Jupiter’s trojan asteroids

(00:15:26) Starliner’s next mission to be limited to cargo only

(00:17:57) The Science Report

(00:23:17) Alex on Tech: Dooms Day clock countdown to Digital ID

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into the intriguing origins of our Moon and the latest developments in space exploration.

Theia: The Lost Planet Behind the Moon's Birth

A groundbreaking study reveals that Theia, the small planet believed to have collided with Earth to form the Moon, originated from the inner solar system. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute and the University of Chicago have analyzed isotopic compositions of Earth and Moon rocks, suggesting that Theia was likely composed of materials found closer to the Sun than Earth's orbit. This discovery sheds light on the nature of this celestial body and its dramatic impact on our planet's history.

Lucy Mission Update: Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

NASA's Lucy spacecraft, launched in October 2021, is on an ambitious 12-year mission to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. These ancient remnants from the solar system's formation are crucial for understanding planetary development. Lucy will visit seven asteroids, including both leading and trailing Trojan swarms, providing unprecedented insights into the early solar system. Principal Investigator Hal Levison emphasizes that the mission will revolutionize our understanding of planetary formation and the origins of volatiles and organics on terrestrial planets.

Starliner Mission Limited to Cargo

In a significant setback, NASA has announced that Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will only carry cargo on its next mission to the International Space Station. This decision follows a series of technical issues that plagued Starliner's previous flights. With the total number of planned missions reduced from six to four, NASA aims to ensure safety and reliability before allowing crewed flights again.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Science

NASA Reports

Max Planck Institute Studies

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30422756?utm_source=youtube

Spacecraft Drama, Galactic Neighborhoods, and the Push for a Circular Space Economy

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:43:51 +1100

Emergency Return of Shenzhou 20: China's Shenzhou 20 spacecraft is making an uncrewed emergency return to Earth after sustaining damage from a micrometeoroid, which caused a crack in its window. The crew safely returned on a different vessel, marking a significant first for China's space program.

Galactic Neighborhoods Matter: The Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey (DEVELS) reveals that a galaxy's local environment significantly influences its evolution. Galaxies in crowded clusters exhibit slower star formation rates compared to isolated ones, providing crucial insights into cosmic evolution.

Launch Week Extravaganza: This week sees 10 scheduled orbital launches, including five Starlink missions by SpaceX, South Korea's COMSAT 7 satellite launch by Arianespace, and Japan's H3 rocket carrying a critical GPS satellite, highlighting the rapid advancements in the global space industry.

Ancient Mars Rivers: A new study identifies 16 massive ancient river drainage systems on Mars, suggesting a much wetter past. These findings offer promising locations for searching for signs of past Martian life, utilizing high-resolution data from Mars orbiters.

Solar Activity Alert: The sun has unleashed a powerful X 1.9 class solar flare, causing radio blackouts and raising concerns about future solar activity. Forecasters are closely monitoring a larger sunspot region that could impact Earth with potential geomagnetic disturbances.

Sustainable Space Practices: Experts advocate for a circular space economy to combat space debris, emphasizing the importance of designing durable, repairable satellites and creating multi-purpose space stations to ensure sustainable operations in orbit for future generations.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Shenzhou 20 Emergency Return

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

DEVELS Survey Findings

[Astronomy Journal]( https://www.astronomy.com/ (https://www.astronomy.com/) )

Launch Week Highlights

[NASA Launch Schedule]( https://www.nasa.gov/launchschedule (https://www.nasa.gov/launchschedule) )

Mars River Systems Study

[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]( https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/) )

Solar Activity Reports

[NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center]( https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/) )

Circular Space Economy Initiatives

[Astroscale]( https://astroscale.com/ (https://astroscale.com/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30405097?utm_source=youtube

Dark Matter Detected: A Breakthrough in Cosmic Mystery and CHEOPS’ Next Milestone

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:47:22 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of the universe and the challenges faced in space exploration.

Detecting Dark Matter: A Major Breakthrough

After nearly a century of speculation, scientists may have finally detected dark matter. A report in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that gamma rays emitted from dark matter particle collisions have been observed using NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope. This discovery aligns with predictions about dark matter's existence and could signify a new particle not included in the current standard model of particle physics. If confirmed, this finding would represent one of the most significant developments in astronomy and physics to date.

CHEOPS Spacecraft Nears Milestone

The European Space Agency's CHEOPS (Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite) is approaching another milestone as it enters its sixth year of a mission initially planned for three and a half years. Launched in December 2019, CHEOPS aims to determine the size and characteristics of known exoplanets. With its 30-centimeter optical telescope, the spacecraft has been crucial in observing transiting exoplanets and will now extend its search to include exomoons, enhancing our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.

Disaster at Baikonur Cosmodrome

A major disaster struck at the Baikonur Cosmodrome during the launch of the Soyuz MS.28 spacecraft to the International Space Station. The mobile service platform collapsed due to the rocket's exhaust plume, resulting in significant damage to the launch pad. This incident leaves Russia without a functional facility for manned space missions for the first time in 60 years, delaying upcoming launches and posing challenges for future missions.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

European Space Agency Reports

NASA News Releases

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30385374?utm_source=youtube

European Launch Ambitions, Starquake Mysteries, and the Quest for Hidden Stars

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:17:31 +1100

ESA's European Launcher Challenge: The European Space Agency is taking significant steps towards enhancing its commercial launch market, with member states committing over 900 million euros to the European Launcher Challenge. This initiative will see ESA acting as an anchor client, co-funding upgrades for private companies and stimulating competition and innovation in space launch services.

Starquakes and Black Holes: Scientists are uncovering the mysteries of dormant black holes through the study of starquakes, or asteroseismology. Two systems, Gaia BH2 and Gaia BH3, reveal intriguing contradictions in the ages and compositions of their red giant stars, prompting a reevaluation of our understanding of stellar behavior and black hole interactions.

Redefining Time: A philosophical exploration into the nature of time sheds light on the distinction between existence and occurrence. By clarifying the concept of time, researchers challenge long-standing beliefs and offer a new perspective on Einstein's spacetime, suggesting that time should be viewed as a map of events rather than a physical entity.

Hidden Stars and SETI: A new study proposes that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence can be improved by considering previously overlooked stars. By utilizing the Besanc Galactic model, scientists can predict hidden stars in the field of view of telescopes, expanding the search for technosignatures without the need for additional observations.

Wessen Lunar Monitoring Mission: A new mission from Hong Kong, named Wessen, aims to provide continuous monitoring of meteoroid impacts on the Moon. Set to launch by 2028, this lunar orbiter will track the bright flashes caused by impacts, crucial for ensuring the safety of future lunar infrastructure and astronauts as nations plan for lunar bases.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

ESA's European Launcher Challenge

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Starquakes and Black Holes Research

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Philosophical Insights on Time

[Physics Today]( https://www.physicstoday.org/ (https://www.physicstoday.org/) )

SETI and Hidden Stars Study

[SETI Institute]( https://www.seti.org/ (https://www.seti.org/) )

Wessen Lunar Mission Details

[Hong Kong Space Research]( https://www.hksr.org/ (https://www.hksr.org/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30382892?utm_source=youtube

Astronomy Q&A: Super Jupiters, Light Echoes & Cosmic Mysteries | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights...

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:34:51 +1100

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Cosmic Queries: The Birth of Our Sun, Future Discoveries, and Gas Giants

In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that span the cosmos. From the possibility of witnessing the birth of our sun to the future of astronomical discoveries, this episode is filled with insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- The Birth of Our Sun: Daryl from South Australia wonders if we could ever witness the birth of our sun through ancient light. Andrew and Fred explore the limitations of observing such distant events and the fascinating concept of light echoes that allow us to glimpse historical cosmic phenomena.

- Future Discoveries in Astronomy: Rennie from California asks what we might uncover in the next century regarding dark matter, dark energy, and the Big Bang. The hosts discuss the rapid advancements in technology and how they may lead to groundbreaking discoveries in our understanding of the universe.

- Gas Giants and Their Moons: Dave from New Jersey poses a hypothetical scenario about a super Jupiter with an Earth-sized moon. The discussion delves into tidal locking and the potential for life in the Goldilocks zone of such massive planets, revealing the complexities of planetary formation.

- Gas Giants and Supernovae: Cal from Swansea questions whether a gas giant could absorb debris from a supernova to become a star. The hosts clarify the dynamics of supernova explosions and the potential for rogue planets to host their own moons, igniting curiosity about the possibilities of life in the cosmos.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30377506?utm_source=youtube

Private Telescopes, Troubled Launch Pads, and Webb’s Black Hole Breakthrough

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:43:51 +1100

Launch of the Mauve Telescope: A groundbreaking new space telescope named Mauve, about the size of a mini fridge, has successfully launched aboard a SpaceX transporter mission. Owned by Blue Skies Space, this private telescope will operate on a subscription model, offering unique ultraviolet data that could revolutionize astronomical research by providing dedicated access to space-based observations.

Roscosmos Launch Pad Trouble: Following the successful launch of the Soyuz MS.28 crew to the ISS, Roscosmos has reported significant damage to its only active crewed launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome. A maintenance cabin collapsed during a post-launch inspection, potentially impacting future missions for up to two years.

James Webb Observes Sagittarius A: The James Webb Space Telescope has made remarkable observations of flares from the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A, in mid-infrared light. These observations provide critical insights into the magnetic field around the black hole and help scientists understand the processes that generate these energetic flares.

ESA's Hydro GNSS Mission: The European Space Agency has launched its first scout mission, Hydro GNSS, consisting of twin satellites designed to study Earth's water cycle using GNSS reflectometry. This innovative approach will provide valuable data on soil moisture, flooding, and biomass, enhancing our understanding of environmental dynamics.

Osiris Apex's Earth Flyby: NASA's Osiris Apex spacecraft has successfully performed a gravity assist flyby of Earth, capturing stunning images of our planet and the Moon. This maneuver sets the stage for its upcoming mission to the asteroid Apophis, which presents a unique opportunity to study how an asteroid is affected by a close planetary encounter.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Mauve Telescope Launch

[Blue Skies Space]( https://www.blueskiesspace.com/ (https://www.blueskiesspace.com/) )

Roscosmos Launch Pad Damage

[Roscosmos]( https://www.roscosmos.ru/ (https://www.roscosmos.ru/) )

James Webb Observations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html) )

Hydro GNSS Mission

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Osiris Apex Mission Details

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/overview/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/overview/index.html) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30359438?utm_source=youtube

Lightning on Mars, New Cosmic Objects, and the Future of European Spaceflight

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:01:44 +1100

Lightning on Mars: NASA's Perseverance rover has potentially captured the first direct evidence of lightning on Mars. Using its super-sensitive microphone, the rover recorded distinct crackling sounds, suggesting that electrical discharges may be caused by the planet's notorious dust storms. This discovery indicates that Mars has a more dynamic atmosphere than previously thought, raising excitement for future crewed missions.

Thanksgiving Crew Launch: A crew of three, including one NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts, successfully launched to the International Space Station aboard a Soyuz rocket. Their eight-month mission will involve overseeing a variety of scientific experiments and performing maintenance tasks, showcasing continued international cooperation in space.

ESA's Space Rider Announcement: The European Space Agency has announced the inaugural flight of its Space Rider vehicle, set for 2028. This reusable space plane will serve as an uncrewed robotic laboratory, conducting experiments in orbit and returning to Earth for refurbishment, marking a significant advancement in European space capabilities.

New Cosmic Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a series of tiny red dots in deep space, leading to the hypothesis of a new class of objects dubbed "black hole stars." These entities would contain supermassive black holes at their cores, surrounded by dense gas, challenging our understanding of the early universe.

Understanding Venusian Winds: New research has uncovered that the extreme winds on Venus, which rotate 60 times faster than the planet itself, may be driven by a massive atmospheric tide caused by solar heating. This insight could enhance our understanding of the climate on Venus and tidally locked exoplanets.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Perseverance Rover Lightning Detection

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

International Space Station Crew Launch

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

ESA's Space Rider Details

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

James Webb Space Telescope Discoveries

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Venus Atmospheric Research

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30342328?utm_source=youtube

Theia’s True Origins, 40,000 Asteroids & Enceladus’ Organic Mystery | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:38:07 +1100

Sponsor Details:

Exploring Theia, Near-Earth Asteroids, and Enceladus

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a wealth of astronomical discoveries and insights. From new revelations about the ancient collision between Earth and Theia to the astounding discovery of 40,000 near-Earth asteroids, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations that will spark your curiosity about the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- Theia and Earth's Relationship: Andrew and Fred discuss groundbreaking research from the Max Planck Institute that redefines our understanding of Theia, the protoplanet that collided with Earth. They explore how isotopic similarities suggest Theia was not just a random object, but likely a companion planet in the early solar system.

- 40,000 Near-Earth Asteroids: The hosts celebrate the milestone of 40,000 discovered near-Earth asteroids, discussing the implications for planetary defense and the importance of monitoring potentially hazardous objects that could pose a threat to Earth.

- Life on Enceladus: A thrilling discussion emerges around the latest findings from the Cassini mission, revealing new organic compounds in the icy plumes of Enceladus. Andrew and Fred ponder the exciting possibility of life existing in the subsurface ocean of this intriguing moon of Saturn.

- Updates on Comet 3I Atlas: The episode wraps up with an update on the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, including stunning new images captured from Mars. The hosts discuss the significance of these observations and what they might reveal about the comet's characteristics as it continues its journey through our solar system.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30340531?utm_source=youtube

Interstellar Insights: Tracking Comet 3I/Atlas and the Ganon Superstorm’s Impact on Earth

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:39:38 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space exploration and Earth science.

Tracking Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas from Mars

The European Space Agency has successfully monitored interstellar comet 3I Atlas from its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, significantly improving the accuracy of its predicted trajectory by a factor of ten. The comet, which travels at speeds of up to 250,000 km/h, was observed from a unique vantage point, allowing astronomers to refine its path through our solar system. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of multi-location observations in planetary defense efforts.

Geomagnetic Superstorm Ganon's Impact on Earth's Plasma Sphere

A recent study reveals how the geomagnetic superstorm Ganon dramatically compressed Earth's plasmasphere, reducing its size to just a fifth of its normal extent. This event, which occurred in May 2024, provides crucial insights into the effects of extreme space weather on our planet's protective layers. The findings will enhance solar storm forecasts and help safeguard satellites and communication systems during such events.

Delays for the Dream Chaser Spaceplane

Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane faces further delays, now expected to launch its first orbital flight in approximately a year. Originally designed for crew transport, the spacecraft is now slated for resupply missions to the International Space Station. Despite setbacks, recent tests have demonstrated its systems' readiness for future operations, although challenges remain as the ISS's operational life nears its end.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Earth Planets and Space Journal

Journal of the American Chemical Society

NASA Reports

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30339995?utm_source=youtube

SpaceX Scrubs Launch, Mars Tracks Interstellar Visitor, and Roman Telescope’s Game-Changing...

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:21:58 +1100

(00:00:00) Astronomy Daily podcast features the latest news from across the cosmos

(00:00:35) SpaceX scrubbed the launch of their Transporter 15 mission on Wednesday

(00:02:45) SpaceX scrubbed its B1062 booster due to unspecified issue

(00:04:26) Scientists used data from a spacecraft orbiting Mars to predict comet's path

(00:05:42) Improved trajectory means telescopes and other spacecraft can track comet with greater accuracy

(00:07:57) NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch in 2027

(00:10:14) NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two cosmonauts set for Thanksgiving mission

(00:11:09) South Korea's homegrown Nuri rocket successfully launched on November 26th

(00:12:13) Astronomy Daily features the best of what's happening in space today

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, hosts Avery and Anna bring you the latest cosmic news, including a last-minute launch scrub for SpaceX's Transporter 15 mission, innovative tracking of interstellar visitors using Mars data, and exciting updates about NASA's upcoming Roman telescope. They also discuss a Thanksgiving Day launch to the International Space Station and a successful flight of South Korea's Nuri rocket. Tune in for an insightful journey through the universe!

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30329633?utm_source=youtube

Dark Matter Breakthrough, Seven Rocket Launches, and Mars’ Meteorite Discovery

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:15:02 +1100

Breakthrough in Dark Matter Research: A potential game-changing discovery has emerged in the search for dark matter. An astronomer from the University of Tokyo has detected high-energy gamma rays that align with theoretical predictions for dark matter particle collisions. This intriguing signal could provide the first direct evidence of dark matter, specifically linked to the hypothesized WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles), marking a monumental step in understanding one of the universe's greatest mysteries.

Busy Week for Rocket Launches: This week is set to be a thrilling one for space enthusiasts, with a total of seven launches from five different rockets worldwide. SpaceX leads the way with three Falcon 9 missions, while a Russian Soyuz rocket will carry new crew members to the ISS. Additionally, military payloads and satellite launches from South Korea and French Guiana round out this international showcase of space exploration.

Perseverance Rover's Curious Find: The Perseverance rover has discovered a sculpted rock on Mars, nicknamed Phi Staxhla, which is composed of iron and nickel—indicative of a meteorite. If confirmed, this would be the first meteorite identified by Perseverance since its landing in February 2021, offering a fascinating glimpse into the planet's history.

Osiris Apophis Explorer's Earth Philip: The Osiris Apophis Explorer spacecraft, previously known for its sample return from asteroid Bennu, recently completed a gravity assist flyby of Earth. Flying within 2,100 miles of our planet, the spacecraft successfully calibrated its instruments, capturing stunning images of Earth as it prepares for its new mission targeting asteroid Apophis.

Escapade Mission's First Selfies: NASA's Escapade mission, featuring twin spacecraft, has sent back its first selfies, confirming that its camera system is functioning properly. This reassuring image marks a significant milestone as the spacecraft embark on their long journey, ready to explore the mysteries of our solar system.

Boiling Oceans on Icy Moons: A groundbreaking study suggests that even small icy moons, previously thought to be frozen solid, might host boiling oceans. Tidal forces could generate enough heat in their cores to keep water in a liquid state, potentially creating environments suitable for life, even in total darkness. This discovery expands the search for habitable worlds beyond traditional boundaries.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Dark Matter Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Rocket Launch Schedule

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Perseverance Rover Findings

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars-rovers/perseverance/overview.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars-rovers/perseverance/overview.html) )

Osiris Apophis Explorer Mission

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/overview/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/overview/index.html) )

Escapade Mission Updates

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/escapade (https://www.nasa.gov/escapade) )

Boiling Oceans Research

[Science Journal]( https://www.science.org/ (https://www.science.org/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30307720?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System’s Surprising Velocity and Enceladus’ Organic Secrets

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:29:52 +1100

(00:00:00) Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets

(00:00:46) Our solar system is moving faster than expected

(00:04:38) Organic molecules discovered erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus

(00:08:29) A new satellite launched to study Earth’s oceans

(00:13:49) The Science Report

(00:15:52) Alex on Tech

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.

Mysterious Structures in Earth's Mantle

A new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for life. These massive formations, known as large low shear velocity provinces and ultra low velocity zones, reside at the boundary between the mantle and outer core, approximately 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research suggests these anomalies could be remnants of Earth's formative processes, providing a deeper understanding of how elements from the core influenced the planet's cooling, volcanic activity, and atmospheric evolution, ultimately setting Earth apart from Venus and Mars.

Unprecedented View of the Milky Way

Astronomers have achieved a remarkable new perspective of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, with the largest low-frequency radio image ever assembled. This extensive survey, conducted using the Murchison Wide Field Array radio telescope in Western Australia, captures the intricate birth, evolution, and demise of stars across the southern hemisphere. The new image, which boasts double the resolution and tenfold sensitivity compared to previous observations, offers valuable insights into stellar interactions and the cosmic landscape, revealing patterns in star formation and supernova remnants.

Successful Return of Stranded Taikonauts

In a significant development, the three Chinese taikonauts stranded in orbit after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was struck by space debris have safely returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 capsule. The crew's return marks the end of a six-month mission at the Tiangong space station, with their extended stay setting a new record for the longest duration in space for Chinese astronauts. The episode highlights the challenges of space travel and the rapid response by Beijing to ensure crew safety.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Geoscience

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia

New England Journal of Medicine

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30300827?utm_source=youtube

Boeing’s Starliner Shift, China’s Lifeboat Launch, and a Cosmic Mystery Unveiled

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 22:16:10 +1100

Boeing's Starliner Mission Shift: A significant change has been announced for Boeing's Starliner 1 mission, now transitioning to a cargo-only mission to the ISS, scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. This decision follows a challenging crew flight test earlier this year, emphasizing safety and the need for further analysis and fixes related to thruster issues. The number of required flights for Boeing has also been reduced from six to four, reflecting the success of SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

China's Shenzhou 22 Lifeboat Launch: In a remarkable display of operational maturity, China successfully launched the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 mission to its Tiangong Space Station as a lifeboat for the crew aboard Shenzhou 20, which sustained damage. This swift response showcases China's capability to handle emergencies, marking a significant milestone in their human spaceflight program.

International Space Station's Busy Schedule: The ISS is a hive of activity as a Soyuz rocket prepares for a Thanksgiving Day launch carrying three new crew members. The station's crew is engaged in logistical operations, including moving the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft and offloading supplies from the Japanese HTV X1 spacecraft, all while conducting vital science experiments.

Mysterious Cosmic Sphere: Astronomers have discovered a strange red sphere, cataloged as CY J1249, racing through the Milky Way at over 1 million miles per hour. This extraordinary speed raises questions about its origin, with two theories suggesting it could be a fragment of a white dwarf or a failed star, necessitating further observations to uncover its true nature.

ESA Student Internship Opportunity: The European Space Agency has issued a final call for applications for its 2026 student internship program, with a deadline of November 30th. This program offers students hands-on experience in various fields, contributing to real missions alongside top space experts, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring space professionals. https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Final_call_to_apply_for_ESA_Internships_2026 (https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Final_call_to_apply_for_ESA_Internships_2026)

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Boeing's Starliner Updates

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Shenzhou 22 Mission Details

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

International Space Station Operations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

CY J1249 Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

ESA Internship Program Information

[European Space Agency] https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Final_call_to_apply_for_ESA_Internships_2026 (https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Final_call_to_apply_for_ESA_Internships_2026)

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30286186?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle’s Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:15:25 +1100

(00:00:00) Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled

(00:00:47) Mysterious structures within Earth's mantle may hold clues to life

(00:05:05) A new unprecedented view of the Milky Way Galaxy

(00:12:36) Stranded Chinese taikonauts return safely to Earth

(00:14:21) The Science Report

(00:16:58) Skeptics guide to the return of the haunted doll.

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.

Mysterious Structures in Earth's Mantle

Unprecedented View of the Milky Way

Successful Return of Stranded Taikonauts

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Geoscience

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia

New England Journal of Medicine

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30279726?utm_source=youtube

Hawking’s Triumph, Balloon Telescopes, and a Tilted Exoplanet

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:50:43 +1100

Hawking and Einstein Confirmed: In a groundbreaking cosmic event, the collision of two black holes has validated predictions made by both Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. Observations from gravitational wave observatories confirmed Hawking's area theorem, showing that the surface area of the resulting black hole increased, and matched Einstein's predictions regarding the black hole's ring down, revealing a new Kerr black hole.

Moss Survives in Space: Astonishingly, moss spores exposed to the harsh conditions of space on the International Space Station for nine months were able to germinate upon their return to Earth. This remarkable resilience of extremophiles supports theories like panspermia, suggesting that life's building blocks could survive interplanetary journeys.

Balloon-Based Astronomy: The Excalibur mission is revolutionizing observational astronomy by utilizing a telescope suspended from a high-altitude balloon. Operating above 99% of Earth's atmosphere, it measures high-energy X-ray polarization from cosmic objects like the Crab Nebula and Cygnus X1, providing unprecedented insights into their magnetic fields and structures.

Mystery of the Misaligned Exoplanet: Astronomers are puzzled by TOI 3884, a super Neptune with a bizarrely tilted orbit of 62 degrees. Lacking any nearby massive objects to explain its unusual trajectory, scientists are left with unconventional theories about its formation, highlighting the chaotic nature of planetary systems.

Is the Universe Infinite? The question of whether the universe is infinite remains unresolved. While measurements of the cosmic microwave background suggest a flat geometry, which implies infinity, our observable horizon limits our ability to confirm this. The potential for a finite universe with complex topology adds further complexity to this profound inquiry.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Black Hole Collision Insights

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Moss in Space Study

[International Space Station]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html) )

Excalibur Mission Overview

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

TOI 3884 Exoplanet Research

[NASA Exoplanet Archive]( https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/ (https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/) )

Cosmic Microwave Background Studies

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30264242?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Queries: Gravitational Waves & the Great Dust Debate | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:09:30 +1100

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This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN . To get our special Space Nuts listener discounts and four months free bonus , all with a 30 day money back guarantee, simply visit wwwnordvpn.com/spacenuts (https://nordvpn.com/spacenuts) or use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout.

Cosmic Queries: The Big Crunch, Gravitational Waves, and Planetary Cores

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore a variety of thought-provoking questions from listeners. Delving into the mysteries of the universe, they tackle topics such as the Big Crunch, the nature of gravitational waves, the implications of shifting magnetic poles, and the intriguing composition of gas and ice giants.

Episode Highlights:

- The Big Crunch and Light: Andrew and Jonti discuss the concept of the Big Crunch, examining how light and energy would behave as the universe contracts. They explore the potential for a reverse Big Bang scenario and the scientific implications of such a cataclysmic event.

- Gravitational Waves Interference: Listener Bob poses a fascinating question about what happens when gravitational waves intersect. The hosts explain the interference patterns that could arise and the complexities involved in understanding these phenomena, especially in the context of current gravitational wave detection technology.

- Shifting Magnetic Poles: Paddy's query about the behavior of Earth's magnetic field during a pole flip leads to a discussion on the historical occurrences of geomagnetic reversals and their effects on the planet. Andrew and Jonti clarify misconceptions and provide insights into the potential impacts on technology and life on Earth.

- Richie Cores of Gas and Ice Giants: Martin's inquiry into the composition of gas and ice giants prompts a deep dive into planetary formation theories. The hosts discuss how scientists determine whether these planets have rocky cores and what alternative structures might exist within them, shedding light on the complexity of our solar system.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30259226?utm_source=youtube

Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:59:19 +1100

(00:00:00) Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades

(00:00:43) NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars blasts off

(00:10:00) The Pleiades prove to be far bigger than thought

(00:14:05) Ending the debate over interstellar comet 3I-Atlas

(00:17:05) The Science Report

(00:19:39) Skeptics guide to talking to plants.

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the latest advancements in space exploration and cosmic discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe.

NASA's Escapade Mission Launches to Mars

NASA has successfully launched its first dual satellite mission to Mars, the Escapade spacecraft, aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. This innovative mission aims to map the Martian magnetic field and atmosphere in three dimensions, providing crucial insights into how Mars lost its atmosphere and the conditions necessary for future human colonization. The twin probes, named Blue and Gold, will utilize a unique trajectory that allows for flexible launch windows, crucial for future resupply missions to Mars.

The Pleiades Star Cluster: A Greater Cosmic Structure

New research has revealed that the Pleiades star cluster is significantly larger than previously thought, forming the core of an expansive stellar complex that spans nearly 2,000 light years. This groundbreaking study combines data from multiple space missions, providing a clearer picture of the Pleiades' origins and its connection to other stellar groups, reshaping our understanding of star formation and migration across the galaxy.

Debate Over Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas Continues

The ongoing debate regarding the origins of interstellar comet 3I Atlas is addressed, as evidence increasingly supports its classification as a comet rather than an alien spacecraft. This segment explores the comet's characteristics, trajectory, and the scientific explanations behind its unusual features, reaffirming its status as a natural celestial object.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

NASA Reports

University of California Research

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30251205?utm_source=youtube

Starship Setback, Stealth Solar Storm, and Mars’ Hidden Water

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 23:23:29 +1100

SpaceX's Starship Booster Anomaly: SpaceX faces a significant setback as Booster 18 of its next-generation Starship program suffers a catastrophic rupture during a routine gas system pressure test. The failure of a composite overwrapped pressure vessel has left the company with no completed flight-ready boosters, prompting a shift in focus to Booster 19. Fortunately, this incident occurred during ground testing, allowing for necessary improvements before future flights.

Stealth Solar Storm Strikes Earth: On November 20, a stealth solar storm arrived unexpectedly, creating stunning auroras at lower latitudes. Unlike typical coronal mass ejections, this event was difficult to predict, highlighting challenges in space weather forecasting as scientists work to better understand these quiet yet impactful phenomena.

Innovative Balloon-Assisted Rocket Launch: Welsh startup B2Space successfully tested its unique launch system, combining a high-altitude balloon with a solid fuel rocket. This innovative approach allows for significant fuel savings by launching the rocket from a high altitude, with plans to scale up for operational missions targeting small satellite deployments.

New Insights into Ancient Mars: Research from New York University, Abu Dhabi, reveals that ancient Mars may have been habitable for longer than previously thought. Evidence from the Curiosity rover suggests that groundwater interactions with sand dunes in Gale Crater could have supported life, extending the timeline for liquid water on the planet.

BepiColombo's Journey to Mercury: The BepiColombo mission is just one year away from reaching Mercury after a seven-year journey. With multiple flybys completed, the mission is set to provide unprecedented insights into Mercury's magnetic environment and surface features through the collaboration of two spacecraft studying the planet simultaneously.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

SpaceX Booster Anomaly Details

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Stealth Solar Storm Insights

[NOAA]( https://www.noaa.gov/ (https://www.noaa.gov/) )

B2Space Launch System Updates

[B2Space]( https://b2space.co.uk/ (https://b2space.co.uk/) )

Mars Research Findings

[NYU Abu Dhabi]( https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en.html (https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en.html) )

BepiColombo Mission Overview

[ESA]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

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SpaceX’s Launch Record, China’s Lunar Mystery, and AI Life Detectives

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:34:54 +1100

Historic Launch Milestone at Cape Canaveral: This week, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is set to achieve a remarkable milestone as it becomes the 100th launch from the Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center area in a single year. This achievement highlights the incredible advancements in reusable rocket technology, which has transformed the economics of spaceflight.

China's Senzhou Spacecraft Drama: A replacement uncrewed Senzhou spacecraft is launching soon to replace the damaged module that caused the crew of Shenzhou 20 to return to Earth in a different spacecraft. This highlights the challenges of space travel while ensuring the safety of astronauts.

International Astronaut at Tiangong Station: In a significant milestone, China plans to host its first international astronaut at the Tiangong Space Station in 2026, marking a step towards international cooperation in space.

Challenges for China's Commercial Launch Companies: Many of China’s commercial launch companies are facing delays with their maiden flights, underscoring the complexities of developing reliable rocket technology.

Rust Discovered in Lunar Samples: Analysis of lunar samples from the Chang' e 6 mission reveals unexpected signs of rust, suggesting that oxygen and water may have been present on the moon’s surface, leading to complex chemical processes.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Upgrades: Blue Origin is enhancing its New Glenn rocket with significant upgrades to propulsion and reusability, alongside plans for a super heavy version capable of lifting 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit, positioning itself for future large-scale space missions.

AI Tool Life Tracer in Mars Exploration: A new AI tool called Life Tracer is set to revolutionize the search for life on Mars by analyzing the entire chemical inventory of samples rather than just specific biomarkers, offering a more comprehensive approach to detecting potential life.

New Insights into the Moon's Origin: Recent research suggests that Theia, the Mars-sized object believed to have collided with Earth to form the moon, may have originated from the inner solar system, challenging previous notions about the moon's formation and the early solar system's dynamics.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Launch Milestone Details

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Senzhou Spacecraft Updates

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Tiangong Station Announcement

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Lunar Sample Analysis

[Chinese Academy of Sciences]( http://www.cas.cn/ (http://www.cas.cn/) )

Blue Origin Developments

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Life Tracer AI Tool Overview

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Moon Formation Research

[Astrophysical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881) )

Sponsor Details:

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Meteor Showers, Mars Missions & the Mystery of Stranded Astronauts | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:51:09 +1100

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Leonid Meteor Shower, Mars Escapade Mission, and Gyrochronology

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve into the latest astronomical events and missions. From the ongoing Leonid meteor shower to the successful launch of the Mars Escapade mission, this episode is filled with stellar insights and cosmic discoveries that will ignite your curiosity about the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- The Leonid Meteor Shower: Andrew and Jonti discuss the current Leonid meteor shower, exploring its unique characteristics and historical significance. They explain the science behind meteor showers and the factors that influence their visibility, providing listeners with tips on when and where to catch the best views.

- Successful Mars Escapade Mission: The hosts share exciting news about the Mars Escapade mission, which has successfully launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. They discuss the mission's innovative trajectory, which involves a gravity assist from Earth, and the scientific objectives aimed at unraveling the mysteries of Mars' atmosphere and its evolution over time.

- Chasing Stars with Gyrochronology: In a fascinating segment, Andrew and Jonti introduce the concept of gyrochronology, a method used to estimate the ages of stars based on their rotation rates. They explore how this technique can help identify stars that were once part of the Pleiades cluster, shedding light on the complex history of star formation in our galaxy.

- Chinese Astronauts Stranded on Tiangong Space Station: The episode also covers the current situation involving Chinese astronauts stranded on the Tiangong Space Station due to a damaged spacecraft. Andrew and Jonti discuss the implications of this incident and the challenges faced by space missions in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30217675?utm_source=youtube

Interstellar Comet Secrets, Enceladus’ Organic Treasure, and a Lunar Surprise

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:40:09 +1100

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: NASA has unveiled new images and data of the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, the third confirmed visitor from beyond our solar system. This comet, rich in carbon dioxide and water ice, offers a unique opportunity to study ancient material from a distant solar system, challenging previous assumptions about interstellar objects.

Enceladus' Organic Compounds: Exciting findings from NASA's Cassini mission reveal previously undetected organic compounds in the plumes of Saturn's moon Enceladus. These complex molecules suggest potential for life, as they may serve as precursors to amino acids, highlighting Enceladus as a prime candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Nasa's Swift Observatory Rescue Mission: NASA has partnered with Catalyst Space Technologies for a groundbreaking robotic mission to rescue the Neil Girls Swift Observatory. Scheduled for June 2026, this mission aims to extend the observatory's life by boosting it back to a stable orbit, marking a historic first for private commercial space efforts.

New Lunar Crater Discovery: NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered a small, fresh crater on the moon, nicknamed "freckle." This 72-foot crater, formed between 2009 and 2012, provides valuable data on impact rates, crucial for planning future lunar missions, including Artemis.

James Webb Telescope's Early Universe Discoveries: Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified a puzzling young galaxy, Knucks LRD Z8.6, with a supermassive black hole that appears to have formed much faster than expected. This challenges existing theories of black hole and galaxy co-evolution, prompting a reevaluation of cosmic formation models.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas Insights

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Enceladus Organic Compounds Study

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Swift Observatory Rescue Mission Details

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Lunar Crater Discovery Robert

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

James Webb Telescope Findings

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Ancient Rocks and Cosmic Forces: Exploring Earth’s Origins and the Hunt for a Fifth Force

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:28:54 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into remarkable discoveries that illuminate the origins of our planet and the cosmos beyond.

Ancient Australian Rocks Shed Light on Earth's Origins

Scientists have made significant strides in understanding the formation of Earth and the Moon through the analysis of 3.7 billion-year-old feldspar crystals from the Murchison region in Western Australia. This research reveals that continental growth began relatively late in Earth's history, around three and a half billion years ago, suggesting a shared composition between Earth and the Moon following a colossal impact event. The findings challenge existing theories about the timing of crustal development and provide new insights into the early geological processes that shaped our planet.

Hints of a Possible Fifth Force in Nature

A groundbreaking report has emerged, suggesting the potential existence of a fifth fundamental force of nature. Researchers have observed unexpected deviations in electron transitions among calcium isotopes, hinting at a new particle, the Yukawa boson. This discovery could reshape the standard model of particle physics and deepen our understanding of the universe's fundamental forces, as scientists continue to explore the mysteries of atomic interactions.

Record-Breaking Ocean Waves Observed from Space

In an astonishing revelation, satellites have recorded ocean waves reaching heights of nearly 20 metres, the largest ever measured from space. This episode explores how these massive waves, driven by storms, can carry destructive energy across vast distances, impacting coastlines far from the storm's origin. The findings not only validate existing wave models but also reveal new insights into the energy dynamics of ocean swells.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Communications

Physical Review Letters

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30192225?utm_source=youtube

Euclid’s Galactic Insights, Geminid Wonders, and Runaway Stars Revealed

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:30:29 +1100

Euclid Space Telescope's Groundbreaking Findings: The European Space Agency's Euclid mission is revolutionizing our understanding of galaxy evolution just a year into its operations. With the capability to observe over 1.2 million galaxies, Euclid is addressing fundamental questions about galaxy shapes and their formation history, paving the way for a modern galactic tuning fork diagram.

The Spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower: The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak on December 13th and 14th, promising a dazzling display of bright and colorful meteors. With a waning crescent moon providing optimal viewing conditions, it's the perfect opportunity to witness this annual celestial event.

Near Earth Asteroids Close Approaches: This week, several near-Earth asteroids will make close passes to our planet, including 2025 VP1, a bus-sized asteroid, and the larger 3361 Orpheus, which is about 1,400 feet wide. While classified as potentially hazardous, their trajectories are closely monitored, ensuring no immediate threat to Earth.

Runaway Stars and the Large Magellanic Cloud: New research utilizing hypervelocity stars sheds light on the history of the Large Magellanic Cloud. By tracing the paths of stars ejected by a supermassive black hole, scientists gather evidence that could confirm its existence and provide insights into the galaxy's past.

Andromeda's Satellite Galaxies: A study from Durham University reveals how Andromeda's satellite galaxies are quenched, revealing that many lose their star-forming capabilities long before they even approach Andromeda. This highlights the complex interactions within our cosmic neighborhood.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Euclid Mission Insights

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Geminid Meteor Shower Details

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Near Earth Asteroids Overview

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/near-earth-objects (https://www.nasa.gov/near-earth-objects) )

Runaway Stars Research

[Harvard Center for Astrophysics]( https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/ (https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/) )

Andromeda Satellite Galaxies Study

[Durham University]( https://www.dur.ac.uk/ (https://www.dur.ac.uk/) )

Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30180082?utm_source=youtube

Lunar Delays, Global Launch Frenzy, and a Stellar Discovery

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:14:04 +1100

NASA's Artemis 3 Mission Delays: A new report indicates that NASA's Artemis 3 mission, aimed at landing astronauts on the moon, is now projected to occur in 2028 instead of the previously planned 2026. This delay is primarily due to the ongoing development challenges faced by SpaceX's Starship, which is key to the mission's success.

Launch Week Extravaganza: It's a busy week for space launches, with SpaceX planning five Falcon 9 missions, including four for their Starlink Internet Constellation and a rideshare mission. China is also active, with three launches, including the critical Shenzhou 22 spacecraft heading to the Tiangong Space Station.

Sentinel 6B Satellite Launch: The recent launch of the Sentinel 6B satellite marks a significant advancement in ocean monitoring. This satellite will provide vital data on sea level rise, wind speeds, and wave heights, crucial for climate understanding and disaster preparedness.

Discovery of Galaxy Y1: Astronomers have discovered a galaxy nicknamed Y1, existing just 800 million years after the Big Bang. This galaxy is a "star factory," producing stars at a rate 180 times faster than the Milky Way, shedding light on early galaxy formation and dust accumulation.

Tiangong Space Station Rescue Mission: The Shenzhou 22 mission is set to rescue astronauts stranded on the Tiangong Space Station after their original spacecraft was damaged by space debris. With a rapid response from Chinese authorities, this mission aims to ensure the crew's safe return while providing essential supplies.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

NASA Artemis 3 Update

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

SpaceX Launch Schedule

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Sentinel 6B Mission Details

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Galaxy Y1 Discovery

[Astrophysical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881) )

Tiangong Space Station Update

[CMSA]( http://www.cmse.gov.cn/ (http://www.cmse.gov.cn/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30157857?utm_source=youtube

Auroras and Cosmic Craters: Unveiling Earth’s Spectacular Space Weather and Impact Discoveries

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:03:05 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the latest astronomical phenomena and significant discoveries that are shaping our understanding of Earth and space.

Auroral Displays Light Up the Skies

Planet Earth has been treated to an extraordinary display of auroras, with both the Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis lighting up the skies following three powerful X-class solar flares, including an X 5.1 event on November 11. This segment dives into the mechanics behind these solar flares, the resulting coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and how they triggered spectacular auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual, including sightings as far north as Cairns and even Florida.

Largest Modern Impact Crater Discovered

Scientists have uncovered what is believed to be the largest modern impact crater on Earth, the 900-metre-wide Jinling Crater in southern China. This well-preserved structure, dating back to the Holocene epoch, offers new insights into extraterrestrial impacts and their effects on our planet. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the frequency and scale of impacts from small celestial bodies and highlights the importance of studying such geological features.

Nasa's Key Communications Dish Out of Service

In a significant setback for NASA, the 70-metre Goldstone deep space communications dish has been rendered inoperable due to an accident that occurred in September. The incident has raised concerns about the strain on NASA's Deep Space Network, especially with upcoming missions like Artemis 2. We discuss the implications of this loss for various space missions and the efforts being made to mitigate the impact on communications.

The Science Robert

In our science report, we highlight a new projection from the World Meteorological Organisation indicating that 2025 is unlikely to be the hottest year on record, but it will rank among the top three. We also address public health concerns surrounding a measles alert in Australia, linked to declining vaccination rates, and the potential resurgence of preventable diseases. This segment underscores the importance of vaccination in maintaining herd immunity and protecting public health.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Geophysical Research

Nature Communications

World Meteorological Organisation Reports

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30148974?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Speedsters, Satellite Shakeups, and a Milky Way Masterpiece

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:51:19 +1100

Solar System's Surprising Speed: A groundbreaking study reveals that our solar system is moving through space much faster than current cosmological models predict. Observations of distant radio galaxies show a lopsided distribution, suggesting we are rushing towards them, leading to questions about the validity of the cosmological principle itself.

Amazon's Project Kuiper Rebranded: Amazon has officially rebranded its satellite internet initiative from Project Kuiper to simply "LEO," signaling a strategic shift towards larger commercial contracts rather than individual home connections. This move positions Amazon to compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink in the lucrative satellite data market.

Drama at Tiangong Space Station: Tensions rise aboard China's Tiangong Space Station as the Shenzhou 20 crew returns home in a replacement spacecraft after their original ship was damaged by orbital debris. The new crew now faces a precarious situation, lacking an emergency escape vehicle while awaiting the launch of Shenzhou 22.

European Space Agency's New Spacesuit: The ESA is set to unveil a new intra-vehicular activity spacesuit designed for quick use during critical mission phases. This suit aims to enhance European independence in human space exploration by reducing reliance on existing technologies from NASA and Roscosmos.

Milky Way Simulation Breakthrough: Scientists have achieved a monumental feat by simulating the entire Milky Way galaxy, tracking the evolution of over 100 billion stars. Utilizing AI and the powerful Fugaku supercomputer, this simulation will revolutionize our understanding of galactic dynamics and the formation of stars.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Solar System Speed Study

[Astrophysical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881) )

Amazon's LEO Rebranding

[Amazon News]( https://www.amazon.com/news (https://www.amazon.com/news) )

Tiangong Space Station Update

[CMSA]( http://www.cmse.gov.cn (http://www.cmse.gov.cn/) )

ESA Spacesuit Development

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int (https://www.esa.int/) )

Milky Way Simulation Insights

[Science Advances]( https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv (https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv) )

Sponsor Details:

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Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30136158?utm_source=youtube

Expanding Universes, Space Elevators & the Enigma of Gale Crater | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:14:38 +1100

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Show Notes

Cosmic Queries: Expanding Universe, Space Elevators, and TOI 6894B

In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners, diving deep into the mysteries of the universe. From the nuances of cosmic expansion to the potential of space elevators and the peculiarities of exoplanets, this episode is packed with cosmic curiosities and insightful discussions that will expand your understanding of the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

- The Acceleration of Cosmic Expansion: Rusty from Western Australia asks about the terminology for the increasing acceleration of the universe's expansion. Andrew and Jonti discuss the complexities of this concept, the implications of dark energy, and the evolving nature of cosmological theories.

- Space Elevators Explained: Barry's inquiry about the gravitational effects of a hypothetical space elevator prompts a detailed exploration of how gravity would be felt at various altitudes. The hosts discuss the feasibility of such a structure and the science behind gravity in different orbital scenarios.

- Understanding TOI 6894B: Casey from Colorado wants to know why TOI 6894B is significant. Andrew and Jonti delve into the characteristics of this unusual exoplanet, its relationship with its low-mass star, and what its discovery means for our understanding of planet formation and the diversity of planetary systems.

- Life in Gale Crater: A whimsical question from Philip McCrackpipe leads to a serious discussion about the potential for ancient life in Gale Crater on Mars. The hosts reflect on Mars' wet past and the types of life that may have thrived there, emphasizing the importance of ongoing exploration and research.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30131040?utm_source=youtube

Stranded Astronauts, Scenic Mars Missions, and a Super Earth Discovery

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:14:06 +1100

Tiangong Space Station's Stranded Crew: The Shenzhou 21 crew aboard the Tiangong Space Station faces a precarious situation after the Shenzhou 20 mission astronauts returned home using their capsule, which was damaged by space debris. With no immediate escape vehicle, the crew awaits the uncrewed launch of Shenzhou 22, highlighting the risks posed by space debris in low Earth orbit.

NASA's Scenic Route to Mars: NASA's Escapade mission has launched twin probes, Blue and Gold, that will take an innovative detour to Mars. Instead of heading directly, they will first travel to the second Lagrange point (L2) to study space weather for a year before using Earth's gravity to assist their journey to Mars in 2027, providing a unique 3D view of the Martian atmosphere.

Upcoming Leonid Meteor Shower: The Leonid meteor shower is set to peak on November 18, but this year’s display may be underwhelming, with only five to ten meteors expected per hour. Earth is passing through a sparse debris stream from the parent comet Tempel-Tuttle, leading to a quieter show than in previous years.

Discovery of a New Super Earth: Astronomers have discovered a new super Earth, GJ251C, located just 18 light years away. Positioned in its star's habitable zone, this rocky planet is a prime candidate for future observation with next-generation telescopes, which may help to identify biosignatures in its atmosphere and advance our search for extraterrestrial life.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Tiangong Space Station Update

[CMSA]( http://www.cmse.gov.cn/ (http://www.cmse.gov.cn/) )

NASA Escapade Mission

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Leonid Meteor Shower Predictions

[Meteor Society]( https://www.meteorshowers.org/ (https://www.meteorshowers.org/) )

GJ251C Discovery

[Astronomical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30113188?utm_source=youtube

Rocket Triumph, Astronaut Rescue, and Cosmic Crater

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:18:48 +1100

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Success: Blue Origin celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of its New Glenn rocket, deploying a NASA science mission destined for Mars. The highlight was the first successful landing of the rocket's first stage on an autonomous drone ship, showcasing advanced engineering and precision technology crucial for future missions.

Chinese Astronauts' Safe Return: Three astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station faced a tense situation when cracks were discovered in their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft's window due to micrometeoroid impacts. Fortunately, they were able to transfer to the newly arrived Shenzhou 21 spacecraft for a safe return to Earth, turning a potential disaster into a valuable research opportunity.

Comet C 2025 K1 Atlas Breaks Apart: Comet C 2025 K1, also known as Atlas, put on a spectacular show as it fragmented after a close encounter with the sun. Astronomers captured footage of the comet breaking into at least three pieces, providing a rare chance to study its pristine material and gain insights into the early solar system.

Discovery of the Jinlin Crater: Geologists in southern China have discovered the Jinlin Crater, a nearly one-kilometer-wide impact site formed within the last 11,700 years. This finding is significant as it is the largest crater from this time period and enhances our understanding of asteroid impacts on Earth, aiding in planetary defense efforts.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Blue Origin Launch Success

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Tiangong Space Station Update

[CMSA]( http://www.cmse.gov.cn (http://www.cmse.gov.cn/) /)

Comet C 2025 K1 Atlas Fragmentation

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Jinlin Crater Discovery

[Geological Society]( https://www.geosociety.org/ (https://www.geosociety.org/) )

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:21:24 +1100

(00:00:00) Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon

(00:00:47) Have astronomers finally seen the universe’s first stars

(00:04:06) Hidden secrets about the Moon and the asteroid Vesta

(00:10:45) Euclid peers deep into a stellar nursery full of baby stars

(00:16:05) The Science Report

(00:18:09) Skeptics guide to flat earthers falling flat on their face again

In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking findings that could reshape our understanding of the universe's early stars, the Moon's hidden secrets, and the asteroid Vesta's internal structure.

First Stars Detected

Astronomers may have finally glimpsed the universe's first stars, known as Population 3 stars, thanks to observations from NASA's Webb Space Telescope. These luminous giants, formed just 200 million years after the Big Bang, are believed to have ended the cosmic dark ages and initiated the epoch of reionisation. The episode delves into the significance of these findings, which suggest that these stars were formed in small clusters and exhibit extremely low metallicity, challenging previous theories about the early universe.

Secrets of the Moon Revealed

Two NASA studies have provided fascinating insights into the Moon's internal structure through advanced gravity modelling. By analysing data from the GRAIL mission, researchers have created the most detailed gravitational map of the Moon to date, revealing variations linked to tidal deformation. This research offers clues about the Moon's geological history and volcanic activity, particularly highlighting differences between the near and far sides of the Moon.

New Insights into Asteroid Vesta

In a parallel study, scientists examined the asteroid Vesta's structure using data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft. Contrary to earlier beliefs of a layered interior, new measurements suggest Vesta may have a more uniform composition, with only a small core, if any. This revelation challenges long-held assumptions about the formation and evolution of this ancient asteroid.

Euclid Space Telescope's Stellar Nursery Observations

The European Space Agency's Euclid Space Telescope has peered into the dark cloud LDN 1641, uncovering a vibrant stellar nursery filled with young stars. This segment discusses the significance of Euclid's observations, which not only aid in fine-tuning the telescope's capabilities but also contribute to our understanding of star formation and the cosmos.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Nature

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30088453?utm_source=youtube

Comet Conundrums, Cosmic Shutdowns & The Mars Remains Controversy | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:43:43 +1100

3I Atlas, Human Remains on Mars, and Moon Formation Insights

In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into some controversial and intriguing topics in the realm of space exploration. From the latest on Comet 3I Atlas and the implications of the U.S. government shutdown to the divisive plan to send human remains to Mars, this episode is packed with cosmic curiosities and critical discussions that challenge our understanding of space and humanity's role within it.

Episode Highlights:

- The 3I Atlas Dilemma: Andrew and Jonti take a closer look at the ongoing situation surrounding Comet 3I Atlas, which recently passed Mars. They discuss why NASA has been silent on the data and the fallout from the U.S. government shutdown that has left many NASA employees unable to work or communicate about ongoing missions.

- Human Remains on Mars: The hosts delve into the controversial proposal by the company Celestis to send human ashes to Mars. They discuss the cultural implications and sensitivities surrounding this idea, questioning the ethical considerations of sending human remains to another planet without broader consultation.

- New Evidence of Moon Formation: A fascinating discovery in Western Australia sheds light on the formation of the Moon, with findings indicating that feldspar crystals found in ancient rocks on Earth closely match those on the lunar surface. This evidence supports the giant impact theory of the Moon's origin and offers insights into the early history of our planet.

- The Future of the Universe: Andrew and Jonti explore the latest theories regarding the expansion of the universe, discussing new findings that suggest the universe may be slowing down rather than continuing to accelerate. They reflect on the implications of these discoveries and how they could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30085163?utm_source=youtube

Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun’s Magnetic Dance

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:47:19 +1100

(00:00:00) Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun's Magnetic Dance

(00:00:45) More confirmation that the Universe's expansion is slowing

(00:08:53) First glimpse of the Sun’s polar magnetic field in motion

(00:14:09) Space Weather events ramping up

(00:18:24) The Science Report

(00:20:29) Alex on Tech NEO the humanoid housekeeper

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore significant revelations about the universe's expansion, the Sun's magnetic field, and the current surge in solar weather activity.

The Universe's Expansion Rate is Slowing

A new study has confirmed that the universe's rate of expansion, which began after the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, is slowing down. This finding contradicts previous theories suggesting that the expansion was accelerating due to dark energy. We delve into the implications of this research, which indicates that dark energy may be evolving more rapidly than previously understood, potentially marking a paradigm shift in cosmology. The episode discusses various scenarios for the universe's future, including the Big Crunch, Steady State theory, Big Freeze, and Big Rip, and how these new observations could reshape our understanding of cosmic fate.

First Glimpse of the Sun's Polar Magnetic Field

Astronomers have captured their first detailed view of the Sun's polar magnetic field in motion, revealing unexpected rapid movements. The Solar Orbiter spacecraft has provided insights into the Sun's magnetic activity, which follows an 11-year cycle. This segment highlights the significance of the findings, which enhance our understanding of solar dynamics and the implications for space weather.

Current Surge in Space Weather Events

As the Sun reaches solar maximum, astronomers are observing increased solar storm activity, including multiple X-class and M-class solar flares. This segment discusses the effects of coronal mass ejections on Earth, including spectacular auroras and potential disruptions to technology and power grids. We explore the science behind solar flares and their impact on our planet, providing a comprehensive overview of current space weather conditions.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Astrophysical Journal Letters

Nature Geoscience

Journal of the American Medical Association

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30065958?utm_source=youtube

Solar Storms, Stellar Family Trees, and Our Interstellar Visitor

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:18:07 +1100

Blue Origin's Launch Challenges: Blue Origin's new Glenn rocket faced multiple delays during its crucial launch carrying NASA's Escapade satellites, which are set to study Mars's magnetosphere. The delays were exacerbated by adverse weather conditions and the aftermath of a powerful geomagnetic storm that affected communications on Earth.

Powerful Solar Flare Strikes: The sun unleashed an X 5.1 class solar flare, the most intense since 2024, causing significant radio blackouts across parts of Africa and Europe. Concerns rise over a potential coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with the flare, which could lead to a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, affecting electrical grids and satellites.

First Observations of Stellar CMEs: Astronomers made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing a coronal mass ejection from a red dwarf star 40 light years away. This finding has significant implications for the search for extraterrestrial life, as the volatile nature of red dwarfs could strip atmospheres from orbiting planets.

Comet 3I Atlas Update: The interstellar visitor Comet 3I Atlas is becoming increasingly active as it approaches the sun, displaying a longer, more defined ion tail. This offers a rare opportunity to study its composition, providing insights into the conditions of its formation millions of years ago.

Revealing the Greater Pleiades Complex: Researchers have discovered that the famous Pleiades star cluster is just the core of a much larger structure, the Greater Pleiades Complex, which spans 2,000 light years and contains thousands of stars born from the same stellar nursery. This revelation changes our understanding of the night sky and the connections between stars.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Blue Origin Launch Update

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Solar Flare and CME Information

[NOAA]( https://www.noaa.gov/ (https://www.noaa.gov/) )

Red Dwarf Star Observations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Comet 3I Atlas Images

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Pleiades Complex Discovery

[ESA]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30073017?utm_source=youtube

Space Policy Showdown, Mars Missteps, and Cosmic Beginnings

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:47:00 +1100

US-EU Space Regulatory Clash: The United States has formally opposed the European Union's proposed EU Space Act, arguing that its regulations could impose unfair burdens on American space companies. The act aims to establish a unified regulatory framework for Europe's space industry, focusing on safety, resilience, and sustainability. The US claims that certain provisions unfairly target large telecommunications satellite constellations, particularly SpaceX's Starlink, and calls for recognition of its existing licensing framework to avoid duplication.

Revisiting a Mars Mistake: A significant scientific error from the 1970s is being re-evaluated as new findings reveal that NASA's Viking Lander mission mistakenly concluded Mars was lifeless. Originally, the absence of detected organic compounds led to this verdict, but it has now been established that organic compounds were indeed present. This has sparked calls for a new mission dedicated to the search for life on Mars, correcting decades of misconceptions.

Launch Schedule Update: This week’s launch schedule includes high-profile missions such as Blue Origin's new Glenn rocket, which is set to launch the Mars-bound Escapade payload on November 12. However, an ongoing US government shutdown has led to an emergency launch ban during peak hours, affecting several missions and pushing some to later dates.

Tiangong Space Station's Dual Crew: China's Tiangong Space Station is currently hosting an unprecedented dual crew operation after the return of the Shenzhou 20 astronauts was delayed due to a suspected space debris impact. The Shenzhou 20 crew has been joined by the new Shenzhou 21 crew, creating a temporary six-member occupancy onboard as both crews conduct joint scientific experiments.

New Insights into the Big Bang: A recent study suggests that the universe's earliest moments were more dynamic than previously understood. Researchers propose that during a brief period, dense clouds of particles dominated over radiation, leading to the formation of primordial black holes. This discovery may provide new insights into the dark history of the universe and its structure.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

US-EU Space Act Response

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Mars Viking Mission Findings

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Launch Schedule Updates

[FAA]( https://www.faa.gov/ (https://www.faa.gov/) )

Tiangong Space Station Operations

[CMSA]( http://www.cmse.gov.cn/ (http://www.cmse.gov.cn/) )

Big Bang Study

[Physical Review D](Physical Review D

Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30052257?utm_source=youtube

Rocket Failures, Black Hole Breakthroughs, and Movies in Space

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:39:52 +1100

Chinese Rocket Failure: Galactic Energy's Ceres 1 rocket faced a setback with its second-ever launch failure, as the upper stage shut down prematurely, resulting in the loss of three satellites. The company is investigating the cause while maintaining a respectable success rate of over 90% across 22 missions.

Black Hole Mystery Solved: Astronomers have unraveled the enigma of an "impossible" black hole merger that produced a black hole within the upper stellar mass gap. New simulations incorporating magnetic fields revealed that material was ejected before the merger, allowing the resulting black hole to fit into this previously unexplained range.

Rocket Lab's Neutron Delay: Rocket Lab has postponed the first launch of its Neutron rocket to 2026 to ensure a successful debut. The decision reflects a commitment to thorough testing over adhering to an aggressive schedule, emphasizing the importance of a reliable first flight for their next-generation reusable rocket.

Filming in Space: The upcoming romantic comedy "I See You" aims to be the first western film to shoot scenes in low Earth orbit, with former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly advising the project. This ambitious endeavor follows the Russian film "The Challenge," which was the first feature film with scenes shot in space.

Asteroid Monitoring: NASA is tracking asteroid 2024 YR4, which poses no threat to Earth but has a small chance of impacting the Moon in 2032. This potential impact presents a unique opportunity for scientific observation, allowing researchers to study lunar surface composition and the physics of high-velocity impacts.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Ceres 1 Launch Failure

[Galactic Energy]( https://www.galacticenergy.com/ (https://www.galacticenergy.com/) )

Black Hole Merger Study

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Rocket Lab Neutron Update

[Rocket Lab]( https://www.rocketlabusa.com/ (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/) )

Filming in Space

[Space.com]( https://www.space.com/ (https://www.space.com/) )

Asteroid 2024 YR4 Tracking

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30028852?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth’s Crust and Taikonaut Trials

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:27:01 +1100

(00:00:00) Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials

(00:00:42) Earth's geology written in the stars

(00:10:30) Taikonauts stranded in space following space junk impact

(00:12:38) Biggest Supermoon of the year

(00:14:59) The Science Report

(00:17:20) Skeptics guide to jogging big foots

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into fascinating intersections of geology and astronomy that could reshape our understanding of Earth's history and the cosmos.

Earth's Geology Written in the Stars

A groundbreaking study reveals a compelling connection between the structure of our Milky Way galaxy and the evolution of Earth's crust. Researchers from Curtin University have found that meteorite impacts, influenced by the solar system's journey through the galaxy, have played a significant role in shaping our planet's geology. The episode explores how ancient zircon crystals are providing a unique archive of Earth's interactions with the galaxy, suggesting that astrophysical processes may have directly influenced the continents beneath our feet and the conditions that made life possible.

Taikonaut Stranded in Space

In a dramatic turn of events, three Chinese taikonauts are stranded in orbit after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was struck by suspected space junk just hours before their scheduled return to Earth. This segment discusses the implications of the impact, the ongoing assessments by mission managers, and the potential need for a replacement capsule to ensure the crew's safe return. The episode also reflects on past incidents involving space debris and the measures taken to protect the Tiangong Space Station.

The Biggest Supermoon of the Year

Skywatchers around the globe were treated to the biggest supermoon of the year, appearing 7% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This segment explains the science behind the phenomenon, including the moon's elliptical orbit and its impact on tides. We also discuss how the term "supermoon" became popularised and the frequency of such lunar events, with several more supermoons on the horizon.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Physical Review

https://journals.aps.org/pr/ (https://journals.aps.org/pr/)

Nature

https://www.nature.com/ (https://www.nature.com/)

Earth's Geology Written in the Stars

Taikonaut Stranded in Space

The Biggest Supermoon of the Year

Earth's Geology Written in the StarsTaikonaut Stranded in SpaceThe Biggest Supermoon of the Year

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30018557?utm_source=youtube

Launch Delay, Stellar Discoveries, and Outlandish Space Food

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:07:59 +1100

Blue Origin's Launch Scrubbed: Blue Origin faced a major setback as their second New Glenn rocket launch, carrying NASA's Escapade spacecraft to Mars, was scrubbed due to bad weather, minor equipment issues, and an unexpected cruise ship entering the restricted flight path. The new launch date is set for November 12, with high hopes for a successful mission.

Discovery of TOI2267: Astronomers have confirmed a groundbreaking exoplanet system, TOI2267, located 72 light years away in a binary star system. This marks the first time planets have been found transiting both stars, challenging existing models of planet formation and suggesting that rocky planets might be more common in such systems.

Innovative Space Food: The European Space Agency is testing a new powdered protein called solane, produced from microbes and astronaut urine, to create a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. This innovative approach aims to recycle waste into nourishment, ensuring self-sufficiency on future explorations.

First Detailed Image of a Star: Astronomers have captured the first detailed image of an individual star outside the Milky Way, a red supergiant named whog64 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The star's unusual dust cocoon challenges existing models of stellar evolution and raises new questions about massive stars' behavior.

Weather on Venus: A new study has modeled the weather on Venus, revealing slow winds that can lift dust due to the planet's dense atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for future landers, as dust storms could pose a threat to missions like NASA's Da Vinci.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Blue Origin Launch Update

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

TOI2267 Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Solane Space Food Project

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

First Image of whog64

[European Southern Observatory]( https://www.eso.org/ (https://www.eso.org/) )

Venus Weather Study

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30006097?utm_source=youtube

Light Pollution Dilemmas, Cosmic Parasol Proposals & Salvaging Space Junk | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:06:39 +1100

Light Pollution, Space Parasols, and Salvaging Satellites

In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a range of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the effects of light pollution on stargazing to the intriguing concept of a space parasol for climate control, this episode is packed with cosmic curiosities and insightful discussions that will leave you contemplating the future of humanity in space.

Episode Highlights:

- Light Pollution and Night Sky Visibility: Mark from Connecticut wonders how quickly the night sky would become visible if all electric lights suddenly went out. Andrew and Jonti discuss the immediate effects of light pollution and the importance of dark adaptation for optimal stargazing, emphasizing the impact of atmospheric conditions on visibility.

- Geoengineering and Space Parasols: Doug raises the question of whether a parasol at Lagrange Point 1 could help mitigate climate change. The hosts explore the feasibility of such a project, discussing the challenges of scale, technology, and the implications of geoengineering on the Earth's climate system.

- Salvage Rights in Space: A listener inquires about the ownership of defunct satellites and the potential for salvage rights in space. Andrew and Jonti explain the current legal landscape surrounding space debris, the challenges of recovery, and the evolving nature of space law as commercial interests grow.

- Searching for Extraterrestrial Life: Robert from the Netherlands asks about the role of radio waves in searching for alien civilizations. The hosts delve into the efforts of the SETI program, the challenges of detecting signals, and the potential of the Square Kilometer Array to listen for extraterrestrial communications.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29999652?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Auroras, Planetary Demise, and Martian Mysteries

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:14:41 +1100

Stunning Aurora Display: Mark your calendars for November 5th to 8th, 2025, as a powerful geomagnetic storm is set to light up the night sky with breathtaking auroras. Classified as a G3 storm, this display will be triggered by a significant coronal mass ejection from the Sun, resulting in vibrant colors visible farther south than usual.

The Fate of Earth: NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) reveals alarming insights into the fate of planets orbiting sun-like stars. As these stars enter their red giant phase, they often engulf their inner planets. New data suggests that Earth's future may be more precarious than previously thought, as the Sun's expansion could ultimately consume our planet.

Interstellar Object Risks: Recent research sheds light on the potential impact risks from interstellar objects (ISOs). As our solar system travels through the galaxy, it encounters a stream of these cosmic nomads. While the chances of a significant impact remain low, understanding their trajectories is crucial for planetary defense.

Enceladus: A Hotbed for Life: Exciting new findings from the Cassini mission suggest that Saturn's moon Enceladus could be more promising for extraterrestrial life than previously thought. A newly discovered heat signature at the North Pole indicates a sustained global ocean, providing a stable environment for potential life.

Blue Origin's Mars Mission: On November 9, 2025, Blue Origin will launch its first interplanetary mission, Escapade, using its new Glenn rocket. This NASA-funded mission aims to explore how Mars lost its atmosphere, providing critical insights into planetary habitability.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Aurora Forecast

[NOAA]( https://www.noaa.gov/ (https://www.noaa.gov/) )

TESS Findings on Planetary Fates

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Interstellar Objects Research

[arXiv]( https://arxiv.org/ (https://arxiv.org/) )

Enceladus Heat Signature Study

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Blue Origin Escapade Mission

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29983782?utm_source=youtube

Phosphine Mysteries and Lunar Returns: Unveiling Secrets of Wolf 1130C and the Moon

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:39:25 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore remarkable discoveries and hypotheses that could redefine our understanding of planetary atmospheres and our journey back to the Moon.

Phosphine Discovery in Brian Dwarf Wolf 1130C

For the first time, astronomers have detected phosphine in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, raising intriguing questions about its presence and the chemistry of such celestial bodies. This discovery, reported in the journal Science, highlights the significance of phosphorus as a potential biosignature for life and challenges previous theories regarding the abundance of phosphine in other brown dwarfs and gas giants. The episode delves into the implications of this finding and what it means for our understanding of phosphorus chemistry in the universe.

A New Hypothesis for Planetary Water Formation

A groundbreaking hypothesis suggests that some planets may produce water during their formation through reactions between rocks and hydrogen under extreme pressure. This new perspective, discussed in the journal Nature, could explain the presence of liquid water on exoplanets located close to their host stars, challenging traditional views of water's origins. The episode examines the laboratory experiments that led to this hypothesis and its potential impact on our understanding of planetary habitability.

Preparing for Humanity's Return to the Moon

As NASA gears up for the Artemis 2 mission, which aims to send humans around the Moon, we discuss the significance of returning to the lunar south pole. This area is believed to contain more water than any other region on the Moon, making it a crucial target for future exploration. The episode highlights the advancements in technology and international collaboration that will pave the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon, furthering our exploration of the solar system.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Science

https://www.sciencemag.org/ (https://www.sciencemag.org/)

Nature

https://www.nature.com/ (https://www.nature.com/)

Phosphine Discovery in Brian Dwarf Wolf 1130C

A New Hypothesis for Planetary Water Formation

Preparing for Humanity's Return to the Moon

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29981306?utm_source=youtube

Launch Scrubs, Voyager’s Milestone Journey, and 3D Exoplanet Mapping

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:41:47 +1100

Viasat 3F2 Launch Scrubbed Again: The United Launch Alliance faced another setback as the launch of the Viasat 3F2 satellite was scrubbed for the second time this week due to persistent valve issues. This hefty communication satellite is crucial for providing high-speed internet across the Americas, following the challenges faced by its predecessor.

Voyager 1's Historic Milestone: Voyager 1 is set to make history in November 2026 by becoming the first human-made object to travel a full light day away from Earth, approximately 25.9 billion kilometers. Launched in 1977, this remarkable spacecraft continues to send data back to Earth as it journeys towards the Oort Cloud.

US-China Space Cooperation: In a significant development, the China National Space Administration proactively coordinated with NASA to avoid a potential satellite collision, marking a shift in their collaborative efforts and showcasing improved space situational awareness on China's part.

3D Mapping of Exoplanet Atmosphere: The James Webb Space Telescope has achieved a groundbreaking first by creating a three-dimensional map of the atmosphere of the ultra-hot Jupiter, Wasp 18b. This innovative technique provides new insights into the planet's weather and energy circulation.

Ariane 6 Launch Ambitions: Arianespace aims to double its Ariane 6 launch cadence in 2026, with plans for six to eight missions, driven by improved efficiency and the introduction of an upgraded rocket variant. The first launch will support Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Viasat 3F2 Launch Update

[United Launch Alliance]( https://www.ulalaunch.com/ (https://www.ulalaunch.com/) )

Voyager 1 Milestone

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

US-China Coordination

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

JWST 3D Mapping

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Arianespace Launch Plans

[Arianespace]( https://www.arianespace.com/ (https://www.arianespace.com/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29967204?utm_source=youtube

Meteorite Myths, Daylight Fireballs & the Secrets of Ultra-Faint Galaxies | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:03:31 +1100

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Meteorite Myths, Fireballs, and the Enigmatic 3I Atlas

In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into a variety of fascinating cosmic topics, from the truth behind a supposed meteorite impact on a car to the latest developments surrounding the comet 3I Atlas. This episode is packed with intriguing insights and lively discussions that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.

Episode Highlights:

- Meteorite or Not? Andrew and Jonti examine a peculiar incident involving a car in South Australia that was thought to have been struck by a meteorite. They explore the evidence, including an impressive impact crater on the windscreen, and discuss the likelihood that it was merely debris from a passing truck instead.

- Daylight Fireball: The hosts report on a recent fireball sighting over southeastern Australia that captivated witnesses in broad daylight. They analyze the characteristics of this event and the implications it might have for potential meteorite recovery.

- Updates on 3I Atlas: The episode features an update on the comet 3I Atlas, which recently passed perihelion. Andrew and Jonti discuss its unusual behavior, including rapid brightening and the theories behind its activity as it travels through the solar system.

- Supermassive Black Holes in Tiny Galaxies: The discovery of a supermassive black hole in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Segue One raises intriguing questions about galaxy formation and evolution. The hosts delve into the implications of this finding and what it reveals about the nature of dark matter and galaxy interactions.

- Life After Asteroid Impacts: A fascinating study from Finland sheds light on how life can rebound after an asteroid impact. The research team investigates the timeline of microbial recolonization in a crater formed 78 million years ago, revealing insights into the resilience of life on Earth.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29961994?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Tug-of-War, Mars Orbiter’s Stellar Capture, and Black Hole Anomalies

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 21:13:04 +1100

Universe's Expansion May Be Slowing: New research challenges the long-held belief that the universe's expansion is accelerating due to dark energy. This study suggests that dark energy might be evolving and weakening over time, potentially leading to a scenario where gravity could eventually dominate, resulting in a Big Crunch.

Tianwen 1's Interstellar Photography: China's Tianwen 1 orbiter has captured stunning images of the interstellar object 3I Atlas, marking a significant achievement in its extended mission phase. These observations provide crucial insights into the object's composition and offer practice for future sample return missions.

Launch Scrub Update: The much-anticipated launch of United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket carrying the Viasat 3F2 satellite was scrubbed due to ground systems equipment issues. The launch has been rescheduled, with hopes for a successful liftoff soon, as this satellite is crucial for global broadband coverage.

Mysterious Black Hole Flare: A supermassive black hole has emitted an unprecedentedly long-lasting flare, observed by the Zwicky Transient Facility. This unusual event raises questions as it defies typical flare durations, hinting at the consumption of an exceptionally massive star.

Alien Probes in Our Solar System? A recent scientific paper explores the concept of von Neumann probes—self-replicating robotic explorers that could potentially be in our solar system. The authors suggest searching for technosignatures on the Moon, where artifacts could remain undisturbed for millions of years.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Dark Energy Research

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Tianwen 1 Images of 3I Atlas

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Viasat 3F2 Launch Update

[United Launch Alliance]( https://www.ulalaunch.com/ (https://www.ulalaunch.com/) )

Black Hole Flare Observations

[Zwicky Transient Facility]( https://ztf.caltech.edu/ (https://ztf.caltech.edu/) )

Von Neumann Probes Paper

[arXiv]( https://arxiv.org/ (https://arxiv.org/) )

Sponsor Details:

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29946493?utm_source=youtube

Tiangong Space Station, Space Barbecue, Davinci Mission, Veritas Mission, Venus Exploration,...

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:05:50 +1100

Sentinel 1D Launch Success: Ariana Space successfully launched the Sentinel 1D Earth observation satellite aboard an Ariane 62 rocket, placing it into a sun-synchronous orbit at 693 km. This satellite is essential for Europe’s Copernicus program, ensuring continuity of environmental data as it takes over from the aging Sentinel 1A.

NASA Leadership Nomination: President Donald Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman, a prominent figure in commercial space, as NASA's next administrator. Isaacman, known for his role in the Inspiration4 mission and his Athena plan to streamline agency operations, aims to boost commercial partnerships and astronaut launches.

Shenzhou 20 Delayed by Space Debris: The return of China's Shenzhou 20 crewed spacecraft has been postponed due to the risk of collision with space debris. This incident underscores the growing challenges of space traffic management and the need for international cooperation amidst geopolitical tensions.

First Space Barbecue: Astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station recently celebrated a milestone by holding the first-ever space barbecue, cooking chicken wings and peppered steak in a new oven designed for microgravity. This development enhances crew morale and offers a taste of home during long missions.

Future Venus Exploration: With the conclusion of Japan's Akatsuki mission, Venus currently has no active spacecraft. However, several upcoming missions, including NASA's DaVinci and Veritas, the ESA's Envision, and India's Shukrayan orbiter, promise to renew interest in studying Venus's atmosphere and geology, despite potential budget uncertainties.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Sentinel 1D Launch Details

[Ariana Space]( https://www.arianespace.com/ (https://www.arianespace.com/) )

Jared Isaacman's NASA Nomination

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Shenzhou 20 Delay Information

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Tiangong Space Station Barbecue

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Future Venus Missions

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29925317?utm_source=youtube

Stellar Giants and Cosmic Mysteries: The Most Massive Black Hole Merger Yet

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:47:36 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into groundbreaking astronomical discoveries that challenge our understanding of the universe.

The Most Massive Stellar Black Hole Merger Ever Observed

Astronomers have detected the most massive stellar black hole merger to date, cataloged as GW23 1123, which resulted in a black hole with a staggering mass of 225 times that of our Sun. This episode discusses the implications of this merger, observed by the LIGO Virgo Collaboration, and how it pushes the boundaries of current theories on black hole formation. The rapid spinning of the resulting black hole raises intriguing questions about the processes that lead to such massive objects in the cosmos.

Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Matter

Can radio telescopes and NASA's IMAP mission provide answers to the enigma of dark matter? New research suggests that during the cosmic dark ages, dark matter clumped together, pulling in hydrogen gas that emitted powerful radio waves. This segment explores how these signals could potentially illuminate the properties of dark matter, which remains one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics.

Navigating the Heliosphere with IMAP

NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) is on a mission to study the heliosphere, the protective bubble created by the solar wind. As it travels towards its operational position, IMAP will provide unprecedented insights into the interactions between the solar wind and interstellar space, enhancing our understanding of space weather and its effects on our planet and future space exploration.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Nature Astronomy

https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/)

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

https://www.pnas.org/ (https://www.pnas.org/)

The Most Massive Stellar Black Hole Merger Ever Observed

Unraveling the Mystery of Dark Matter

Navigating the Heliosphere with IMAP

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29922040?utm_source=youtube

The ISS’s Fiery Farewell, Self-Making Water Worlds, and The Black Hole Birth Theory

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:31:35 +1100

End of an Era for the International Space Station: NASA has outlined its final plans for the International Space Station, marking a significant transition in space exploration. The ISS, after over 25 years of continuous human presence in low Earth orbit, is set for a controlled deorbit in late 2030, targeting Point Nemo to minimize risks to people and property during its descent.

Planets as Self-Sufficient Water Factories: New research reveals that certain exoplanets, specifically sub-neptunes, may generate their own water through chemical reactions between hydrogen-rich atmospheres and rocky interiors. This groundbreaking finding could reshape our understanding of habitability and the prevalence of water-rich worlds in the universe.

Busy Week for Rocket Launches: This week is bustling with rocket launches globally, including China's Shung Zheng 7A rocket, the European Ariane 62, and multiple Falcon 9 launches by SpaceX. The week culminates with Blue Origin's new Glenn rocket carrying NASA's Escapade mission to study Mars' magnetosphere.

India's Communications Satellite Launch: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communications satellite, CMS03, designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. This launch signifies India's growing ambitions in space exploration, including plans for a crewed lunar mission by 2027.

Universe Born Inside a Black Hole?: A new cosmological model proposes that our universe may have originated inside a black hole, challenging traditional Big Bang theories. This model suggests a gravitational bounce from maximum compression could lead to the birth of new universes, potentially explaining cosmic inflation and allowing for a multiverse scenario.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

NASA's ISS Deorbit Plan

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Sub-Neptunes Water Research

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Global Rocket Launch Schedule

[Space Launch Schedule]( https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/ (https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/) )

ISRO's CMS03 Satellite Launch

[ISRO]( https://www.isro.gov.in/ (https://www.isro.gov.in/) )

Black Hole Cosmological Model

[Nature Physics]( https://www.nature.com/nphys/ (https://www.nature.com/nphys/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29904245?utm_source=youtube

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Hidden Ice: Unraveling Mysteries of Water and Galaxies

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:03:15 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore a trio of intriguing astronomical phenomena that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter

Interstellar comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion, passing closest to the Sun without any signs of alien life forms, despite wild media speculation. This episode discusses how the comet maintained its expected trajectory and velocity, while also revealing groundbreaking findings from NASA's Swift Space Telescope, which detected ultraviolet signatures of water from the comet, providing new insights into the chemistry of interstellar objects and their potential to harbour the building blocks of life.

A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies

Astronomers have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas linking two dwarf galaxies, NGC 4532 and DDO 137, located approximately 53 million light years away. This remarkable structure spans an astonishing 185,000 light years and is accompanied by a vast tail of gas extending 1 million light years. The findings shed light on how galaxies interact and evolve, particularly in dense environments like the Virgo Cluster, and offer crucial insights into the dynamics of galactic gas and star formation.

Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars

A new study suggests that explosive volcanic eruptions on ancient Mars may have transported water ice to the equatorial regions of the Red Planet. Using computer modelling, researchers propose that water vapour released during these eruptions could have frozen in the Martian atmosphere, leading to the accumulation of significant ice deposits. This discovery could have profound implications for future human exploration of Mars, as it raises questions about the availability of water resources in unexpected locations.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205)

Nature Communications

https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/ (https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/)

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter

A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies

Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29900639?utm_source=youtube

Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas, Lunar Myths Debunked, and the Mystery of Ancient Stars

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:17:22 +1100

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas Update: An exciting update on the interstellar comet 3I Atlas reveals it is brightening much faster than anticipated as it approaches the Sun. With its distinct blue color, astronomers believe it is venting ancient frozen materials, offering a rare glimpse into the chemical composition of an object from another star system. Amateur astronomers can now spot this cosmic visitor with their telescopes!

NASA vs. Celebrity Misinformation: A recent claim by Kim Kardashian questioning the authenticity of the 1969 Moon landing prompted NASA to respond publicly. Acting Administrator Sean Duffy reiterated the overwhelming evidence supporting the Moon landings, including lunar rocks and retroreflectors, and extended an invitation to Kardashian to witness the upcoming Artemis mission launch.

Ancient White Dwarf Star Discovery: Astronomers have discovered a 3 billion-year-old white dwarf star that is still consuming the remains of its own planet, challenging existing models of stellar evolution. This unique observation suggests that planetary systems can remain active long after their stars have died, providing insights into the future of our own solar system.

Debunking the Full Moon Effect: Investigating the long-held belief that the full Moon influences sleep and behavior, a neurologist found minimal evidence for its effects. While people may sleep about 20 minutes less during a full Moon due to increased brightness, claims linking lunar phases to erratic behavior are largely unfounded, attributed instead to psychological patterns of perception.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

NASA's Response to Misinformation

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Ancient White Dwarf Star Study

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Full Moon Effect Research

[Journal of Sleep Research]( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652869 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652869) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29885231?utm_source=youtube

Spaghettification Mysteries, Neutron Stars vs. Black Holes & The Wormhole Debate | Space Nuts:...

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:01:30 +1100

Q&A Edition: Spaghettification, Neutron Stars, and the Mysteries of Wormholes

In this mind-bending episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle fascinating questions from listeners that delve into the depths of cosmic phenomena. From the peculiar concept of spaghettification to the nature of black holes and the theoretical existence of wormholes, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights and engaging dialogue.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding Spaghettification: Buddy from Oregon asks if spaghettification is real or merely an illusion. Andrew and Jonti break down the science behind this phenomenon, explaining how the immense gravitational forces near a black hole stretch objects into long, thin shapes, much like spaghetti.

- Neutron Stars vs. Black Holes: Istok from Slovenia inquires about the density of neutron stars and what happens to matter inside black holes. The hosts explore the fascinating properties of neutron stars and the limits of our understanding regarding black holes and the nature of singularities.

- Theoretical Wormholes: Foster from Norway poses a question about the parameters needed for wormholes to exist, inspired by the film Interstellar. Andrew and Jonti discuss the theoretical framework of wormholes, their implications for space travel, and the challenges of proving their existence.

- Pre-Big Bang Theories: Rob's thought-provoking question leads to a discussion about singularities and the potential existence of black holes before the Big Bang. The hosts explore the philosophical implications of what may have existed before time and space as we know them.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29877531?utm_source=youtube

Asteroid Swarms, China’s Tiangong Triumph, and the Fermi Paradox Explained

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 22:19:00 +1100

Taurid Resonance Swarm Alert: A new study highlights the potential threat posed by the Taurid Resonance Swarm, a dense cluster of celestial bodies within an annual meteor shower. Researchers emphasize the need for enhanced monitoring and planetary defense strategies, particularly during key years in 2032 and 2036 for targeted observations.

China's Tiangong Space Station Milestone: China successfully launched its 10th crew to the Tiangong Space Station with the Shenzhou 21 mission. This mission features the youngest astronaut sent to space by China and includes 27 scientific experiments, including vital biological research on rodent mammals in microgravity.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Test: Blue Origin completed a significant static fire test of its New Glenn rocket, preparing for its inaugural flight carrying NASA's Escapade mission to Mars. The mission aims to study Mars' magnetosphere and features a humorously named booster, "Never tell me the odds."

Radical Mundanity and the Fermi Paradox: A new theory proposes the Radical Mundanity principle as a potential answer to the Fermi paradox. It suggests that technological civilizations may not progress to super-advanced states, leading to quieter, less detectable technosignatures than previously assumed.

ESA's Space Safety Initiative: The European Space Agency is expanding its space safety program to address natural and man-made hazards. Key missions include Vigil for solar storm warnings, HERA for asteroid impact studies, and a focus on active debris cleanup with a zero debris approach for future satellites.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Taurid Resonance Swarm Study

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

China's Tiangong Space Station Mission

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Test

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Radical Mundanity Theory

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

ESA's Space Safety Program

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29861530?utm_source=youtube

Lunar Landers Revamped, Stellar Storms Spark Life, and Europe’s Rocket Revolution

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 22:32:37 +1100

SpaceX's Lunar Lander Revamp: SpaceX is reshaping its plans for the lunar lander in NASA's Artemis program, opting for a simplified mission architecture that promises to expedite astronaut landings on the Moon. This shift comes as the original timeline faces significant delays, with new flight tests of the Starship V3 architecture targeted for 2026.

Coronal Mass Ejection and Life: Astronomers have observed a coronal mass ejection from a young, active star for the first time. This powerful stellar outburst may provide the necessary energy to ignite the chemistry of life on orbiting planets, suggesting that such events could be pivotal in the origins of life across the universe.

Vera Rubin Observatory's Stellar Stream: Even before its main survey begins, the Vera Rubin Observatory has discovered a massive stellar stream extending 163,000 light years from the galaxy Messier 61. This finding highlights the potential for uncovering hidden cosmic structures as the observatory gears up for its full operations.

Hennin CubeSat Mission: The European Space Agency is set to launch Hennin, the first CubeSat designed for deep space missions. Positioned in a distant retrograde orbit, Hennin aims to provide early warnings of solar storms, potentially extending our reaction time from under an hour to six hours.

Europe's Reusable Rocket Plans: The Ariane Group is pushing forward with the development of reusable rocket technology centered around the Prometheus engine. This initiative aims to enhance Europe’s autonomous access to space, aiming for a full stage recovery demonstration by 2027 or 2028.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

SpaceX Lunar Lander Update

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Coronal Mass Ejection Research

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Vera Rubin Observatory Findings

[Vera Rubin Observatory](https://www.RubinObs.org/)

Hennin CubeSat Mission

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Ariane Group Reusable Rocket Plans

[Ariane Group]( https://www.ariane.group/ (https://www.ariane.group/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29844487?utm_source=youtube

Jupiter’s Cosmic Blueprint, White Dwarf Feasts & Chiron’s Evolving Rings | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:10:47 +1100

Jupiter's Influence, Hungry White Dwarfs, and Chiron's Rings

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore the dynamic forces shaping our solar system and beyond. From the pivotal role of Jupiter in planetary formation to the intriguing behaviors of white dwarfs and the rapid evolution of Chiron's ring system, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations and scientific insights.

Episode Highlights:

- Jupiter's Role in the Solar System: Andrew and Jonti discuss a recent study that sheds light on how Jupiter's formation influenced the architecture of our solar system, potentially determining the locations and characteristics of the terrestrial planets. They delve into the gravitational effects Jupiter has on the inner solar system and how it may have created conditions favorable for planet formation.

- White Dwarf Devours Planetary Material: The hosts examine a fascinating case of a white dwarf star that has been observed consuming heavy elements from a planetesimal. They explain the implications of this discovery, including the potential for ongoing planetary activity around aging stars and what it suggests about the fate of planetary systems.

- Chiron's Evolving Ring System: The episode features a discussion about Chiron, the icy centaur that has recently been found to have a developing ring system. Andrew and Jonti explore the significance of this discovery, the potential origins of the rings, and what this tells us about the dynamic processes at play in the outer solar system.

- Exoplanet Life Candidates: The hosts wrap up with a critical look at claims surrounding a newly discovered exoplanet that is being touted as a potential candidate for life. They discuss the importance of scientific accuracy in media reporting and the implications of misrepresenting findings in the search for extraterrestrial life.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Martian Ice and Cosmic Shadows - Unveiling Life and Dark Matter Mysteries

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:15:53 +1100

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of life on Mars and the cosmos beyond.

Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for Life

A recent study suggests that Martian ice may be the most promising location to search for signs of ancient microbial life. Researchers found that biomolecules from dormant microbes degrade significantly slower in pure water ice compared to Martian soil mixtures. This discovery, published in the journal Astrobiology, raises hopes that future missions to Mars could uncover preserved organic materials in its icy regions, potentially revealing the planet's biological history.

A Mysterious Dark Object in the Universe

Astronomers have identified the lowest mass dark object ever detected, with a mass about a million times that of our Sun. This enigmatic object, reported in Nature Astronomy, may offer insights into the nature of dark matter, which constitutes a significant portion of the universe's mass. The object was detected through gravitational lensing, and its small size challenges existing theories about dark matter's composition and distribution.

NASA's Call for Lunar Mission Bids

NASA is seeking new bids for its Artemis Moon program, aiming to foster competition among American companies to return humans to the lunar surface. With ongoing delays from SpaceX, NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasizes the urgency of the mission as the U.S. races against China to achieve lunar exploration milestones. The upcoming Artemis missions promise to be pivotal in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

November Skywatch with Jonathan Nally

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrobiology Journal

https://www.liebertpub.com/journals/astrobiology/1 (https://www.liebertpub.com/journals/astrobiology/1)

Nature Astronomy

https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/)

Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for Life

A Mysterious Dark Object in the Universe

NASA's Call for Lunar Mission Bids

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29838122?utm_source=youtube

A New View of the Milky Way, Akatsuki’s Legacy, and How to Spot Comet Lemmon

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:30:50 +1100

Milky Way in a New Light: Astronomers have unveiled a stunning new radio image of the Milky Way, captured by the Murchison Wide Field Array in Australia. This unprecedented view reveals over 3,000 supernova remnants and stellar nurseries, enhancing our understanding of the life cycle of stars from birth to death.

Farewell to Akatsuki: The Japanese space agency JAXA has officially declared its Akatsuki spacecraft dead after a decade of revolutionizing our understanding of Venus. Despite a rocky start, Akatsuki provided invaluable data on the planet's super rotation and atmospheric dynamics.

Comet Watching Season: Comet C 2025 A6, also known as Comet Lemmon, is currently visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers are encouraged to look shortly after sunset for this long-period comet, which won't return for another 1,154 years!

China's Lunar Ambitions: China has reaffirmed its goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, with significant progress on the Long March 10 rocket and lunar lander. This announcement coincides with the upcoming Shenzhou 21 mission to the Tiangong Space Station, featuring the youngest Chinese astronaut to date.

First Stars Born in Pairs: A new study suggests that the universe's first stars, known as Population 3 stars, were commonly born in binary systems. By studying stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud, researchers found that 70% of massive stars are in close pairs, offering insights into early galaxy evolution and black hole formation.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Milky Way Radio Image

[Murchison Wide Field Array]( https://www.mwfa.edu.au/ (https://www.mwfa.edu.au/) )

Akatsuki Mission

[JAXA]( https://www.jaxa.jp/ (https://www.jaxa.jp/) )

Comet C 2025 A6

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

China's Lunar Plans

[China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/ (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) )

Population 3 Stars Study

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natastronomy/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29822514?utm_source=youtube

Black Hole Families, Young Astronomer, and Europe’s Lunar Ambitions

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:01:04 +1100

Second Generation Black Holes Discovered: Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery with the detection of second generation black holes, providing evidence for hierarchical mergers. The LIGO Virgo Kagra collaboration identified two gravitational wave events, revealing unexpected characteristics that suggest a complex history of cosmic collisions.

Young Astronomer Makes Asteroid Discoveries: Meet Stuart Patel, a 12-year-old from Andrew, who has potentially discovered two new asteroids through a citizen science program. His keen eye and passion for astronomy remind us that anyone can contribute to the field, regardless of age or experience.

Mapping the Universe's Structure: A team from the University of Chicago has successfully cataloged galaxy clusters, the most massive structures in the universe, using data from the Dark Energy Survey. Their findings align with the Lambda CDM model, providing crucial insights into the distribution of dark matter and dark energy.

Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: The interstellar comet 3I ATLAS is currently passing through our solar system, displaying typical comet features. Observations from both professional and amateur astronomers are set to reveal more about its origins and the protoplanetary disk from which it came.

ESA's Lunar Lander Argonaut: The European Space Agency has introduced its new lunar lander, Argonaut, designed for sustainable lunar exploration. With the ability to survive the harsh lunar night and deliver significant payloads, Argonaut represents a key step towards a permanent human presence on the Moon.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Second Generation Black Holes Discovery

[LIGO]( https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/ (https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/) )

Stuart Patel's Asteroid Discoveries

[International Astronomical Search Collaboration]( https://www.asteroidclub.org/ (https://www.asteroidclub.org/) )

Galaxy Clusters Mapping

[University of Chicago]( https://www.uchicago.edu/ (https://www.uchicago.edu/) )

Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

ESA Argonaut Lunar Lander

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29802742?utm_source=youtube

Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:40:02 +1100

(00:00:00) Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

(00:00:46) Relics of the outer solar system discovered on the Moon

(00:03:30) Insights from interstellar comet 3I ATLAS

(00:07:31) SpaceX's Starship Mega rocket test flight

(00:23:54) The Science report

(00:31:46) Episode Wrap

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore remarkable discoveries that provide new insights into our solar system and beyond.

Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the Moon

A groundbreaking study reveals that meteorites found on the Moon originated from the outer solar system. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified olivine-bearing clasts from lunar regolith collected by the Chang'e 6 mission. These relics, believed to be carbonaceous chondrites, offer critical information about the formation and evolution of planets. The findings suggest that the Moon serves as a pristine archive for meteorites, with implications for understanding the origins of lunar water and organic materials.

Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: Insights into Alien Solar Systems

The interstellar comet 3I ATLAS is revealing fascinating details about the composition of other solar systems. New observations indicate that 3I ATLAS has been active longer than expected, releasing various molecules as it travels through our solar system. This segment discusses how the comet's behavior challenges existing assumptions about comet activity and provides clues about the materials present in distant star systems.

SpaceX's Starship Mega Rocket Test Flight

SpaceX has successfully completed its 11th test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, demonstrating significant advancements in its design and capabilities. The mission involved various maneuvers, including hot staging and payload deployment, as well as tests of the spacecraft's reentry and landing procedures. This episode highlights the importance of these tests for future missions to the Moon and Mars, as SpaceX continues to refine the Starship for interplanetary travel.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

https://www.pnas.org/ (https://www.pnas.org/)

Astrophysical Journal Letters

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205)

Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the Moon

Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: Insights into Alien Solar Systems

SpaceX's Starship Mega Rocket Test Flight

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29794433?utm_source=youtube

Tatooine’s Real-Life Planets, ISS History Unveiled, and Sake Brewing on the Moon

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:13:43 +1100

Discovering Tatooine's Twin: Astronomers have unveiled a remarkable binary star system, TOI2267, located 190 light years away, featuring three Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting two suns. This unprecedented arrangement challenges existing models of planet formation, suggesting that stable rocky planets can thrive in chaotic environments.

Exploring ISS History: A new interactive website, ISS in Real Time, allows users to experience 25 years of International Space Station history. Compiled by NASA engineers, it offers access to mission data, audio communications, and photos, providing a comprehensive look at life aboard the ISS.

Launch Roundup: This week in space includes SpaceX's busy schedule with three Falcon 9 missions, a crewed Shenzhou 21 launch to the Tiangong space station, and India's ISRO launching the GSAT 7R satellite, marking their 100th mission. A truly global week in space exploration!

Mystery of Martian Gullies Solved: Researchers have discovered that the mysterious gullies on Mars' sand dunes are formed by sliding blocks of dry ice, rather than flowing water. This finding reveals the dynamic processes shaping the Martian landscape, driven by sublimation and gas pressure.

Sake on the Moon: A Japanese startup is planning to brew sake on the Moon, aiming to study fermentation in low gravity. This initiative combines scientific research with cultural aspirations, highlighting the importance of human traditions in future space exploration.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

TOI2267 Exoplanet Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

ISS in Real Time Project

[ISS in Real Time]( http://issinrealtime.org (http://issinrealtime.org/) )

SpaceX Launch Schedule

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Martian Gullies Research

[Nature]( https://www.nature.com/ (https://www.nature.com/) )

Sake Brewing on the Moon

[Startup News]( https://www.startupnews.com/ (https://www.startupnews.com/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29781248?utm_source=youtube

Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth’s Orbit

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:14:09 +1100

(00:00:00) Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit

(00:00:46) Planet Earth experiences as asteroid near miss

(00:02:58) Two green comets lighting up the night skies

(00:07:31) Chinese space junk smashes into Western Australia

(00:09:09) The Science Report

(00:12:07) Skeptics guide to the magic healing Biomet

(00:15:15) Show Wrap-up

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into a series of astonishing astronomical events that recently unfolded, including a near-miss asteroid and mesmerizing comets lighting up our night skies.

Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close Encounter

An undetected asteroid, now designated 2025 TF, made a startling pass just 428 kilometers above Earth, equivalent to the altitude of the International Space Station. Detected by astronomers from Kitt Peak National Observatory six hours post-approach, this 3-meter space rock serves as a reminder of the many near misses that may go unnoticed. This episode discusses the implications of such encounters and the ongoing efforts to enhance planetary defense against potential threats.

Green Comets Illuminate the Night Sky

Skywatchers have been treated to the rare sight of two vibrant green comets, C 2025 R2 Swann and C 2025 A6 Lemon, both originating from the Oort Cloud. As they approach the sun, these comets are heating up and releasing gases, creating their characteristic tails. This segment explores their trajectories, visibility, and the exciting opportunity they present for amateur astronomers, particularly as they coincide with the annual Orionid meteor shower.

Chinese Space Junk Crash in Australia

In a dramatic turn of events, debris from the Chinese Jielong 3 rocket has been discovered smoldering in Western Australia's outback. This segment details the recovery of the wreckage and the ongoing investigation by the Australian Space Agency. The incident raises concerns over space debris management, especially in light of previous accidents involving Chinese spacecraft.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astronomy and Astrophysics

https://www.aanda.org/ (https://www.aanda.org/)

Geophysical Research Letters

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007 (https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007)

Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close Encounter

Green Comets Illuminate the Night Sky

Chinese Space Junk Crash in Australia

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29772168?utm_source=youtube

Twisting Waves on the Sun, the Brightest Radio Flash, and Europe’s Solar Storm Simulation

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:59:55 +1100

Unlocking the Sun's Secrets: Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the Sun's corona, observing twisting magnetic waves that may explain why this outer atmosphere is millions of degrees hotter than the surface. This confirmation of decades-old theories could reshape our understanding of stellar dynamics.

Brightest Cosmic Flash: The brightest fast radio burst ever recorded, dubbed RB Float, has left astronomers perplexed as it has not repeated since its initial observation. This silence challenges existing theories about the origins of these enigmatic signals and suggests new possibilities for their formation.

Preparing for Solar Storms: The European Space Agency has conducted its most extreme solar storm simulation to date, highlighting the potential risks of such events on spacecraft and Earth’s infrastructure. This preparation underscores the importance of monitoring space weather as the Sentinel 1D mission approaches.

Japan's Successful Cargo Launch: JAXA has successfully launched its HTV X1 cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station. This mission not only supports ISS operations but also lays groundwork for future lunar missions as part of the Artemis program.

Spotting Legendary Spacecraft: Learn how to locate some of humanity's most iconic spacecraft in the night sky this October. From the James Webb Space Telescope to Voyager 1, discover where to look and appreciate the incredible journeys these machines have undertaken.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Sun's Corona Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Fast Radio Bursts Research

[CHIME]( https://chime.phas.ubc.ca/ (https://chime.phas.ubc.ca/) )

ESA Solar Storm Simulation

[ESA]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

JAXA HTV X1 Launch

[JAXA]( https://www.jaxa.jp/ (https://www.jaxa.jp/) )

Night Sky Guide for Spacecraft

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29760097?utm_source=youtube

Solar Eclipses, Speeding Comets & the Enigma of Cosmic Event Horizons | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:04:20 +1100

Q&A Edition: Sun-Moon Coincidences, Cosmic Event Horizons, and Hoag's Object

In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle intriguing questions from listeners that explore the wonders of the cosmos. From the fascinating similarities between the Sun and the Moon to the mysterious nature of Hoag's Object, this episode is filled with scientific insights and engaging discussions.

Episode Highlights:

- Sun and Moon Coincidences: Andrew and Jonti delve into the remarkable coincidences between the Sun and the Moon, including their similar apparent sizes and rotation rates. They discuss the implications of these coincidences for future lunar habitation and solar radiation protection.

- Speeding Through Space: Trevor’s question leads to an exploration of how fast comets and spacecraft can travel. The hosts discuss gravitational assists and the potential for achieving incredible speeds, as well as the limits imposed by the physics of motion and the expansion of the universe.

- Hoag's Object Unveiled: Austin's inquiry about Hoag's Object prompts a discussion about this unique ring galaxy. Andrew and Jonti analyze its stunning symmetry and the theories surrounding its formation, including the possibility of a high-speed collision between galaxies.

- Understanding Cosmic Event Horizons: Dan's question about cosmic event horizons sparks a deep dive into the boundaries of the observable universe. The hosts clarify the concepts of event horizons, including the limitations of what we can see due to the expansion of the universe.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29753791?utm_source=youtube

The End of an Era for SpaceX, China’s Reusable Rockets, and Cosmic Conundrums

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 21:51:33 +1100

End of an Era for SpaceX: SpaceX is decommissioning its original Starship launch pad, Pad 1, at its Starbase facility in Texas. This pad, crucial for early Starship development with 11 flights, has seen significant upgrades over the years and will be remembered as the birthplace of Starship flights.

China's Reusable Rocket Ambitions: The Chinese company Landspace is making strides with its Zhuque 3 Rocket, a stainless steel, methane-fueled, reusable launch vehicle. They recently completed a successful static fire test and are targeting their first orbital flight test for late 2025, marking China's commitment to building its own space infrastructure.

James Webb's Moon Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has observed a circumplanetary disk around an exoplanet 600 light years away, believed to be the birthplace of moons. This groundbreaking finding provides insights into planetary formation and the conditions necessary for moon development.

Australia's Space Aspirations: Gilmour Space is gearing up for a second attempt at reaching orbit after their first flight was terminated due to an anomaly. A successful launch would make Australia the 12th country to achieve this milestone, signaling growth in the nation's sovereign space industry.

Exploring Cosmic Mysteries: The episode dives into some of the biggest unsolved mysteries in space, including the Hubble Tension regarding the universe's expansion rate, the enigmatic fast radio bursts, the elusive nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the black hole information paradox. Each of these topics highlights the vast unknowns that continue to challenge our understanding of the cosmos.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

SpaceX Launch Pad Decommissioning

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Landspace Zhuque 3 Rocket Development

[Landspace]( https://www.landspace.com/ (https://www.landspace.com/) )

James Webb Space Telescope Observations

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Gilmour Space Updates

[Gilmour Space]( https://gilmourspace.com/ (https://gilmourspace.com/) )

Cosmic Mysteries Overview

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29736967?utm_source=youtube

European Space Power, Jupiter’s Cosmic Role, and Rings Forming Live

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:19:51 +1100

European Space Industry Shakeup: Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have announced a groundbreaking merger to form a new powerhouse in space systems, aiming for European autonomy in space technology. This collaboration will focus on everything from satellites to deep space exploration and is set to launch in 2027, employing around 25,000 people and generating significant revenue.

Jupiter's Role in Earth's Formation: New research from Rice University reveals that a young Jupiter may have saved Earth from spiraling into the Sun. By creating pressure bumps in the protoplanetary disk, Jupiter allowed rocky planets like Earth to form stably, reshaping our understanding of solar system dynamics and the search for habitable exoplanets.

Real-Time Ring Formation: Astronomers have made history by observing 44 rings forming around the centaur 2060 Chiron in real time. This evolving system, which includes water, ice, and rock, provides critical insights into the processes of ring formation and the dynamics of small celestial bodies.

Discovery of Ross 508b: A new super Earth, Ross 508b, has been discovered 37 light years away, raising excitement among astronomers. This exoplanet's elliptical orbit around an M dwarf star presents potential for liquid water, making it a prime target for atmospheric studies by JWST.

SpaceX Launch Milestone: SpaceX has achieved a remarkable milestone with its 139th mission of 2025, launching Spain's SpainSat NG2 satellite. This record-breaking pace of 134 Falcon 9 launches this year highlights the future of accessible space and the potential for enhanced astronomical research.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

European Space Industry Merger

[Airbus]( https://www.airbus.com/ (https://www.airbus.com/) )

Jupiter's Role in Solar System Formation

[Rice University]( https://www.rice.edu/ (https://www.rice.edu/) )

2060 Chiron Ring Observations

[Astrophysical Journal Letters]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X) )

Ross 508b Discovery

[National Astronomical Observatory of Japan]( https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/ (https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/) )

SpaceX Launch Records

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29722708?utm_source=youtube

SpaceX Innovations, Super-Puff Planets & the Mysterious South Atlantic Anomaly | Space Nuts:...

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:01:20 +1100

SpaceX Innovations, Low-Cost Telescopes, and the Mystery of Super-Puff Planets

In this exhilarating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into the latest advancements in space exploration and the mysteries of the cosmos. With updates from SpaceX's recent successful launches to groundbreaking developments in low-cost space telescopes, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic revelations.

Episode Highlights:

- SpaceX's Bold New Plans: Andrew and Jonti discuss SpaceX's recent achievements, including the successful landing of their Starship and their ambitious plans for future missions to the Moon and Mars. They explore how rapid testing and innovation are changing the landscape of space travel.

- Low-Cost Space Telescopes: Learn about the innovative Minerva Australis facility at the University of Southern Queensland and how it is revolutionizing the search for exoplanets. The hosts discuss the exciting new projects like Twinkl and Mauv, which aim to make space telescopes more accessible and affordable.

- Discovering Super-Puff Planets: The episode delves into the discovery of TOI 4507B, a unique super-puff planet with an unusually low density and a highly tilted orbit. Andrew and Jonti examine the implications of this finding for our understanding of planetary formation and the diversity of exoplanets.

- Earth's Magnetic Field Anomalies: The hosts wrap up with a discussion on the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region where Earth's magnetic field is unexpectedly weak. They explore its significance for satellite operations and its implications for our understanding of Earth's interior dynamics.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29717786?utm_source=youtube

Life’s Building Blocks in Cosmic Ice, Neutrino Mysteries Unite, and Earth’s New Quasi Moon

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:24:49 +1100

Life's Building Blocks in Cosmic Ice: A groundbreaking discovery from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals complex organic molecules like acetic acid and ethanol frozen in cosmic ice in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This finding suggests that the ingredients for life can form in harsher environments and earlier than previously thought, providing new insights into the origins of life.

Neutrino Mysteries: Major collaborations between the Nova experiment in the US and T2K in Japan are aiming to unravel the mystery of why matter dominates over antimatter in the universe. With massive experiments sending neutrino beams through hundreds of kilometers of rock, researchers hope to refine measurements and understand the behavior of these elusive particles.

Earth's New Quasi Moon: NASA confirms the presence of a new quasi moon, asteroid 2025 PN7, which will orbit Earth until 2083. This temporary companion is not gravitationally bound like our moon but shares a similar orbit, offering unique opportunities for future space exploration and technology testing.

Planetary Metallicity Research: Research by Jason Steffen reveals how the age of a galaxy affects the types of planets that can form. As metallicity increases over time, denser rocky planets emerge, suggesting that Earth-like planets may be more likely to develop later in a galaxy's lifetime.

Debunking the Double Fireball Illusion: Recent viral videos of what appeared to be double fireballs have been explained as an optical illusion caused by anti-fogging measures in sky-watching cameras. Fireball expert Robert Lunsford clarifies that these are not separate meteors but rather artifacts of camera setups.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

James Webb Space Telescope Discovery

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Neutrino Experiments Collaboration

[Nova]( https://www.novaexperiment.com/ (https://www.novaexperiment.com/) )

New Quasi Moon Confirmation

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Metallicity Research

[University of Nevada, Las Vegas]( https://www.unlv.edu/ (https://www.unlv.edu/) )

Double Fireball Illusion Explained

[American Meteor Society]( https://www.amsmeteors.org/ (https://www.amsmeteors.org/) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29701581?utm_source=youtube

Europe’s Space Shield, Elon vs. NASA, and the Quirky Giants of Astronomy

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:03:05 +1100

Europe's Space Shield Initiative: The European Union is set to launch its ambitious European Space Shield initiative in Q2 2026, part of a broader Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030. With a budget of €800 billion, this initiative aims to protect vital space assets from threats like jamming and spoofing, marking a significant step in Europe's defense capabilities.

NASA vs. SpaceX Drama: Tensions escalate as NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, blames SpaceX's Starship delays for postponing the Artemis 3 mission to mid-2027. Elon Musk responds with sharp criticism, highlighting the competitive race to the moon and the complex interplay of leadership and technology in space exploration.

Quirky Giant Planets: Researchers are uncovering the mysteries of eccentric warm Jupiters, gas giants with unusual orbits. A study from Northern Arizona University reveals these planets are often aligned with their star's equator, challenging existing models of planetary formation and prompting new theories about star interactions.

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: The interstellar comet 3I Atlas is on track to pass near NASA's Europa Clipper mission, potentially showering it with charged particles. This unique opportunity could provide insights into the composition of alien material, as scientists prepare to analyze the comet's ion tail.

Asteroid 2025 SC79 Discovery: Newly discovered asteroid 2025 SC79 is hiding in the Sun's glare and poses a potential impact risk. Orbiting entirely within Earth's orbit, this Atira asteroid highlights the need for improved detection technologies to identify and monitor such hidden threats.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

European Space Shield Initiative

[European Union]( https://europa.eu/ (https://europa.eu/) )

NASA Artemis Updates

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Warm Jupiters Research

[Northern Arizona University]( https://www.nau.edu/ (https://www.nau.edu/) )

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Asteroid 2025 SC79 Discovery

[Astronomy Magazine]( https://www.astronomy.com/ (https://www.astronomy.com/) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

Sponsor Details:

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Sponsor Details:

Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29683569?utm_source=youtube

Cosmic Debris in Australia, NASA’s Lunar Shakeup, and the Mystery of Moonlight Signals

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:12:09 +1100

Mysterious Space Debris in Australia: A large, smoking piece of metal has been discovered in Western Australia, likely from the fourth stage of a Chinese Jielong 3 rocket. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of space debris and its potential impact on Earth, as authorities investigate the origins of this fiery visitor.

NASA's Artemis 3 Update: NASA is considering opening up the Artemis 3 lunar landing contract to a second company, possibly Blue Origin, due to delays with SpaceX's lunar lander. This shift signals a renewed focus on competition and redundancy in lunar exploration as NASA aims for a sustainable presence on the Moon by 2028.

SpaceX's Launch Milestones: SpaceX is set to conduct up to four Falcon 9 launches this week, including a notable mission for the SpainSat NG1 satellite, which will see the first stage booster expended to prioritize mission performance. Additionally, SpaceX has launched its 10,000th Starlink satellite, marking a significant milestone for the global internet constellation.

New Protocol for Alien Contact: The International Academy of Astronautics has proposed a major update to the protocol for responding to potential signals from extraterrestrial intelligence. The new guidelines emphasize international consultation before any response is sent, reflecting the gravity of such a species-level event.

Transient Lunar Phenomena Theories: Ongoing investigations into transient lunar phenomena (TLPs) reveal potential explanations for the mysterious flashes of light on the Moon's surface. Theories range from meteoroid impacts to gas releases from the Moon's interior, highlighting the need for further exploration and observation.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Australian Space Debris Discovery

[Australian Space Agency]( https://www.space.gov.au/ (https://www.space.gov.au/) )

NASA Artemis 3 Mission Updates

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

SpaceX Launch Cadence

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Alien Contact Protocols

[International Academy of Astronautics]( https://iaaweb.org/ (https://iaaweb.org/) )

Transient Lunar Phenomena Research

[Astrophysical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/29660152?utm_source=youtube