SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

• Lightning Strikes Mars: The First Detection of Electrical Discharges and NASA's New Look at Comet 3I Atlas

  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 DiscoveryNASA'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 AtlasFollowing 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 VoidA 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 HighlightsAs 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✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of NatureNASA ReportsJournal of Eye ScienceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.(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

  --------  

  44:35

  --------

  44:35
• Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

  (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 BirthA 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 TrojansNASA'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 CargoIn 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✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of ScienceNASA ReportsMax Planck Institute StudiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

  --------  

  30:17

  --------

  30:17
• Dark Matter Detected: A Breakthrough in Cosmic Mystery and CHEOPS' Next Milestone

  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 BreakthroughAfter 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 MilestoneThe 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 CosmodromeA 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✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle PhysicsEuropean Space Agency ReportsNASA News ReleasesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

  --------  

  26:54

  --------

  26:54
• Interstellar Insights: Tracking Comet 3I/Atlas and the Ganon Superstorm's Impact on Earth

  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 MarsThe 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 SphereA 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 SpaceplaneSierra 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✍️ Episode ReferencesEarth Planets and Space JournalJournal of the American Chemical SocietyNASA ReportsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

  --------  

  25:27

  --------

  25:27
• Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets

  (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 MantleA 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 WayAstronomers 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 TaikonautsIn 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✍️ Episode ReferencesNature GeosciencePublications of the Astronomical Society of AustraliaNew England Journal of MedicineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

  --------  

  19:11

  --------

  19:11

Meer Wetenschap podcasts

Trending Wetenschap -podcasts

Over SpaceTime with Stuart Gary