Spacetime With Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 44The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Discoveries About Uranus, the 2025 Space Environment Robert on Space Junk, and NASA's Starliner Testing UpdatesIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking insights into the atmosphere of Uranus, derived from two decades of observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Uranus, an ice giant with its unique tilt and rotation, reveals complex atmospheric dynamics that scientists are just beginning to understand. We discuss the implications of Hubble's findings, including the distribution of methane and the changing aerosol structures as the planet approaches its northern summer solstice in 2030.The 2025 Space Environment RobertNext, we delve into the European Space Agency's 2025 Space Environment Robert, highlighting the growing challenge of space debris orbiting Earth. With thousands of defunct satellites and rocket stages contributing to the clutter, we examine the risks posed to operational spacecraft and the urgent nee

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 43The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExploring Venusian Volcanoes, the End of the Gaia Mission, and SpaceX's Historic Polar Orbit LaunchIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the geological mysteries of Venus, where new research suggests that convection in its crust may explain the planet's numerous volcanoes. Unlike Earth, which supports life, Venus is a harsh environment with extreme temperatures and a crushing atmosphere. We discuss how this convection could indicate a more active geological landscape than previously understood, shedding light on the planet's evolution.The Conclusion of the Gaia MissionNext, we mark the end of an era as the European Space Agency officially powers down the Gaia spacecraft. After over a decade of groundbreaking work mapping the Milky Way, Gaia has provided invaluable data that has transformed our understanding of the galaxy. We highlight the mission's key achievements and the lasting legacy of its extensive data archive that will co

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 42The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastUnraveling Antimatter Mysteries, New Techniques to Detect Dark Matter, and Insights into the Spectrum Rocket FailureIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking discoveries at the Large Hadron Collider, where physicists have identified a significant difference in the decay behaviors of ordinary matter and antimatter. This finding could provide vital clues to understanding why our universe is dominated by matter despite the Big Bang's creation of equal amounts of both. We explore the implications of these results and how they align with the Standard Model of particle physics.Innovative Approaches to Dark Matter DetectionNext, we discuss an innovative new technique developed by researchers at the University of Queensland to detect dark matter using atomic clocks and cavity-stabilized lasers. This cutting-edge approach aims to uncover the elusive nature of dark matter, which constitutes about 80% of the universe yet remains l

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 41The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMysterious Red Sprite Lightning, Shocking Spherules on Mars, and a New Geological Map of the Asteroid BeltIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the breathtaking phenomenon of red sprite lightning captured over the Himalayas. Chinese astrophotographers documented over 100 of these rare electrical discharges, revealing insights into the complex thunderstorms of the region. We discuss the mechanisms behind these sprites and their implications for understanding upper atmospheric phenomena.Shocking Discoveries on MarsNext, we turn our attention to Mars, where NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered a strange rock formation composed of hundreds of millimeter-sized spheres. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the geological processes that could create such features, prompting scientists to investigate their origins and significance for Mars' geological history.New Geological Map of the Asteroid BeltAdditionally, we delve into

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 40The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastLargest Organic Molecule Discovered on Mars, Parker Solar Probe's Close Encounter with the Sun, and New Insights into Earth's FormationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the remarkable discovery made by NASA's Curiosity Rover, which has identified the largest organic molecules ever found on Mars. These molecules, potentially remnants of fatty acids, suggest that prebiotic chemistry may have progressed further on the Red Planet than previously thought. We delve into the implications of these findings for future Mars sample return missions and the search for signs of past life.Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking PhilipWe also cover the Parker Solar Probe's successful close encounter with the Sun, where it reached an unprecedented distance of just 6.1 million kilometers from the solar surface. This flyby allowed for unique scientific observations of the Sun's corona and solar wind, providing crucial data that can enhance our unders

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 39The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMoon's Oldest Impact Crater Dated, NASA's Punch Mission Launches, and Europe's First Orbital Rocket CountdownIn this episode of SpaceTime, we reveal groundbreaking findings that pinpoint the age of the Moon's oldest and largest impact crater, the Aitken Basin. Recent analysis of lunar regolith collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission indicates that this massive structure was formed approximately 4.25 billion years ago by a colossal asteroid impact. We discuss how this discovery enhances our understanding of the Moon's geological history and its role in the solar system's evolution.NASA's Punch MissionWe also cover the successful launch of NASA's Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission, which is now in orbit and entering its commissioning phase. This innovative mission aims to make 3D observations of the Sun's corona and its transformation into solar wind, providing vital data to improve space weather predictions a

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 38The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastDeep Insights into the Dark Universe, China's Lunar Ambitions, and NASA's New Aurora MissionIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the latest findings from the European Space Agency's Euclid mission, which is shedding light on the mysterious force of dark energy and how it accelerates the universe's expansion. The recently released data reveals stunning images of billions of galaxies, providing crucial insights into the nature of dark energy and its effect on cosmic history. We discuss the mission's ambitious goals and how it aims to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the universe.China's Lunar PlansWe also explore China's exciting announcement that it plans to land its first crewed mission on the Moon by 2030. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, including the Long March 10 rocket and the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, China is set to embark on a historic lunar exploration journey, aiming to establish a permanen

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 37The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExciting New Exoplanet Discovery, Evolving Dark Energy, and Insights into the Moon's Magnetic FieldIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of a potential new exoplanet, TOI 2818C, located over a thousand light years away in the constellation Papus. This intriguing planetary candidate is estimated to be 10 to 16 times the size of Earth and orbits its host star in less than 16 Earth days. We delve into the innovative transit timing variations method employed by astronomers, which revealed the presence of this companion planet alongside the hot Jupiter TOI 2818b, and discuss the implications for our understanding of planetary formation in hot Jupiter systems.Dark Energy's Mysterious EvolutionWe also explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that dark energy may be evolving over cosmic time scales. Utilizing data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), scientists are piecing together the largest three-dimension

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 36The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSpace Tornadoes Discovered in the Milky Way's Core, SpaceX's Starship to Undertake a Mission to Mars Next Year, and Stranded Astronauts Finally Return Home After Nine Months in SpaceIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the astonishing discovery of enormous space tornadoes swirling in the Milky Way's central core. Astronomers have unveiled these spectacular formations, detected using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which reveal the dynamic processes surrounding the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. We discuss the implications of this find for our understanding of the galaxy's central molecular zone and the mechanisms driving material circulation within it.SpaceX's Ambitious Mars MissionWe also cover SpaceX's plans for its Starship rocket, which is set to undertake its first mission to Mars next year. Elon Musk outlines the ambitious timeline for human colonization of the red planet, with unmanned missi

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 35The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastDiscovery of a New Planetary System, Stable Trio of Icy Worlds in the Kuiper Belt, and the Fascinating Concept of White HolesIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the groundbreaking discovery of a nearby planetary system orbiting Barnard's Star, the second closest star system to the Sun. Located just 5.96 light years away, this system comprises four small planets, each 20 to 30% the mass of Earth, revealing new insights into the potential for life beyond our solar system. We discuss the significance of these findings and the advanced techniques used to confirm their existence, including the innovative Maroon X instrument.Exploring the Kuiper BeltWe also explore the remarkable discovery of a stable trio of small frozen worlds in the Kuiper Belt, cataloged as the Algiera system. This intriguing find, made using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory, could potentially be only the second three-body system i

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 34The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSupernovae's Role in Mass Extinctions, NASA's Stellar Mapping Mission, and New Moons of SaturnIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a fascinating new study suggesting that nearby supernovae could have triggered at least two of Earth's mass extinction events. These violent stellar explosions may have stripped away the ozone layer, exposing life to harmful ultraviolet radiation and leading to significant ecological upheaval. We delve into the implications of these findings and how they reshape our understanding of Earth's history.Nasa's SPHEREx MissionWe also discuss NASA's successful launch of the SPHEREx mission, designed to map the entire celestial sky in unprecedented detail. This mission aims to create a three-dimensional map of over 450 million galaxies, utilizing advanced spectroscopy techniques to analyze infrared light and uncover the mysteries of cosmic inflation and the ingredients necessary for life.Saturn's Expanding Moon

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 33The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastWorld's Oldest Meteor Impact Crater, Water Ice on the Moon, and the Secretive X37B Shuttle ReturnsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we unveil the discovery of the world's oldest known meteor impact crater located in Western Australia. This ancient structure, dating back 3.5 billion years, was identified in the Pilbara region and challenges previous notions about Earth's geological history and the origins of life. We discuss the implications of this significant find, including its potential to reshape our understanding of crust formation and the environments conducive to early microbial life.Water Ice on the MoonWe also delve into exciting new research suggesting that water ice may be found just centimeters below the lunar surface across a much larger area of the Moon's polar regions than previously believed. Based on observations from India's Chandrayaan 3 mission, these findings could greatly influence future lunar exploration and habitat

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 32The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMartian Minerals Indicating Ancient Life, World's Most Powerful Gamma Ray Observatory, and Ariane 6 Rocket Operations BeginIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking findings from NASA's Perseverance rover, which has discovered unusual rocks on Mars' Jezero crater rim, hinting at the possibility of ancient life. The rocks, rich in kaolinite, typically form in warm, wet environments, suggesting that Mars may have once hosted conditions suitable for life. We delve into the implications of these findings and what they reveal about the planet's watery past.Advancements in Gamma Ray AstronomyWe also discuss the European Commission's green light for the construction of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, projected to become the world's most powerful gamma ray observatory. This ambitious project aims to vastly expand our understanding of high-energy astronomical phenomena, potentially revealing the origins of gamma rays an

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 31The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastBeaches on Mars, Water's Early Emergence in the Universe, and Voyager's Power ConservationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the groundbreaking confirmation by China's Zhurong Mars rover, which has revealed that ancient ocean beaches once graced Mars' northern hemisphere. Using advanced ground-penetrating radar, scientists have discovered sedimentary structures resembling Earth's coastal deposits, suggesting that the Red Planet once harbored a significant body of water, potentially creating habitable environments for microbial life.Water's Early Role in the UniverseWe also discuss a new study indicating that water may have formed in the universe much earlier than previously thought, just 100 to 200 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery suggests that habitable planets could have begun forming before the first galaxies, with primordial supernovae playing a crucial role in producing the necessary oxygen for water molec

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 30The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastEarth's Jessica Cycles, Starship's Latest Failure, and Lunar Landings in TroubleIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking discovery linking Earth's ice age cycles to its orbital shifts. Recent research indicates a predictable pattern for glacial and interglacial periods, suggesting the onset of the next ice age could occur in approximately 10,000 years. This insight stems from a million-year climate record that matches changes in Earth's orbit with significant climate shifts.Starship's Crash and BurnWe also discuss the latest mishap involving SpaceX's Starship, which experienced a dramatic failure just seconds before achieving orbit. The test flight ended in a spectacular explosion over the Caribbean, prompting multiple investigations into the incident. This marks the second consecutive failure for SpaceX's ambitious rocket program, raising concerns about its future, particularly in relation to NASA's Artemis lunar miss

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 29The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExploring Callisto's Ocean Potential, Laser Fossil Detection on Mars, and ISS Cleanliness ConcernsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into exciting new research suggesting that Jupiter's moon Callisto may harbor a subsurface ocean, potentially making it another ocean world in our solar system. This revelation builds on data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, which hinted at the presence of a salty liquid water ocean beneath Callisto's icy crust. Advanced modeling techniques have strengthened these claims, setting the stage for further exploration by NASA's Europa Clipper and ESA's Juice missions.Lasers on Mars: Searching for Ancient LifeWe also discuss innovative research that proposes using lasers to identify ancient microbial fossils on Mars. Scientists have successfully detected microbial fossils in gypsum on Earth, raising hopes that similar techniques could uncover evidence of past life on the Red Planet. The findings suggest that

The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastEarth's Climate Shaped by Orion, New Insights into Mars' Red Color, and NASA's Europa Clipper Mission UpdateIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that Earth's climate may have undergone significant changes around 14 million years ago due to our solar system's journey through the Orion star-forming region. Researchers propose that this passage may have compressed the heliosphere, increasing interstellar dust influx and potentially impacting Earth's climate and geological records.Revisiting Mars' Iconic HueWe also discuss new findings that challenge previous assumptions about why Mars is red. Recent research indicates that the planet's rusted appearance may be linked to a wetter history, with liquid water playing a crucial role in the formation of iron oxides. This revelation reshapes our understanding of Mars' habitability and environmental conditions in its ancient past.NASA's Europa Clipper MissionAdditionally, we provide an ex

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 27The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Risk Reduced, Insights into Mars' Core, and NASA's Lunar Mission UpdateIn this episode of SpaceTime, we bring you encouraging news about asteroid 2024 YR4, with new observations indicating that the chances of it impacting Earth have plummeted to just 0.001%. Initially flagged as a potential threat, this asteroid has been closely monitored, and the latest data from the Very Large Telescope has allowed astronomers to refine its orbit and rule out any collision risk for 2032.Exploring the Martian CoreWe also delve into a fascinating new study regarding the composition of Mars' core. Research suggests that while it may contain a liquid outer core, there could also be a solid inner core composed of iron and sulfur. This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of the Red Planet's geophysical properties and the role of lighter elements in its core.NASA's Latest Lunar MissionAdditionally, we provide an update on N

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 26The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Ryugu's Salty Secrets, Solar Orbiter's Venus Encounter, and NASA's Lunar Resource ExplorationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the recent findings from the asteroid Richie, where scientists have discovered evidence of salt minerals, hinting at the presence of saline water in the outer solar system. This exciting revelation parallels previous discoveries from asteroid Bennu and enhances our understanding of the chemical history of these celestial bodies.Europe's Solar Orbiter and VenusWe also explore the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter spacecraft as it prepares for a close flyby of Venus. This maneuver will allow the spacecraft to adjust its orbit significantly, enabling unprecedented observations of the Sun's polar regions, which have remained elusive from Earth. The encounter will provide critical data to improve our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather.NASA's Polar Ice ExperimentAdd

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 25The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastTwo Arrows of Time, Ancient Rocks on Mars, and NASA's Lunar Trailblazer MissionIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into a groundbreaking discovery by physicists revealing the possibility of two distinct arrows of time emerging from the quantum realm. This fascinating research challenges our conventional understanding of time, suggesting that it may not flow in just one direction, but could theoretically move both forwards and backwards under certain quantum conditions.NASA's Perseverance Rover Finds Ancient Martian RocksWe also highlight the latest findings from NASA's Perseverance rover, which has uncovered new types of rocks that may be the oldest material ever found on Mars. As the rover continues its Crater Rim campaign, it is providing critical insights into the geological history of the Red Planet and the potential for ancient habitable environments.Countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer MissionAdditionally, we preview the upco