Spacetime With Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 24The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Impact Odds, Lunar Grand Canyons, and NASA's Stranded AstronautsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the alarming increase in the odds of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth, now estimated at 3.1% for December 22, 2032. This asteroid, measuring between 40 to 90 meters, poses a significant threat, and we delve into the implications of planetary defense strategies that could be employed to mitigate this risk.The Origins of the Moon's Grand CanyonsWe also explore new research that suggests the Moon's massive canyons, Vallis Schrodinger and Valles Plank, were carved out by asteroid impacts in a mere 10 minutes. This groundbreaking study provides insights into the Moon's geological history and will have important implications for future lunar missions, particularly the upcoming Artemis program.NASA's Stranded AstronautsAdditionally, we cover the latest developments regarding NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wiltmore, who

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 23The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSnowball Earth Evidence, Blue Origin's Parachute Failure, and the Moon Illusion ExplainedIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking geological research that provides compelling evidence for the Snowball Earth hypothesis, suggesting that glaciers may have covered the planet from pole to pole hundreds of millions of years ago. This research reveals insights into Earth's climatic history and the emergence of multicellular life following this extreme glaciation event.Blue Origin's Lunar Gravity MissionWe also discuss the recent Blue Origin mission, where the New Shepard spacecraft experienced a parachute failure during a lunar gravity simulation flight. Despite the malfunction, mission managers confirm that the capsule was designed to land safely with two parachutes, and investigations are underway to understand the issue.The Moon Illusion: Why Does It Appear Larger on the Horizon?Additionally, we explore the fascinating phe

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 22The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Van Allen Radiation Belts, Alien Oceans and Signs of Life, and the Largest Black Hole Radio Jet Ever DetectedIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of two new temporary Van Allen radiation belts created by a massive solar storm that struck Earth in May 2024. This event not only produced stunning auroras but also highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of radiation belts for the safety of satellites and astronauts. The findings, reported by NASA's Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment, reveal that these belts can last significantly longer than previously thought, with implications for future solar storms and spaceflight safety.Searching for Life in Alien OceansWe also explore the challenges of detecting signs of extraterrestrial life in the subsurface oceans of icy moons like Saturn's Enceladus. A new study suggests that the unique physics of these oceans could hinder the movement of biological si

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 21The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastShifting Dynamics of Earth's Inner Core, China's Lunar South Pole Mission, and Insights into Hot Jupiter ExoplanetsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking research revealing that Earth's inner core may be less solid than previously believed. A new study indicates that the near surface of the inner core is undergoing structural transformations, influenced by interactions with the turbulent outer core. This discovery provides fresh insights into the dynamics of Earth's core and its impact on the planet's magnetic field and rotation.China's Chang'e 7 Mission: A Quest for Lunar Water IceWe also discuss China's upcoming Chang'e 7 mission, set to launch next year, which aims to search for water ice at the lunar south pole. This mission will employ advanced technologies to locate and analyze water ice deposits, crucial for supporting future manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The Chang'e 7 mission will include an orbiter,

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 20The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Discoveries on Earth's Elements, Uranus's Moon Ariel, and the Fate of Comet AtlasIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into a groundbreaking study that challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of Earth's missing moderately volatile elements, such as copper and zinc. This research suggests that rather than being lost during the early formation of the solar system, these essential elements were likely retained by the first planetesimals and lost later due to violent cosmic collisions during planetary growth, reshaping our understanding of planetary chemistry and habitability.Uranus's Moon Ariel: A Window to Its InteriorWe also explore the fascinating trench-like features on Uranus's moon Ariel, which may serve as conduits for internal materials. New research indicates that these medial grooves could provide insights into Ariel's geological history and potential subsurface oceans, highlighting the complex interplay of tectonic

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 19The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Insights into Earth's Water, Asteroid Bennu's Composition, and Marsquake TriggersIn this episode of SpaceTime, we investigate a groundbreaking study that challenges previous beliefs about when water arrived on Earth. New findings suggest that water may have come in during the later stages of Earth’s formation, providing fresh perspectives on the origins of life on our planet. The study highlights the importance of molybdenum isotopes in understanding the timing of water delivery and the conditions necessary for life.Searles Lake and Asteroid BennuWe also explore the intriguing similarities between Searles Lake in California and the asteroid Bennu, as researchers find that both environments share common water-soluble minerals. The Osiris Rex mission has revealed that Bennu's samples contain evaporite minerals formed under wet conditions, shedding light on the potential for life-sustaining elements in our solar system's past.Meteoroi

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 18The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Threat Level Rusty, Dark Matter Experiment, and Martian Lava RocksIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the alarming increase in the threat level of near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4, now assessed at a 2.3% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. With astronomers worldwide closely monitoring its trajectory, we explore the potential consequences of an impact from this asteroid, including the possibility of a catastrophic airburst or a significant surface collision.New Dark Matter Experiment in SpaceWe also delve into an ambitious new experiment aimed at uncovering the mysteries of dark matter. Researchers are testing a device that could potentially detect dark matter by measuring tiny signals in a zero-gravity environment. This groundbreaking approach seeks to provide insights into the elusive substance that constitutes approximately 85% of the universe's mass.Insights from Martian Lava RocksAdditionally, we examine findi

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 17The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastVolcanic Activity on Io, Ceres and the Building Blocks of Life, and New Exoplanet Search TechnologyIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the astonishing discovery of the largest volcanic hotspot ever observed on Jupiter's moon, Io. NASA's Juno mission reveals a feature that dwarfs Earth's Lake Superior and produces eruptions with six times the energy output of all the world's power plants. This unprecedented volcanic activity is driven by intense gravitational interactions with Jupiter, resulting in a dynamic landscape riddled with approximately 400 volcanoes.The Mystery of Ceres' Organic CompoundsWe also delve into new findings regarding the dwarf planet Ceres, where scientists have determined that organic deposits on its surface likely did not originate from its interior. Instead, these building blocks of life may have arrived through impacts from meteoroids, raising questions about the origins of life-sustaining compounds in our

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 16The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Discoveries on the Moon, Venus Exploration, and Titan's AtmosphereIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into a groundbreaking study revealing that the Moon may not be as geologically inactive as previously believed. Observations of small ridges on the lunar far side suggest recent tectonic activity, indicating that the Moon's geological history is more dynamic than once thought. Researchers found that these features, formed within the last 200 million years, could have significant implications for future lunar missions.NASA's Davinci Mission to VenusWe also discuss NASA's upcoming Davinci mission, set to explore the mysteries of Venus. This innovative mission will deploy a descent probe into the planet's thick atmosphere, capturing high-resolution images and analyzing its unique geological features, including the ancient Tesserae that may provide insights into Venus's past.Understanding Titan's AtmosphereAdditionally, we explore n

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 15The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastBuilding Blocks of Life on Asteroid Bennu, New Asteroid Threat, and Lunar Dome MissionIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries from the asteroid Bennu, where scientists have detected the molecular building blocks of life in samples returned by NASA's Osiris Rex spacecraft. These findings indicate a rich history of salt water on Bennu, suggesting that the essential conditions for life may have been widespread throughout the early solar system. The analysis reveals 14 amino acids and five nucleobases, hinting at the potential for life beyond Earth.A New Asteroid Threat to EarthWe also discuss the newly identified asteroid 2024 YR4, which poses a significant risk with a 1 in 83 chance of impact on December 22, 2032. This near-Earth object, measuring between 40 and 100 meters wide, has astronomers concerned due to its potential for causing a powerful airburst explosion or even a surface impact.Investigating Myste

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 14The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid from the Moon, Lunar Landers, and Trump’s Mars AmbitionsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing discovery of a small asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, which is believed to be a fragment of the Moon ejected into space by a historic impact. This 10-meter wide near-Earth object offers new insights into both asteroid and lunar science, as researchers confirm its composition aligns closely with lunar rock samples.Two Lunar Landers Launch for the MoonSpaceX successfully launched two lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience, as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. These missions aim to deliver critical hardware to the Moon in preparation for a sustainable human presence under the Artemis program. Blue Ghost will conduct a variety of scientific experiments, including lunar subsurface drilling and thermal measurements, while Resilience will deploy a forward robotic micro ro

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 13Mysteries of Water on Mars and the Origins of Earth's MoonIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries about the history of water on Mars. New research reveals thousands of mounds on the Martian northern plains, rich in clay minerals, indicating that this area was once submerged under a vast ocean. These findings, reported in Nature Geoscience, suggest that the mounds preserve a complete geological history of water on Mars, making them prime targets for future exploration missions searching for signs of past life.Could the Moon be a Piece of Earth?We also delve into a fascinating study proposing that the Moon could have formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle rather than from the impact of a Mars-sized body, as previously thought. This new hypothesis, based on isotopic similarities between Earth and Moon samples, offers fresh insights into the origins of our lunar companion and the potential pathways for water to have reached Earth.Establishing

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 12Unveiling the Mysteries of Fast Radio Bursts and Mars' GeologyIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the enigmatic origins of fast radio bursts (FRBs), those mysterious cosmic phenomena that release immense energy in mere nanoseconds. Recent findings challenge existing theories about their sources, suggesting that some FRBs may originate from regions in ancient, dead galaxies, raising profound questions about the nature of these bursts and their potential as cosmic probes.Is Mars Still Geologically Active?A new study based on data from NASA's InSight lander indicates that Mars may still be geologically active. By analyzing marsquakes, researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that the southern hemisphere of the Red Planet has a thicker crust and higher elevation than the northern hemisphere, providing insights into its geological history and evolution over billions of years.Celestial Treat for Southern Hemisphere Sky WatchersSky watchers in the Southern Hemisphere are i

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 11Ancient Water on Mars and the Birth of the Universe's LightsScientists have uncovered two sets of ancient wave ripples on Mars, revealing evidence of long-dried ponds and lakes that once existed on the Red Planet. Discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover, these ripples, formed approximately 3.7 billion years ago, indicate that shallow bodies of water were open to the Martian atmosphere, challenging previous climate models suggesting an ice-covered surface. This finding extends our understanding of the timeline for liquid water on Mars and its potential for microbial life.A Quasar's Role in Cosmic IlluminationAstronomers have detected a highly variable quasar that may have played a crucial role in turning on the lights of the universe. This quasar, observed by the NuSTAR and Chandra X-ray space telescopes, is one of the most distant objects detected and provides new insights into the growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe. Its rapid brightness fluctuations offer vita

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 10Gaia's Sky Scanning Completion and Mid Infrared Flare from Sagittarius A*The European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft has completed its sky scanning phase, marking a monumental achievement in astronomical missions. Over the past decade, Gaia has transformed our understanding of the Milky Way by mapping the positions and characteristics of billions of stars. This mission has provided unprecedented insights into the origins and evolution of our galaxy, revealing its structure and history like never before.Mid Infrared Flare from the Milky Way's Supermassive Black HoleAstronomers have detected a mid infrared flare from Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. This discovery, made using NASA's Webb Space Telescope, fills a crucial gap in our understanding of black hole flares and supports existing models of magnetic reconnection in the accretion disk surrounding the black hole.Discovery of a New Type of ExoplanetNASA's Webb Space Telescope has unveil

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 09Starship's Fiery End and Blue Origin's New Glenn DebutSpaceX's Starship experienced a dramatic explosion during its seventh test flight, marking both success and setback. While the super heavy booster was successfully caught by the launch tower's chopstick arms, the Starship upper stage exploded during ascent. Despite the fiery end, the mission demonstrated significant advancements in booster recovery technology.Blue Origin's New Glenn Maiden FlightBlue Origin's New Glenn mega rocket has completed its first flight, successfully reaching orbit. However, the mission wasn't flawless, as the first stage booster failed to land on a pre-positioned barge in the Atlantic Ocean. The mission's payload, a prototype for the Blue Ring orbital vehicle, was successfully deployed, marking a significant milestone for Blue Origin.Mysterious Stellar Pulsations ExplainedAstronomers have pinpointed the source of mysterious long-period radio transients, linking them to a binary star system comprising

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 08Origins of Fast Radio Bursts UnveiledAstronomers have pinpointed the source of fast radio bursts, specifically linking them to magnetars, a type of highly magnetic neutron star. This breakthrough, reported in Nature, was achieved by analysing the scintillation of FRB2022 1022A, indicating its proximity to a magnetar within 10,000 kilometres. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon, suggesting that all fast radio bursts might originate from similarly extreme environments.Lunar Water's Terrestrial OriginsA groundbreaking study reveals that much of the Moon's water may have originated from early Earth. By examining Apollo-era lunar samples with a high precision triple oxygen isotope technique, scientists discovered a dual heritage of lunar water, tracing back to both proto-Earth and cometary impacts. This finding offers new insights into the Earth-Moon system's formation 4.5 billion years ago.Juno's Insights into IO's VolcanismNASA's Juno mission has uncovered that J

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 07Dark Matter's Role in Milky Way's Stellar StreamsNew research suggests that dark matter may have influenced the formation of the GD-1 stellar stream in the Milky Way. A study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters proposes that a core-collapsing, self-interacting dark matter subhalo could explain the unusual spur and gap features observed in the stream. This finding could deepen our understanding of dark matter's properties and its influence on the universe.Sun's Triple Solar Flare EruptionThe Sun has unleashed three significant X-class solar flares in a single day, with the first and third being X1.1 flares and the second an X1.5. These powerful eruptions, detected by NOAA's Solar Ultraviolet Imager, are part of the Sun's approach to solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Solar flares can disrupt Earth's communications, power grids, and pose health risks to astronauts.Quadrantids Meteor Shower SpectacleThe Earth is experiencing the Quadrantids meteor shower, offering

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 06Formation of Pluto-Charon Binary SystemA new study reveals that the formation of the Pluto-Charon dwarf planet binary system may mirror that of the Earth-Moon system. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that both systems feature a secondary body significantly large in comparison to the primary, unlike other moons in our solar system. The findings could explain Pluto's active geology and potential subsurface ocean, highlighting the significance of giant impacts in shaping planetary bodies.BepiColombo's Final Mercury FlybyThe BepiColombo spacecraft has completed its final close flyby of Mercury, passing just 295 kilometres above the planet's surface. This manoeuvre marks the last gravity assist required for the joint ESA and JAXA mission before it enters Mercury's orbit in late 2026. The mission aims to study Mercury's magnetic field, surface composition, and interaction with the solar wind, enhancing our understanding of planets close to their host stars.Astrono

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 05Volcanic Activity on MarsNew research suggests recent volcanic activity on Mars, with eruptions possibly occurring within the last 50,000 years. This discovery, based on satellite observations, highlights a mysterious dark deposit in Elysium Planitia, indicating explosive volcanism. The findings could mean Mars is still volcanically active, raising possibilities of habitable conditions due to interactions between magma and icy substrates.Mysteries of Supernova 1987AAstronomers using the Murchison Wide Field Array have been delving into the enigmatic Supernova 1987A. The supernova, marking the death of a blue supergiant star, offers insights into stellar evolution. The peculiar hourglass shape and the unexpected blue supergiant phase of the progenitor star continue to puzzle scientists.Dream Chaser Space Plane Launch DelayedThe inaugural flight of the Dream Chaser space plane, Tenacity, is now scheduled for May. The spacecraft will carry supplies to the International Space Station