Spacetime With Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 144*Young Exoplanet Challenges Planet Formation TheoriesAstronomers have discovered an exoplanet, Taade 1b, that is just 3 million years old, challenging our current understanding of the speed at which planets form. This young planet, orbiting its star every seven Earth days, offers a unique glimpse into the early stages of planetary formation. The study, led by Madison Barber from the University of North Carolina, highlights the surprising rapidity of Taade 1b's formation compared to Earth's estimated 10 to 20 million-year formation period. The discovery provides new insights into the differences between our solar system and those hosting close-in giant planets like Taade 1b.*Photon Shape Revealed by New Quantum TheoryA groundbreaking theory has allowed scientists to define the precise shape of a photon for the first time. Reported in Physical Review Letters, this research explores how photons, as particles of light, interact with matter at the quantum level. The study reveals tha

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 143*The Milky Way: An Unusual GalaxyA new study reveals that our Milky Way galaxy is an outlier among similar galaxies, challenging the assumption that it is a typical model for understanding galactic formation and evolution. Published in the Astrophysical Journal, the research highlights differences in the Milky Way's evolutionary history compared to other galaxies of similar mass. The Satellite Surround Galactic Analogues (SEGA) survey has identified 101 Milky Way-like analogues, revealing that the Milky Way hosts fewer satellite dwarf galaxies than its peers. Additionally, star formation in the Milky Way's satellite galaxies is less active, raising questions about its unique galactic environment.*Europe's Prober 3 Mission to Study the SunAll systems are go for the European Space Agency's Prober 3 mission, set to launch next month to study the Sun's corona. This double-satellite mission will create artificial eclipses, allowing for prolonged observations of the Sun's atmosphere.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 142*How Mars Got Its MoonsA groundbreaking study suggests that Mars acquired its moons, Phobos and Deimos, after a passing asteroid was torn apart by the planet's gravity. This new hypothesis, based on NASA's supercomputer simulations and published in the journal Icarus, challenges previous theories of their origin, such as capture or major impact. The upcoming Martian Moons Exploration mission by JAXA, with NASA's involvement, aims to further investigate these theories by collecting samples from Phobos.*Starship Test Flight 6SpaceX has successfully completed its sixth test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, overseen by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The test included a splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and a successful orbital journey of the Starship, which trialled new heat shield materials and descent strategies. This marks the final test for this version of Starship, with an upgraded version expected to fly soon.*Revisiting Earth's Or

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 141*Supermassive Black Hole Consumes Matter at Record SpeedAstronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole in the early universe consuming matter at a rate more than 40 times its theoretical limit. This black hole, catalogued as LID568, was observed by the Webb Space Telescope and is providing new insights into the rapid growth mechanisms of black holes shortly after the Big Bang. The findings challenge existing theories on how these cosmic giants formed so quickly and open new avenues for future research.*Uranus' Magnetic Mysteries UnveiledNew analysis of 38-year-old data from NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft reveals that a space weather event dramatically compressed Uranus' magnetosphere just before the flyby in 1986. This event provides clues to the planet's unusual magnetic field and suggests that Uranus' moons might be more geologically active than previously thought. The findings are crucial for understanding this enigmatic ice giant and its unique characteristics.*New Satel

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 140*Revisiting the Milky Way's Black Hole ImageA new study questions the accuracy of the first-ever image of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Researchers suggest the image may not accurately represent its appearance, proposing a more elongated accretion disc instead of the ring-like structure previously released by the Event Horizon Telescope.*Methane in Titan's CrustData from NASA's Cassini spacecraft indicates that Saturn's moon Titan may have a methane-rich crust up to 10 kilometres thick. This insulating layer could explain Titan's shallow impact craters and its methane-rich atmosphere, providing insights into its unique geological and atmospheric dynamics.*Updates on Earth's Ozone HoleNASA reports that the annual ozone hole over Antarctica was smaller this year, ranking as the seventh smallest since recovery efforts began. The ozone layer is on track to fully recover by 2066, thanks to international agreements curbing ozone-depleting c

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 139*Gilmore Space Cleared for Orbital LaunchThe Australian Space Agency has granted Gilmore Space the final approval needed to conduct its maiden orbital test flight of the Ares rocket from the Bowen Spaceport in North Queensland. This launch will mark the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil, showcasing a new hybrid propulsion system developed by the company.*Discovery of Red Monster Galaxies in the Early UniverseAstronomers have identified three ultra-massive galaxies, each nearly the size of the Milky Way, that reached their colossal size within the first billion years of the universe's existence. These findings, reported in Nature, challenge existing models of galaxy formation and suggest a more efficient star formation process in the early universe.*Signs of an Ancient Martian OceanChina's Mars rover, Zhurong, may have found evidence supporting the theory that Mars' northern hemisphere was once covered by a vast ocean. The terrain around

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 138*Discovery of the Outer Solar System's Magnetic FieldScientists have discovered evidence of an ancient magnetic field at the far reaches of our solar system. Research published in AGU Advances, based on 4.6 billion-year-old grain samples from the asteroid Richie, suggests the presence of a weak magnetic field during the formation of the outer solar system. This field, although weak, could have been instrumental in the formation of the outer planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The findings provide new insights into the magnetic influences shaping our solar system.*Southern Launch Gets Green Light for Orbital MissionsSouthern Launch has received federal and state government approval for its Whalers Way orbital launch complex in South Australia. The site is poised to support up to 42 orbital rocket launches annually, with plans for multiple launch pads and comprehensive tracking facilities. This development marks a significant step forward for Australia's growi

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 137*The Earth: A Giant Slushie?New research reveals that Earth once experienced a "slushy" period following its snowball Earth phase. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study by Virginia Tech scientists suggests that as the planet thawed, it transitioned into a slushy state, marked by high carbon dioxide levels and rapid melting. The findings offer fresh insights into Earth's climate evolution and the resilience of life under extreme conditions.*Phobos Eclipses the SunNASA's Mars Perseverance rover has captured a rare celestial event: the Martian moon Phobos eclipsing the Sun. Using its Mastcam-Z camera, Perseverance observed the tiny moon transiting the Sun from its position in Jezero Crater. This remarkable event highlights the ongoing challenges and discoveries as the rover ascends the crater's rim.*SpaceX Dragon Boosts ISSFor the first time, NASA has utilized the SpaceX Dragon capsule to boost the International Space Station into a higher orbi

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 136*Discovering the Origins of MagnetarsA groundbreaking study reveals that magnetars, highly magnetic neutron stars, are born from stellar mergers rather than single star supernova events. These findings, published in Nature, delve into the origins of fast radio bursts (FRBs), which are high-energy flashes releasing more energy in nanoseconds than half a billion suns. The research indicates that FRBs are more common in massive star-forming galaxies, suggesting a link to magnetars formed from stellar mergers. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about magnetar formation and sheds light on the dynamic processes in the universe.*Voyager 1 Approaches One Light Day from EarthNASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft is set to become the first human-made object to travel more than a light day's distance from Earth, a monumental 26 billion kilometers away. This historic milestone is expected in January 2027. Despite recent communication challenges due to a fault protection system glitch, eng

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 135*Could Uranus Moon Miranda Have a Subsurface Ocean?A new study suggests that Uranus' moon Miranda may harbour a liquid water ocean beneath its peculiar jigsaw-like surface. The findings, published in the Planetary Science Journal, challenge existing assumptions about Miranda's history and composition, potentially placing it among the select few worlds in our solar system with environments that could support life. The study highlights the intriguing possibility of a vast ocean beneath Miranda's icy crust, kept warm by gravitational tidal forces.*NASA Discovers Weird Red Rocks with Green Spots on MarsNASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has stumbled upon strange red rocks with green spots on the Martian surface. As the rover continues its journey towards the rim of Jezero Crater, it has uncovered a new geological puzzle featuring red and green rocks. Scientists are intrigued by the green spots, which could suggest past water activity, but their exact composition remains a mystery due to

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 134*Perseverance's Uphill Struggle in Jezero CraterNASA's Mars Perseverance Rover faces challenges as it attempts to climb the steep and slippery ridgeline of Jezero Crater. Despite its previous experience with steep inclines, this mission marks the first time the rover has tackled such a challenging combination of slope and surface. Engineers are exploring new strategies, including driving backwards and zigzagging, to improve traction. The goal is to reach the crater's rim for valuable scientific exploration, with plans to study potential microbial life signs preserved in ancient rock layers.*ESA's Ramses Mission to ApophisThe European Space Agency is preparing for its Ramses mission to study the asteroid Apophis as it makes a close flyby of Earth in 2029. This rare event offers a unique opportunity to understand Apophis's composition and reaction to gravitational forces, crucial for future planetary defence strategies. The mission is modelled on the HERA spacecraft, and aims to l

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 133*Earth's Mantle: Two Distinct Domains RevealedGroundbreaking research has unveiled that the Earth's mantle is composed of two distinct and separate types of materials, forming independent African and Pacific domains. This discovery, published in Nature Geoscience, challenges previous assumptions of a chemically uniform mantle. The study highlights how these domains have been shaped by the formation and breakup of supercontinents over the past 700 million years, revealing the Earth has two chemically distinct hemispheres.*China's Ambitious Lunar PlansChina is accelerating its space ambitions, aiming to send its first taikonauts to the moon by 2030. The China Manned Space Agency plans to use its new Long March 10 rocket to transport taikonauts and a lunar lander to the moon's surface. This mission marks a significant step in China's lunar exploration, with plans to establish a joint base with Russia on the lunar surface by the early 2030s.*NASA's SpaceX Crew 8 Returns to EarthAfte

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 132*Could Betelgeuse Actually Be Two Stars?A new study raises the intriguing possibility that the red supergiant Betelgeuse may not be on the brink of supernova, as previously thought. Instead, it might be a binary star system. This revelation, reported in the Astrophysical Journal, suggests that an unseen companion star could be causing Betelgeuse's pulsing brightness, challenging the long-held belief of its impending explosion.*Richard Branson to Co-Pilot Space Perspective's First Manned Balloon FlightVirgin Group founder Richard Branson is set to co-pilot Space Perspective's first manned stratospheric balloon flight. The flight promises a gentle ascent to 100,000 feet, offering panoramic views of Earth without the high G-forces of traditional Space tourism, marking a new era in high-altitude experiences.*Australia's Ambitious Spaceport PlansDespite not launching an orbital mission in over 50 years, Australia is gearing up to expand its spaceport capabilities. Proposals for new s

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 131*Ultra High Energy Gamma Rays Detected in the Milky Way's CoreScientists have detected ultra high energy gamma rays emanating from the centre of the Milky Way. This discovery, reported in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, offers a new perspective on the violent phenomena occurring in the galactic core. Using the High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory in Mexico, researchers measured these gamma rays at over 100 tera electron volts, providing insights into the cosmic processes involving Sagittarius A, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole.*Discovery of a Potential Triple Black Hole SystemAstronomers have identified what may be the first triple black hole system, located 8,000 light years away. This discovery could be the first direct evidence of gentle black hole formation, challenging the typical violent supernova origin theory. The system includes a central black hole, a closely orbiting star, and a far-off companion star, suggesting a more subtle formation process kn

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 130*Epoch of Reionization: New Insights from WebbA groundbreaking study suggests the epoch of reionization, a pivotal era in the universe's early evolution, may have occurred 350 million years earlier than previously believed. Utilising data from the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have uncovered a greater abundance of extreme ultraviolet emitting galaxies, challenging established models. This revelation might imply that the cosmic microwave background radiation and the Lyman alpha forest should appear different, posing a conundrum for scientists and opening new avenues for understanding the universe's history.*NASA's DaVinci Mission Prepares for VenusNASA's upcoming DaVinci mission aims to explore Venus's enigmatic Alpha Regio, a mountainous region shrouded in mystery. The mission, set for the early 2030s, will delve into whether Venus once harboured oceans and continents, akin to Earth. By reanalysing old data and employing modern techniques, scientists have enhanced the

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 129*First Evidence of a Volcanic Splatocone on MarsScientists have identified what appears to be the first evidence of a volcanic splatter cone on Mars, similar to those found on Earth. This discovery, led by Ian Flynn from the University of Idaho, sheds light on the volcanic processes of the red planet. The presence of splatter cones, which form under specific conditions, provides new insights into Martian volcanology and the dynamics of volcanic eruptions.*Volcanic Moon Around a Distant Exoplanet?A new study suggests the presence of a volcanic exomoon orbiting the exoplanet WASP 49 b, located 635 light years away. The discovery is based on a sodium cloud detected near the planet, resembling the volcanic activity seen on Jupiter's moon Io. This potential exomoon could offer a new perspective on moons outside our solar system, although further observations are needed to confirm its existence.*Sun Reaches Solar MaximumThe sun has reached the solar maximum of its 11-year cycle, marki

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 128*Dating the Moon's Oldest Impact CraterScientists have pinpointed the edge of the massive South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest known impact crater on the Moon, dating it to over 4.32 billion years old. By analysing a lunar meteorite, researchers have concluded that this impact site is around 120 million years earlier than the previously believed intense period of impact bombardment. These findings provide a clearer picture of the Moon's early impact history and have implications for understanding Earth's early conditions.*Recreating the Sound of Earth's Magnetic Polar FlipWith evidence suggesting that Earth's magnetic poles are about to flip, scientists have recreated what they believe could be the sound of this event. Earth's magnetic field, vital for life, is generated by the planet's molten outer core. The recreated soundscape provides an audio insight into the geomagnetic reversals, which occur roughly every 250,000 years, with the last flip occurring 770,000 year

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 127*SpaceX's Starship's Fifth Test Flight SuccessSpaceX's Starship has completed its fifth test flight with a spectacular feat of engineering, successfully catching the super heavy booster with mechanical chopsticks on the launch pad tower. The booster, equipped with 33 Raptor engines, returned to Earth after a successful launch from SpaceX's Starbase in Texas, showcasing the potential for rapid reuse and interplanetary missions. The test flight marks a significant step towards developing Starship for NASA's Artemis III mission, aiming for a manned moon landing in 2026.*Origins of Earth's Meteorites UncoveredA new study reveals that most meteorites reaching Earth originate from just three major asteroid breakup events. The findings, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Nature, identify the Karin, Koronis, and Massalia asteroid families as the sources of 70% of meteorite falls. These discoveries enhance our understanding of asteroid collisions in the main belt between Mars an

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 126*NASA's Parker Solar Probe Completes 21st Philip of the SunNASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved its 21st close encounter with the Sun, matching its previous distance and speed records. The spacecraft swooped to within 7.26 million kilometers of the solar surface at a record speed of 635,300 km/h. This flyby sets up the probe for its final closest approaches, with its orbit shaped by a Venus gravity assist. The mission, launched in 2018, aims to study the Sun's corona and the solar wind, unraveling the mysteries of solar phenomena that impact the solar system.*Webb Space Telescope Finds Potential Missing Link to First StarsAstronomers using NASA's Webb Space Telescope have identified a galaxy with an unusual light signature that could be a missing link in galactic evolution. The galaxy, found approximately a billion years after the Big Bang, features gas outshining its stars, possibly due to massive, hot stars. This discovery offers insights into the transition from the univers

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 125*Discovery of the Most Distant Spiral GalaxyAstronomers have identified the most distant spiral galaxy ever seen, named REBELS 25. This galaxy, observed as it was 13.1 billion years ago, challenges current models of galaxy formation with its orderly spiral structure, despite being from an era when the universe was just 700 million years old. The discovery, made using the ALMA radio telescope in Chile, offers new insights into the early universe and the evolution of galaxies.*Record-Breaking Mantle Rock RecoveryScientists have achieved a groundbreaking recovery of rocks from Earth's mantle, the planet's largest component. The 1268-meter-long section of mantle rock, retrieved from the Atlantic's mid-ocean ridge, provides new insights into the mantle's role in Earth's geological processes. The findings, published in Science, reveal unexpected levels of melting and composition, offering clues to the origins of life and volcanic activity.*Launch of ESA's Hera Asteroid MissionThe Euro