Spacetime With Stuart Gary

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the thrilling prospects of observing exploding black holes, an astonishing stellar jet on the outskirts of the Milky Way, and the meticulous preparations for an Earth observation satellite mission.Exploding Black Holes on the HorizonA groundbreaking study suggests that astronomers may soon witness a black hole explosion, an event theorised to occur once every 100,000 years. Researchers now believe there’s a 90% chance of observing such an explosion within the next decade, potentially revealing primordial black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang. These explosions could provide a comprehensive catalogue of all subatomic particles, including those yet to be discovered, fundamentally altering our understanding of the universe's origins.Immense Stellar Jet DiscoveredAstronomers have identified a colossal stellar jet erupting from a young star in the Milky Way's outskirts, specifically in the Sharpless 2284 region. This rare phenomenon involves twin jets of hot plasma e

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the secrets of ancient geology, explore the watery past of an asteroid, and delve into the origins of globular clusters.Supercontinent Breakup RevealedScientists have made significant strides in understanding the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia, which occurred over 800 million years ago. Research conducted on rare minerals in Outback Australia has revealed how niobium-rich carbonatites rose through fault zones during tectonic rifting, providing insights into the geological processes that shaped our planet. These findings not only illuminate the history of Rodinia but also highlight the importance of niobium in modern technologies, such as electric vehicles and advanced alloys.Water Activity on Asteroid RichieExciting new research confirms that liquid water once flowed on the parent body of the near-Earth asteroid Richie, challenging previous assumptions about water activity on asteroids. Analysis of rock samples returned by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission has shown evi

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking discoveries on Mars, the intriguing atmosphere of Makemake, and the awe-inspiring total lunar eclipse that captivated millions.Potential Biosignatures on MarsNASA scientists have revealed that samples collected by the Perseverance rover from Jezero Crater may hold the best chance yet of uncovering evidence of past microbial life. The samples, taken from the rock formation known as Chiava Falls, exhibit characteristics that could indicate potential biosignatures. These findings suggest that Mars may have been habitable for longer than previously thought, challenging earlier assumptions about the planet's history.Atmosphere Discovered on MakemakeIn a remarkable discovery, astronomers have detected indications of a methane gas atmosphere on the distant dwarf planet Makemake. This finding, made using NASA's Webb Space Telescope, suggests the presence of a tenuous atmosphere or possibly cryovolcanic activity. Makemake, which resides in the Kuiper Belt, is n

Sponsor Details:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special SpaceTime listener offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout. Help support SpaceTime and get a great deal. Win/win!In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore fascinating insights into the origins of Earth's water, the launch of Israel's advanced spy satellite, and the development of a groundbreaking high-energy rocket fuel.About Earth's Water OriginsRecent findings suggest that the water in Comet 12P Pons-Brooks shares the same isotopic signature as Earth's oceans, bolstering the hypothesis that comets played a vital role in delivering water and essential ingredients for life to our planet. Observations from the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimeter Array telescope reveal that the deuterium to hydrogen ratio in the comet's water is remarkably similar to that found in Earth's oceans, providing compelling ev

Sponsor Details:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special SpaceTime listener offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout. Help support SpaceTime and get a great deal. Win/win!In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into some astounding revelations in solar physics and planetary science, including the extreme temperatures of solar flares, new insights into the formation of Jupiter's core, and the tantalising possibility of life evolving on nearby exoplanets.Solar Flares Hotter Than Ever ImaginedRecent research has revealed that solar flares can reach temperatures exceeding 60 million degrees Celsius, a staggering six and a half times hotter than previously believed. This groundbreaking finding, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, may provide answers to a long-standing mystery regarding solar flare spectral lines. The study suggests that positively charge

Sponsor Details:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special SpaceTime listener offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout. Help support SpaceTime and get a great deal. Win/win!In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science and solar physics, including the remnants of ancient asteroids on Mars, the recovery of the Mother's Day meteorite, and new insights into solar energetic particles.Asteroid Remnants Found in Martian MantleA new study reveals that fragments from ancient asteroids, which significantly impacted Mars around 4.5 billion years ago, are now trapped within the planet's mantle. Data from NASA's Mars Insight lander has provided unprecedented insights into the Martian interior, showing that these remnants, some up to four kilometres wide, offer a unique glimpse into Mars' geological history. The findings suggest a s

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover some of the most exciting discoveries and developments in the universe, including the detection of the brightest fast radio burst ever observed, the New Horizons spacecraft's record-setting hibernation, and an innovative method for generating oxygen in space.Brightest Fast Radio Burst DetectedAstronomers have identified what is being hailed as the brightest fast radio burst (FRB) ever recorded. Catalogued as FRB 2025 0316A, this extraordinary flash of energy was detected 130 million light years away in the spiral galaxy NGC 4141. The burst's unprecedented brightness and proximity provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study its origins and the environment surrounding it, potentially shedding light on the enigmatic sources of these fleeting cosmic phenomena.New Horizons Enters Record HibernationNASA's New Horizons spacecraft has officially begun a record-setting hibernation period as it journeys through the Kuiper Belt, now over 9.2 billion kilometres from Eart

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest developments in space exploration, including the European Space Agency's Juice mission, NASA's Psyche spacecraft, and groundbreaking advancements in lunar resource utilization.Juice Mission Back on TrackThe European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Juice, is set for a critical flyby of Venus after overcoming a communications anomaly that temporarily severed contact with Earth. Engineers successfully restored communication with the spacecraft, which is now on its way to study Jupiter's Galilean moons—Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa—believed to harbor subsurface oceans that may support extraterrestrial life. The flyby will assist Juice in gaining the necessary speed for its journey to Jupiter, scheduled for arrival in 2031.Psyche Spacecraft CalibrationNASA's Psyche spacecraft, launched in 2023, has successfully calibrated its onboard cameras as it journeys toward the metal-rich asteroid of the same name. The spacecraft aims to unlock the secrets of pl

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into thrilling advancements in space exploration, including a remarkable test flight of SpaceX's Starship, groundbreaking insights into Mars, and a classified mission from the United States Space Force.Starship's Spectacular Test FlightAfter overcoming numerous challenges, SpaceX's Starship has successfully completed its 10th test flight, launching from Texas and splashing down in the Indian Ocean. This flight demonstrated the rocket's capabilities, including a controlled splashdown of the Super Heavy booster and the successful deployment of Starlink satellite simulators. The mission provided critical data on the vehicle's performance during reentry, including stress testing its heat shield.New Insights into MarsThe European Space Agency's Mars Express Orbiter has provided new observations of the Acheron Foci region, revealing the geological forces that have shaped the Red Planet. These findings highlight the impact of ancient geological upheaval and climatic shifts on M

This episode is brought to you by the support of Insta360 - the leaders and innovators in portable 360 Photography. And they have just released the all new UltraGo...the take anywhere camera. Get all the details by visiting store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout for our special listener offer. In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries and developments in the realm of astrophysics and space exploration.Rogue Planets and Their PotentialA fascinating new study reveals that giant free-floating planets, known as rogue planets, may have the ability to form their own miniature planetary systems independently of a host star. Observations from the Webb Space Telescope have identified young rogue planets with masses between 5 to 10 times that of Jupiter. These dim objects, which emit primarily in the infrared spectrum, are believed to hold secrets about the formation of planetary systems. The findings indicate that disks of warm dust surrounding these planets could pro

This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by Insta360's newest camera, the GoUltra. To get more details on this go anywhere camera, visit store.insta360.com and for our special offer use the code SPACETIME at checkout.In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the mysteries lurking in the cosmos, from a rogue supermassive black hole to a meteorite crash in Georgia, and the origins of asteroids Bennu and Ryugu.An Invisible Monster in the CosmosAstronomers have made a chilling discovery of a supermassive black hole, 600 million light years away, that has been lurking in the darkness of space. Using NASA's Hubble and Chandra space telescopes, along with a Very Large Array radio telescope, researchers identified this rogue black hole that consumes stars and planets that venture too close. The black hole was revealed through a tidal disruption event, where a star was torn apart and swallowed, offering a glimpse into the physics of these cosmic behemoths.Meteorite Slams into Georgia HomeIn an extraordinary event, a

This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GoUltra. For a special offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout.In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore thrilling recent discoveries and events in the cosmos, including close encounters with asteroids, a newly discovered moon around Uranus, and the cosmic dance of dwarf galaxies.Earth Dodges Two Asteroid Near MissesPlanet Earth has narrowly avoided two asteroid near misses within days of each other. The first, asteroid 2025 PF2, zipped past at an altitude of just 22,000 kilometers, while the second, 2025 PU1, came even closer at 29,000 kilometers. Both asteroids, small yet significant, highlight the ongoing risks posed by near-Earth objects, with 2025 PU1 being particularly alarming as it was only detected hours after its closest approach.A New Moon for UranusAstronomers have identified a new moon orbiting Uranus, bringing the total number o

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into intriguing new research that challenges our understanding of Earth's climatic history, the discovery of a rare astronomical phenomenon, and China's advancements in lunar exploration.Did a Comet Trigger the Younger Dryas Cool Off?A groundbreaking study has emerged suggesting that a massive comet may have instigated Earth's Younger Dryas cool off event, traditionally attributed to glacial meltwater. Analysis of ocean sediments published in the journal PLOS One reveals geochemical clues that support the hypothesis of Earth encountering a disintegrating comet around 12,800 years ago. This event could have led to rapid cooling, with temperatures plummeting by approximately 10 degrees Celsius within a year. The findings indicate a potential link between comet dust and significant climate shifts, inviting further investigation into this captivating theory.Discovery of a Rare White Dwarf Merger RemnantAstronomers have identified an ultra-massive white dwarf star resulting f

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest revelations from the cosmos, featuring the intriguing interstellar comet 3I Atlas, a groundbreaking theory about our place in the universe, and the safe return of SpaceX Crew 10.The Enigmatic Comet 3I AtlasAstronomers utilizing NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have captured the sharpest images yet of the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, revealing a solid icy nucleus estimated to measure between 320 meters and 5.6 kilometers in diameter. This comet, traveling at a staggering 209,000 kilometers per hour, is believed to have been journeying through interstellar space for approximately 7 billion years. Observations from multiple telescopes are enhancing our understanding of this ancient visitor, including its size, chemical makeup, and physical properties. With a dust plume and tail reminiscent of solar system comets, 3I Atlas offers a unique glimpse into the history of our galaxy as it approaches the sun.Earth's Position in a Cosmic VoidA new hypothesis suggests that

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest astronomical marvels and pressing concerns in space science.The Cosmic Horseshoe: A Supermassive DiscoveryAstronomers have potentially identified the most massive supermassive black hole ever discovered, dubbed the Cosmic Horseshoe, which is estimated to be around 36 billion times the mass of our Sun. Located approximately 5 billion light years away, this colossal black hole distorts space-time and creates a stunning Einstein ring effect by gravitationally lensing light from distant galaxies. The measurement of its mass combines gravitational lensing and stellar kinematics, providing a rare glimpse into the formation and evolution of galaxies and their central black holes.Possible New Planet in the Alpha Centauri SystemExciting news emerges from the Alpha Centauri star system, where astronomers may have discovered a new planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A, the closest star system to our own at just 4.25 light years away. Using data from NASA's Webb Space Telesc

In this episode of SpaceTime, we journey through the latest advancements in space exploration and cosmology, featuring a groundbreaking radar mission, a new hypothesis on the universe's origins, and updates on the International Space Station.NISAR: A New Era in Earth ObservationThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the NISAR satellite, a joint mission with NASA that promises to revolutionise our understanding of Earth's dynamic systems. This advanced synthetic aperture radar satellite will monitor changes in forests, wetlands, and ice-covered surfaces with unprecedented detail, providing crucial data for disaster response, infrastructure management, and climate change studies. With its ability to see through clouds and operate day and night, NISAR will deliver vital insights into the planet's movements and environmental changes every 12 days, enhancing our preparedness for natural hazards.A New Hypothesis on the Universe's OriginsIn a significant shift in cosmological theory,

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the cosmic drama unfolding in our universe, featuring a doomed exoplanet, new revelations about Mars, and the latest crew aboard the International Space Station.The Death Spiral of TOI 2109bAstronomers are closely monitoring the death spiral of TOI 2109b, an exoplanet located over 870 light-years away. This gas giant, nearly five times the mass of Jupiter, completes an orbit around its host star in just 16 hours, making it the closest hot Jupiter discovered to date. Researchers from Macquarie University have found that the planet's orbit is decaying, leading to three potential end scenarios: being torn apart by tidal forces, plunging into its host star, or losing its gaseous envelope to intense radiation. These findings provide valuable insights into planetary evolution and the fate of gas giants in close orbits.New Insights into Mars's Ancient SurfaceA recent study has identified a new type of iron sulfate on Mars, suggesting significant geothermal and chemical act

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries and ambitious plans in the realm of space exploration.The Most Distant Black Hole: Casper's Lidz 9Astronomers have identified the most distant black hole ever observed, known as Casper's Lidz 9, dating back 13.3 billion years to a time when the universe was only half a billion years old. This supermassive black hole, weighing in at approximately 300 million solar masses, raises intriguing questions about its rapid growth in the early universe. The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provide a unique opportunity to study the structure and evolution of galaxies during this enigmatic period, with implications for our understanding of black hole formation.New Insights into Ancient Martian WaterRecent research suggests that Mars was even wetter than previously believed. A study presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's national meeting examined over 1500 kilometres of ancient riverbeds in the Nochesterra region, indicating that f

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover intriguing discoveries about Mars, the cosmos, and the latest advancements in space technology.Martian Glaciers: Pure Water IceRecent research reveals that Martian glaciers are composed of over 80% pure water ice, challenging previous assumptions that they were primarily rocky. This groundbreaking study, led by Yuval Steinberg from the Weizmann Institute, utilized standardized measurements to analyze the dielectric properties of these glaciers, providing a clearer understanding of their composition. The findings not only enhance our knowledge of Martian geology but also have significant implications for future manned missions, as these glaciers could serve as vital water sources for astronauts.Discovery of an Intermediate Mass Black HoleNASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-Ray Observatory have identified a rare intermediate mass black hole, known as NGC6099HLX1, actively consuming a star. This black hole, located approximately 450 million light-years away, resid

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore exciting new findings about our galaxy, the latest achievements of NASA's Mars Curiosity rover, and groundbreaking images of the Sun captured by the Parker Solar Probe.Milky Way's Hidden SatellitesRecent research suggests that the Milky Way may host up to 100 previously undetected satellite galaxies. Using advanced supercomputer simulations and mathematical modeling, astronomers have identified the existence of these faint dwarf galaxies, which could provide crucial support for the Lambda cold dark matter model. Currently, only 60 companion galaxies are confirmed, but with new telescopes like the Vera Rubin Observatory, the search for these elusive satellites is set to expand, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe's structure.Curiosity Rover Reaches New HeightsNASA's Mars Curiosity rover has made significant progress in its exploration of Mount Sharp, revealing intricate geological formations known as boxwork. This unique terrain, shaped by ancient gr