Comet Updates, Meteor Showers & the Secrets of Uranus' Moon Ariel
Sponsor Details:This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN....enhance your online privacy with the best in the game. Tiy get our special Space Nuts price and bonus deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts or use the code SPACENUTS at checkout.Comets, Meteor Showers, and Mysteries of UranusIn this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore the latest cosmic happenings, from the intriguing updates on interstellar comet 3I Atlas to the meteor showers lighting up our skies. They also delve into the fascinating story of Uranus's moon Ariel, which hints at a hidden ocean in its past, and the potential threat posed by asteroids influenced by Venus.Episode Highlights:- 3I Atlas Update: Andrew and Jonti discuss the latest observations of comet 3I Atlas, the third interstellar object observed, and its rapid journey through our solar system. With a close approach to the sun and Mars, the comet presents unique opportunities for data collection, despite being temporarily out of view from Earth.- Exciting Comet Discoveries: The hosts share news about other comets, including C 2025 R2 Swan and A6 Lemon, highlighting their visibility and potential for amateur astronomers. They discuss the thrill of unexpected comet appearances and the importance of ongoing observation.- Meteor Showers in Focus: Andrew and Jonti provide insights into the upcoming Orionid and Draconid meteor showers, including optimal viewing times and conditions. They discuss the rarity of meteor storms and the impact of moonlight on visibility.- Ariel and Its Hidden Ocean: The episode takes a deeper look at Uranus's moon Ariel, revealing new findings that suggest the presence of a subsurface ocean in its past due to tidal heating. The discussion emphasizes the implications for understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.- Venus and Asteroid Dynamics: The hosts conclude with a thought-provoking discussion about near-Earth asteroids that may be influenced by Venus's gravity, exploring how these objects could pose a long-term threat to Earth in the future.For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about.Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.Got a question for our Q&A episode? https://spacenutspodcast.com/amaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.