SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

• Dark Matter Detected: A Breakthrough in Cosmic Mystery and CHEOPS' Next Milestone

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of the universe and the challenges faced in space exploration.Detecting Dark Matter: A Major BreakthroughAfter nearly a century of speculation, scientists may have finally detected dark matter. A report in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that gamma rays emitted from dark matter particle collisions have been observed using NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope. This discovery aligns with predictions about dark matter's existence and could signify a new particle not included in the current standard model of particle physics. If confirmed, this finding would represent one of the most significant developments in astronomy and physics to date.CHEOPS Spacecraft Nears MilestoneThe European Space Agency's CHEOPS (Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite) is approaching another milestone as it enters its sixth year of a mission initially planned for three and a half years. Launched in December 2019, CHEOPS aims to determine the size and characteristics of known exoplanets. With its 30-centimeter optical telescope, the spacecraft has been crucial in observing transiting exoplanets and will now extend its search to include exomoons, enhancing our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.Disaster at Baikonur CosmodromeA major disaster struck at the Baikonur Cosmodrome during the launch of the Soyuz MS.28 spacecraft to the International Space Station. The mobile service platform collapsed due to the rocket's exhaust plume, resulting in significant damage to the launch pad. This incident leaves Russia without a functional facility for manned space missions for the first time in 60 years, delaying upcoming launches and posing challenges for future missions.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle PhysicsEuropean Space Agency ReportsNASA News ReleasesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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• Interstellar Insights: Tracking Comet 3I/Atlas and the Ganon Superstorm's Impact on Earth

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space exploration and Earth science.Tracking Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas from MarsThe European Space Agency has successfully monitored interstellar comet 3I Atlas from its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, significantly improving the accuracy of its predicted trajectory by a factor of ten. The comet, which travels at speeds of up to 250,000 km/h, was observed from a unique vantage point, allowing astronomers to refine its path through our solar system. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of multi-location observations in planetary defense efforts.Geomagnetic Superstorm Ganon's Impact on Earth's Plasma SphereA recent study reveals how the geomagnetic superstorm Ganon dramatically compressed Earth's plasmasphere, reducing its size to just a fifth of its normal extent. This event, which occurred in May 2024, provides crucial insights into the effects of extreme space weather on our planet's protective layers. The findings will enhance solar storm forecasts and help safeguard satellites and communication systems during such events.Delays for the Dream Chaser SpaceplaneSierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane faces further delays, now expected to launch its first orbital flight in approximately a year. Originally designed for crew transport, the spacecraft is now slated for resupply missions to the International Space Station. Despite setbacks, recent tests have demonstrated its systems' readiness for future operations, although challenges remain as the ISS's operational life nears its end.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesEarth Planets and Space JournalJournal of the American Chemical SocietyNASA ReportsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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• Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets

  (00:00:00) Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets (00:00:46) Our solar system is moving faster than expected (00:04:38) Organic molecules discovered erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus (00:08:29) A new satellite launched to study Earth’s oceans (00:13:49) The Science Report (00:15:52) Alex on Tech In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for life. These massive formations, known as large low shear velocity provinces and ultra low velocity zones, reside at the boundary between the mantle and outer core, approximately 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research suggests these anomalies could be remnants of Earth's formative processes, providing a deeper understanding of how elements from the core influenced the planet's cooling, volcanic activity, and atmospheric evolution, ultimately setting Earth apart from Venus and Mars.Unprecedented View of the Milky WayAstronomers have achieved a remarkable new perspective of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, with the largest low-frequency radio image ever assembled. This extensive survey, conducted using the Murchison Wide Field Array radio telescope in Western Australia, captures the intricate birth, evolution, and demise of stars across the southern hemisphere. The new image, which boasts double the resolution and tenfold sensitivity compared to previous observations, offers valuable insights into stellar interactions and the cosmic landscape, revealing patterns in star formation and supernova remnants.Successful Return of Stranded TaikonautsIn a significant development, the three Chinese taikonauts stranded in orbit after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was struck by space debris have safely returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 capsule. The crew's return marks the end of a six-month mission at the Tiangong space station, with their extended stay setting a new record for the longest duration in space for Chinese astronauts. The episode highlights the challenges of space travel and the rapid response by Beijing to ensure crew safety.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNature GeosciencePublications of the Astronomical Society of AustraliaNew England Journal of MedicineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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• Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled

  (00:00:00) Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled (00:00:47) Mysterious structures within Earth's mantle may hold clues to life (00:05:05) A new unprecedented view of the Milky Way Galaxy (00:12:36) Stranded Chinese taikonauts return safely to Earth (00:14:21) The Science Report (00:16:58) Skeptics guide to the return of the haunted doll. In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for life. These massive formations, known as large low shear velocity provinces and ultra low velocity zones, reside at the boundary between the mantle and outer core, approximately 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research suggests these anomalies could be remnants of Earth's formative processes, providing a deeper understanding of how elements from the core influenced the planet's cooling, volcanic activity, and atmospheric evolution, ultimately setting Earth apart from Venus and Mars.Unprecedented View of the Milky WayAstronomers have achieved a remarkable new perspective of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, with the largest low-frequency radio image ever assembled. This extensive survey, conducted using the Murchison Wide Field Array radio telescope in Western Australia, captures the intricate birth, evolution, and demise of stars across the southern hemisphere. The new image, which boasts double the resolution and tenfold sensitivity compared to previous observations, offers valuable insights into stellar interactions and the cosmic landscape, revealing patterns in star formation and supernova remnants.Successful Return of Stranded TaikonautsIn a significant development, the three Chinese taikonauts stranded in orbit after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was struck by space debris have safely returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 capsule. The crew's return marks the end of a six-month mission at the Tiangong space station, with their extended stay setting a new record for the longest duration in space for Chinese astronauts. The episode highlights the challenges of space travel and the rapid response by Beijing to ensure crew safety.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNature GeosciencePublications of the Astronomical Society of AustraliaNew England Journal of MedicineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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• Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades

  (00:00:00) Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades (00:00:43) NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars blasts off (00:10:00) The Pleiades prove to be far bigger than thought (00:14:05) Ending the debate over interstellar comet 3I-Atlas (00:17:05) The Science Report (00:19:39) Skeptics guide to talking to plants. In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest advancements in space exploration and cosmic discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe.NASA's Escapade Mission Launches to MarsNASA has successfully launched its first dual satellite mission to Mars, the Escapade spacecraft, aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. This innovative mission aims to map the Martian magnetic field and atmosphere in three dimensions, providing crucial insights into how Mars lost its atmosphere and the conditions necessary for future human colonization. The twin probes, named Blue and Gold, will utilize a unique trajectory that allows for flexible launch windows, crucial for future resupply missions to Mars.The Pleiades Star Cluster: A Greater Cosmic StructureNew research has revealed that the Pleiades star cluster is significantly larger than previously thought, forming the core of an expansive stellar complex that spans nearly 2,000 light years. This groundbreaking study combines data from multiple space missions, providing a clearer picture of the Pleiades' origins and its connection to other stellar groups, reshaping our understanding of star formation and migration across the galaxy.Debate Over Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas ContinuesThe ongoing debate regarding the origins of interstellar comet 3I Atlas is addressed, as evidence increasingly supports its classification as a comet rather than an alien spacecraft. This segment explores the comet's characteristics, trajectory, and the scientific explanations behind its unusual features, reaffirming its status as a natural celestial object.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical JournalNASA ReportsUniversity of California ResearchBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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