Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry ...
Himalayan Sprite Lightning, Mars' Shocking Spherules, Asteroid Belt Mapping
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 41The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMysterious Red Sprite Lightning, Shocking Spherules on Mars, and a New Geological Map of the Asteroid BeltIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the breathtaking phenomenon of red sprite lightning captured over the Himalayas. Chinese astrophotographers documented over 100 of these rare electrical discharges, revealing insights into the complex thunderstorms of the region. We discuss the mechanisms behind these sprites and their implications for understanding upper atmospheric phenomena.Shocking Discoveries on MarsNext, we turn our attention to Mars, where NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered a strange rock formation composed of hundreds of millimeter-sized spheres. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the geological processes that could create such features, prompting scientists to investigate their origins and significance for Mars' geological history.New Geological Map of the Asteroid BeltAdditionally, we delve into a new geological map of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which has been developed to enhance our understanding of meteorite origins and planetary defense. This groundbreaking work traces the impact orbits of meteorites, providing a clearer picture of how asteroid collisions contribute to the debris we observe on Earth.00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 41 for broadcast on 4 April 202500:49 Capturing red sprite lightning over the Himalayas06:30 Mechanisms behind the upper atmospheric electrical discharges12:15 Discovery of strange spherules on Mars18:00 Implications for Martian geology and history22:45 New geological map of the asteroid belt27:00 Summary of recent astronomical findings30:15 Skywatch: Highlights of April night skieswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth checking out...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesAdvances in Atmospheric Scienceshttps://www.springer.com/journal/13274NASAhttps://www.nasa.govMeteoritics and Planetary Sciencehttps://www.mps-journal.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.00:00 Scientists have captured rare images of red sprite lightning high above thunderstorms05:20 The Mars Perseverance rover has discovered a strange rock composed of spheres08:41 Knowing from what asteroid debris field meteorites originate is important for planetary defense efforts14:10 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and so consider adopting pets19:16 The Southern Cross is considered an important constellation for navigation30:17 The Southern Cross appears to have four main stars and they make up shape32:37 Brightness does not equate with distance; you've got to dig deeper33:17 Canopus is the second brightest star in the night sky36:36 Is that why the moon looks bigger on the horizon than it does high up37:58 Take a look at Jupiter with a pair of binoculars39:19 You need to be up before dawn to see Saturn, Mercury and Venus
--------
42:11
Mars' Organic Mystery Unveiled, Parker Solar Probe's Solar Close Encounter
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 40The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastLargest Organic Molecule Discovered on Mars, Parker Solar Probe's Close Encounter with the Sun, and New Insights into Earth's FormationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the remarkable discovery made by NASA's Curiosity Rover, which has identified the largest organic molecules ever found on Mars. These molecules, potentially remnants of fatty acids, suggest that prebiotic chemistry may have progressed further on the Red Planet than previously thought. We delve into the implications of these findings for future Mars sample return missions and the search for signs of past life.Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking PhilipWe also cover the Parker Solar Probe's successful close encounter with the Sun, where it reached an unprecedented distance of just 6.1 million kilometers from the solar surface. This flyby allowed for unique scientific observations of the Sun's corona and solar wind, providing crucial data that can enhance our understanding of solar phenomena and their impact on space weather.New Insights into Earth's Early FormationAdditionally, we explore a groundbreaking study that challenges existing assumptions about the formation of Earth's lower mantle. Researchers have found evidence suggesting that the dynamics of Earth's early formation may have involved low-pressure crystallization, altering our understanding of how terrestrial planets evolve.00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 40 for broadcast on 2 April 202500:49 Discovery of largest organic molecules on Mars06:30 Implications for prebiotic chemistry and sample return missions12:15 Parker Solar Probe's record-setting solar encounter18:00 Observations of the Sun's corona and solar wind22:45 New insights into Earth's lower mantle formation27:00 Summary of recent scientific developments30:15 Discussion on healthy aging and dietary patternswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth checking out...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesProceedings of the National Academy of Scienceshttps://www.pnas.org/NASAhttps://www.nasa.govNaturehttps://www.nature.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
--------
24:40
Lunar Crater Age Revealed, NASA's PUNCH Mission Launch
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 39The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMoon's Oldest Impact Crater Dated, NASA's Punch Mission Launches, and Europe's First Orbital Rocket CountdownIn this episode of SpaceTime, we reveal groundbreaking findings that pinpoint the age of the Moon's oldest and largest impact crater, the Aitken Basin. Recent analysis of lunar regolith collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission indicates that this massive structure was formed approximately 4.25 billion years ago by a colossal asteroid impact. We discuss how this discovery enhances our understanding of the Moon's geological history and its role in the solar system's evolution.NASA's Punch MissionWe also cover the successful launch of NASA's Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission, which is now in orbit and entering its commissioning phase. This innovative mission aims to make 3D observations of the Sun's corona and its transformation into solar wind, providing vital data to improve space weather predictions and protect our technology from solar storms.Countdown for Europe's First Orbital Rocket LaunchAdditionally, we discuss the countdown for mainland Europe's first orbital rocket launch, a significant milestone for the European space economy. The launch of the Spectrum rocket by ISA Aerospace from Norway's Andoya spaceport is poised to mark a new era in European space exploration, especially following recent setbacks due to geopolitical challenges and delays in existing launch systems.00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 39 for broadcast on 31 March 202500:49 Dating the Moon's Aitken Basin06:30 Analysis of lunar samples from Chang'e 6 mission12:15 Overview of NASA's Punch mission and its objectives18:00 Implications of solar wind studies for space weather prediction22:45 Countdown for Europe's first orbital rocket launch27:00 Summary of recent space exploration developments30:15 Discussion on the impact of microplastics on photosynthesiswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth checking out...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesNational Science Reviewhttps://www.nature.com/nsr/NASAhttps://www.nasa.govISA Aerospacehttps://www.isa-aerospace.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
--------
23:41
Dark Universe Insights, China's Lunar Aspirations, NASA's Aurora Mission
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 38The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastDeep Insights into the Dark Universe, China's Lunar Ambitions, and NASA's New Aurora MissionIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the latest findings from the European Space Agency's Euclid mission, which is shedding light on the mysterious force of dark energy and how it accelerates the universe's expansion. The recently released data reveals stunning images of billions of galaxies, providing crucial insights into the nature of dark energy and its effect on cosmic history. We discuss the mission's ambitious goals and how it aims to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the universe.China's Lunar PlansWe also explore China's exciting announcement that it plans to land its first crewed mission on the Moon by 2030. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, including the Long March 10 rocket and the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, China is set to embark on a historic lunar exploration journey, aiming to establish a permanent base in collaboration with Russia.NASA's Aurora StudyAdditionally, we cover NASA's recent launch of the Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZI), designed to study the Earth's auroras from orbit. This innovative mission will map powerful electric currents in the upper atmosphere, enhancing our understanding of space weather and the interactions between solar storms and the Earth's magnetic field.00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 38 for broadcast on 28 March 202500:49 Insights from the Euclid mission on dark energy06:30 Analysis of the newly released data and its implications12:15 Overview of China's lunar ambitions and mission details18:00 NASA's EZI mission to study auroras22:45 Discussion on the impact of solar storms on the Earth's atmosphere27:00 Summary of recent scientific developments30:15 Insights into health risks associated with marriagewww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth checking out...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesEuropean Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/NASAhttps://www.nasa.govChinese National Space Administrationhttp://www.cnsa.gov.cn/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.00:00 European Space Agency's Euclid mission releases new data on dark energy05:29 The Euclid Space Telescope is building the largest cosmic atlas ever made10:26 A new NASA mission to study Earth's aurora lights has launched into orbit12:02 A new study claims married men are three times more likely to be obese13:35 A new study has found that Carnaby's cocksatoo lives 35 years15:13 Seven West Media Network dumped nightly astrology spot to boost ratings
--------
18:10
Exoplanet Discovery, Dark Energy Evolution
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 37The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExciting New Exoplanet Discovery, Evolving Dark Energy, and Insights into the Moon's Magnetic FieldIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of a potential new exoplanet, TOI 2818C, located over a thousand light years away in the constellation Papus. This intriguing planetary candidate is estimated to be 10 to 16 times the size of Earth and orbits its host star in less than 16 Earth days. We delve into the innovative transit timing variations method employed by astronomers, which revealed the presence of this companion planet alongside the hot Jupiter TOI 2818b, and discuss the implications for our understanding of planetary formation in hot Jupiter systems.Dark Energy's Mysterious EvolutionWe also explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that dark energy may be evolving over cosmic time scales. Utilizing data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), scientists are piecing together the largest three-dimensional map of the universe, revealing hints that dark energy's influence could be changing. This discovery could challenge current cosmological models and reshape our understanding of the universe's fate.Dynamic Lunar Magnetic FieldAdditionally, we examine findings from China's Chang'e 6 mission, which indicate that the Moon's magnetic field has been more dynamic and lasted longer than previously thought. The analysis of lunar samples reveals a resurgence of the magnetic field around 2.8 billion years ago, suggesting that the Moon's interior remains geologically active, challenging earlier beliefs about its magnetic history.00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 37 for broadcast on 26 March 202500:49 Discovery of exoplanet TOI 2818C06:30 Transit timing variations method explained12:15 Implications for hot Jupiter planetary systems18:00 Evolving dark energy and the DESI findings22:45 Insights into the Moon's magnetic field dynamics27:00 Summary of recent astronomical discoveries30:15 Discussion on the health impacts of sugary beverageswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth checking out...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journalhttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrumenthttps://www.desi.lbl.gov/NASAhttps://www.nasa.govBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
UK