SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy S27E145: Ice Giants' Mysteries, Parker's Solar Approach, and SphereX's Spectral Map
Dec 2, 2024
31:40
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 145
*Unveiling the Mysteries of Uranus and Neptune
A new study reveals that Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants of our solar system, may have layered interiors composed of water, methane, and ammonia, similar to oil and water that do not mix. This discovery could explain their unique magnetic fields, previously a mystery to scientists. The research, led by Burkhard Miltzer from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that these planets have a water-rich layer beneath their cloud tops, followed by a denser carbon-rich layer, challenging previous theories about their internal structure.
*Parker Solar Probe's Final Venus Flyby
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has completed its last Venus gravity assist, setting its course to come within 6.2 million kilometers of the Sun's surface. This maneuver, aside from aiding the primary mission, has provided new insights into Venus, as the probe's instruments captured unexpected data revealing the planet's surface glowing in the near-infrared spectrum. These findings offer fresh perspectives on Venusian surface conditions and composition.
*NASA's SphereX Mission: A Kaleidoscope of the Cosmos
Scheduled for launch next year, NASA's SphereX mission will create the most colorful map of the cosmos ever attempted. By observing the universe in 102 infrared colors, SphereX aims to uncover the mysteries of the universe's formation and evolution, including the origins of water on planets like Earth. This mission will provide a comprehensive 3D map of hundreds of millions of galaxies, offering unprecedented insights into cosmic history and the distribution of essential life ingredients across the Milky Way.
The Science Report
Russia has deployed a new nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, marking a significant escalation in its military capabilities. The Lancet's report on climate change impacts highlights that nearly half the world experienced extreme drought last year. Archaeologists have discovered what might be the oldest alphabetic writing in Syria, dating back to 2400 BCE. A new documentary explores the British royal family's interest in UFOs and the paranormal, revealing a long-standing fascination with these phenomena.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
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00:00 New study suggests Uranus and Neptune feature layers that don't mix
07:04 NASA's Parker Solar Probe completes its final Venus gravity assist flyby
11:14 NASA's SphereX mission will look at the universe in 102 colors
20:50 Modern astronomy is built upon spectroscopy. Spectra unveil the structures of black holes
22:42 Russia has commenced using a new nuclear capable hypersonic missile to attack Ukraine
25:35 Almost half of the world experienced extreme drought last year, according to Lancet study
University of California, Berkeley
[berkeley.edu](https://www.berkeley.edu)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[pnas.org](https://www.pnas.org)
NASA's Parker Solar Probe
[nasa.gov/solarprobe](https://www.nasa.gov/solarprobe)
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
[jhuapl.edu](https://www.jhuapl.edu)
NASA's SphereX Mission
[nasa.gov/spherex](https://www.nasa.gov/spherex)
Magellan Spacecraft
[nasa.gov/magellan](https://www.nasa.gov/magellan)
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
[jpl.nasa.gov](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov)
The Lancet
[thelancet.com](https://www.thelancet.com)
Johns Hopkins University
[jhu.edu](https://www.jhu.edu)
Space Time with Stuart Gary Gary
[spacetimewithstuartgary.com](https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com)
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
*Unveiling the Mysteries of Uranus and Neptune
A new study reveals that Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants of our solar system, may have layered interiors composed of water, methane, and ammonia, similar to oil and water that do not mix. This discovery could explain their unique magnetic fields, previously a mystery to scientists. The research, led by Burkhard Miltzer from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that these planets have a water-rich layer beneath their cloud tops, followed by a denser carbon-rich layer, challenging previous theories about their internal structure.
*Parker Solar Probe's Final Venus Flyby
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has completed its last Venus gravity assist, setting its course to come within 6.2 million kilometers of the Sun's surface. This maneuver, aside from aiding the primary mission, has provided new insights into Venus, as the probe's instruments captured unexpected data revealing the planet's surface glowing in the near-infrared spectrum. These findings offer fresh perspectives on Venusian surface conditions and composition.
*NASA's SphereX Mission: A Kaleidoscope of the Cosmos
Scheduled for launch next year, NASA's SphereX mission will create the most colorful map of the cosmos ever attempted. By observing the universe in 102 infrared colors, SphereX aims to uncover the mysteries of the universe's formation and evolution, including the origins of water on planets like Earth. This mission will provide a comprehensive 3D map of hundreds of millions of galaxies, offering unprecedented insights into cosmic history and the distribution of essential life ingredients across the Milky Way.
The Science Report
Russia has deployed a new nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, marking a significant escalation in its military capabilities. The Lancet's report on climate change impacts highlights that nearly half the world experienced extreme drought last year. Archaeologists have discovered what might be the oldest alphabetic writing in Syria, dating back to 2400 BCE. A new documentary explores the British royal family's interest in UFOs and the paranormal, revealing a long-standing fascination with these phenomena.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
www.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 merch. Well worth a look....
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
00:00 New study suggests Uranus and Neptune feature layers that don't mix
07:04 NASA's Parker Solar Probe completes its final Venus gravity assist flyby
11:14 NASA's SphereX mission will look at the universe in 102 colors
20:50 Modern astronomy is built upon spectroscopy. Spectra unveil the structures of black holes
22:42 Russia has commenced using a new nuclear capable hypersonic missile to attack Ukraine
25:35 Almost half of the world experienced extreme drought last year, according to Lancet study
University of California, Berkeley
[berkeley.edu](https://www.berkeley.edu)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[pnas.org](https://www.pnas.org)
NASA's Parker Solar Probe
[nasa.gov/solarprobe](https://www.nasa.gov/solarprobe)
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
[jhuapl.edu](https://www.jhuapl.edu)
NASA's SphereX Mission
[nasa.gov/spherex](https://www.nasa.gov/spherex)
Magellan Spacecraft
[nasa.gov/magellan](https://www.nasa.gov/magellan)
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
[jpl.nasa.gov](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov)
The Lancet
[thelancet.com](https://www.thelancet.com)
Johns Hopkins University
[jhu.edu](https://www.jhu.edu)
Space Time with Stuart Gary Gary
[spacetimewithstuartgary.com](https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com)
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.