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SpaceTime: Astronomy & Science News

Bennu's Building Blocks of Life, Asteroid YR4's Threat, and Lunar Dome Mysteries: S28E15

Feb 3, 2025
29:08
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 15
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Building Blocks of Life on Asteroid Bennu, New Asteroid Threat, and Lunar Dome Mission
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries from the asteroid Bennu, where scientists have detected the molecular building blocks of life in samples returned by NASA's Osiris Rex spacecraft. These findings indicate a rich history of salt water on Bennu, suggesting that the essential conditions for life may have been widespread throughout the early solar system. The analysis reveals 14 amino acids and five nucleobases, hinting at the potential for life beyond Earth.
A New Asteroid Threat to Earth
We also discuss the newly identified asteroid 2024 YR4, which poses a significant risk with a 1 in 83 chance of impact on December 22, 2032. This near-Earth object, measuring between 40 and 100 meters wide, has astronomers concerned due to its potential for causing a powerful airburst explosion or even a surface impact.
Investigating Mysterious Lunar Domes
Additionally, NASA is gearing up for a mission to explore the enigmatic Gruthusen domes on the Moon, as part of the Lunar Vice mission by Firefly Aerospace. This mission aims to unravel the origins of these dome-like structures and assess the Moon's volcanic history, providing insights into its evolution and potential resources for future exploration.
00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 15 for broadcast on 3 February 2025
00:49 Discovery of building blocks of life in Bennu samples
06:15 New asteroid threat 2024 YR4
12:30 NASA's Lunar Vice mission to study lunar domes
18:00 CIA assessment on COVID-19 origins
22:45 Elderberry juice and metabolic health
27:00 Feathered dinosaur tail preserved in amber
30:15 Link between UFO sightings and economic conditions
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✍️ Episode References
NASA
https://www.nasa.gov
Nature
https://www.nature.com
Nature Astronomy
https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/
Current Biology
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home
Journal of Nutrients
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Australian Skeptics
https://www.skeptics.com.au

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