Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates Wheelchair Astronaut, Cosmic Fireworks, and the Race to Mine the Moon
Dec 12, 2025
11:20
### Episode Summary
Today’s episode features groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the historic journey of Michaela Benthouse, the first wheelchair user set to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's NS37 mission. We also delve into a major survey of the Magellanic Clouds, revealing insights into their interaction with our Milky Way. Additionally, we discuss surprising findings from NASA's Parker Solar Probe regarding solar recycling, the new race for lunar resources, and the upcoming celestial fireworks from the binary star system V Sagittae. Finally, we explore the innovative Ristretto instrument aimed at studying Proxima B, our nearest exoplanet neighbor.
### Timestamps & Stories
01:05 – **Story 1: Michaela Benthouse to Become First Wheelchair User in Space**
**Key Facts**
- Michaela Benthouse, an aerospace engineer, will fly on Blue Origin's NS37 mission, marking a milestone for accessibility in space.
- The mission emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in space exploration.
03:20 – **Story 2: Major Survey of the Magellanic Clouds**
**Key Facts**
- A new five-year survey using the VISTA telescope will utilize spectroscopy to create a detailed 3D map of the Magellanic Clouds.
- This data will help understand their interaction with the Milky Way and the dynamics of the Magellanic Stream.
05:45 – **Story 3: Surprising Findings from Parker Solar Probe**
**Key Facts**
- The probe captured footage of coronal mass ejections showing material recycling back to the sun.
- This discovery could enhance our understanding of solar activity and improve space weather predictions.
08:00 – **Story 4: New Space Race for Lunar Resources**
**Key Facts**
- Nations and companies are developing technologies to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3.
- Concerns arise regarding environmental impacts and the need for updated space treaties.
10:15 – **Story 5: Upcoming Nova from V Sagittae**
**Key Facts**
- The binary star system V Sagittae is predicted to undergo a nova explosion in the coming years, followed by a supernova event.
- This celestial display may be visible to the naked eye, potentially occurring around 2083.
12:00 – **Story 6: Ristretto Instrument to Study Proxima B**
**Key Facts**
- Ristretto, a new spectrograph, aims to analyze the atmosphere of Proxima B, our closest exoplanet.
- It will use advanced techniques to block out the star's glare and search for potential biosignatures in the planet's atmosphere.
### Sources & Further Reading
1. Blue Origin
2. European Southern Observatory
3. NASA Parker Solar Probe
4. Lunar Mining Developments
5. Very Large Telescope
### Follow & Contact
X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod
Instagram: @astrodailypod
Email: hello@astronomydaily.io
Website: astronomydaily.io
Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Sponsor Details:
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This episode includes AI-generated content.
Today’s episode features groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the historic journey of Michaela Benthouse, the first wheelchair user set to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's NS37 mission. We also delve into a major survey of the Magellanic Clouds, revealing insights into their interaction with our Milky Way. Additionally, we discuss surprising findings from NASA's Parker Solar Probe regarding solar recycling, the new race for lunar resources, and the upcoming celestial fireworks from the binary star system V Sagittae. Finally, we explore the innovative Ristretto instrument aimed at studying Proxima B, our nearest exoplanet neighbor.
### Timestamps & Stories
01:05 – **Story 1: Michaela Benthouse to Become First Wheelchair User in Space**
**Key Facts**
- Michaela Benthouse, an aerospace engineer, will fly on Blue Origin's NS37 mission, marking a milestone for accessibility in space.
- The mission emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in space exploration.
03:20 – **Story 2: Major Survey of the Magellanic Clouds**
**Key Facts**
- A new five-year survey using the VISTA telescope will utilize spectroscopy to create a detailed 3D map of the Magellanic Clouds.
- This data will help understand their interaction with the Milky Way and the dynamics of the Magellanic Stream.
05:45 – **Story 3: Surprising Findings from Parker Solar Probe**
**Key Facts**
- The probe captured footage of coronal mass ejections showing material recycling back to the sun.
- This discovery could enhance our understanding of solar activity and improve space weather predictions.
08:00 – **Story 4: New Space Race for Lunar Resources**
**Key Facts**
- Nations and companies are developing technologies to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3.
- Concerns arise regarding environmental impacts and the need for updated space treaties.
10:15 – **Story 5: Upcoming Nova from V Sagittae**
**Key Facts**
- The binary star system V Sagittae is predicted to undergo a nova explosion in the coming years, followed by a supernova event.
- This celestial display may be visible to the naked eye, potentially occurring around 2083.
12:00 – **Story 6: Ristretto Instrument to Study Proxima B**
**Key Facts**
- Ristretto, a new spectrograph, aims to analyze the atmosphere of Proxima B, our closest exoplanet.
- It will use advanced techniques to block out the star's glare and search for potential biosignatures in the planet's atmosphere.
### Sources & Further Reading
1. Blue Origin
2. European Southern Observatory
3. NASA Parker Solar Probe
4. Lunar Mining Developments
5. Very Large Telescope
### Follow & Contact
X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod
Instagram: @astrodailypod
Email: hello@astronomydaily.io
Website: astronomydaily.io
Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Sponsor Details:
Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!
Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here
This episode includes AI-generated content.