SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 127*SpaceX's Starship's Fifth Test Flight SuccessSpaceX's Starship has completed its fifth test flight with a spectacular feat of engineering, successfully catching the super heavy booster with mechanical chopsticks on the launch pad tower. The booster, equipped with 33 Raptor engines, returned to Earth after a successful launch from SpaceX's Starbase in Texas, showcasing the potential for rapid reuse and interplanetary missions. The test flight marks a significant step towards developing Starship for NASA's Artemis III mission, aiming for a manned moon landing in 2026.*Origins of Earth's Meteorites UncoveredA new study reveals that most meteorites reaching Earth originate from just three major asteroid breakup events. The findings, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Nature, identify the Karin, Koronis, and Massalia asteroid families as the sources of 70% of meteorite falls. These discoveries enhance our understanding of asteroid collisions in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter and help trace the origins of over 90% of meteorites on Earth.*NASA's Europa Clipper Mission LaunchesNASA's Europa Clipper mission has embarked on its journey to explore Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the spacecraft will investigate Europa's subsurface ocean and potential habitability. The mission will conduct 49 flybys, using its suite of scientific instruments to study the moon's icy shell, composition, and geology. Europa Clipper aims to determine if conditions on Europa could support life, building on data from NASA's Galileo mission.The Science RobertNew research indicates that high temperatures and air pollution are contributing to a global increase in stroke cases, with significant rises in stroke-related deaths since 1990. A study warns that the H5N1 bird flu virus is spreading in the US through dairy cows, primarily via udder infections during milking. Additionally, a report suggests that teenage relationships influence life satisfaction in adulthood, highlighting the importance of social acceptance and close friendships during adolescence. Meanwhile, the Cancer Council of Western Australia faces scrutiny for promoting pseudoscientific therapies like Reiki and reflexology, raising concerns about their endorsement of unproven treatments.www.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. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this Podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 126*NASA's Parker Solar Probe Completes 21st Philip of the SunNASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved its 21st close encounter with the Sun, matching its previous distance and speed records. The spacecraft swooped to within 7.26 million kilometers of the solar surface at a record speed of 635,300 km/h. This flyby sets up the probe for its final closest approaches, with its orbit shaped by a Venus gravity assist. The mission, launched in 2018, aims to study the Sun's corona and the solar wind, unraveling the mysteries of solar phenomena that impact the solar system.*Webb Space Telescope Finds Potential Missing Link to First StarsAstronomers using NASA's Webb Space Telescope have identified a galaxy with an unusual light signature that could be a missing link in galactic evolution. The galaxy, found approximately a billion years after the Big Bang, features gas outshining its stars, possibly due to massive, hot stars. This discovery offers insights into the transition from the universe's first stars to more familiar galaxies, providing a glimpse into the early cosmic environment.*Perseverance Rover's Key Science Instrument RobertNASA's Perseverance rover on Mars has regained the use of its critical Sherlock instrument after a six-month effort. The spectroscope, crucial for detecting organics and assessing habitability, had malfunctioned in January. The successful repair allows the rover to continue its mission of analyzing Martian rocks and soil for signs of past life and understanding the planet's geological history.The Science RobertA new study suggests that caffeine consumption may improve heart health by aiding vascular growth. Another study reveals increasing plant cover in Antarctica, linked to climate change. Research highlights how people often form opinions without sufficient information, contributing to conflicts. Lastly, a study confirms that astrologers perform no better than chance in predicting character or future events.00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 126, for broadcast on 18 October 202400:00:30 - NASA's Parker solar probe completes 21st close encounter with the sun00:03:08 - The Parker solar probe is touching the sun for the first time00:08:32 - Galaxy with unusual light signature attributed to gas outshining stars00:12:00 - NASA scientists have successfully brought a key science instrument back online on Mars00:14:51 - A new study has shown that consuming more caffeine may improve your heart health00:17:01 - New study shows people are biased to assume they know enough about situationswww.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. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this Podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 125*Discovery of the Most Distant Spiral GalaxyAstronomers have identified the most distant spiral galaxy ever seen, named REBELS 25. This galaxy, observed as it was 13.1 billion years ago, challenges current models of galaxy formation with its orderly spiral structure, despite being from an era when the universe was just 700 million years old. The discovery, made using the ALMA radio telescope in Chile, offers new insights into the early universe and the evolution of galaxies.*Record-Breaking Mantle Rock RecoveryScientists have achieved a groundbreaking recovery of rocks from Earth's mantle, the planet's largest component. The 1268-meter-long section of mantle rock, retrieved from the Atlantic's mid-ocean ridge, provides new insights into the mantle's role in Earth's geological processes. The findings, published in Science, reveal unexpected levels of melting and composition, offering clues to the origins of life and volcanic activity.*Launch of ESA's Hera Asteroid MissionThe European Space Agency's Hera mission has launched from Cape Canaveral, just ahead of Hurricane Milton. Hera will conduct a detailed study of the Didymos asteroid system, following NASA's successful Dart mission. The mission aims to enhance our understanding of asteroid deflection techniques, which could be crucial for planetary defense.The Science ReportA new, highly transmissible Covid-19 variant, XEC, has been detected in Australia. The variant, a recombinant of two Omicron subvariants, is spreading rapidly and has been reported in 29 countries.A consumer advocacy group reveals that car manufacturers are collecting and sharing extensive data from vehicles, raising privacy concerns.A study finds that deactivating Facebook can improve well-being but may reduce political knowledge.AMD's new AI chips set new standards for processing speed, outperforming competitors with their advanced capabilities.www.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. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this Podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 125 for broadcast on the 16 October 202400:00:47 - Astronomers have discovered the most distant spiral galaxy ever seen00:03:14 - Scientists have recovered long section of rocks that originated in the Earths mantle00:11:26 - NASA spacecraft to study asteroid Dimorphos and its tiny moon Didymos00:13:56 - More than 35,000 asteroids pose a threat to Earth00:18:45 - Hera will take two years to reach the asteroid system after launch00:24:32 - New highly transmissible variant of the Covid-19 virus has been detected in Australia00:27:29 - New study finds deactivating Facebook accounts reduces political knowledge00:31:05 -  spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through various podcasting platforms

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 124*Galaxies: Bigger Than We Ever ImaginedRecent findings suggest that galaxies are far larger than previously thought, with gaseous halos extending much further into intergalactic space. This study, published in Nature Astronomy, focuses on the circumgalactic medium of a starburst galaxy 270 million light-years away. These halos, accounting for about 70% of a galaxy's mass excluding dark matter, may already be interacting with neighboring galaxies like Andromeda and the Milky Way. The research offers fresh insights into galaxy evolution, gas cycling, and the cosmic web.*Ancient Microbes Found in Billion-Year-Old RocksScientists have discovered living microbes in 2 billion-year-old rocks from South Africa's Bushveld Igneous Complex. This groundbreaking find, published in Microbial Ecology, represents the oldest known living microorganisms. The study utilized advanced imaging techniques to confirm the microbes were native to the ancient rock, offering a glimpse into early life on Earth and potential clues for extraterrestrial life on Mars.*Vulcan Centaur Rocket's Successful LaunchThe United Launch Alliance's new Vulcan Centaur rocket overcame a faulty booster to successfully place its payload into orbit. Despite the anomaly, the mission proceeded from Cape Canaveral, marking an important step towards using Vulcan for high-priority payloads. This launch follows Vulcan's maiden voyage and highlights the transition from older Atlas V and Delta IV rockets.The Science Report00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 124 for broadcast on the 14 October 202400:00:48 - New study finds that galaxies are much larger than previously thought00:06:25 - Galaxy is 270 million light years away and is a star bursting galaxy00:17:18 - United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket has overcome a faulty strap on booster00:22:12 - The 2024 Nobel Prizes for Science were awarded this week00:24:56 - A new study finds two diametrically opposed personalities enjoy magic the mostwww.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. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this Podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 123*Discovery of a New Region within the Earth's CoreScientists have uncovered a doughnut-shaped region within Earth's molten liquid outer core, located at low latitudes parallel to the equator. This torus-like zone was detected due to seismic waves travelling slower through this area compared to the rest of the liquid outer core. The discovery, published in Science Advances, suggests that this region could be several hundred kilometres thick and contains a high concentration of light chemical elements, which may be affecting the seismic wave speeds. The findings provide new insights into the Earth's magnetic field and its potential future changes.*Fresh Questions about the True Origins of the Earth's MoonA new hypothesis challenges the widely accepted giant impact theory of the Moon's formation. The study proposes that the Moon was captured during a close encounter between the young Earth and a separate terrestrial binary planetary system. This theory could explain the Moon's current orbital plane, more aligned with the sun's ecliptic than Earth's equator. The study opens the door to further exploration of the Moon's origins, especially considering its chemical similarities to Earth.*New Study Reveals More Secrets about Pluto's Binary Partner, CharonNASA's Webb Space Telescope has revealed that Charon, Pluto's binary partner, has significant reserves of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on its surface. The carbon dioxide ice forms a thin veneer over a water ice-rich subsurface. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the carbon dioxide was likely stored beneath the surface until exposed by impacts, while hydrogen peroxide results from radiation breaking apart water ice. These findings add to the understanding of Charon's chemical composition and its geological history.00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 123 for broadcast on 11 October 202400:00:46 - Scientists have detected a new doughnut shaped region within the Earth's molten liquid core00:12:31 - A new study has come up with a different hypothesis to explain the origin of the moon00:17:46 - NASA's Webb Space Telescope reveals vast reserves of carbon dioxide on Pluto's surface00:21:19 - People with type two diabetes who sleep short may develop microvascular disease00:24:23 - Movie producers claim they've accidentally captured footage of a lake monster00:27:23 - Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting platformswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 122*The Sun's Most Powerful Solar Flare in Over a DecadeThe Sun has unleashed its most powerful solar flare in more than a decade, with a spectacular X9.1 class event. This massive solar flare, part of a pair that erupted just two days apart, was detected by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. The event sparked strong G3 class geomagnetic storms, causing auroral activity to reach mid-latitudes and triggering deep shortwave radio blackouts. Solar flares, like this one, can have significant impacts on Earth's atmosphere, communications, and power grids.*Ceres: A Former Ocean World?New research suggests that the dwarf planet Ceres may have once been an ocean world. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, indicates that Ceres has a dirty icy crust, suggesting a past filled with muddy oceans. Computer simulations reveal that the crust may contain up to 90% ice, challenging previous assumptions of a drier Ceres. The findings are based on data from NASA’s Dawn mission, which observed surface features like volcanoes and glaciers.*NASA's Europa Clipper MissionNASA’s Europa Clipper mission is set for launch to explore Jupiter's ice-covered moon, Europa. The mission aims to investigate the moon's potential for life, with a suite of nine scientific instruments on board. These tools will study Europa's icy crust, subsurface ocean, and surface composition. The spacecraft will perform 49 flybys of Europa, gathering data to help scientists understand the moon’s habitability and its potential for hosting life.00:00:00 - The sun unleashes its most powerful solar flare in more than a decade00:00:27 - The sun has just emitted its most powerful solar flare in more than a decade00:04:35 - New study claims dwarf planet Ceres may once have been an ocean world00:14:34 - NASA's Europa Clipper mission is looking for life on icy moon Europa00:19:58 - New figures show 47,000 people suffered heat related deaths across Europe last year00:22:33 - Microsoft will release a new update for Windows 11 next month with AI features00:25:46 - Outlook reminds you you haven't added your attachment yet00:26:56 - Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcast providerswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 121*A New Planet Discovered Orbiting Barnard's StarAstronomers have discovered a new exoplanet orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest single star to the Sun. This newly found planet, Barnard b, has about half the mass of Earth and completes an orbit around its host star every three Earth days. Located 5.96 light-years away, Barnard's Star is a small red dwarf in the constellation Ophiuchus. The discovery was made using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and has sparked interest due to its low mass and proximity to its star. The study also hints at the existence of three more potential exoplanets in the system, although additional observations are needed for confirmation.*ESA's Hera Mission LaunchThe European Space Agency's Hera mission is set to launch, aimed at exploring the aftermath of NASA's DART mission impact on the asteroid Dimorphos. The mission will provide detailed analysis of the impact site and the asteroid's composition, mass, and structural changes. Hera will also deploy two cubesats, Milani and Juventus, to perform close-up observations and experiments. The mission is crucial for understanding how to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats in the future.*Spectacular Annular Solar EclipseA stunning annular solar eclipse, known as a "ring of fire," has been witnessed by people across the eastern and southern Pacific, as well as parts of South America. The eclipse, which occurs when the Moon is slightly further from Earth, left a bright ring of sunlight visible around the Moon's silhouette. The event was best viewed from Easter Island and parts of Argentina and Chile, with partial views seen in other regions including Bolivia, Peru, and New Zealand.00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 121, for broadcasts on 7 October 202400:00:47 - Astronomers have discovered a planet orbiting Barnard star, the closest single00:04:48 - European Space Agency's Hera planetary defence mission slated for launch today00:08:40 - NASA's Dart spacecraft crashed into the dimorphos asteroid in 202200:12:11 - The people of the east and South Pacific and South America witnessed an annual solar eclipse00:14:07 - Scientists have developed a new drug delivery system for type two diabetes00:17:02 - Women are turning to psychics to find out if their husbands are cheatingwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 120*Planet Earth Just Got a Second MoonPlanet Earth has temporarily acquired a second moon, a tiny near-Earth asteroid named 2024 PTS. Captured by Earth's gravitational field on September 29, this 10-metre wide Space rock will remain in orbit until November 25, making it one of only five known mini moons. Discovered by the Atlas asteroid terrestrial impact last alert system, 2024 PTS belongs to the Arjuna asteroid group and is too small to be seen with the naked eye but can be observed through a telescope.*Mars' Missing Atmosphere Could Be in Its CrustA new study suggests Mars' missing atmosphere could be hiding in plain sight within the planet's crust. The research, published in the journal Science Advances, posits that ancient water on Mars may have reacted with the planet's ultramafic igneous rocks to form smectite clays, trapping carbon dioxide and converting it into methane. This process could account for up to 80% of Mars' initial atmosphere, providing a potential future energy source for human missions.*Record Stay Aboard the International Space StationTwo Russian cosmonauts have returned to Earth after a record-breaking 374-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission marks the longest continuous time spent on the ISS by any humans. The pair, along with an American astronaut who spent six months on the station, landed safely in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-25 capsule. The current ISS crew includes eight members, with some scheduled to return to Earth in February next year aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.00:00:00 " New study claims Mars could be hiding its missing atmosphere in plain sight00:00:27 " The asteroid 2024 PTS was temporarily captured by Earth on September 2900:04:35 " A new study claims the missing martian atmosphere could be hiding in the crust00:10:54 " Two Russian cosmonauts have landed safely on Kazakhstan steppe00:12:18 " October is the last day of the month celebrated as All Hallows Eve00:15:37 " Astronomers describe stars in terms of spectral types based on temperature00:24:33 " October has three great meteor showers, the draconids, the Taurids00:29:40 " October is a great time to start stargazing00:34:42 " October is the best time of year to see many southern constellations00:36:30 " In the evening we've got Venus and Saturn above the western horizon00:38:47 " Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcastswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 119*Australian Crater Offers Fresh Insights into Earth's HistoryScientists have uncovered a potential 600-kilometre-wide crater in Australia's outback, which could revolutionise our understanding of Earth's geological past. This discovery, presented at the 37th International Geological Congress in South Korea, suggests the existence of Mapix, a massive Cambrian-Precambrian impact structure. The crater's unique characteristics could provide new insights into the geological and biological evolution of our planet. The study's authors have found significant geological evidence, including pseudotachylite breccia and shock minerals like lonsdaleite, supporting the age, size, and location of this impact structure.*Perseverance Rover Discovers Striped Rock on MarsNASA's Mars Perseverance rover has spotted an unusual black and white striped rock on the Red Planet. The discovery was made during the rover's exploration of the outer rim of Jezero Crater. The rock, named Freya Castle, has a striking pattern and is unlike anything previously observed on Mars. Early interpretations suggest that igneous and metamorphic processes could have created its distinctive stripes. This finding adds to the variety of intriguing rocks discovered by the rover, which could be among the oldest or youngest ever investigated on Mars.*Blue Origin's New Glenn Completes Second Stage Hot Fire TestBlue Origin's new heavy-lift rocket, the New Glenn, has successfully completed a hot fire test of its second stage booster. This critical test at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 36 marks a key step towards the rocket's inaugural test flight, scheduled for next month. The NG-1 mission will carry the prototype Blue Ring spacecraft, designed for refuelling, transporting, and hosting satellites. The 15-second hot fire test demonstrated the integrated operation of the vehicle's BE-3U engines and various subsystems, setting the stage for future missions.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.00:00 - This is spacetime series 27 episode 119 for broadcast on 2 October 202400:49 - Scientists have discovered a possible crater stretching more than 600 kilometres across Australia's outback02:54 - NASA's Mars Perseverance rover has discovered an unusual striped rock05:46 - The Mars Perseverance rover is exploring ancient Martian rocks10:59 - Researchers have found nanostructures around deep ocean hydrothermal vents12:57 - 61% of Americans admit to self censoring, according to study15:09 - Meta showing off their new Orion augmented reality glasses; Huawei releasing threefold phones19:16 - Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting services

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 118*Dark Matter May Be Experiencing Forces Beyond GravityA groundbreaking new study suggests that dark matter, the elusive substance making up 85% of the universe's matter, may interact through forces other than gravity. Using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers have found that dark matter particles might experience additional forces, providing crucial new insights into their nature. The findings challenge the long-held collisionless cold dark matter model, opening new avenues for understanding the universe's most perplexing component.*Rare Naked Eye Comet Visible from EarthSkywatchers have a unique opportunity to witness the rare comet C/2023 A3 (Shushani Atlas) with the naked eye. Discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory and the Atlas system, this comet is currently visible just before sunrise near the eastern horizon. On an 80,000-year journey from the Oort cloud, it is expected to become even brighter after passing close to the Sun, potentially reaching a magnitude of 2.5.*Humans on Mars by 2028?Former US President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to send humans to Mars by 2028, eight years ahead of current schedules. This bold statement comes as Trump hints at discussions with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to use the company's Starship for the mission. While the Artemis programme aims to return humans to the Moon by 2026, Trump's proposal could significantly accelerate human exploration of the Red Planet.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. The discount and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.