
SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 14, 2024 • 33min
S27E72: Dual Moons of Dinkinesh and Saturn’s Hidden Ocean
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 72, where we uncover the latest cosmic discoveries and scientific advancements.First, astronomers have discovered that a tiny moonlet orbiting the main belt asteroid Dinkinesh is actually two little moons melded together. Known as contact binaries, these moonlets could provide fresh insights into the complex processes behind planetary formation and evolution. We delve into the details of this fascinating discovery made by NASA's Lucy spacecraft.Next, we discuss the possibility of an underground ocean on Saturn's moon Mimas. Scientists speculate that as Mimas's orbital eccentricity decreased, its icy shell may have melted and thinned, leading to the formation of a subsurface ocean. This finding could have significant implications for our understanding of the Saturnian system.Finally, we highlight NASA's launch of its second pre-fire satellite into orbit aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. These satellites are designed to study how much heat the Arctic and Antarctic are radiating out into space and how that's influencing global climates. We explore the mission's objectives and potential impact on climate science.Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

Jun 12, 2024 • 32min
S27E71: Winding Back Hubble, Starliner's Historic Crew Launch, and OSIRIS Apex's Solar Feat
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 71, where we delve into the latest cosmic events and technological advancements reshaping our understanding of the universe.First, we discuss NASA's announcement that the Hubble Space Telescope will begin winding back its science programme due to ongoing issues with its gyroscopes. This decision marks a significant transition for the historic observatory, which has revolutionised astronomical discovery since its launch in 1990.Next, we cover the long-awaited launch of Boeing's Starliner, which has finally taken a crew to the International Space Station. This milestone paves the way for Starliner to join SpaceX's Dragon in transporting crews to the orbiting outpost under NASA's commercial crew programme.Finally, we highlight NASA's OSIRIS Apex spacecraft's survival after a close encounter with the sun. This mission is essential for its upcoming rendezvous with the asteroid Apophis in 2029.Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime:If you'd like to support SpaceTime and access early release episodes, commercial-free...then look for us on Patreon or Supercast. Links on our website at spacetimewithstuart.comhttps://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

Jun 10, 2024 • 45min
S27E70: SpaceX's Mega Rocket Soars and China's Historic Lunar Mission
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 70, where we delve into the latest cosmic events and groundbreaking discoveries shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we explore SpaceX's Starship, the world's largest and most powerful rocket, which has successfully completed its fourth test flight. This historic mission is a significant step towards developing a colonial transport ship capable of carrying 100 people or 150 tonnes of supplies to the moon, Mars, and beyond. We dive into the details of the launch, the hot staging manoeuvre, and the successful splashdown.Next, we discuss China's latest lunar lander, which has successfully touched down on the far side of the moon. This mission aims to collect samples from the lunar South Pole's Aitken basin, providing valuable insights into the moon's formation and evolution.Finally, we highlight the arrival of three new Australian-built satellites in Japan, destined for launch to the International Space Station. These satellites are part of Curtin University's Binar space programme and represent a significant milestone in Western Australia's space journey.Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/

Jun 7, 2024 • 25min
S27E69: Webb's Record-Breaking Galaxy Discovery and the Hunt for New Worlds
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 69, where we uncover the latest cosmic revelations and scientific advancements.First, we delve into a groundbreaking discovery by the Webb Space Telescope, which has identified the most distant galaxy ever observed. Located a staggering 290 million years after the Big Bang, this galaxy offers unprecedented insights into the universe's infancy and the formation of its earliest stars and galaxies. We explore the methods and implications of this discovery, including the galaxy's surprising brightness and the presence of dust and ionized gas.Next, we discuss the announcement of a massive new collection of exoplanet discoveries. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has confirmed 120 new exoplanets and identified six new candidates, bringing the total number of known exoplanets to over 6000. These findings offer a rich database for studying planetary properties and environments, particularly those that may harbor life.Finally, we highlight new X-ray observations from NASA's Chandra X-ray Telescope, revealing dramatic changes in two famous supernova remnants: the Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia A. These observations provide stunning visualizations and valuable data on the dynamic processes occurring in these remnants.Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

Jun 5, 2024 • 33min
S27E68: Unveiling Venus: New Volcanic Activity Discovered
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 68, where we explore the latest cosmic discoveries and technological advancements shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we uncover new evidence suggesting that Venus is volcanically active. By analysing data from NASA's Magellan radar, scientists have identified two volcanoes on Venus that erupted in the early 1990s. This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that Venus may be far more volcanically active than previously thought.Next, we discuss the discovery of a new kind of volcanic eruption on Earth. Researchers have identified a unique eruption mechanism at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, describing it as a "stomp rocket" eruption driven by sudden pressure increases as the ground collapses.Finally, we look forward to the maiden flight of the European Space Agency's new Ariane 6 rocket, now slated for next month. This launch marks a significant milestone in Europe's space exploration capabilities.00:00 This is spacetime series 27, episode 68 for broadcast on 5 June 202400:45 Two volcanoes on Venus appear to have erupted in the early 1990s05:40 Venus is often considered to be earths sister planet with runaway greenhouse effect09:47 Scientists say Kilauea volcano erupted like a stomp rocket in 201814:05 The maiden flight of the European Space Agency's new Ariane six rocket now likely19:19 The upper and main stages of the Ariane six flight model have arrived22:03 New study says vaccines for bird flu are best defence if virus spreads between humans24:03 Study finds popular teens sleep 27 minutes less per night than their peers25:57 There are growing concerns about inaccurate information coming out of artificial intelligence programmes26:41 Google's AI overviews are giving very strange information based on Reddit posts27:45 Sam Altman has rushed to form a new AI safety team31:03 Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime:If you'd like to support SpaceTime and access early release episodes, commercial-free...then look for us on Patreon or Supercast. Links on our website at spacetimewithstuart.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

Jun 3, 2024 • 36min
S27E67: Solar Superstorms and the Quest to Mars: SpaceX's Starship Prepares
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 67, where we delve into the latest cosmic events and groundbreaking discoveries shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we discuss the return of last month's powerful solar storms. The active sunspot region AR 364, now renumbered as AR 3697, has reappeared, bringing with it more geomagnetic storms and spectacular solar flares. We explore the intricate dynamics of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and their profound impacts on Earth's technology and atmospheric phenomena.Next, we look forward to the upcoming test flight of the world's largest and most powerful rocket, SpaceX's Starship, scheduled for June 5. This mission is crucial for NASA's Artemis III plans to return humans to the lunar surface by 2026. We delve into the details of the mission and the technological advancements that make Starship a cornerstone for future space exploration.Finally, we uncover archaeological evidence proving that ancient Britons constructed standing stone monuments with astronomical alignments. The research highlights how these structures were intricately connected with the movements of the sun and moon, offering insights into the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of our ancestors.00:00 This is spacetime series 27, episode 67, for broadcast on 3 June 202400:25 Active region AR 364 has returned after disappearing two weeks ago05:10 SpaceX says Starship, world's largest and most powerful rocket, likely on June 508:07 Scientists say ancient British standing stones were aligned with astronomical movements18:12 Standing stones in Britain allow you to view sun and moon from very specific perspectives23:02 New study shows Covid-19 vaccines still effective against hospitalization and death33:30 Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting platformsFollow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

May 31, 2024 • 42min
S27E66: BepiColombo's Glitch: Navigating Challenges on the Road to Mercury
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 66, where we delve into the latest cosmic discoveries and technological challenges shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we explore a glitch aboard the BepiColombo spacecraft bound for Mercury. The joint ESA-JAXA mission faced a sudden issue with its thrusters, impacting its journey towards the innermost planet. Despite the setback, mission control has restored 90% of the spacecraft's thrust capabilities, ensuring BepiColombo's arrival at Mercury for its next gravity assist.Next, we turn our attention to Venus, where BepiColombo's fleeting visit has unveiled surprising insights into the planet's atmosphere. Observations reveal that carbon and oxygen ions are escaping Venus's upper layers at speeds sufficient to overcome the planet's gravity, offering new clues about atmospheric loss mechanisms.Finally, we discuss new evidence explaining the mysterious phenomenon of stars that suddenly vanish without the usual supernova explosion. This complete stellar collapse turns massive stars directly into black holes, providing fresh perspectives on stellar evolution.00:00 This is Spacetime series 27, episode 66, for broadcast on 31 May 202401:00 A glitch aboard the BepiColombo spacecraft bound for Mercury12:30 Exploring the unexplored regions of Venus24:15 An explanation for stars that mysteriously suddenly vanish35:00 Skywatch: The June solstice, the spectacular Sombrero Galaxy, and the Taurus meteor showerFollow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ www.bitesz.com

May 29, 2024 • 30min
S27E65: Europa's Secrets: Juno's Stunning New Discoveries
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 65, where we uncover the latest cosmic revelations and scientific advancements.First, we delve into the intriguing new features discovered in high-resolution images of Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Captured by NASA's Juno spacecraft, these images reveal signs of plume activity and ice shell disruption, providing clues about the moon's subsurface ocean and its potential to support life.Next, we explore a groundbreaking model explaining the formation of free-floating planets. Recent findings suggest that gravitational perturbations in dense star clusters could eject giant planets, leading them to orbit each other as they drift through interstellar space.Finally, we report on NASA's Perseverance rover, which has collected its 24th rock sample on Mars. This new sample, rich in carbonate and silica, holds promise for understanding the Red Planet's ancient habitability and potential signs of past life.00:00 This is SpaceTime Series 27, Episode 65, for broadcast on 29 May 202400:44 New features discovered in high-resolution images of Jupiter's icy moon Europa09:18 A new model to explain the formation of free-floating planets16:09 NASA's Perseverance rover collects its 24th rock sample on Mars18:28 A new study warns that fish oil supplements have been associated with a 13% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation26:05 SpaceTime is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through various podcast providersSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/. Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com

May 27, 2024 • 28min
S27E64: Solar Storms and Sunspots: New Insights into Our Star's Activity
Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 64, where we delve into the latest cosmic discoveries and technological advancements shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we explore new research uncovering the origins of sunspots and their formation closer to the Sun's surface than previously thought. Scientists are now examining the complex interactions of magnetic fields and plasma within the Sun, providing fresh insights into the solar dynamo that drives these phenomena.Next, we turn our attention to Mars, as NASA and ESA announce a groundbreaking joint mission set to launch in 2028. This mission will utilise the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, equipped with advanced instruments to drill deep beneath the Martian surface in search of signs of life, potentially rewriting our understanding of the Red Planet's habitability.Finally, we discuss innovative solutions in the battle against space junk. From hunter-killer satellites equipped with plasma guns to ground-based laser systems, scientists are developing new technologies to tackle the growing problem of space debris, ensuring safer orbits for future missions.00:00">This is Spacetime series 27, episode 64, for broadcast on 27 May 202400:44">The spectacular solar storms may have originated closer to the sun's surface09:18">Hundreds of disused and damaged spacecraft and bits of space debris orbiting Earth16:09">Scientists are looking at ways to track space junk to save propellant18:28">A new study claims Australians are following misleading health and wellness advice on TikTok26:05">Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcast providersSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/. Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music or wherever you get your podcasts..Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ www.bitesz.com

May 24, 2024 • 19min
S27E63: Galactic Archaeology: Unearthing the Milky Way's Earliest Star Clusters
Venture into the cosmic depths with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 63, where we unearth some of the universe's most ancient stars hiding in the halo of our very own Milky Way. These celestial elders, dubbed SAS stars, are remnants from a time when galaxies were just beginning to coalesce, offering a unique window into the universe's formative years. With their discovery, we edge closer to unraveling the mysteries of galaxy formation and the evolution of the cosmos.Next, we embark on a journey alongside Europe's JUICE spacecraft, now one year into its monumental eight-year voyage to the icy moons of Jupiter. This mission promises to probe the potential habitable environments beneath the moons' frozen crusts and could redefine our search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system.Finally, we witness Russia flexing its spacefaring muscles with the test launch of the new heavy-lift Angara A-5 rocket, aiming to usher in a new era for Russian space exploration and retire the venerable Proton rockets.Join us on SpaceTime with Stuart Gary for a cosmic exploration that spans from our galactic neighborhood to the far reaches of the Jovian system, and beyond.(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 63. (00:46) Astronomers have discovered three of the oldest stars in the universe(05:25) The Jupiter icy moons explorer, or juice spacecraft, celebrated its first year in space(11:15) The Kremlin have undertaken a successful test launch of their new Angara a five rocket(12:41) Up to 246 million older adults could be exposed to dangerous acute heat by 2050(15:11) There's been another Bigfoot sighting in Manchester, EnglandSupport:Tune into SpaceTime with Stuart Gary, available on your favorite podcast app, and follow our journey through the stars on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.This episode is proudly supported by our patrons who help keep the show going. Become a supporter and access ad-free episodes. Details at https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/Sponsor:This episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.comhttps://www.patreon.com/spacetimewithstuartgary
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