

SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy
Stuart Gary
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

May 22, 2024 • 25min
S27E62: Earth's New Neighbor: Unveiling Speculus-3b in the Cosmic Backyard
Set sail through the cosmic seas with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 62, as we chart a course to a newly discovered Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf star just a stone's throw away in the galactic neighborhood. The discovery of Speculos-3b, a mere 55 light-years from Earth, stirs intrigue with its eternal days and nights due to likely tidal locking, offering a unique glimpse into the conditions of potentially habitable worlds around the most common stellar inhabitants of our galaxy.We then drift to the Milky Way's outskirts, where a stellar slow lane has been uncovered, challenging assumptions about the mass and dark matter content at the heart of our galactic home. This revelation, derived from Gaia and APOGEE data, suggests a lighter core and less dark matter than previously believed, sending ripples through our understanding of the cosmos.Our voyage continues as we seek to uncover dark matter's elusive influence on stellar streams with the help of the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This bastion of observation promises to shed light on the ghostly gravitational effects of dark matter on these celestial ribbons, offering a new perspective on the most dominant yet unseen force in the universe.Join us on SpaceTime with Stuart Gary for a journey into these cosmic curiosities and more, as we navigate the mysteries of space and the wonders it holds.(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 62, for broadcast 22 May 2024(00:46) Astronomers have discovered a new Earth sized planet orbiting an ultracool red dwarf(04:24) The Milky Way's gravitational core may contain less dark matter than previously thought(10:26) The Vera C. Rubin Observatory may well hold the answers to what dark matter is(15:46) Heat waves during the four hottest months of the year lead to 150,000 deaths(19:29) Chat GPT launched GPT four omni last weekSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.spreaker.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 and follow us on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

May 20, 2024 • 46min
S27E61: A Solar Spectacle: The X8.7 Flare and Earth's Auroral Symphony
Embark on a celestial odyssey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 61, where we witness the Sun unleash its most powerful solar flare in nearly two decades, sparking a series of geomagnetic storms that dazzled the skies with extraordinary auroras. The flare, an enormous X8.7 class eruption, marked the pinnacle of a week of solar ferocity, with the Earth enduring a bombardment that produced northern and southern lights visible far beyond their usual latitudes.We then delve into the mysteries of Earth's magnetotail, where NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission has observed unusual substorms that could reshape our understanding of magnetic reconnection and its role in auroral phenomena.Finally, we plunge into the depths of the sea with China's construction of the deep-sea neutrino telescope, TRIDENT, designed to scan the cosmos for neutrinos and unlock the secrets of cosmic rays and the extreme universe.Join us on SpaceTime with Stuart Gary for an exploration of these awe-inspiring events and more, as we traverse the vastness of space and the wonders it holds.(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 61, for broadcast on 20 May 2024(00:43) The sun has produced its biggest solar flare in nearly two decades(10:28) NASA scientists have detected an unusual event in Earth's magnetotail(21:35) The south pole neutrino detector uses liquid water rather than solid ice(28:39) Supernova is basically a neutrino explosion that has this tiny optical signature(33:00) New observations confirm that April 2024 was the hottest month on record(35:43) A new study claims males with low testosterone may have an increased risk of dying prematurely(37:03) Shroud of Turin supposedly shows Jesus after crucifixion(42:25) Tim Mendham: crucifixion was fairly common in those daysSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Follow our cosmic conversations on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.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.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

May 17, 2024 • 25min
S27E60: Unveiling Cosmic Ancestry: The Quest for Population III Stars
Journey through the cosmic tapestry with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 60, where we unearth the echoes of creation by discovering one of the most ancient stars ever seen in another galaxy. This remarkable find could lead us to the elusive first generation of stars that illuminated the universe from darkness to the dawn of clarity. These celestial ancestors, born from the pure elements of the Big Bang, were behemoths that lived fast and died young, leaving behind the building blocks of everything we know.The episode then shifts focus to the Hubble Space Telescope's latest challenge, as it enters safe mode due to a gyroscope glitch. Despite the setback, the iconic observatory's legacy of over three decades of celestial observations remains unshaken as NASA seeks a solution.Next, we launch into the story of Snoopy, a CubeSat deployed from the International Space Station. This six-unit CubeSat embarks on a mission to measure soil moisture and improve agricultural yields by harnessing signals from commercial satellites.For an exploration of these cosmic milestones and more, tune into SpaceTime with Stuart Gary. Join us as we navigate the universe's past, present, and future, revealing the wonders that lie beyond the night sky.(00:00) NASA's Hubble space telescope goes offline following a gyroscope issue(00:43) Astronomers have discovered one of the most ancient stars ever seen in another galaxy(06:49) NASAS Hubble Space Telescope enters safe mode due to gyroscopic issue(09:09) A new CubeSat called Snoopy has been launched from the ISS(13:41) Long term daily use of aspirin could help slow and even prevent colorectal cancer(20:09) Some people have been comparing this festival to the Wicker man filmSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Follow our cosmic conversations on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.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.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

May 15, 2024 • 26min
S27E59: Venus's Vanishing Vapors: The Mystery of a Bone-Dry Planet
Embark on an interplanetary journey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 59, where we unravel the enigmatic atmosphere of Venus and its waterless environment. Discover the startling new study that suggests Venus lost its water reserves to space, leaving it with a mere fraction of Earth's water despite their similar origins. The episode dives into the complex chemical reactions in Venus's atmosphere that may have turned a once Earth-like planet into a scorching, inhospitable world.Next, we explore the innovative ideas NASA is considering for future lunar logistics, including a magnetic railroad system designed to transport materials across the Moon's surface. This system could revolutionize the way we build and sustain lunar bases, pushing the boundaries of off-world construction and resource utilization.The episode then shifts to the launch of a cutting-edge satellite from the International Space Station. This new eye in the sky aims to provide early warnings of volcanic eruptions by detecting trace gases, a game-changer for disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring.Join us as we delve into these cosmic developments and more, including the implications of AI biases and the latest in tech from Apple.Tune into SpaceTime with Stuart Gary for a deep dive into the latest astronomical insights and technological advancements.(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 59, for broadcast on 15 May 2024(00:42) Study claims Venus loses twice as much water every day through dissociative recombination(06:16) NASA is looking at building a railway on the moon to transport freight(16:23) Ultra processed junk foods associated with higher risk of premature death, study finds(18:52) Apple has formally released its new Apple Air and Apple Pro iPads(24:15) Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple podcastsSupport the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Follow our cosmic conversations on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.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.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.