

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
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Apr 19, 2024 • 32min
S27E48: Cosmic Cartography: Charting Dark Energy's Role in the Universe's Fate
Embark on an astronomical odyssey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 48, as we unveil the most detailed view of the expanding universe to date. The first-year data from DESI, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey, is in, and it's changing the cosmic game. This groundbreaking five-year study is mapping the universe in 3D, charting the enigmatic influence of dark energy over time. Will the universe meet a chilling big freeze, or will dark energy's relentless acceleration lead to a catastrophic big rip? With precision better than 1%, DESI's data is painting a complex picture of our cosmic destiny.Then, join us in celebrating a celestial milestone as the Solar Observatory spacecraft SOHO captures its 5000th comet. SOHO's unexpected role as a prolific comet hunter has deepened our understanding of these enigmatic sun-grazers, offering insights into the sun's atmosphere and the large-scale structure of comets.Plus, we follow the Soyuz MS-24 capsule's return to Earth, bringing home a NASA astronaut and the first Belarusian cosmonaut after a landmark mission. With blue skies over Kazakhstan, the Soyuz's journey from the International Space Station to the steppe marks a successful conclusion to an expedition of cosmic proportions.And don't miss our Science Report, where we delve into the impact of climate change on wine regions, the link between mood disorders and driving in young people, and the debate over a meteor impact ejecta potentially being alien technology.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com. Tune in to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen, and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by NordPass. Secure your digital life and keep the cosmic exploration going with the password manager you can trust. Visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass for a special offer.

Apr 17, 2024 • 25min
S27E47: Stellar Nurseries: Unveiling the Origins of Brown Dwarfs and Starbursts
Prepare to illuminate the shadowy frontiers of space in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 47. We begin by shedding light on new findings that reveal brown dwarfs, those celestial enigmas straddling the line between the largest planets and the smallest stars, are far more star-like than we ever imagined. Born from the same intricate dance of gas and dust that gives rise to stars, these failed stars have a story more intertwined with their luminous kin than previously thought. Next, we peer into the future, where the clock is ticking down to an explosive cosmic event. Astronomers eagerly anticipate a nova eruption within a binary star system, set to dazzle the skies sometime before year's end. This stellar spectacle, a cyclical detonation on the surface of a white dwarf, promises to be a beacon in the night, echoing observations that date back over a century.We then voyage to the extreme starburst galaxy M82, a crucible of creation churning out new stars at a rate tenfold that of our own Milky Way. With the James Webb Space Telescope piercing through the cosmic dust, we get a front-row seat to the galactic winds and star-forming frenzy defining this compact powerhouse of a galaxy.And in the Science Report, we delve into the role of homosexual behavior in mammalian social bonding, the alarming rise in simultaneous heatwaves and sea level extremes on global coastlines, the potential psychological effects of teenage screen time, and the latest in home entertainment and security tech that's shaping our digital lives.For the full cosmic journey, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com and support the show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Discover the universe's wonders with us on SpaceTime.This week's episode is brought to you by NordPass. Navigate the digital universe with confidence using a password manager you can trust. Secure your cosmic exploration at 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.

Apr 15, 2024 • 25min
S27E46: Stellar Cannibalism: Unraveling the Secrets of Star-Eating Phenomena
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46: The Cosmic Dance of Neutron Stars and Black HolesJoin us on a thrilling journey through the cosmos in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46, where we delve into the mysteries of a possible neutron star-black hole merger detected in gravitational waves. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration may have stumbled upon a cosmic ballet between the densest objects in the universe, offering tantalizing clues about the elusive mass gap and challenging our understanding of stellar evolution.Next, we explore the cannibalistic tendencies of stars as a new study reveals that stars often end up devouring their own planets. This celestial feast, found in roughly 8% of binary star systems examined, raises questions about the stability of planetary orbits and could reshape our knowledge of cosmic dynamics.And as North America was plunged into darkness by a total solar eclipse, scientists seized the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research. From rockets piercing the upper atmosphere to jets chasing the eclipse at dizzying altitudes, we look at the scientific endeavors that took advantage of this spectacular celestial event.Plus, in the Science Report, we discuss the implications of "forever chemicals" in our water resources, the heart failure benefits of a diabetes drug, the discovery of Australia's oldest pottery, and the controversy surrounding a prestigious clinic's endorsement of Reiki.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com, where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by NordPass. Secure your digital life and keep the cosmic exploration going with the password manager you can trust. Visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass for a special offer.https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week’s guests include: Fan Liu from Monash University Sungrazer project principal investigator Karl Battams from the U.S. Naval Research Lab Washington, D.C.. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian SkepticsEpisode Chapters(00:00) A possible neutron star black hole merger detected in gravitational waves(00:47) LIGO has detected what might be either the merger of two neutron stars(06:22) New study confirms that some stars may have swallowed planets or planetary material(13:58) NASA launched a fleet of rockets and jets to monitor last weeks solar eclipse(16:54) A new study warns that we're likely underestimating future impact of forever chemicals(19:19) Mayo Clinic slammed for allowing staff nurse to promote rank pseudoscience(22:50) Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting services

Apr 12, 2024 • 19min
S27E45: Martian Mysteries: Perseverance's Quest for Ancient Life Signs
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 45 *Perseverance collects its 24th sample on Mars NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover has just collected its 24 geological sample from the surface of the red planet. The drill core offers new clues about Jezero Crater and the lake it may have once held. *New date set for Starliner's first manned mission NASA has set May 6 as the opening of the launch window for the first manned flight of Boeing’s long troubled CST-100 Starliner. The flight to the International Space Station was originally slated for this month. *Space junk slams into a Florida home NASA says it’s analyzing an object that crashed into a Florida man's home last week which is suspected of being piece of debris jettisoned from the International Space Station. *The Science Report New research shows that the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide. A new study claims women with a low resting heart rate had a slightly higher chance of a criminal lifestyle. Identifying criminals by airborne forensic DNA evidence. Skeptics guide to African witchcraft trials https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://bitesz.com This week’s guests include our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian SkepticsThis episode is brought to you by NordPass....the password manager we use ad quite frankly couldn't get by online without. You should really check it out. And we havea great deal for you at the moment...plus a free trial...for all the details visit www.bitesz.com/nordpassBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Apr 10, 2024 • 29min
S27E44: Unveiling Mars' Ancient Rivers: Curiosity's Quest for Extinct Waterways
The Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 44 *New Clues About Mars’ Ancient Water NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover has arrived at an area in Gale Crater’s Mount Sharp that may show evidence liquid water flowed on the red planet for much longer than previously thought. *NASAs new Moon buggies NASA has selected three companies to help it develop its proposed new Moon buggy --- the lunar terrain vehicle or LTV. *The largest digital camera ever built for astronomy After two decades of work, scientists and engineers at the US Department of Energy's Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre’s National Accelerator Laboratory have finally completed the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Camera -- The largest digital camera ever built for astronomy. *The Science Report A new study shows that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death. The Persian Plateau identified as pivotal for Homo sapiens migration out of Africa. Volcanoes could hold the clues to how the first building blocks of life were formed. Alex on Tech more controversy for Google https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://bitesz.com Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQThis episode is brought to you by NordPass...your password manager that will relieve password stress in your life. Get organised for not very much money...visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass and check out our very special deal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Apr 8, 2024 • 28min
S27E43: Galactic Ghosts: Unveiling the Milky Way's Dimmest Satellite System
The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 43*The Milky Way's Faintest Star System UnveiledAstronomers have unveiled the faintest star system known to orbit our Milky Way galaxy, Ursa Major III Unions I. This ancient and elusive star system, reported in the Astrophysical Journal, may be one of the most dark matter-dominated systems discovered, lying just 30,000 light-years away. With only about 60 stars and a mass just 16 times that of the Sun, it challenges our understanding of galaxy formation and the role of dark matter in the cosmos.*Queensland's Bowen Orbital Spaceport Launches into ActionAustralia's space industry takes a giant leap with the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. Set to host its inaugural launch with Gilmore Space's Ares rocket, the spaceport marks a significant milestone in the nation's commercial space endeavors. Ares, a hybrid propulsion rocket, aims to deliver payloads into low Earth orbit, signifying Australia's re-emergence as a space-launching nation.*Southern Launch Prepares for Next Milestone in South AustraliaOver in South Australia, Southern Launch is gearing up for its next test flight at the Koonibba Test Range. The upcoming mission will test groundbreaking hybrid propulsion technology using paraffin wax and liquid oxygen, which could revolutionize rocket handling. This test serves as a precursor to developing the larger SL-1 orbital launcher, highlighting the range's unique capability for both suborbital experiments and orbital launches.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. For more space and astronomy podcasts, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com.This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by the password manager you can trust, NordPass. Take the hassle out of online security and help support SpaceTime by visiting www.nordpass.com/stuart for a special offer. Secure your digital life and keep the cosmic exploration going!This episode is brought t you by NordPass...your digital salvation. Check out the details and get our very special deal at www.bitesz.com/nordpass

Apr 5, 2024 • 47min
S27E42: Martian Oasis: Gale Crater's Watery Past Revealed
This episode is brought to you by NordPass...the password manager (and more) that you need in your life for not very much money. To get the deal, visit www.nordpass.com/stuartThe Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 42*Water's Persistent Presence in Mars' Gale CraterMars' Gale Crater may have harbored water far longer than scientists previously believed, challenging our timeline of the Red Planet's arid transformation. New evidence from NASA's Curiosity rover, detailed in the journal Geology, suggests that underground water may have been present in the crater during the latter part of the Hesperian period, 3.7 to 3 billion years ago. This discovery, marked by deformed desert sandstone, hints at a more habitable past and could reshape our search for ancient Martian life.*The Sun's Spectacular Double Solar FlareThe Sun has unleashed its most powerful eruption since 2017 with a double solar flare event, signaling a ramp-up towards solar maximum. The X1.1-class flare, coupled with a series of M-class flares, has sparked vivid auroral displays and heightened space weather activity. This dynamic solar performance, captured by ESA's SMOS and Swarm satellites, underscores the Sun's influence on Earth's magnetosphere and the importance of real-time space weather monitoring.*The SR-71 Blackbird's Alleged Successor: The SR-72Rumors persist of the Pentagon's development of a hypersonic aircraft, the SR-72, potentially succeeding the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. Reports suggest that Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is behind this classified project, which could reach Mach 6 speeds and revolutionize reconnaissance with its unmanned design. If true, this aircraft could redefine the boundaries of aviation and surveillance technology.*April Night Skies: Alpha Centauri to the Lyrids Meteor ShowerAs autumn's grip tightens, the night skies of April offer a celestial tapestry rich with wonders. From the Southern Cross standing upright to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, being prominently on display, stargazers have much to explore. The annual Lyrids meteor shower promises a dazzling show, peaking on April 22-23, while the planets Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus grace the morning and evening skies with their presence.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. For more space and astronomy podcasts, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com.

Apr 3, 2024 • 32min
S27E41: Earth's Puzzling Past: The Greenlandic Birth of Scandinavian Lands
The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 41*The Scandinavian Connection: Born from Greenland's Ancient CrustIn a groundbreaking geological study, scientists have traced the oldest Scandinavian bedrock back to its origins in Greenland, revealing a continental connection dating back 3.75 billion years. Published in the journal Geology, this research uncovers a hidden chapter of Earth's crust beneath Denmark and Scandinavia, suggesting a tectonic detachment from Greenland that predates previous estimates by a quarter of a billion years. The discovery, locked within zircon minerals, not only reshapes our understanding of continental drift but also underscores Earth's uniqueness in the solar system as a cradle for life.*Blue Origin's Orbital Reef: A Leap Towards Commercial Space HabitatsBlue Origin, in collaboration with Sierra Space, has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the Orbital Reef commercial space station. Under NASA's watchful eye, the project has successfully tested key life support systems essential for sustaining human presence in orbit. With a potential operational date as early as 2027, Orbital Reef aims to provide a voluminous habitat for ten occupants, marking a new era in space exploration and research as the International Space Station approaches retirement.*Space's Role in Climate Change Monitoring IntensifiesThe World Meteorological Organization's latest report delivers a stark reality check, with 2023 witnessing unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases, rising seas, and melting ice. In response, the fleet of Copernicus Sentinel satellites operated by the European Union plays an increasingly vital role in monitoring our changing planet. These eyes in the sky offer critical data, from sea ice dynamics to deforestation, aiding policymakers in crafting strategies to combat the escalating climate crisis.*Dragon's Bounty: A Resupply Mission Brimming with Scientific PromiseSpaceX's CRS-30 mission, aboard the upgraded Dragon spacecraft, has successfully docked with the International Space Station, delivering over 2.7 tonnes of vital supplies and novel experiments. This cache of scientific endeavors includes a joint CSIRO-Boeing 3D mapping project, the Burst Cube satellite for studying cosmic gamma-ray bursts, and the GEARS initiative for identifying antibiotic-resistant microbes in space. With over 250 experiments in progress, the orbiting laboratory continues to be a beacon of discovery and innovation.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. For more space and astronomy podcasts, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com.This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by NordPass...the password manager we all need in our lives. And with our special offer, it won't even cost very much money. Grab the deal at www.nordpass.com/stuart ...Remove a lot of angst from your life and help support SpaceTime....#spacetime #podcast #space #astronomy

Apr 1, 2024 • 34min
S27E40: Magnetic Mysteries: Sagittarius A*'s Invisible Force Field Exposed
The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 40*Magnetic Mysteries at the Milky Way's HeartThe Event Horizon Telescope has revealed organized magnetic fields swirling at the periphery of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's core. In a groundbreaking observation, astronomers have captured these fields in polarized light, finding remarkable similarities to the black hole in galaxy M87. This discovery suggests that strong magnetic fields could be a universal trait among black holes, influencing how they interact with their surrounding matter. The study's implications stretch far beyond the iconic Sagittarius A*, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic behavior of black holes and their powerful ejections into space.*The Birth of Blue Supergiants Through Stellar MergersBlue supergiants, some of the universe's most luminous and massive stars, have long puzzled astronomers due to their abundance and solitary nature. A new study posits that these cosmic behemoths, often found alone, could be the result of binary star systems merging. This revelation, derived from simulations and observations in the Large Magellanic Cloud, challenges previous theories and suggests that stellar mergers play a pivotal role in the life cycle of galaxies and their stellar populations.*Webb Telescope Unveils the Star-Forming Tendrils of NGC 604NASA's James Webb Space Telescope peeks into NGC 604, a vibrant nursery of star formation within the Triangulum Galaxy, M33. Webb's infrared gaze has uncovered the intricate dance of star birth, highlighting massive blue stars and intricate gas filaments. This detailed view of NGC 604, a region teeming with over 200 massive stars, offers astronomers a rare opportunity to study these celestial giants at a critical stage in their evolution, providing new insights into the complex processes that shape galaxies.*New Crew Arrives at the International Space StationThe Soyuz MS-25 mission has successfully delivered a trio of spacefarers to the International Space Station after an initial launch delay. The mission continues the tradition of international partnership in space, as the ISS remains one of the few collaborative ventures between Russia and the West amidst geopolitical tensions.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. For more space and astronomy podcasts, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com.https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://bitesz.com This week’s guests include: WEBB senior Project Scientist Jane Rigby Josef Aschbacher, Director of ESA Earth Observation Programs Michael Rast, ESA’s Earth Observation Senior Advisor. And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics Jonathan Nally from Sky and Telescope Magazine 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordPass deal here ➼ https://www.nordpass.com/stuart or use the checkout code STUARTGARY. The discount is incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ

Mar 29, 2024 • 25min
S27E39: Galactic Goliaths: The Einasto Supercluster Unveiled
The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 39*Unveiling the Einasto Supercluster: A Cosmic BehemothAstronomers have unveiled one of the most massive superclusters ever observed, a colossal structure named the Einasto Supercluster. Comprising thousands of galaxies and a mass of 20 followed by 15 zeros in stars, this supercluster is a testament to the pioneering work of Jan Oort, whose 95th birthday coincides with the discovery. The Einasto Supercluster, stretching 360 million light-years across, provides new insights into the large-scale structure of the universe, challenging our understanding of galactic evolution and the gravitational forces at play in these vast cosmic metropolises.*Humans Alter Asteroid's Path and ShapeIn a groundbreaking mission, humans have altered the shape and orbit of an asteroid. NASA's DART spacecraft collided with the asteroid moon Dimorphos, not only knocking it off course but also reshaping its entire structure. This kinetic impact demonstration confirms our capability to deflect potentially hazardous asteroids and marks a significant milestone in planetary defense strategies. The aftermath of the collision has been meticulously analyzed, revealing a reshaped Dimorphos with a shorter orbital period and a new, elongated form.*Hubble's New Glimpse into Jupiter's Stormy AtmosphereThe Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning new images of Jupiter, offering a fresh perspective on the gas giant's turbulent weather systems. The iconic Great Red Spot, a storm large enough to engulf Earth, is showcased alongside other atmospheric phenomena. Despite its gradual shrinkage and color changes, the Great Red Spot still rages with high-speed winds, interacting with smaller vortices that may be influencing its longevity. Hubble's detailed observations continue to unravel the mysteries of Jupiter's dynamic climate and the forces shaping its grand tempests.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. For more space and astronomy podcasts, visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com.