

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

Jul 14, 2023 • 26min
S26E84: Milestone Orbits // Martian Meltwater // Earth's Water Origins and More
Hello and welcome to SpaceTime with Stuart Gary, Series 26 Episode 84. Coming up on this episode: another milestone for NASA's Parker Solar Probe, gullies on Mars potentially formed by recent meltwater, a new study challenges the origins of Earth's water, and more. [NASA's Parker Solar Probe] NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved another milestone, completing its 16th close approach to the Sun. During this 16th orbit, the spacecraft reached its perihelion on June 22, coming within 8.5 million kilometers of the Sun's visible surface while traveling at a staggering speed of 587,000 kilometers per hour. [Martian Gullies Formed by Meltwater] Scientists have made a fascinating discovery on Mars. They have found gullies that appear to have been formed by recent liquid meltwater. Published in the journal Science, these findings provide new insights into the role of water from melting ice in shaping ravine-like channels along the sides of impact craters on the Red Planet. [Debate Over Earth's Origins Continues] The debate surrounding the origins of Earth's water continues with a new study challenging prevailing theories. According to this study, Earth obtained its water after the planet had already formed. This contradicts a previous study that suggested water was present in the material from which Earth was initially created. [The Science Report] In this week's Science Report, research indicates that the precursors of life on Earth might have been introduced by meteors or volcanic eruptions. Additionally, a high body mass index may not lead to an early death if an individual is otherwise healthy. Furthermore, it's been discovered that scent compounds from a person's hands can be used to predict their sex with an impressive 96% accuracy. [Skeptics Guide to Ghosts of Gracie Mansion] And now, for a skeptical examination of the ghosts of Gracie Mansion.If you want more space news, astronomy, and astrophysics, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app. You can also stream episodes on demand from our website at spacetimewithstuartgary.comAnd for more Space News podcasts visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com#space #astronomy #science #spacetime #news #podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jul 12, 2023 • 32min
S26E83: Unveiling Secrets - From Euclid's Voyage to Martian Monoliths
Welcome to SpaceTime with Stuart Gary, your weekly update on the universe beyond our atmosphere. Buckle up for this exciting journey, as today's episode, number 83 in our 26th series, takes us from the depths of space to the surface of the moon, and all the way to Mars. Let's unpack our cosmic itinerary: 1. **Lift Off – Euclid Space Telescope Journey Begins**: The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope has embarked on its voyage, destined for the L2 La Grangian position. The journey was initiated with a successful SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. **Lunar History Revealed – Ancient Volcanic Activity on the Moon**: Astronomers have uncovered a massive slab of granite deep under the lunar surface on the moon's far side. This geological feature likely resulted from the cooling of molten lava from a volcanic chain that erupted 3.5 billion years ago, casting a new light on our moon's ancient history. 3. **Ingenuity's Unexpected Silence – Communication Blackout on Mars**: NASA's Mars Ingenuity helicopter experienced a record-breaking 63-day communication blackout, creating an unexpected quiet period in our exploration of the Red Planet. 4. **The Mysterious Martian Monolith – Perseverance Rover's Doughnut-shaped Discovery**: The Mars Perseverance Rover has photographed an intriguing doughnut-shaped rock in the Jezero Crater, thanks to its Remote Microscopic Imager, part of the SuperCam instrument. 5. **The Science Report**: Today's report touches on the imminent threat of low crop yields due to escalating climate change, the discovery of a 4,000-year-old religious site by Dutch archaeologists, and the ongoing debate over regulating AI to prevent it from gaining too much control over society. 6. **Alex on Tech**: We discuss Telstra's future direction in the rapidly evolving world of technology. Stay tuned for this thrilling voyage across the cosmos!For more SpaceTime visit www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com and for more podcasts visit our HQ at www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jul 10, 2023 • 32min
S26E82: Unveiling the Impossible: Space Secrets and Science Advances
Welcome to episode 82 of the 26th series of SpaceTime with Stuart Gary. In this episode, we delve into the surprising discoveries, alarming incidents, and intriguing developments in the world of astronomy and space science. Here's a sneak peek: ### 1. Discovery of the Impossible Planet In an unbelievable discovery, astronomers have unearthed the existence of a planet that, against all odds, is alive and kicking. Located at a distance of 520 light-years from us, this celestial object, 8 Ursae Minoris b, is in orbit around a red giant star - a star that should have devoured it long ago. ### 2. Sun's Powerful Solar Flare Our very own star, the Sun, has just discharged a potent X 1 class solar flare. The X-class flares are renowned for being the most ferocious and potent type of solar flares that can be observed. ### 3. Cancellation of Australia's Satellite Program In a shocking turn of events, the Albanese government in Australia has decided to terminate a multi-billion-dollar satellite Earth resources program, following the scrapping of millions of dollars in funding for rocket launch facilities in the country last month. ### 4. Launch of a Covert Spy Satellite Adding to the air of mystery, the massive United Launch Alliance Delta IV heavy, has undertaken its second-last flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its payload? A highly classified spy satellite. ### 5. The Science Report Round-up - The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially announced that we are now in the midst of an El Niño event. - A new record has been set for Planet Earth’s average temperature - an alarming 17.18 degrees Celsius. - A widely used artificial sweetener is now on the brink of being labeled as a potential carcinogen. - Lastly, we bring a skeptic's guide on how scientific progress is gradually putting an end to UFOlogy. Stay tuned for an engaging and enlightening episode on the latest in the cosmos. Dive deep into the mysteries of the universe with Stuart Gary on SpaceTime!This week’s guests includes: Dr Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales Andreas Rudolph ESA’s flight operations director for Euclid Satoshi Miyazaki the director of Japan’s Superu telescope Parker Solar Probe lead Engineer Betsy Congdon…. And our regular guests: Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics Alex Zaharov-Reutt from www.techadvice.life 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 Additionally, listeners can support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member through www.bitesz.supercast.com or through premium versions on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jul 7, 2023 • 40min
S26E81: White Dwarf Pulsar // Planet Formation Timescales // Virgin Galactic's Flight // July Skywatch
In this episode of SpaceTime with Stuart Gary:Discovery of White Dwarf Pulsar Sheds Light on Star Evolution: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a rare type of white dwarf star system, offering valuable insights into the process of stellar evolution. The findings contribute to our understanding of how stars transform over time.Exploring Planet Formation Timescales: New research by astronomers has revealed that the formation of planets can occur in remarkably shorter timescales, taking less than a million years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the length of time required for planetary formation.Virgin Galactic's First Successful Commercial Flight: Virgin Galactic has achieved a significant milestone by completing its inaugural commercial suborbital flight. The mission involved transporting a crew from the Italian Airforce and the National Research Council to the edge of space. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward in the realm of commercial space travel.July Skywatch Highlights: The month of July offers a host of celestial wonders for sky gazers. Notable highlights include the mesmerizing Southern Cross, the constellation Leo, and the awe-inspiring red supergiant star Antares. These celestial phenomena provide captivating sights for those observing the night skies in July.SpaceTime - Your one stop Space News Pod#space #astronomy #science #news #podcast #spacetimeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jul 5, 2023 • 25min
S26E80: Exploring Stellar Demise and Laser Communications: Space News Podcast
In this episode of SpaceTime, we bring you the latest discoveries and developments from the world of space. Astronomers have made a groundbreaking revelation, uncovering a never-before-seen method by which stars meet their demise. Join us as we delve into the details of this extraordinary phenomenon. Australia is making significant strides in space communications with its new project. We explore the progress of the country's ambitious plan to establish an operational optical laser communications network, enabling seamless communication with spacecraft both in orbit and in deep space. Unravel the mysteries surrounding the captivating Geminids meteor shower. Discover the unique origin of these meteoroids, which light up the sky and create one of the most spectacular meteor showers observed each December. In our Science Report segment, we delve into the fascinating discovery of ancient cave engravings found in France. These engravings, created by Neanderthals, offer valuable insights into our prehistoric past. We also explore the vital role of the male Y chromosome in the fight against certain cancers, as revealed by a recent study. Additionally, uncover the astonishing findings that suggest the colossal Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, challenging our understanding of these ancient marine predators. Lastly, join Alex on Tech as he explores the vulnerabilities and potential risks associated with hacking voice authentication security systems. Tune in to the Space News Podcast for an exciting and informative journey through the latest space discoveries and scientific breakthroughs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jul 3, 2023 • 23min
S26E79: Jupiter's Europa // Blue Supergiants // Mars Magnetic Fields
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into intriguing discoveries and scientific studies that shed light on the mysteries of our universe and its potential impact on life. We explore new findings about the possibility of life on Jupiter's ice moon Europa, uncover the secrets of blue supergiants through a major survey, and discuss surprising revelations about Mars' weak magnetic fields. Additionally, we present the latest scientific report, which examines the link between Vitamin D supplements and heart attack prevention. Lastly, we examine Australia's record-breaking baby boom and dive into the truth about the effects of sugar on children's hyperactivity. Segment 1: Europa's Potential for Life: Recent research has unveiled unsettling questions about the potential for life on Europa, Jupiter's icy moon with a subsurface ocean. Scientists explore the implications of this study, delving into the conditions required for life to thrive and the significance of Europa's subsurface ocean. Segment 2: Unlocking the Secrets of Blue Supergiants: Astronomers embark on a significant survey of blue supergiants, the universe's most massive stars, aiming to unravel their enigmatic nature. Discover how this study provides insights into the life cycles and characteristics of these celestial giants, and what they teach us about the evolution of galaxies. Segment 3: Surprising Weak Magnetic Fields on Mars: Data from China's Zhurong Mars rover has revealed unexpected results concerning the strength of the local magnetic field on Mars. Explore the implications of these findings, the potential causes behind the weaker-than-expected magnetic fields, and how this impacts our understanding of Mars' geological history. Segment 4: Vitamin D Supplements and Heart Attack Prevention: A new study presents a promising link between increased usage of Vitamin D supplements and a reduced risk of heart attacks. Delve into the research, understanding the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplementation and its implications for cardiovascular health. Segment 5: Australia's Record Baby Boom: An intriguing report highlights Australia's remarkable baby boom, providing insights into the factors contributing to this population surge. Discover the implications of this trend, including potential social, economic, and environmental impacts. Segment 6: Unveiling the Truth about Sugar and Kids' Hyperactivity: Dive into the skeptical examination of the relationship between sugar consumption and hyperactivity in children. Separate fact from fiction as we explore scientific research, providing a clearer understanding of the role sugar plays in kids' behavior. Join us for another exciting episode of SpaceTime, where we unravel the wonders of the universe and explore the latest scientific breakthroughs that shape our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jun 30, 2023 • 26min
S26E78: Life's Building Blocks in Deep Space // NASA Upgrades // Rocket Lab's Cyclone Satellites
S26E78 of SpaceTime with Stuart Gary brings exciting discoveries and advancements in the realm of space and science. In a groundbreaking revelation, astronomers have found tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids for life, in the depths of interstellar space. This finding provides intriguing insights into the potential origins of life beyond our planet. Meanwhile, NASA's Deep Space Network is undergoing significant upgrades, allowing for enhanced communication with a greater number of spacecraft and adapting to evolving mission requirements.Rocket Lab has achieved another successful launch, deploying a constellation of satellites dedicated to monitoring tropical cyclones for NASA. This promising development contributes to our ability to predict and mitigate the devastating impact of these storms. In the Science Report segment, alarming research suggests that Arctic Sea ice may disappear as early as the 2030s, raising concerns about the accelerating effects of climate change. Additionally, individuals with cannabis use disorder face a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support.Finally, the show explores the intriguing concept of "Nobel Prize syndrome" or "nobelitis" in the Skeptic's Guide, shedding light on the challenges faced by Nobel laureates in maintaining scientific objectivity and the impact of the prestigious award on their future work.Tune in to SpaceTime with Stuart Gary to delve into these fascinating topics and stay updated on the latest breakthroughs in space exploration, astronomy, and science.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jun 28, 2023 • 23min
S26E77: Mysterious Arc Discovered in Andromeda // Not All Stars Made the Same // Most Intense Lightning Ever Recorded // Space News
Amateur astronomers have discovered a mysterious nebulous arc close to the M31 galaxy in Andromeda. *Observations suggest not all stars are made the same A new study suggests that the universe’s most massive stars are formed through a different process from other lower mass stars like the Sun. *Tonga’s Hunga eruption produced the most intense lightning ever recorded A new study has found that Tonga’s Hunga volcanic eruption produced the most intense lightning ever recorded. *The Science Report Study warns that prolonged daily aspirin use increases the risk of anaemia. A new frog species has been identified in New South Wales threatened with extinction. A new ankylosaur dinosaur has been described on the Isle of Wight. Alex on Tech Googles new Pixel Tablet. 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 Additionally, listeners can support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member through www.bitesz.supercast.com or through premium versions on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQFor more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com SpaceTime - your one stop Space News podcast.#space #astronomyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jun 26, 2023 • 28min
S26E76: Hotter than the Sun // Feeding frenzy echo // Earth’s 19-hour long days
The Space News Podcast. SpaceTime Series 26 Episode 76 *Discovery of a brown dwarf hotter than the Sun Astronomers have discovered what appears to be a brown dwarf that is hotter than the Sun. *Detection of a feeding frenzy echo emitted by our Galaxy's black hole 200 years ago Scientists have discovered that Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way galaxy emerged from a long period of dormancy some 200 years ago. *Earth’s 19 hour long days that lasted a billion years A new study suggests Earth’s current 24 hour long day didn’t happen gradually as the planet’s rotation slowed down – but instead changed in spurts. *The Science Report Mark Zuckerberg says the scientific establishment asked Facebook to censor posts that were really true. Scientists find a difference in your heart health depending on whether your gay straight or bi. Japan ready to discharged nuclear waste water into the ocean. Skeptics guide to birth defects from traditional Chinese medicine This week’s special guest: Uwe Kirscher from Curtin University And our regular guests: Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics Alex Zaharov-Reutt from www.techadvice.life Jonathan Nally the editor of Australian Sky and Telescope Magazine 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 Additionally, listeners can support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member through www.bitesz.supercast.com or through premium versions on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com #space #astronomy #science #news #podcast #spacetimeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jun 23, 2023 • 29min
S26E75: Exploring Earth's Origins // Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry // Satellite Woes, and More!
Join Stuart Gary in this episode of SpaceTime as he unveils intriguing discoveries and controversies from the world of science. Discover how an asteroid's surprising composition of Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, provides clues about the origin of Earth's water. Delve into the mind-boggling matter-antimatter asymmetry conundrum, as the CERN atom smasher refines measurements, challenging our understanding of the universe's creation. Astronomers express outrage over a new super-bright satellite, highlighting the detrimental effects on crucial scientific research caused by the increasing presence of satellites in Earth's orbit. In the Science Report, learn about the correlation between intelligence and task performance, as individuals with higher IQs display quicker problem-solving skills for simple tasks, albeit taking longer for more complex challenges. Unearth the remains of an ancient giant Australian armoured shingleback lizard, unveiled by dedicated paleontologists. Lastly, discover the unsettling news that night owls may have a higher risk of early mortality. Tune in to this captivating episode for a skeptic's guide to regulating witch doctors, as Stuart Gary navigates the latest developments at the fascinating intersection of science and society.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.