

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

Jan 17, 2025 • 23min
Cosmic Radio Mysteries, Moon's Water Origins, and IO's Volcanic Heart: S28E08
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 08Origins of Fast Radio Bursts UnveiledAstronomers have pinpointed the source of fast radio bursts, specifically linking them to magnetars, a type of highly magnetic neutron star. This breakthrough, reported in Nature, was achieved by analysing the scintillation of FRB2022 1022A, indicating its proximity to a magnetar within 10,000 kilometres. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon, suggesting that all fast radio bursts might originate from similarly extreme environments.Lunar Water's Terrestrial OriginsA groundbreaking study reveals that much of the Moon's water may have originated from early Earth. By examining Apollo-era lunar samples with a high precision triple oxygen isotope technique, scientists discovered a dual heritage of lunar water, tracing back to both proto-Earth and cometary impacts. This finding offers new insights into the Earth-Moon system's formation 4.5 billion years ago.Juno's Insights into IO's VolcanismNASA's Juno mission has uncovered that Jupiter's moon IO's volcanoes are powered by individual magma chambers rather than a global magma ocean. This revelation, stemming from Juno's close flybys and gravitational measurements, highlights the unique geological dynamics of the solar system's most volcanically active body. The findings provide a deeper understanding of tidal flexing and its effects on celestial bodies.00:00 Astronomers have finally narrowed down the source of those mysterious fast radio bursts08:01 New study shows much of moon's water originates on early proto Earth10:32 Scientists with NASA's Juno mission to Jupiter have discovered volcanoes on IO16:33 There now seems to be more carbon stored in human made stuff than natural world18:41 Study shows each of the Disney princesses could have exposed themselves to illnesses19:40 Alaska Triangle has highest recorded numbers of paranormal incidents in the worldwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/aboutBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 15, 2025 • 24min
Dark Matter Dynamics, Solar Flare Trio, and Meteor Shower Wonders: S28E07
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 07Dark Matter's Role in Milky Way's Stellar StreamsNew research suggests that dark matter may have influenced the formation of the GD-1 stellar stream in the Milky Way. A study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters proposes that a core-collapsing, self-interacting dark matter subhalo could explain the unusual spur and gap features observed in the stream. This finding could deepen our understanding of dark matter's properties and its influence on the universe.Sun's Triple Solar Flare EruptionThe Sun has unleashed three significant X-class solar flares in a single day, with the first and third being X1.1 flares and the second an X1.5. These powerful eruptions, detected by NOAA's Solar Ultraviolet Imager, are part of the Sun's approach to solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Solar flares can disrupt Earth's communications, power grids, and pose health risks to astronauts.Quadrantids Meteor Shower SpectacleThe Earth is experiencing the Quadrantids meteor shower, offering a dazzling display of shooting stars. Originating from the near-Earth asteroid 2003 EH1, the Quadrantids are best viewed from dark locations, with peak sightings expected in the Pacific region. Sky watchers can anticipate around 50 meteors per hour, with potential fireballs enhancing the spectacle.00:00 This is space time series 28 episode 7 for broadcast on 15 January 202500:46 New research proposes a self interacting dark matter subhalo could explain GD1 features04:24 The sun unleashed three significant X class solar flares on the same day07:19 Earth is experiencing one of its most spectacular meteor showers, the Quadrantids14:31 A quarter of the world's freshwater animals are at risk of extinction16:43 Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg admits that his fact checkers are dishonest20:28 CES has wrapped up in Las Vegas with lots of interesting gadgetswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesUniversity of California, Riverside[ucr.edu](https://www.ucr.edu/)Astrophysical Journal Letters[iopscience.iop.org/journal/8205](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205)3--- National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)[noaa.gov](https://www.noaa.gov/)Royal Astronomical Society[ras.ac.uk](https://www.ras.ac.uk/)Journal of Nature[nature.com](https://www.nature.com/)Journal of the American Medical Association[jamanetwork.com](https://jamanetwork.com/)Facebook[facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/)Babylon Bee[babylonbee.com](https://babylonbee.com/)Tech Advice Stuart Life[techadvice.com](https://www.techadvice.com/)Space Time with Stuart Gary[spacetimewithstuartgary.com](https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 14, 2025 • 35min
Pluto-Charon Impact Insights, BepiColombo's Final Flyby, and the Year in Astronomy: S28E06
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 06Formation of Pluto-Charon Binary SystemA new study reveals that the formation of the Pluto-Charon dwarf planet binary system may mirror that of the Earth-Moon system. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that both systems feature a secondary body significantly large in comparison to the primary, unlike other moons in our solar system. The findings could explain Pluto's active geology and potential subsurface ocean, highlighting the significance of giant impacts in shaping planetary bodies.BepiColombo's Final Mercury FlybyThe BepiColombo spacecraft has completed its final close flyby of Mercury, passing just 295 kilometres above the planet's surface. This manoeuvre marks the last gravity assist required for the joint ESA and JAXA mission before it enters Mercury's orbit in late 2026. The mission aims to study Mercury's magnetic field, surface composition, and interaction with the solar wind, enhancing our understanding of planets close to their host stars.Astronomy Highlights for 20252025 promises exciting astronomical events, with the Sun's solar cycle nearing its peak. Highlights include a rare edge-on view of Saturn's rings, potential brightening of comet G3 Atlas, and two lunar eclipses. The year also features significant planetary alignments, meteor showers, and opportunities to observe the Southern Cross and the centre of the Milky Way. Dr. Nick Glom provides insights into these celestial events and more.00:00 This is space Time Series 28, Episode 6 for broadcast on 13 January 202500:27 A new study suggests the formation of the Pluto Charon dwarf planet binary system04:35 BepiColombo spacecraft makes its final flyby of Mercury09:27 This is space time. We take a look at the year ahead in astronomy10:47 Mid January will be a very interesting time to look at the night sky13:05 There are two big highlights in March with the eclipse of the moon and Saturn13:46 The other big event of course is the crossing of the rings of Saturn17:03 The Southern Cross is well positioned during the month of June18:38 Venus and Jupiter are the two brightest planets in the night sky19:16 Also in August, it's a great time to have a look at Sagittarius20:35 Total eclipse of the Moon occurs when Moon moves into Earth's shadow23:06 The Australasian Sky Guide has just released its 30th edition25:05 World Meteorological Organisation confirms that 2024 was the warmest year on record29:34 It's claimed that two allegedly Celtic heads could turn you into a werewolfwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesUniversity of Arizona[https://www.arizona.edu](https://www.arizona.edu)Nature Geoscience[https://www.nature.com/ngeo/](https://www.nature.com/ngeo/)European Space Agency (ESA)[https://www.esa.int](https://www.esa.int)Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)[https://global.jaxa.jp/](https://global.jaxa.jp/)Ariane 5 rocket[https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-5/](https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-5/)Kourou Spaceport[https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Spaceport](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Spaceport)Australasian Sky Guide[https://www.powerhouse.com.au/publication/australasian-sky-guide/](https://www.powerhouse.com.au/publication/australasian-sky-guide/)Powerhouse Museum[https://www.maas.museum/powerhouse-museum/](https://www.maas.museum/powerhouse-museum/)European Heart Journal[https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj)Journal of Advances in Atmospheric Sciences[https://www.springer.com/journal/376](https://www.springer.com/journal/376)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 10, 2025 • 26min
Mars' Volcanic Awakening, Supernova 1987A's Secrets, and Dream Chaser Delays: S28E05
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 05Volcanic Activity on MarsNew research suggests recent volcanic activity on Mars, with eruptions possibly occurring within the last 50,000 years. This discovery, based on satellite observations, highlights a mysterious dark deposit in Elysium Planitia, indicating explosive volcanism. The findings could mean Mars is still volcanically active, raising possibilities of habitable conditions due to interactions between magma and icy substrates.Mysteries of Supernova 1987AAstronomers using the Murchison Wide Field Array have been delving into the enigmatic Supernova 1987A. The supernova, marking the death of a blue supergiant star, offers insights into stellar evolution. The peculiar hourglass shape and the unexpected blue supergiant phase of the progenitor star continue to puzzle scientists.Dream Chaser Space Plane Launch DelayedThe inaugural flight of the Dream Chaser space plane, Tenacity, is now scheduled for May. The spacecraft will carry supplies to the International Space Station, showcasing its capabilities. Sierra Space plans to use Dream Chaser for future missions, including building an orbiting habitat.00:00 New study claims there's evidence for recent volcanic activity on Mars05:34 Low frequency radio observations have provided a window into SN 1987A's past life13:30 The long awaited inaugural flight of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser space plane is now expected18:52 Canadian scientists compared prevalence and risk of mental disorders between trans and gender diverse people21:07 Phoenix, Arizona named as America's top location for UFO sightingswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/aboutBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 8, 2025 • 29min
Challenging Dark Energy, Solar Wind Mysteries, and Venus's Volcanic Past: S28E04
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 04Challenging the Existence of Dark EnergyA groundbreaking study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand is challenging the long-held belief in dark energy, suggesting that the universe's expansion might not require this enigmatic force. The research proposes the "timescape" model, which accounts for variations in cosmic expansion rates by considering differences in gravitational time dilation. This model could potentially resolve some of the universe's biggest mysteries, including the Hubble tension, by suggesting that dark energy is simply a misinterpretation of cosmic conditions.Solar Wind Slowing Beyond PlutoNASA's New Horizons spacecraft has detected a slowdown in the solar wind as it travels beyond Pluto. The data reveals that the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the Sun, decelerates as it picks up interstellar material. This discovery offers new insights into the heliosphere's outer reaches and the interaction between solar and interstellar forces.Venus's Volcanic PastNew research indicates that Venus's ancient tesserae regions, once thought to be akin to Earth's continental crust, may actually be composed of layered volcanic rocks. This finding, based on radar data from NASA's Magellan mission, challenges previous assumptions and provides fresh perspectives on Venus's geological history.00:00 New observations show the solar wind slowing down beyond Pluto00:27 New study claims dark energy doesn't explain accelerating universe11:27 If the universe has an energy field of the right kind, expansion can accelerate18:22 Some tesserae on Venus have layering consistent with volcanic activity21:07 Scientists have identified a new genetic link to autism spectrum disorder23:51 LG will release a fridge with a transparent OLED door24:58 The flip phone turns 29 on January 3rd, 199626:28 Microsoft have announced their own version of Apple's Mac Mini27:31 Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcastswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters[https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl](https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl)Astrophysical Journal[https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/)Journal Geology[https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology](https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 6, 2025 • 27min
Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Journey, Mysterious X-ray Flares, and Solar Cycle's Weather Impact: S28E03
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 03Parker Solar Probe's Historic JourneyNASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the fastest man-made object, surviving a record-breaking close approach to the Sun's surface. The probe, travelling at an unprecedented speed of 155,520 kilometres per hour, flew just 6.1 million kilometres above the Sun, providing invaluable data to help scientists understand the Sun's impacts on the solar system, including Earth. This mission marks a significant achievement in space exploration, shedding light on the Sun's mysterious processes and aiding in the search for habitable worlds beyond our planet.Mystery of Ultra Luminous X-Ray SourcesAstronomers have detected unusual flaring activity in an ultra luminous X-ray source, challenging our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic phenomena. Observations reveal flux variations by up to a factor of six over a few hours, offering new insights into the nature of these powerful sources, which could be linked to feeding supermassive black holes or intermediate mass black holes.Solar Cycle and La Niña ConnectionA new study suggests a possible link between the Sun's 11-year solar cycle and Earth's La Niña weather patterns. The findings indicate that solar variability may drive seasonal weather changes, potentially improving predictions of major climatic events like El Niño and La Niña, which have significant impacts on global weather patterns.January Skywatch00:00 Stuart Gary talks about NASA's Parker Solar Probe and more00:39 NASA's Parker Solar Probe survived its close approach to the sun on December 2405:19 NASA's Parker Solar Probe is 3.8 million miles from the sun10:52 Astronomers studying an ultra luminous X ray source have detected strange flaring activity13:12 Solar variability may be driving seasonal weather variability here on Earth17:19 New study suggests eating more fruits and vegetables could help reduce depression19:35 A much anticipated United States Congressional hearing on UFOs turned out to be flop25:23 A new paper claims that one of the biggest mysteries in science doesn't actually exist35:55 If the universe has an energy field of the right kind, expansion can accelerate42:59 New findings could provide fresh insights into the enigmatic planet's geological history45:50 Scientists have identified a new genetic link to autism spectrum disorder48:29 LG will release a fridge with a transparent OLED door49:35 Nintendo has announced that it will launch its Nintendo Switch by March 31st51:06 Microsoft have announced their own version of Apple's Mac Mini with ARM chips52:25 A new study claims there's evidence for recent volcanic activity on Mars56:11 Astronomers using radio telescope in Western Australia study supernova 1987A01:04:08 What exactly caused 87A to go to a blue super giant phase01:05:12 The long awaited inaugural flight of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser space plane is now expected01:10:34 Canadian scientists compared prevalence and risk of mental disorders between trans and gender diverse people01:12:49 Phoenix, Arizona named as America's top location for UFO sightingswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA Parker Solar Probe[NASA Parker Solar Probe](https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe)Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory[Johns Hopkins APL](https://www.jhuapl.edu/)XMM-Newton Space Telescope[XMM-Newton](https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton)NuStar Space Telescope[NuStar](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/nustar/main/index.html)Chandra X-ray Observatory[Chandra](https://chandra.harvard.edu/)Swift Space Telescope[Swift](https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/)NGC 4559 Galaxy[NGC 4559](https://www.constellation-guide.com/ngc-4559/)Earth and Space Sciences Journal[Earth and Space Sciences](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/23335084)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 3, 2025 • 38min
Mars' Liquid Water Woes, Asteroid Discoveries, and Australia's Lunar Ambitions: S28E02
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 02Liquid Water on Mars: A Mirage?A new study casts doubt on the existence of liquid water on Mars, challenging previous assumptions about recurring slope lineae and the potential for brine pools. Researchers argue that the Martian environment's low temperature and pressure make it unlikely for liquid water to exist, even in the form of salty brines. The findings question the habitability of the Red Planet by Earth standards.New Asteroids DiscoveredNASA's Webb Space Telescope has identified a new population of small main belt asteroids between Mars and Jupiter. These 138 newly discovered celestial bodies range in size from a bus to a football stadium, offering insights into asteroid formation and the potential risks of asteroid impacts on Earth.Australia's Lunar Rover Project AdvancesAustralia's first Lunar Rover project is moving forward with the development of prototype rovers and essential technology to tackle lunar dust challenges. Supported by the Australian Space Agency, this $42 million initiative aims to enhance Australia's role in lunar exploration.January Skywatch00:00 New study claims we're unlikely to ever find liquid water on Mars04:50 NASA's Webb Space Telescope has discovered 138 new asteroids in the main asteroid belt07:53 January marks Earth's closest orbital position to the sun perihelion09:59 Sirius is the fifth closest star to the sun and it's gradually moving closer16:37 Looking due north just above the horizon this time of year you'll see Capella22:28 January also plays host to one primary meteor shower, the Quadrantids24:26 There's plenty to see in the night sky during January, as long as28:36 The Orion Nebula looks magnificent through a telescope and even better on photos31:59 Just beyond Orion we've got Taurus constellation Taurus33:05 On 15 January, planet Mars reaches its closest point in its orbitwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences[https://www.pnas.org/](https://www.pnas.org/)NASA Ames Research Center[https://www.nasa.gov/ames](https://www.nasa.gov/ames)Australian Space Agency[https://www.industry.gov.au/space](https://www.industry.gov.au/space)Sky & Telescope Magazine[https://skyandtelescope.org/](https://skyandtelescope.org/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Jan 1, 2025 • 33min
Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble Tension, Vesta's Liquid Mysteries, and Mars' Explosive New Year: S28E01
SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 01Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble TensionThe James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the Hubble Tension, challenging the current understanding of cosmic theory. New observations reveal that the Universe is expanding faster now than during its early years, suggesting gaps in our understanding of cosmic physics. The study, led by Adam Rees and Thomas Barber, confirms the accuracy of Hubble's measurements, pointing to unknown factors in the Universe's expansion.Liquid Erosion on Asteroid VestaA new hypothesis proposes that liquids could have carved out gullies on the airless asteroid Vesta. Laboratory experiments suggest that briny liquids, rather than dry debris flows, may have formed these features. This study, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, provides insights into the geological processes on Vesta.New Year's Day Fireworks on MarsWhile Earth celebrates New Year's Day, Mars experiences its own fireworks with explosive spring thaws. The Martian northern hemisphere is undergoing dynamic surface changes, including frost avalanches and gas geysers. These phenomena offer a unique glimpse into the seasonal cycles on the Red Planet.00:00 This is space Time Series 28, Episode 1, for broadcast on January 1 202500:52 Measurement discrepancy between Hubble and Webb on Universe's expansion remains unexplained13:51 The Martian northern hemisphere is going through an active, even explosive spring thaw21:17 New study shows teen smoking increases risk of heart disease later in life23:54 Software update will turn AirPods Pro 2 into therapeutic grade hearing aid28:32 TechRadar released its annual Top of the Pops list this year29:51 TechRadar said the Apple Vision Pro was the biggest flop of 202431:21 Space Time with Stuart Gary is available on many podcasting platformswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journal[https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/)Planetary Science Journal[https://psj.aas.org/](https://psj.aas.org/)NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/](https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/)American College of Cardiology[https://www.jacc.org/](https://www.jacc.org/)Australian Zoologist[https://www.rzsnsw.org.au/](https://www.rzsnsw.org.au/)Journal InterfaceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Dec 30, 2024 • 24min
Sun-Kissing Parker Probe, Recent Lunar Volcanism, and the Milky Way's New Map: S27E157
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 157NASA's Parker Solar Probe Touches the SunNASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the first spacecraft to touch the Sun. The probe, weighing 685 kilogrammes, flew within 6.1 million kilometres of the solar surface, achieving unprecedented speeds of over 692 kilometres per hour. This milestone marks a significant step in understanding solar phenomena and space weather, with implications for forecasting geomagnetic storms.Moon's Volcanic Past UnveiledNew samples from China's Chang'e 6 mission to the Moon's far side reveal volcanic activity as recent as 2.8 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the Moon's geological history, suggesting a prolonged period of volcanism on its far side, distinct from earlier samples obtained from the near side.Mapping the Milky WayAstronomers have crafted a new stellar chart offering a more comprehensive map of our Milky Way galaxy. The study reveals the galaxy's formation in two distinct phases, with implications for understanding its structure and evolution. This research provides new insights into areas previously hidden from view.00:00 This is space Time Series 27 episode 157 for broadcast on 30 December 202400:47 NASA's Parker Solar Probe flew closer to the sun than any other spacecraft02:05 NASA launched Parker solar probe to touch the Sun in August 201810:04 New data from China's Chang'e 6 mission suggests lunar volcanism still active13:09 Astronomers develop new stellar chart providing a more complete map of our Milky Way galaxy16:45 New study claims drinking tea or coffee reduces risk of head and neck cancers18:46 Scientists at Monash University have made a breakthrough in energy storage technology20:57 Consumer magazine Choice has announced its shonky award winners for 2024www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesParker Solar Probehttps://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probeChang'e 6 Missionhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2128-4Leibniz Institute for Astrophysicshttps://www.aip.de/enSloan Digital Sky Surveyhttps://www.sdss.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

Dec 27, 2024 • 19min
Superflare Warnings, Binary Stars at the Galactic Core, and Lucy's Close Earth Flyby: S27E156
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 156Superflares: A Century-Long Threat?A new study warns of the potential for our Sun to unleash superflares, with the threat estimated at once per century. These massive eruptions could engulf the Earth, challenging our understanding of solar behaviour. Evidence from other sun-like stars suggests that such violent solar events may be more common than previously thought, urging caution as we continue to study these phenomena.Binary Star Discovery Near Galactic CoreAstronomers have identified the first binary star system near Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. This discovery, made using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, offers new insights into how stars can survive in extreme gravitational environments. The findings could pave the way for detecting planets orbiting close to this massive black hole.NASA's Lucy Mission: Onward to JupiterNASA's Lucy spacecraft has completed its second close flyby of Earth, gaining a gravity assist to propel it towards Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. This manoeuvre is part of Lucy's 12-year mission to study these ancient celestial bodies, believed to be remnants from the early solar system. The spacecraft's journey promises to unlock new secrets about the formation of our planetary neighbourhood.00:00 This is Spacetime Series 27, episode 156 for broadcast on 27th December 202400:48 New observations suggest our sun may be far more violent than previously thought05:17 Astronomers detect binary star system near supermassive black hole08:49 NASA's Lucy spacecraft makes second close flyby of the Earth10:37 NASA's Lucy mission is heading to the Jupiter Trojans12:26 Sea ice levels in the ocean surrounding Antarctica reach new record lows in 202313:52 A new study claims drinking moderate amounts of wine can ward off heart disease15:05 There are headlines saying believing in Loch Ness monster makes you less stressedwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merchandise. Well worth a look...Become a supporter of this Podcast for as little as $3 per month and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA Lucy spacecrafthttps://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/lucy/overview/index.htmlMax Planck Institutehttps://www.mpg.de/enEuropean Southern Observatoryhttps://www.eso.org/public/Kepler space telescopehttps://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/main/index.htmlNature Communicationshttps://www.nature.com/ncomms/British Medical Journalhttps://www.bmj.com/European Heart Journalhttps://academic.oup.com/eurheartjAustralian Scepticshttps://www.skeptics.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.