

Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
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Join hosts Anna & Avery and Steve, Hallie (Mondays) for daily space & astronomy news, insights, and discoveries at Astronomy Daily!There's a lot going on 'out there ,' and we endeavour to bring it all to you.For more visit, our website and sign up for the free daily newsletter and check out our continually updated newsfeed. www.astronomydaily.io.Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and TikTok ...just search for AstroDailyPod. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
Interstellar Insights; SpaceX's Historic IMAP Launch and the Mystery of GRB 250702B 4
SpaceX's Historic Triple Spacecraft Launch: On September 23rd, SpaceX will launch three spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center, including NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP). This mission marks a significant step in mapping the outer boundary of the heliosphere, providing vital early warnings of solar radiation storms that could impact future Artemis missions.Unprecedented Gamma Ray Burst Discovery: Astronomers are buzzing over the recent detection of GRB 250702B, a gamma ray burst that repeated multiple times over a day—an event never before observed. This extraordinary phenomenon challenges existing theories about gamma ray bursts, which are typically one-time catastrophic events.James Webb Telescope's Exoplanet Discoveries: The James Webb Space Telescope continues to revolutionize our understanding of exoplanets, recently detecting water vapor in the atmosphere of K2 18b, located in the habitable zone of its star. Webb's advanced capabilities are providing unprecedented insights into the atmospheres of over 20 exoplanets.Perseverance Rover's Findings on Mars: NASA's Perseverance rover has collected 26 samples in Jezero Crater, revealing evidence of ancient rivers and lake beds, suggesting that Mars was once potentially habitable. The ambitious Mars sample return mission is set to retrieve these samples by the early 2030s.Upcoming Astronomical Events: October promises fantastic stargazing opportunities with the Orionids meteor shower peaking on October 21, coinciding with a new moon for optimal viewing. Jupiter and Saturn are also well-positioned for observation, offering spectacular views of their moons and rings.NASA's Dragonfly Mission Update: After overcoming budget challenges and delays, NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan is back on track for a July 2028 launch. This innovative mission aims to explore the chemical building blocks of life on Titan, an Earth-like moon with lakes of methane.Send Your Name to the Moon: NASA invites you to send your name aboard the Artemis 2 mission, launching no later than April 2026. This mission will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis campaign, paving the way for future lunar exploration. For more details visit: https://www3.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Launch Information[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Gamma Ray Burst Discovery[Nature Astronomy](https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/)James Webb Space Telescope Findings[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Perseverance Rover Discoveries[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Dragonfly Mission Update[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Artemis 2 Name Submission[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
Stellar Surprises; The Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS and Upcoming Comet LEMMON
Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS Captured by Gemini South Telescope: The Gemini South Telescope has unveiled stunning new images of interstellar comet 3I ATLAS, the third known comet from outside our solar system. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is becoming increasingly active as it approaches the Sun, developing a prominent tail and a glowing coma. Its composition resembles that of comets from our solar system, suggesting consistent formation processes across different star systems. This ancient relic is expected to provide astronomers with unprecedented opportunities to study its interactions with our solar system.Comet LEMMON (C 2025 A6) Approaching Earth: Get ready for Comet LEMMON, expected to be visible to the naked eye in October! Discovered by the Mount Lemmon survey, it will make its closest approach on October 20, passing 55.41 million miles from Earth. Predictions for its brightness vary, with some suggesting it could reach magnitude 4 to 5, making it easily visible, while others estimate it could be around magnitude 7.3. The comet is expected to display a greenish hue, adding to its allure for skywatchers.James Webb Space Telescope Observations of Trappist1e: The James Webb Space Telescope has been studying Trappist1e, an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone of a red dwarf star. Recent observations suggest that Trappist1e likely lost its primary atmosphere due to stellar flaring. However, hints of trace amounts of methane may indicate the presence of a secondary atmosphere. This research is crucial for understanding habitability around red dwarfs, which make up a significant portion of stars in our galaxy.Upcoming SpaceX CRS NG23 Mission: Tune in for the SpaceX CRS NG23 mission launching on September 14th at 8:11 PM ET. This mission will utilize a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL spacecraft, capable of carrying significantly more cargo to the International Space Station. Viewers may also witness the booster’s return to launch site landing, making it a double feature of launch and landing excitement.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesInterstellar Comet 3I ATLs[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Comet Lemon Details[Astronomy](https://www.astronomy.com/)James Webb Space Telescope Findings[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)SpaceX CRS NG23 Mission[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 8, 2025 • 30min
Cosmic Discoveries; Callisto's Aurora Footprint and Record-Breaking Fast Radio Burst
Juno Mission's Discovery of Callisto's Auroral Footprint: NASA's Juno mission has successfully identified the elusive auroral footprint of Callisto, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons. This significant finding confirms that all four Galilean moons interact with Jupiter's magnetosphere, providing vital data on the energetic particles and magnetic fields involved in this interaction. The discovery was published in the journal Nature Communications on September 1, 2025.Record-Breaking Fast Radio Burst RB Float: An international team of astronomers has identified one of the brightest fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever observed, named RB Float. Traced to a galaxy 130 million light years away, this FRB emitted as much energy in a few milliseconds as the Sun produces in four days. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in the study of FRBs, allowing scientists to pinpoint their origins with unprecedented accuracy.Murchison Wide Field Array Upgrade: The Murchison Wide Field Array in Australia has completed a major upgrade, doubling its antennas to 8,192. This enhancement boosts its capabilities in exploring fundamental questions in astronomy, including the epoch of reionization and the mysterious odd radio circles.NASA's Climate Satellites Under Threat: A political struggle looms as proposed budget cuts threaten two critical NASA satellites monitoring carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Scientists warn that terminating these missions would undermine decades of research essential for understanding climate change and holding polluters accountable.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Steve and Hallie signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesJuno Mission Discovery[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Fast Radio Burst Research[Astrophysical Journal Letters](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X)Murchison Wide Field Array Upgrade[MWA](https://www.mwa.gov.au/)NASA Climate Satellites[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 6, 2025 • 15min
Space Health Insights; Lunar Eclipse 2025 and LEGO's Galactic Investment
NASA's Concerning Blood Cell Research: A groundbreaking study reveals that human stem cells experience accelerated aging in space, as tracked during four SpaceX missions to the ISS. The research highlights DNA damage and shorter telomeres, although some damage appears reversible upon return to Earth. This vital information could inform strategies for protecting astronauts on long-duration missions to Mars.Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for a spectacular total lunar eclipse on September 7th and 8th, 2025, visible to over 7 billion people. The event will feature a stunning 65 minutes of totality, transforming the Moon into a deep red hue, while multiple livestreams will allow viewers worldwide to experience this celestial phenomenon.Murchison Widefield Array Upgrade: The Murchison Widefield Array in Australia has completed a major upgrade, doubling its antennas to 8,192. This enhanced capability will allow researchers to investigate fundamental questions in astronomy, including the epoch of reionization and mysterious odd radio circles.James Webb Telescope's Revolutionary Findings: The James Webb Telescope continues to challenge our understanding of the early universe, discovering massive galaxies that formed just 400 to 600 million years after the Big Bang, prompting astronomers to rethink galaxy formation models.Perseverance Rover's Insights into Ancient Mars: NASA's Perseverance rover has found evidence of a substantial ancient lake in Jezero Crater, along with organic compounds that could hint at past life. The rover has collected over 24 samples for future analysis, which may provide definitive answers about Martian life.The Ultimate LEGO Death Star: LEGO has unveiled the most expensive set ever, the Star Wars Ultimate Collector series Death Star, priced at $999.99. With 9,023 pieces and 38 minifigures, this interactive model promises to be a collector's dream, showcasing iconic scenes from the Star Wars universe.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTubeMusic, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesBlood Cell Research in Space[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Lunar Eclipse Information[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Murchison Widefield Array Upgrade[MWA](https://www.mwa.gov.au/)James Webb Telescope Discoveries[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Perseverance Rover Findings[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)LEGO Death Star Details[LEGO](https://www.lego.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 5, 2025 • 14min
SpaceX's Reboost Success; Unpacking Eclipse Predictions and Martian Discoveries
SpaceX's Game-Changing ISS Test: SpaceX has successfully completed a crucial reboost test of the International Space Station (ISS) using its Dragon cargo spacecraft. This test, which raised the ISS's altitude by 5 miles, is vital for maintaining the station's orbit, especially with concerns over Russia's potential withdrawal from the ISS programme by 2028. The precision of this manoeuvre highlights SpaceX's growing capabilities in supporting the ISS's future.James Webb's Distant Galaxy Discovery: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has identified what could be the most distant galaxy observed, Jades GS Z13.0, formed just 325 million years after the Big Bang. This finding challenges existing models of early cosmic evolution, suggesting that galaxy formation occurred much faster than previously thought.Solar Eclipse Predictions Under Scrutiny: Recent research reveals that the paths of solar eclipses may not be as precise as once believed, with potential discrepancies of hundreds of metres due to the sun's angular size. New eclipse maps are being created to account for these uncertainties, particularly for the upcoming eclipse on August 12, 2026.Perseverance Rover's Groundbreaking Find: NASA's Perseverance rover has detected convincing evidence of ancient microbial life in a rock sample from Jezero Crater. This discovery, if confirmed, could fundamentally change our understanding of life beyond Earth.Juno Mission Uncovers Callisto's Auroras: NASA's Juno mission has detected auroral footprints from Callisto, Jupiter's fourth Galilean moon, confirming that all four moons interact with Jupiter's magnetosphere. This finding suggests Callisto may have a more complex interior than previously thought.SpaceX's Ambitious Starship Infrastructure: SpaceX is rapidly developing its Starship launch infrastructure at Kennedy Space Centre, with plans for dual launch towers capable of supporting up to 76 annual launches. This expansion could significantly transform Florida's Space Coast and the global launch industry.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX ISS Test Details[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)James Webb Telescope Discoveries[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Solar Eclipse Research[Astrophysical Journal](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X)Mars Perseverance Findings[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Juno Mission Updates[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)SpaceX Starship Infrastructure[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 4, 2025 • 10min
Stellar Updates: SpaceX's New Launch Capacity; New Theories on Cosmic Age
SpaceX's Launch Rate Expansion: SpaceX has received approval from US regulators to more than double its launch rate from Cape Canaveral, increasing from 50 Falcon 9 launches per year to an astonishing 120. This expansion aims to alleviate the current launch bottleneck and streamline operations, including the addition of a new landing zone for up to 34 returning boosters.Revolutionary Cosmological Theory: A bold new study by physicist Rajendra Gupta challenges the existence of dark matter and proposes that the universe may be twice as old as previously thought. By combining controversial theories of covarying coupling constants and tired light, Gupta's model suggests a universe aged 26.7 billion years, a radical departure from the accepted 13.8 billion years.Primordial Black Hole Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope may have found the first direct evidence of a primordial black hole, nicknamed the little red dot. This massive black hole, estimated at 50 million solar masses, dates back to just 600 million years after the Big Bang and raises questions about the formation of black holes in the early universe.Interstellar Comet 3i Atlas Approaches Mars: An interstellar comet, designated 3i Atlas, is set to make a close flyby of Mars on October 3, 2025. The European Space Agency's Mars Express and Trace Gas Orbiter will attempt to observe the comet, aiming to analyse its chemical composition and learn about the building blocks of other solar systems.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Launch Updates[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Cosmological Model Research[arXiv](https://arxiv.org/)Primordial Black Hole Findings[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Interstellar Comet Observations[ESA](https://www.esa.int/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 3, 2025 • 10min
Stellar Stories: Mark Your Calendars for the Blood Moon, Hubble Tension Unravelled
Mark Your Calendars for the Total Lunar Eclipse: On September 7th and 8th, 2025, a spectacular total lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, will be visible to over 7 billion people across Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. This event will last approximately five and a half hours, with the totality phase offering a breathtaking 1 hour and 22 minutes of dramatic celestial viewing.Solving the Hubble Tension: A new method introduced by Indian astronomers, using Mira variables, aims to address the ongoing debate surrounding the Hubble tension—the discrepancy in the measurements of the universe's expansion rate. Their findings suggest a more precise value that aligns with modern observations, potentially indicating new physics at play.Canada's Lunar Rover Plans: As part of the Artemis programme, Canadensis Aerospace is developing Canada's first lunar rover, set to launch in 2029. This compact explorer will search for water ice in the Moon's south polar region, a crucial resource for future lunar missions.Amateur Astronomer's Remarkable Discovery: In a heartwarming story from Switzerland, amateur astronomer Joseph Kaiser discovered a small moon orbiting the asteroid 2001 PE40 using a technique called stellar occultation. This significant find highlights the valuable contributions that passionate amateurs can make to the field of astronomy.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesLunar Eclipse Information[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Hubble Tension Research[Astrophysical Journal](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X)Canada's Lunar Rover Details[Canadian Space Agency](https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/default.asp)Amateur Astronomy Discoveries[Astronomy Magazine](https://www.astronomy.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 2, 2025 • 9min
Cosmic Updates: Asteroid Approaches, SpaceX's Busy Week, and Solar Secrets Unveiled
Close Encounter with Asteroid 2025 QD8: Astronomers have identified a newly discovered asteroid, designated 2025 QD8, which is set to make a close flyby of Earth on September 3rd. Passing within one lunar distance, approximately 135,465 miles, this asteroid, comparable in size to a commercial jet, presents a fascinating opportunity for observation, with a free livestream available via the Virtual Telescope Project.UK Space Agency's Major Reorganisation: The UK Space Agency is merging with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, a move aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs. However, concerns arise regarding the agency's influence within the European Space Agency and the potential impact on the UK's space ambitions amidst shifting priorities.SpaceX's Record Launch Week: SpaceX is set for an extraordinary week with five Falcon 9 launches planned, primarily focused on deploying new Starlink satellites. This week will also mark the 200th orbital launch attempt of 2025, highlighting a remarkable increase in global access to space.Unraveling Solar Mysteries: The ESA's Solar Orbiter has made significant strides in understanding the origins of solar energetic electrons. By distinguishing between impulsive bursts and gradual events linked to coronal mass ejections, scientists can enhance predictions of space weather and better protect technology and astronauts in orbit.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and keep your eyes on the stars.✍️ Episode ReferencesAsteroid Discovery[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)UK Space Agency Updates[UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-space-agency)SpaceX Launch Schedule[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Solar Orbiter Findings[ESA](https://www.esa.int/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 1, 2025 • 30min
Stellar Milestones: SpaceX's Starship Triumph, Katherine Johnson's Legacy, and Solar Flare Breakthroughs
SpaceX's Flight 10 Success: SpaceX's Starship has successfully completed Flight 10, with both the super heavy booster and ship upper stage achieving their mission objectives. Despite some battle scars and intentional stress tests, the ship executed a controlled splashdown, showcasing its resilience and performance.Nasa's New Mission Evaluation Room: NASA has opened a new Mission Evaluation Room at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to support the Artemis 2 mission. This facility will monitor the Orion spacecraft's systems, ensuring crew safety during its historic crewed flight around the moon.Remembering Katherine Johnson: The space community mourns the loss of Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician whose calculations were critical for NASA's early missions. Johnson's legacy as a trailblazer for women and people of color in aerospace endures, following her passing at the age of 101.Astronaut Mike Fink's Milestone: Astronaut Mike Fink celebrated his 400th day in space aboard the International Space Station, marking a significant personal achievement as he continues to contribute to vital research and data collection in microgravity.New Insights from the Inouye Solar Telescope: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope has captured unprecedented observations of an X-class solar flare, revealing fine structures and providing new insights into solar dynamics and the potential impacts of solar activity on Earth.Innovative Sunlight-Powered Flyers: Researchers have developed ultralight flying structures that harness sunlight to explore the mesosphere, a previously difficult-to-reach region of Earth's atmosphere. These devices could revolutionize climate data collection and even facilitate exploration of Mars.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Steve and Hallie signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Flight Updates[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)NASA's Artemis Program[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Katherine Johnson's Legacy[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Inouye Solar Telescope Observations[NSF](https://www.nsf.gov/)Mesosphere Research[Harvard University](https://www.harvard.edu/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Aug 30, 2025 • 11min
Rocket Lab's New Heights, Webb's Water Mystery, and the Legacy of STS-107
Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket Takes Shape: Rocket Lab has inaugurated its new Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia, marking a significant milestone for their next-generation Neutron rocket. Designed for medium lift capabilities, the Neutron will be able to carry payloads of up to 13,000 kilogrammes to low Earth orbit, featuring a unique reusable fairing that opens and closes during flight.James Webb's Surprising Planet Formation Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has observed a protoplanetary disc around the young star Xue 10, revealing an unexpected high concentration of carbon dioxide and a surprising lack of water vapour in the region where rocky planets are expected to form. This finding could reshape our understanding of planet formation and the chemical conditions in early star systems.Unraveling the Mystery of Hypervelocity White Dwarfs: A new study proposes the D6 scenario to explain how hypervelocity white dwarfs are ejected from the Milky Way. This model suggests that a cataclysmic explosion in a binary system can propel one star at incredible speeds, offering insights into type 1A supernovae and their role in cosmic measurements.A Piece of Space History at Auction: A dozen Sacagawea dollar coins that flew on the final mission of the space shuttle Columbia are being auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Astronaut Memorial Foundation. These coins, recovered after the tragic loss of STS-107, serve as a poignant reminder of the mission and the enduring spirit of exploration.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesRocket Lab Updates[Rocket Lab](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/)James Webb Discoveries[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Hypervelocity White Dwarfs Study[Astrophysical Journal](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X)Columbia Auction Details[Heritage Auctions](https://www.ha.com)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here