

Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
bitesz.com
Join host Anna (and Steve, Hallie) 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 22min
Exoplanet Insights: Trappist 1d's Atmosphere, Lunar Simulators, and Black Hole Awakening
New Insights on Trappist 1d: Join us as we explore the latest findings regarding the exoplanet Trappist 1d, which, despite its Earth-like size and rocky surface, has been ruled out as a potential twin due to the absence of a suitable atmosphere. Discover what this means for the search for life beyond our solar system and the implications of red dwarf stars on planetary atmospheres.- Colorado's Lunar Surface Simulator: Travel closer to home as we discuss an innovative lunar surface simulator built at the Colorado School of Mines. This impressive facility is testing lunar rovers and excavation equipment, providing vital data for future Moon missions and commercial activities.- Controversial Executive Order on Rocket Launches: Delve into the recent executive order signed by President Trump aimed at streamlining regulations for commercial rocket launches. We examine the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring environmental safeguards, as well as the mixed reactions from industry leaders and environmental advocates.- Supermassive Black Hole Awakens: Marvel at the discovery of a supermassive black hole located 6 billion light years away, caught in the act of awakening. This unprecedented observation offers insights into the early stages of black hole activity and its influence on galaxy formation, providing a unique opportunity to study these cosmic giants.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 Ena and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesTrappist 1d Study[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Lunar Surface Simulator Information[Colorado School of Mines](https://www.mines.edu/)Executive Order Details[Federal Aviation Administration](https://www.faa.gov/)Black Hole Discovery[University of Bologna](https://www.unibo.it/en)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.

Aug 13, 2025 • 14min
Cosmic Advances: New Satellites, Intercepting Interstellar Visitor, and AI in Space Health
Revolutionary Satellite Launch for Climate Monitoring: Join us as we explore the successful launch of the Metop second generation satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This innovative satellite, launched aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, aims to enhance global weather and climate monitoring with its sophisticated instruments, including the crucial Copernicus Sentinel 5, which will provide vital data on air pollutants and climate-related gases.- United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Rocket Milestone: Exciting developments from United Launch Alliance as they successfully launched their first fully operational Vulcan rocket, delivering two military satellites into space. This launch marks a significant transition for ULA as they replace their older fleet with this powerful, all-American launcher designed for high-altitude missions.- Potential Interstellar Encounter with Juno: Dive into the thrilling proposal for NASA's Juno spacecraft to intercept Comet 3I Atlas, the third interstellar object ever detected. Scheduled to approach Jupiter in 2026, this encounter could provide unprecedented insights into the origins and nature of interstellar objects.- AI Medical Assistant for Mars Missions: Discover the groundbreaking collaboration between NASA and Google to develop an AI medical assistant for astronauts heading to Mars. This innovative tool, known as CMODA, aims to help diagnose and treat medical issues when direct communication with Earth is not possible, showcasing the potential benefits of space technology for healthcare on Earth.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 ReferencesMetop Satellite Launch[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)Vulcan Rocket Launch Information[United Launch Alliance](https://www.ulalaunch.com/)NASA's Juno Mission[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)AI Medical Assistant Development[Google Cloud](https://cloud.google.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.

Aug 12, 2025 • 14min
Cosmic Signals: Record-Breaking FRB Discovery
Record-Breaking Fast Radio Burst Discovery: Join us as we delve into a groundbreaking discovery of a fast radio burst (FRB) traced to an astonishing distance of over 11 billion light years. Designated FRB 20240304B, this signal originated just 3 billion years post-Big Bang, offering a unique glimpse into the early universe and enhancing our understanding of cosmic phenomena.- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission Update: Exciting news from NASA's Europa Clipper mission! Recently, the spacecraft successfully tested its Rusty radar instrument during a flyby of Mars, paving the way for its primary goal of probing beneath Europa's icy surface for signs of water and potential life.- Hubble Observes Interstellar Visitor 3I Atlas: Astronomers have captured stunning images of 3I Atlas, a mysterious interstellar object behaving like a comet. This marks only the third confirmed interstellar visitor, providing valuable insights into its composition and the distant star system from which it originated.- Upcoming Space Launches: Get ready for a busy week in space exploration! We discuss the upcoming launches of ULA's Vulcan rocket and Europe's Ariane 6, alongside multiple SpaceX Starlink missions, showcasing the dynamic nature of contemporary space endeavors.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 Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesFast Radio Burst Discovery[MeerKAT Radio Telescope](https://www.ska.ac.za/meerkat/)NASA's Europa Clipper Mission[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Hubble Observations of 3I Atlas[Hubble Space Telescope](https://hubblesite.org/)Upcoming Launch Information[United Launch Alliance](https://www.ulalaunch.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.

Aug 11, 2025 • 20min
Remembering Jim Lovell, Lunar 3D Printing Advances
3D Printing with Lunar Regolith: Discover the groundbreaking advancements in 3D printing technology as researchers from Concordia University explore the potential of using lunar regolith mixed with polymers for constructing habitats on the Moon and Mars. This innovative approach could revolutionize space exploration by utilizing in situ resources, reducing launch costs, and enabling sustainable living in extraterrestrial environments.- Perseids Meteor Shower Update: Get ready for the upcoming Perseids meteor shower! Although this year's bright moon may limit visibility, we provide tips for maximizing your viewing experience and highlight the best times to catch these stunning celestial events.- The Challenges of NASA Rovers: Dive into the complexities of why NASA's robotic rovers often get stuck on alien terrains. We discuss the latest research that sheds light on the effects of gravitational conditions and soil behavior, offering insights into improving rover mobility for future missions.- Remembering Jim Lovell: Join us in honoring the legacy of astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away recently. We reflect on his remarkable career, including his pivotal roles in the Apollo missions and his enduring impact on space 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 Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget tosubscribe 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 stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode References3D Printing Research[Concordia University](https://www.concordia.ca/)Perseids Meteor Shower Information[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)NASA Rover Mobility Research[University of Wisconsin](https://www.wisc.edu/)Jim Lovell's Legacy[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.

Aug 9, 2025 • 18min
Remembering a Legend: James Lovell's Legacy
Remembering Astronaut James Lovell: Join us as we pay tribute to the legendary astronaut James Lovell, whose remarkable contributions to space exploration have left an indelible mark on humanity's journey to the stars. We reflect on his iconic missions, including Apollo 8 and the heroic Apollo 13, celebrating his leadership and unwavering spirit that inspired millions.- Perseid Meteor Shower Preview: Get ready for the annual Perseid meteor shower! While this celestial event is a favorite among stargazers, this year’s bright moon may hinder visibility. We share tips on how to catch the best meteors despite the moonlight and discuss the exciting conjunction of Jupiter and Venus that will grace the early morning sky.- Hubble's Groundbreaking Discovery: Dive into the latest findings from the Hubble Space Telescope, which has unveiled evidence of a rare white dwarf merger. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about stellar evolution and highlights the importance of ultraviolet observations in understanding the universe's hidden treasures.- Interstellar Travel to a Black Hole: Explore the ambitious concept of sending tiny laser-propelled probes to a nearby black hole within a human lifetime. We discuss the technological advancements needed for this monumental journey and the scientific implications of such an extraordinary mission.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 Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesJames Lovell's Legacy[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Perseid Meteor Shower Information[American Meteor Society](https://www.amsmeteors.org/)Hubble's White Dwarf Discovery[Hubble Space Telescope](https://hubblesite.org/)Interstellar Travel Concepts[Cosimo Bambi Research](https://www.fudan.edu.cn/en/)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.

Aug 8, 2025 • 19min
Cosmic Giants: The Largest Black Hole Yet, Italy's Bold Mars Adventure,
Discovery of the Largest Black Hole Ever Measured: Join us as we explore the astonishing discovery of a black hole with a mass of 36 billion suns, located 5 billion light years away in the Tomic Horseshoe system. This dormant giant challenges our understanding of black hole formation and its relationship with galaxy size, as researchers utilise gravitational lensing to measure its immense gravitational pull.- Italy's Bold Mars Mission: Exciting developments are on the horizon as the Italian Space Agency partners with SpaceX for an uncrewed mission to Mars aboard a Starship. We discuss the scientific payloads involved and the ambitious goals set for this groundbreaking collaboration.- The Chrysalis Interstellar Ship Concept: Delve into the visionary design of Chrysalis, a multi-generational spacecraft proposed for a 400-year journey to another star system. This project highlights innovative solutions for long-duration space travel, including artificial gravity and sustainable ecosystems.- United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Rocket Launch: Get the latest on ULA's Vulcan rocket as it prepares for its inaugural flight on a critical national security mission. We discuss the challenges faced during development and ULA's ambitious plans to ramp up launch operations.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 ReferencesBlack Hole Discovery Details[Royal Astronomical Society](https://www.ras.ac.uk/)Italian Space Agency Mars Mission[Italian Space Agency](https://www.asi.it/)Chrysalis Interstellar Ship Concept[Initiative for Interstellar Studies](https://www.i4is.org/)ULA's Vulcan Rocket Launch Insights[United Launch Alliance](https://www.ulalaunch.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.

Aug 7, 2025 • 18min
Earth's Magnetic Field Breakthrough, Farewell to a Space Legend, and NASA's New Commercial Station Strategy
Earth's Magnetic Field Mystery Solved: Discover groundbreaking research from ETH Zurich and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China that sheds light on how Earth's protective magnetic field formed billions of years ago. This study challenges previous theories and reveals that a completely liquid core could generate a stable magnetic field, crucial for the development of life on our planet.- Farewell to NASA’s Barry Butch Wilmore: Join us as we honor NASA astronaut Barry Butch Wilmore, who is retiring after an impressive 25-year career. We reflect on his remarkable achievements, including time spent aboard the ISS and his contributions to space exploration, as well as his inspiring outlook on the wonders of the cosmos.- NASA's Commercial Space Station Strategy Shift: Explore NASA's bold new plans for commercial space stations as they prepare for a post-ISS era. Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announces significant changes to the approach for low Earth orbit platforms, aiming to ensure a continuous human presence in space despite budget constraints.- Europa's Hydrogen Peroxide Mystery Unraveled: Delve into the latest findings from scientists at the Southwest Research Institute regarding the unexpected presence of hydrogen peroxide on Jupiter's moon Europa. This research may have profound implications for the moon's habitability and offers insights into its subsurface ocean's chemistry.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 Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesEarth's Magnetic Field Research[ETH Zurich](https://ethz.ch/en.html)Barry Butch Wilmore's Career Highlights[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)NASA's Commercial Space Station Strategy[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Europa's Hydrogen Peroxide Research[Southwest Research Institute](https://www.swri.org/)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.

Aug 6, 2025 • 14min
NASA's Lunar Reactor Race, Earth's Crater Mystery, and the Search for Habitable Worlds
NASA's Lunar Nuclear Reactor Plans: Explore NASA's ambitious initiative to establish a nuclear reactor on the Moon, aimed at powering future lunar outposts. Interim chief Sean Duffy is pushing for a 100-kilowatt fission system to be launched by 2030, a critical step for the Artemis program. We discuss the strategic implications of this project amid growing competition from China.- Earth's Oldest Impact Crater Reassessed: Discover the surprising new findings regarding the Moralaga impact structure in Australia, once thought to be Earth's oldest impact crater. Recent research suggests it formed after 2.7 billion years ago, significantly younger and smaller than previously estimated, altering our understanding of early Earth.- Breakthrough in Exoplanet Discovery: Delve into the exciting detection of Kepler 725C, a potentially habitable super Earth, utilizing a new method called transit timing variation (TTV). This discovery marks a significant advancement in the search for Earth-like conditions beyond our planet.- Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope's Sunshield Installation: Learn about the recent installation of crucial sunshields on the Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, which will allow it to explore the infrared universe. This milestone is vital for the telescope's mission to investigate distant galaxies and cosmic mysteries.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 Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA Lunar Reactor Overview[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Moralaga Impact Structure Research[Science Advances](https://www.science.org/)Kepler 725C Discovery Details[Nature Astronomy](https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/)Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope Updates[NASA Goddard](https://www.nasa.gov/goddard)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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 15min
UK Space Milestone, NASA’s Rock and Roll Challenge, and Lessons from Lunar Trailblazer
UK's First Orbital Launch License: Dive into the groundbreaking news as British company Skyrora secures the UK's first-ever launch license from the Civil Aviation Authority. We discuss the implications of this milestone, the challenges of available launch pads at Saxavoord spaceport, and how Skyrora's Skylark L rocket is paving the way for future space endeavors.- A Week of Launches: Join us for a recap of an action-packed week in rocket launches, featuring Rocket Lab's successful Electron rocket mission and SpaceX's impressive four-launch week, including two Starlink missions and a significant Project Kuiper launch. We analyze the efficiency of SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rockets and the debut of ULA's Vulcan rocket.- NASA's Rock and Roll Challenge: Discover how NASA is crowdsourcing innovative designs for the wheels of their next-generation lunar vehicles. We explore the challenges of lunar terrain and the exciting opportunity for engineers and innovators to contribute to humanity's return to the Moon, with substantial prizes for the best designs. https://www.herox.com/NASARockandRoll- The End of Lunar Trailblazer: Reflect with us on the unfortunate conclusion of NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission, which failed to achieve its primary science goals. We discuss the mission's objectives, the loss of communication, and how the lessons learned will inform future space missions.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 Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSkyrora Launch License Overview[Skyrora](https://skyrora.com/)Rocket Lab Launch Details[Rocket Lab](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/)SpaceX Launch Insights[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)NASA's Rock and Roll Challenge[NASA] https://www.herox.com/NASARockandRollLunar Trailblazer Mission Overview[NASA Lunar Trailblazer](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.

Aug 4, 2025 • 28min
SpaceX's ISS Crew Launch, Bacteria in Microgravity, and Europa Clipper's Radar Success
SpaceX Crew 11 Launch: Join us as we celebrate the successful launch of SpaceX's Crew 11 mission, which transported a diverse international crew to the International Space Station. We discuss the significance of this mission, especially in light of the delays caused by Boeing's Starliner issues, and hear from astronaut Zena Cardman about her transcendent ride to orbit.- Exploring Microgravity Effects on Bacteria: Delve into a groundbreaking experiment aboard the ISS, where scientists are investigating how microgravity affects disease-causing bacteria. This research could provide crucial insights into antibiotic resistance and the behavior of pathogens in space, paving the way for advancements in public health.- Europa Clipper's Successful Mars Philip: Discover the latest from NASA's Europa Clipper mission as it successfully tested its radar instrument during a flyby of Mars. We explore how this test prepares the spacecraft for its journey to Jupiter's moon Europa and what it could reveal about the icy moon's potential for life.- James Webb's Deep Field Observations: Marvel at the stunning new images from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing nearly 10,000 galaxies in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. We discuss how these observations enhance our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution in the early universe.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 stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesCrew 11 Mission Overview[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Microgravity Bacteria Study[Sheba Medical Center](https://www.shebaonline.org/)Europa Clipper Mission Details[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)James Webb Space Telescope Insights[NASA JWST](https://www.jwst.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.