

Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
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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 2, 2025 • 17min
SpaceX's Lightning-Fast ISS Delivery, NASA-Roscosmos Talks, and CERN's Antimatter Breakthrough
SpaceX's Rapid ISS Crew Delivery: Join us as we celebrate SpaceX's remarkable achievement of delivering a new crew to the International Space Station in just 15 hours. We discuss the diverse backgrounds of the astronauts onboard and the significance of their swift journey from launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to docking above the South Pacific.- Diplomatic Developments in Space: Explore the recent high-level meetings between NASA and Roscosmos, marking a significant step in U.S.-Russia space relations. We delve into the implications of their discussions on the future of the International Space Station and potential collaborations beyond 2030.- Groundbreaking Discoveries at CERN: Uncover the latest findings from the LHCB experiment at CERN that could shed light on the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance. This discovery of differing decay rates in baryons and antibaryons opens new avenues for understanding why our universe is predominantly composed of matter.- August Night Sky Highlights: Get ready for an exciting month of stargazing as we highlight the stunning conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, the annual Perseid meteor shower, and the easily observable Dumbbell Nebula. We provide tips on how to best enjoy these celestial events, even with the Moon's interference.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 ReferencesSpaceX Crew Delivery Overview[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)NASA-Roscosmos Meeting Insights[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)CERN LHCB Findings[CERN](https://home.cern/)August Night Sky Events[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 1, 2025 • 22min
Weather Woes for SpaceX, JWST's Stunning Black Hole Findings, and Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas
SpaceX Crew 11 Launch Scrub: Join us as we discuss the recent launch scrub of SpaceX's Crew 11 mission due to unexpected cumulus clouds over Cape Canaveral. We break down the safety protocols that led to this decision and look ahead to the rescheduled launch attempts, which will see an international crew aboard the Crew Dragon Endeavour on its sixth flight.- James Webb Space Telescope Discoveries: Prepare for a cosmic revelation as we explore the James Webb Space Telescope's recent findings of dormant black holes devouring stars. Delve into the details of tidal disruption events and how JWST's infrared capabilities are transforming our understanding of these rare cosmic occurrences.- Chasing Comet 3I Atlas: The excitement continues as we examine the feasibility of a mission to intercept the newly discovered interstellar comet 3I Atlas. Learn about the potential for high-speed flybys and the insights we could gain about its composition and origins, as we discuss the study from Michigan State University.- The Possibility of Warp Drives: Finally, we venture into the realm of science fiction turned reality with the concept of warp drives. Explore the groundbreaking research into faster-than-light travel, the challenges involved, and the ongoing pursuit of technologies that could one day allow us to traverse the cosmos in a fraction of the time.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 ReferencesSpaceX Crew 11 Mission Overview[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)James Webb Space Telescope Findings[MIT](https://www.mit.edu/)Comet 3I Atlas Study[Michigan State University](https://msu.edu/)Warp Drive Research[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.

Jul 31, 2025 • 14min
Earth's New Eyes with NISAR, Crew 11's Launch to the ISS, and Mars's Hidden Glacial Treasures
NISAR Satellite Launch: Join us as we celebrate the successful launch of NISAR, the groundbreaking Earth-observing satellite developed through a historic partnership between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization. Discover how this innovative technology will provide a dynamic 3D view of our planet, tracking changes in land and ice surfaces with unprecedented precision, and revolutionizing disaster response and infrastructure monitoring.- SpaceX Crew 11 Mission: Excitement builds as SpaceX prepares for its Crew 11 mission to the International Space Station. We discuss the significance of launching the Crew Dragon Endeavor, which is set to make its sixth flight, and the diverse international crew aboard, including NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, who emphasizes the importance of long-duration missions for future deep space exploration.- Martian Glaciers Discovery: Explore the remarkable findings about Mars's hidden glaciers, revealing that lobate debris aprons contain over 80% pure water ice beneath layers of dust. This discovery reshapes our understanding of Mars's climate history and enhances the prospects for future human missions to the Red Planet.- James Webb Space Telescope Insights: Marvel at the stunning images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the complex beauty of the planetary nebula NGC 6072. Learn how these observations provide insights into the final moments of a Sun-like star, highlighting the intricate processes involved in stellar evolution and the fate awaiting our own Sun.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 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 Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesNISAR Satellite Information[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Crew 11 Mission Overview[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Martian Glaciers Study[NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter](https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/)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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 14min
Gilmour Space's Historic Launch Attempt, NASA's Collaborative Moon Missions, and the Far Side Telescope
Australia's Historic Rocket Launch: Join us as we dive into the details of Gilmour Space's ambitious attempt at Australia's first orbital launch in over 50 years. Although the Eris rocket faced challenges shortly after liftoff, the team's optimism shines through as they gather valuable data for future flights, marking a significant milestone for the Australian space industry.- NASA's Lunar Mission Contracts: Discover NASA's groundbreaking collaboration with Firefly Aerospace, which will utilize multiple rovers and instruments for lunar exploration. This mission aims to unlock the secrets of the lunar South Pole, focusing on the potential for water ice and sustainable exploration, paving the way for future lunar endeavors.- The Lucy E. Knight Radio Telescope: Excitement builds as the lunar surface electromagnetics experiment radio telescope project prepares for testing. Set to be deployed on the moon's far side, this innovative telescope aims to capture signals from the early universe, taking advantage of the far side's radio quietness to explore the cosmos in unprecedented detail.- SpaceX's Starship Update: Get the latest on SpaceX's Starship as it moves closer to its 10th flight. With the vehicle now at the launch pad, we discuss the challenges faced in previous flights and the ambitious goals of this powerful rocket as it aims to make space travel and Mars colonization a reality.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 Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesGilmour Space Launch Details[Gilmour Space](https://gilmourspace.com/)NASA Lunar Contracts Overview[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Lucy E. Knight Project Information[UC Berkeley](https://www.berkeley.edu/)SpaceX Starship Updates[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.

Jul 29, 2025 • 18min
Uranus's Peculiar Moons, Cosmic Bubbles, and Rethinking Habitability
Uranus and Its Peculiar Moons: Dive into the strange world of Uranus, the planet that spins on its side and has a magnetic field unlike any other. Join us as we explore the latest research by astronomer Christian Soto, revealing unexpected findings about Uranus's moons, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. Discover how micrometeorites might be affecting their appearances and what this means for our understanding of the planet's magnetosphere.- The Local Hot Bubble: Zoom out to the cosmic neighborhood of our solar system, encapsulated in a million-degree hot bubble of gas known as the Local Hot Bubble (LHB). Thanks to the Erocita X-ray telescope, we uncover the irregular shape and surprising features of this bubble, including a newly discovered tunnel leading to the constellation Centaurus, suggesting a complex interstellar structure that could reshape our understanding of galactic dynamics.- A Busy Launch Week Ahead: Get ready for an action-packed week of launches, with 10 missions scheduled worldwide. From SpaceX's Crew 11 mission to the International Space Station to the international collaboration of the NISAR satellite, we cover the highlights and significance of these missions, including the implications of rapid advancements in space technology.- Rethinking Habitability: Challenge your perceptions of where life can exist with groundbreaking research proposing the concept of the Radiolytic Habitable Zone (RHZ). Led by Demetra Attri, this study suggests that cosmic rays could support life in dark, underground environments on Mars and icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, redefining our search for extraterrestrial life.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 ReferencesUranus Research[Space Telescope Science Institute](https://www.stsci.edu)Local Hot Bubble Findings[Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics](https://www.mpe.mpg.de)Launch Schedule Overview[NASA Launch Schedule](https://www.nasa.gov/launchschedule)Radiolytic Habitable Zone Study[NYU Abu Dhabi](https://www.nyuad.nyu.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.

Jul 28, 2025 • 25min
Martian Frost, Black Hole Havoc, and the Next Generation of Space Innovators
Martian Ice and Frosts: Explore the fascinating world of Martian ice and frost as we delve into how these elements could indicate the presence of liquid brines on the Red Planet. Discover the implications of Dr. Vincent Cheverrier's recent study, which utilizes data from the Viking 2 lander to reveal how seasonal frost melting could create transient brines, potentially supporting life in localized microenvironments.- A Richie Black Hole's Disruption: Join us as we examine a rogue intermediate mass black hole disrupting a star in the halo of a distant galaxy. Thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory, we investigate the mysterious tidal disruption event and what it reveals about the elusive nature of intermediate mass black holes and their role in cosmic evolution.- Exoplanets Around L9859: Discover the excitement surrounding the detection of a fifth rocky planet in the L9859 system, a red dwarf star located just 34.5 light-years away. This newly identified Super Earth in the habitable zone offers a unique opportunity for future atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope, while shedding light on the characteristics of multiplanetary systems.- NASA's Student Suits Challenge: Learn about NASA's recent Suits Challenge, where over 100 students showcased innovative designs for future spacesuits and rovers. This hands-on experience at NASA's Johnson Space Center highlights the importance of fostering new talent in space exploration, with students gaining invaluable insights into real-world applications of their designs.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 ReferencesMartian Brines Study[University of Arkansas](https://www.uark.edu/)Richie Black Hole Discovery[Hubble Space Telescope](https://hubblesite.org/)L9859 Exoplanet System[NASA TV](https://tess.gsfc.nasa.gov/)NASA Suits Challenge[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.

Jul 26, 2025 • 16min
Lunar Ambitions, Betelgeuse's Possible Partner Doubts, and Earth's Magnetic Anomaly
Italy's Lunar Ambitions: Explore Italy's groundbreaking plans to construct the first residential module for astronauts on the Moon, known as the Multi Purpose Habitat (MPH). This ambitious project aims to support sustained human presence and scientific research in the harsh lunar environment, with a launch scheduled for 2033 as part of NASA's Artemis program. Discover how Italy is positioning itself as a key player in the new space race.- The Mystery of Betelgeuse: Delve into the tentative discovery of a potential companion star to Betelgeuse, the iconic red supergiant in Orion. While this finding could explain the star's recent brightness changes, doubts remain as further observations are needed to confirm its existence. Join us as we discuss the implications of this discovery and what it could mean for the future of Betelgeuse.- Earth's Magnetic Anomaly: Learn about the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), a growing region of low magnetic intensity that poses risks to orbiting spacecraft. NASA is closely monitoring this phenomenon as it may impact satellite operations and offers a unique opportunity for scientific investigation into Earth's magnetic field dynamics.- Ancient Aboriginal Astronomy: Journey through time to uncover the remarkable astronomical knowledge of Aboriginal Australians, intricately linked to their traditional songlines. Discover how their understanding of the night sky was not only a cultural treasure but also a sophisticated navigation system that has been passed down through generations.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 ReferencesItaly's Lunar Module Plans[Italian Space Agency](https://www.asi.it/)Betelgeuse Companion Discovery[NASA Ames Research Center](https://www.nasa.gov/ames)South Atlantic Anomaly Monitoring[NASA Goddard Space Flight Center](https://www.nasa.gov/goddard)Aboriginal Astronomy Insights[Cultural Astronomy Research](https://www.culturalastronomy.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.

Jul 25, 2025 • 17min
Alien Intelligence Readiness, New Exoplanets Around L 98-59, and Innovative Mars Helicopters
Preparing for First Contact: Dive into the intriguing discussion on humanity's readiness for potential contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. A new research paper from the University of St. Andrews outlines how NASA and the global scientific community should gear up for a future where we might detect technological signatures from alien civilizations. Explore the proposed strategies for addressing misinformation, cultural interpretations, and the psychological impacts of such a monumental discovery.- Exoplanet Discovery: L9859 System: Discover the exciting announcement of a fifth rocky planet orbiting the red dwarf star L9859. This new addition to the system, located within the optimistic habitable zone, offers a unique opportunity to study planetary formation and evolution. Learn about the characteristics of these terrestrial planets and their potential for atmospheric studies with the James Webb Telescope.- Russia's Ionosphera M Satellites: Unpack the details of Russia's recent launch of the Ionosphera M satellites, designed to enhance our understanding of space weather. Find out how these satellites will contribute to improving forecasting and monitoring of the ionosphere, a crucial layer of Earth's atmosphere that affects satellite operations and radio communications.- Innovative Mars Mission Concept: Skyfall: Get captivated by the revolutionary Skyfall mission concept, which proposes deploying a fleet of scout helicopters to Mars. This innovative approach aims to gather critical data about the Martian surface and subsurface, paving the way for future human exploration. Discover how this idea builds on the success of previous Mars missions and could transform our exploration strategies.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 signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesExtraterrestrial Intelligence Preparation[University of St. Andrews](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/)L9859 Exoplanet Discovery[NASA TV](https://tess.gsfc.nasa.gov/)Ionosphera M Satellites Launch[Russian Space Agency](https://www.roscosmos.ru/)Skyfall Mars Mission Concept[NASA TV](https://www.jpl.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.

Jul 24, 2025 • 14min
Asteroid Close Calls, Lunar Missions Debate, and the Fiery World of TOI 2431b
Asteroid 2025 OW's Close Encounter: Unpack the details of asteroid 2025 OW, a plane-sized space rock making headlines as it approaches Earth. While NASA assures us that this encounter is routine, we delve into the specifics of its size, speed, and trajectory, and what this means for our planet. Learn about the upcoming visibility of asteroid Apophis in 2029, which promises a thrilling viewing opportunity for skywatchers.- The Moon: Human vs. Robotic Exploration: Engage in the ongoing debate about the merits of human lunar missions compared to robotic exploration. We explore the unique advantages humans bring to space exploration, from problem-solving capabilities to the potential for resource utilization on the Moon. Discover why investing in crewed missions could yield significant scientific and economic returns.- The Extreme Exoplanet TOI 2431B: Meet TOI 2431B, a newly discovered exoplanet that challenges our understanding of planetary systems. Orbiting its star in just 5.4 hours, this Earth-sized world experiences extreme conditions, including molten surface temperatures. We discuss the implications of its rapid orbit and its potential for future study with the James Webb Telescope.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 Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesAsteroid 2025 OW Details[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Human vs. Robotic Exploration Debate[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)TOI 2431B Discovery[NASA TV](https://www.nasa.gov/tess)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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 18min
SpaceX Scrubs, Europa's Icy Mysteries, and the Remarkable 3I/Atlas Comet
Unexpected Launch Delay: Discover the surprising reasons behind the recent scrub of SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base. We explore how a regional power outage affected air traffic control communications, leading to a decision that paused NASA's solar wind mission, tracers. Learn about the swift recovery as SpaceX successfully launched from Cape Canaveral just hours later.- Dynamic Europa Revealed: Dive into the latest findings from the James Webb Space Telescope regarding Jupiter's moon Europa. We discuss how new observations challenge previous assumptions about its icy surface and suggest ongoing geological activity beneath, including the presence of a subsurface ocean that could harbour life.- Comet 3I Atlas: An Ancient Visitor: Meet Comet 3I Atlas, the oldest comet observed, and learn about its serendipitous discovery through the Vera C Rubin Observatory. We delve into its intriguing characteristics and trajectory, revealing insights into its interstellar origins and the potential for future studies as it approaches the Sun.- Safely Photographing the Sun: Unlock the secrets to capturing the beauty of our Sun with expert tips on solar photography. We cover essential safety precautions and the specialised equipment needed to reveal intricate details like sunspots and prominences, ensuring you can document our dynamic star safely.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 signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Scrub[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)James Webb Space Telescope Observations[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Comet 3I Atlas Discovery[Vera C Rubin Observatory](https://www.ctio.noao.edu/noao/content/Vera-C-Rubin-Observatory)Solar Photography Tips[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.