
Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
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.
Latest episodes

Jan 25, 2025 • 14min
Tesla Asteroids, Lunar Gravity Breakthroughs, and Black Hole Feeding Frenzies: S04E22
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E22In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on a journey through the latest and most intriguing stories from the cosmos. From humorous mix-ups involving Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster to groundbreaking lunar experiments, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and updates that will pique your interest in space exploration.Highlights:- Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster Mistaken for Asteroid: Discover the amusing case of mistaken identity as astronomers at Harvard's Minor Planet Center initially classified Musk's orbiting vehicle as a new asteroid, only to realize their error shortly after.- Blue Origin's Lunar Gravity Simulation: Learn about Blue Origin's upcoming New Shepard flight, which will simulate lunar gravity conditions for an unprecedented two minutes, paving the way for future moon missions.- NASA Tackles Moon Dust: Explore NASA's new Blue Ghost Mission, which aims to address the challenges of lunar regolith with innovative technologies like the Electrodynamic Dust Shield and a stereo camera for studying rocket plume interactions.- Astronaut Health Concerns: Delve into a recent study revealing significant changes in astronauts' vision after long-duration stays aboard the ISS, raising questions about the effects of microgravity on human health.- M M87* Black Hole Observations: Get the latest on the M M87 black hole, as new data reveals intriguing details about its feeding habits and the turbulent plasma surrounding it, further validating Einstein's theory of general relativity.- Upcoming Celestial Events: Mark your calendars for a spectacular February, featuring Venus and Saturn in a stunning alignment, along with opportunities to observe their unique characteristics through telescopes.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space news00:50 - Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster mistakenly classified as an asteroid03:20 - Blue Origin prepares for lunar gravity simulation with New Shepard06:15 - NASA's Blue Ghost Mission tackles lunar dust challenges09:30 - Study reveals vision changes in astronauts after ISS missions12:20 - New insights into M M87 black hole's feeding dynamics15:00 - February celestial events featuring Venus and Saturn✍️ Episode ReferencesHarvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics[Harvard](https://www.cfa.harvard.edu)Blue Origin[Blue Origin](https://www.blueorigin.com)NASA[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Event Horizon Telescope[EHT](https://eventhorizontelescope.org)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](https://www.astronomydaily.io)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 24, 2025 • 14min
China's Mega Constellation, NASA's Day of Remembrance, and SpaceX's Direct-to-Cell Breakthroughs: S04E21
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E21In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna dives into a range of exciting developments from the world of space exploration. From China's ambitious satellite projects to NASA's poignant Day of Remembrance, we cover the stories that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos.Highlights:- China's Thousand Sails Mega Constellation: Discover the latest launch of 18 satellites as part of China's ambitious Internet Constellation project, aiming for a staggering 14,000 satellites in orbit by 2025.- NASA's Day of Remembrance: Reflect on the lives lost in space exploration as NASA honors the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia, emphasizing the importance of safety in future missions.- SpaceX's Direct to Cell Technology: Learn about SpaceX's groundbreaking beta test for a system that allows mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites, potentially revolutionizing global communications.- T Tauri's Great Dimming: Explore the remarkable celestial event as T Tauri, a young star system, begins a dimming phase that could last a century, offering unique insights into planetary formation.- Boeing's Starliner Challenges: Get the latest on Boeing's CST-100 Starliner program as the company faces financial setbacks and uncertainty regarding its future operational missions.- Upcoming NASA Missions: Excitement builds for NASA's ambitious missions in 2025, including the Sphere X Space Observatory and the Lunar Trailblazer, aimed at enhancing our understanding of the universe and the Moon.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news00:50 - China's Thousand Sails Mega Constellation project successfully launches 18 satellites03:30 - NASA honors the brave crews lost in space exploration during Day of Remembrance06:10 - SpaceX prepares to test its innovative direct to cell technology09:40 - T Tauri enters a dimming phase that could last a century12:20 - Boeing faces challenges with the Starliner program and future missions15:00 - Upcoming NASA missions set to launch in 2025✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)SpaceX[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Boeing[Boeing](https://www.boeing.com)China National Space Administration[CNSA](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](https://www.astronomydaily.io)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 23, 2025 • 13min
Quasi Moons, Black Hole Jets, and a Leap Toward Interstellar Travel: S04E20
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E20Join host Anna for another captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, where we explore the latest discoveries and news from the cosmos. Today, we have an eclectic mix of stories that promise to spark your curiosity and expand your understanding of the universe.Highlights:- Earth's Quasi Moon Named: Meet Cardea, the newly named quasi moon that bridges the gap between moons and asteroids. Discover the fascinating story behind its name and its unique characteristics.- Real-Time Black Hole Jets: Witness a groundbreaking observation of plasma jets forming in real time from a supermassive black hole, providing new insights into these cosmic phenomena.- Innovative Interstellar Travel Concept: Learn about a revolutionary method using relativistic electron beams that could drastically reduce travel times to other star systems.- Europe's Mars Ambitions: The European Space Agency unveils plans for advanced landing technologies aimed at a Mars mission set for 2035, paving the way for future exploration.- Exciting Lunar Mission Update: Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander makes significant progress on its journey to the Moon, demonstrating groundbreaking navigation technologies.- Upcoming Partial Solar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for March 29, 2025, when a stunning partial solar eclipse will grace the skies, with visibility across North America and Europe.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space news and discoveries00:50 - Earth's quasi moon has been officially named Cardea03:10 - Astronomers witness the real-time formation of black hole jets06:15 - New method proposed for interstellar travel using electron beams09:20 - European Space Agency sets ambitious Mars exploration plans12:05 - Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander progresses on its mission15:00 - Upcoming partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025✍️ Episode ReferencesInternational Astronomical Union[IAU](https://www.iau.org)NASA[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)European Space Agency[ESA](https://www.esa.int)Firefly Aerospace[Firefly](https://fireflyspace.com)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](https://www.astronomydaily.io)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 22, 2025 • 16min
FRB Enigma, Supersonic Exoplanet Winds, and China's Space Tech Breakthroughs: S04E19
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E19Welcome to another thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest in space science and exploration. I'm your host, Anna, and today we're venturing into some of the most captivating stories from across the cosmos.Highlights:- Mysterious Fast Radio Burst: Discover the enigmatic FRB 20240209A, found in an unexpected region of an ancient elliptical galaxy, challenging our understanding of these cosmic phenomena.- Supersonic Winds on Exoplanet: Astronomers have detected record-breaking winds on the exoplanet WASP127b, reaching an astonishing 33,000 kilometers per hour, offering new insights into alien weather systems.- Oxygen Production in Space: China's Tiangong Space Station achieves a breakthrough in artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for sustainable long-term space missions.- European Space Launch Milestone: German startup Rocket Factory Augsburg secures a historic license for vertical launches from mainland Europe, marking a new era in European space capability.- Spinning Black Holes: New research reveals supermassive black holes are spinning faster than previously thought, reshaping our understanding of their growth and evolution.- Lunar Power Innovations: Chinese researchers propose using laser wireless power transmission to sustain lunar missions during the long, dark lunar nights.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest developments in space science and exploration00:52 - Scientists have made a fascinating discovery that challenges our understanding of fast radio bursts03:07 - Scientists have detected the fastest planetary winds ever measured on distant exoplanet05:41 - China has successfully demonstrated the world's first in orbit Artificial photosynthesis technology09:55 - Astronomers find supermassive black holes are spinning much faster than previously thought12:02 - Chinese researchers have unveiled an innovative solution to lunar keeping spacecraft powered✍️ Episode ReferencesCanadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experimenthttps://chime-experiment.ca/Northwestern Universityhttps://www.northwestern.edu/European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescopehttps://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/Tiangong Space Stationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiangong_space_stationRocket Factory Augsburghttps://www.rfa.space/SaxaVord Spaceporthttps://www.saxavord.com/Sloan Digital Sky Surveyhttps://www.sdss.org/James Webb Space Telescopehttps://www.jwst.nasa.gov/Astronomy Dailyhttps://www.astronomydaily.io/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 21, 2025 • 15min
Trump's Mars Ambition: A New Space Race Begins - S04E18
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E18Welcome to another exciting episode of Astronomy Daily, where we bring you the latest and most intriguing updates from the universe. I'm your host, Anna, and today we delve into a series of groundbreaking stories that are reshaping our understanding of space and astronomy.Highlights:- Trump's Mars Vision: Former President Donald Trump has reignited America's space ambitions with a bold promise to plant the American flag on Mars. This announcement aligns with SpaceX's goals and comes at a time of significant advancements in space technology.- New Moon Formation Theory: Researchers from the University of Gottingen and The Max Planck Institute challenge the traditional theory of the Moon's formation, suggesting it originated from Earth's mantle rather than a cosmic collision.- SpaceX's Launch Cadence: SpaceX continues its ambitious launch schedule with four Starlink missions, showcasing advancements in satellite technology and deployment strategies.- Ancient Habitable Worlds: New research posits that habitable worlds might have existed before the first galaxies, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution and the timeline of life in the universe.- Dark Matter Constraints: Recent studies reveal that dark matter particles cannot be too heavy, offering new insights into this mysterious component of our universe.- Orbital Debris Crisis: With the rise of mega constellations, the issue of space debris has reached a critical point, prompting calls for international action to protect Earth's 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, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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 Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news00:40 - Former President Donald Trump lays out ambitious vision for American space exploration02:56 - New study challenges long held theory of how the Moon formed05:03 - Four SpaceX Starlink missions are scheduled for this week07:09 - New research suggests habitable worlds might have existed long before first galaxies formed09:36 - New research suggests that dark matter particles can't be too heavy11:52 - Growing problem of space debris calls for unprecedented international action14:44 - You'll also find all our previous episodes available for listening anytime✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX[https://www.spacex.com](https://www.spacex.com)Blue Origin[https://www.blueorigin.com](https://www.blueorigin.com)University of Gottingen[https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html](https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html)Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research[https://www.mps.mpg.de/en](https://www.mps.mpg.de/en)NASA[https://www.nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov)University of Portsmouth[https://www.port.ac.uk](https://www.port.ac.uk)Jet Propulsion Laboratory[https://www.jpl.nasa.gov](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 20, 2025 • 17min
China's Spaceplane Secrets, Arecibo's Collapse Unveiled, and Starship's Fiery Mishap: S04E17
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E17Join host Steve Dunkley and his digital offsider Hallie, for another enlightening episode of Astronomy Daily, where we delve into the mysteries of space and the latest astronomical developments. Today, we explore intriguing stories that will captivate your imagination and expand your cosmic knowledge.Highlights:- China's Spaceplane Returns: China's enigmatic spaceplane has returned after 268 days in orbit. Discover the secretive nature of its mission and the potential future of reusable spacecraft.- Arecibo Observatory Collapse Report: A comprehensive report on the collapse of the iconic Arecibo Observatory has been released. Learn about the findings and the future plans for this historic site.- SpaceX's Starship Test Mishap: The FAA investigates the recent explosion during SpaceX's Starship test flight. Uncover what went wrong and SpaceX's plans for future launches.- Light Pollution Threat to VLT: The ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile faces a threat from a proposed renewable energy project. Explore the potential impact on astronomical observations and the debate over sustainable development.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, and YouTubeMusic. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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 Steve signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Happy birthday to my favorite person in the world, Graham Dunkley00:59 - China's reusable spaceplane returns to Earth after 268 days in orbit03:18 - The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico collapsed in 2020 following Hurricane Maria08:04 - FAA to investigate Starship 7 test explosion the U S. agency says10:47 - World's most precious sky observing location faces risk of light pollution from renewable project✍️ Episode ReferencesXinhua[Xinhua News Agency](http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/)Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics[Harvard Smithsonian](https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/)Arecibo Observatory[Arecibo Observatory](https://www.naic.edu/)National Science Foundation[NSF](https://www.nsf.gov/)University of Central Florida[UCF](https://www.ucf.edu/)SpaceX[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)European Southern Observatory[ESO](https://www.eso.org/)AES Energy[AES Energy](https://www.aes.com/)Renewables Now[Renewables Now](https://renewablesnow.com/)Contact (Movie)[Contact on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 18, 2025 • 16min
FAA's Dual Investigations, Moon's Global Watch, and China's Lunar Innovations: S04E16
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E16Welcome to another captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, your trusted source for the latest in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and today we have a packed lineup of stories that delve into the challenges and triumphs of the space industry.Highlights:- Launch Troubles for SpaceX and Blue Origin: The Federal Aviation Administration has launched investigations into mishaps during recent test flights of SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. Discover the details behind these incidents and the implications for future launches.- Preserving Lunar Heritage: In a groundbreaking move, the moon has been added to the World Monuments Fund Global Watch List, recognizing the need to protect its historic sites. Explore the significance of this designation as we enter a new era of lunar exploration.- China's Lunar Ambitions: China's Chang'e 7 mission aims to plant the first fluttering flag on the moon. Learn about the innovative technology behind this achievement and China's plans for lunar exploration.- JPL's Recovery from Wildfires: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is set to resume operations after being threatened by the Los Angeles wildfires. Get an update on the facility's status and the impact on its workforce.- Disintegrating Planet Discovery: Astronomers have identified the fastest disintegrating planet ever observed, offering a rare glimpse into the interior of a terrestrial world. Uncover the details of this remarkable find and its implications for our understanding of planetary evolution.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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 Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Today's show features some major stories from across the space industry00:44 - The FAA has opened dual mishap investigations into SpaceX and Blue Origin03:21 - Sean Duffy committed to reviewing FAA fines against SpaceX over launch license violations05:27 - The moon has been added to the World Monuments Fund Global Watch list08:12 - Chinese scientists develop innovative way to make flag wave in lunar vacuum10:06 - NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is set to resume normal operations next week11:58 - Astronomers have identified what they call the fastest disintegrating planet ever observed✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceXhttps://www.spacex.com/Blue Originhttps://www.blueorigin.com/NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratoryhttps://www.jpl.nasa.gov/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)https://www.faa.gov/World Monuments Fund Global Watch Listhttps://www.wmf.org/NASA TV Satellitehttps://tess.gsfc.nasa.gov/James Webb Space Telescopehttps://www.jwst.nasa.gov/NASA Artemis Programhttps://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/International Lunar Research Stationhttps://www.ilrs.space/Astronomy Dailyhttps://astronomydaily.io/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 17, 2025 • 13min
SpaceX's Test Turbulence, Blue Origin's Orbital Triumph, and India's Docking Debut: S04E15
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E15Welcome to another exhilarating episode of Astronomy Daily, your premier source for the latest in space exploration and cosmic discoveries. I'm Anna, and today we have a stellar lineup of stories that highlight major developments across the space industry.Highlights:- SpaceX's Starship Test Flight: SpaceX's seventh test flight of the Starship launch system brought both triumph and setback. Discover how the super heavy booster achieved a successful catch with the Mechazilla arms, despite the upper stage experiencing a rapid unscheduled disassembly.- Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Success: Blue Origin celebrated a milestone with the successful orbital flight of the New Glenn rocket. Learn about this significant leap in commercial spaceflight and the challenges faced during booster recovery.- International Space Station Updates: NASA astronaut Suni Williams completed a critical spacewalk, performing essential maintenance on the ISS. Find out how Williams and her crewmates have adapted to unexpected mission changes.- India's Space Docking Milestone: India has joined an elite group of nations by successfully docking two satellites in orbit. Explore the implications of this achievement for India's ambitious space plans.- Hubble's Andromeda Survey: The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled an unprecedented portrait of the Andromeda Galaxy, revealing hundreds of millions of stars. Discover how this survey reshapes our understanding of galaxy evolution.- Remembering David Lynch: We pay tribute to visionary filmmaker David Lynch, who brought the epic novel Dune to the big screen. Reflect on his impact on science fiction and cinema.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, Tumblr, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. (Yes, we're still there). Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts.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.00:00 - This week's Astronomy Daily features some major developments in the space industry00:45 - SpaceX's seventh test flight of their massive starship launch system failed02:52 - Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully reached orbit for the first time04:50 - NASA astronaut Suni Williams completed her eighth career spacewalk yesterday08:25 - The Hubble Space Telescope has just completed its most ambitious survey yet of Andromeda10:30 - David Lynch, the visionary filmmaker who brought Dune to the big screen11:57 - This is the end of today's episode of Astronomy Daily✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceXhttps://www.spacex.com/Blue Originhttps://www.blueorigin.com/International Space Stationhttps://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.htmlSuni Williamshttps://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/sunita-l-williamsIndian Space Research Organizationhttps://www.isro.gov.in/Hubble Space Telescopehttps://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.htmlDavid Lynchhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000186/Dune (1984 film)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/Starlinkhttps://www.starlink.com/New Shepardhttps://www.blueorigin.com/new-shepard/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 16, 2025 • 15min
Solar Spectacles, Gaia's Legacy, and Sun's Magnetic Flip: S04E14
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E14Welcome to another thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily, where we bring you the latest in space news and celestial wonders. I'm Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of stories that will ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.Highlights:- Spectacular Solar Eclipses of the Next Decade: Get ready to mark your calendars for a decade of breathtaking solar eclipses starting in 2026. From Russia to Australia, we'll guide you through seven major eclipses, including the spectacular 6-minute totality in Luxor, Egypt, in 2027.- Farewell to Gaia's Star Mapping Mission: The European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft has concluded its 12-year mission, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. With two major data releases still to come, Gaia's 3D map of nearly 2 billion stars will continue to reshape our understanding of the Milky Way.- The Sun's Magnetic Field Flip: Our Sun is preparing for a magnetic field reversal, a fascinating event that occurs every 11 years. Discover how this cosmic flip influences solar activity and what it means for our planet.- Celestial Gathering of Comet and Planets: Southern hemisphere stargazers are in for a treat as Comet C/2024 G3 (Atlas) and a rare planetary alignment grace the night sky. Learn how to spot these celestial wonders with the help of astronomy apps.- Private Moon Missions: Two private lunar landers, Blue Ghost and Resilience, have embarked on their journeys to the Moon. Discover their innovative missions and the science they aim to achieve on the lunar surface.- Hubble Space Telescope's 35th Anniversary Challenge: Celebrate Hubble's legacy by participating in a special observing challenge. Amateur astronomers can explore celestial objects studied by Hubble and earn certification through public outreach. For more information visit: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/explore-the-night-sky/hubbles-night-sky-challenge/For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts.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.00:00 - Next decade promises some truly spectacular solar eclipses00:44 - Seven total solar eclipses will grace our skies between 2026 and 203403:08 - European Space Agency's star mapping spacecraft Gaia has retired after 12 year mission05:17 - Our sun is preparing for a complete reversal of its magnetic field07:36 - All the planets except Mercury will be visible simultaneously over the next week09:33 - Two private lunar landers have successfully launched aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket11:42 - NASA has partnered with the Astronomical League to launch an observing challenge for 202513:23 - This week's Astronomy Daily focuses on upcoming solar eclipses and lunar missionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jan 15, 2025 • 14min
Cosmic Mysteries Unveiled: Firefly's Lunar Leap, SpaceX's Satellite Surge, and Hidden Black Holes: S04E13
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E13Welcome to another captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of stories that showcase the ongoing advancements in our quest to understand the universe.Highlights:- Firefly Aerospace's Historic Lunar Mission: Firefly Aerospace is set to make history with its first mission to the moon, launching the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander on a SpaceX Falcon 9. The mission will carry 10 NASA experiments, exploring lunar regolith and testing cutting-edge technologies for future lunar bases.- Swedish Tiny House on the Moon: A miniature Swedish red house is heading to the moon aboard ispace's Resilience mission. This artistic installation symbolizes humanity's drive to explore and will become a permanent fixture on the lunar surface, representing a 25-year dream of artist Mikael Genberg.- SpaceX's Record-Breaking Satellite Deployment: SpaceX's Transporter 12 mission successfully deployed 131 satellites, including Planet Labs' imaging CubeSats and UAE's MBZ Sat. This milestone highlights SpaceX's role in democratizing access to space and fostering innovation.- China's Yutu 2 Rover's Journey Ends: After over five years exploring the moon's far side, China's Yutu 2 rover has reached the end of its mission. The rover's achievements include groundbreaking discoveries of lunar materials and demonstrating far side operations.- Hidden Supermassive Black Holes: New research suggests that up to 50% of actively feeding supermassive black holes may be hidden from view. These cosmic giants influence galaxy evolution, and their discovery could reshape our understanding of the universe.- James Webb Space Telescope's Stellar Discoveries: The JWST captured stunning images of Herbig Haro 4647, revealing the early stages of star formation. These observations offer unprecedented insights into the processes shaping stars and planets.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, Tumblr, YouTube, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts.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.00:00 - Today we're diving into some fascinating developments across the cosmos00:50 - Firefly Aerospace is making history with their first ever mission to the moon02:59 - The Moon is about to receive its first tiny house04:53 - SpaceX has successfully launched 131 satellites on its Transporter 12 mission07:13 - China's Yutu 2 rover has remained stationary since March 202409:05 - New research suggests astronomers are missing between 30% and 50% of feeding black holes11:03 - The James Webb Space Telescope recently captured a stunning image of interstellar material13:09 - That brings us to the end of another fascinating journey through the cosmos✍️ Episode ReferencesFirefly Aerospace[Firefly Aerospace Website](https://firefly.com/)SpaceX[SpaceX Website](https://www.spacex.com/)NASA[NASA Website](https://www.nasa.gov/)James Webb Space Telescope[JWST on NASA](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)American Astronomical Society[AAS Website](https://aas.org/)Vandenberg Space Force Base[Vandenberg SFB Website](https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/)Yutu 2 Rover[Yutu 2 on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yutu-2)ispace[ispace Website](https://ispace-inc.com/)Planet Labs[Planet Labs Website](https://www.planet.com/)Varda Space Industries[Varda Space Website](https://www.varda.com/)Inversion Space[Inversion Space Website](https://www.inversionspace.com/)Mikael Genberg[Mikael Genberg's Moonhouse Project](http://www.themoonhouse.com/)Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array[NuSTAR on NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/nustar/main/index.html)Chang'e 4 Mission[Chang'e 4 on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang%27e_4)Herbig Haro Objects[Herbig-Haro Objects on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbig%E2%80%93Haro_object)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.