Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

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Jul 22, 2025 • 15min

Betelgeuse's Hidden Ally, Juno's Camera Comeback, and The Great Eclipse Chase of 2026

Unveiling Betelgeuse's Companion: Join us as we unravel the centuries-old mystery of Betelgeuse, the famous red supergiant star. Recent discoveries reveal its hidden stellar companion, providing new insights into the star's variable brightness and the enigma of its six-year dimming cycle. We discuss how advanced imaging techniques were employed to detect this companion star, believed to be a hot blue-white star, and what this means for our understanding of red supergiants.- Juno's Ingenious Camera Rescue: Explore the remarkable efforts of NASA's Juno team as they successfully restored the radiation-damaged JunoCam camera. Learn about the innovative annealing technique used to revive the camera's functionality, allowing it to capture stunning images of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io. This episode highlights the challenges faced in the harsh radiation environment and the lessons learned for future space missions.- The Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse: Prepare for the breathtaking total solar eclipse set to occur on August 12, 2026. We provide essential tips for those planning to witness this spectacular event, including the best locations in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain to experience totality. Discover the importance of meticulous planning and the unique viewing opportunities that await eclipse chasers.- Global Launch Watch: Get the latest updates on an exciting week of space launches, featuring multiple SpaceX Falcon 9 missions, China's Hyperbola 1 rocket, and Russia's Soyuz 2.1B rocket. We also discuss Gilmour Space's historic attempt to launch Australia's first sovereign-built rocket. Stay tuned for all the thrilling developments in 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, 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 ReferencesBetelgeuse Companion Discovery[NASA Ames Research Centre](https://www.nasa.gov/ames)JunoCam Restoration[NASA Juno](https://www.nasa.gov/juno)Total Solar Eclipse Planning[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Global Launch 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.
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Jul 21, 2025 • 17min

Astronauts' Vision Crisis, South Korea's Lunar Leap, and the Cosmic Promises of the Roman Telescope

Unexpected Vision Changes in Space: Explore the startling phenomenon affecting approximately 70% of astronauts on long-duration missions, known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). This episode delves into how microgravity impacts vision, leading to permanent changes, and the ongoing research by NASA to develop countermeasures to protect astronauts' eyesight during future missions, including to Mars.- South Korea's Lunar Ambitions: Discover South Korea's ambitious plans to establish a lunar base by 2045, as outlined by the Korea Aerospace Administration. We discuss the nation's roadmap for lunar exploration, including the development of homegrown landing technology and resource utilisation, alongside their previous successes with the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter.- The Nancy Chris Roman Telescope: Get excited about NASA's upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Telescope, set to launch no later than May 2027. This episode reveals how Roman could uncover tens of thousands of cosmic explosions, including supernovas and black hole events, while providing insights into dark energy and the evolution of stars.- Alternate Apollo 11 Landing Sites: Take a fascinating journey back to the Apollo 11 mission, exploring the potential alternate landing sites that could have been chosen for humanity's first steps on the Moon. Learn about the rigorous selection process and the implications of these sites, offering a compelling glimpse into the meticulous planning behind this historic achievement.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 ReferencesSANS Research[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)South Korea's Lunar Plans[Korea Aerospace Administration](https://www.kasa.or.kr)Nancy Chris Roman Telescope[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Apollo 11 Landing Sites[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.
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Jul 19, 2025 • 14min

Making Water on the Moon, The Hubble Bubble Hypothesis, and Neptune's Unique Orbital Partner

Revolutionising Lunar Exploration: Discover the groundbreaking research from a team of Chinese scientists who are developing innovative technology to produce water, oxygen, and fuel directly from lunar soil. This game-changing approach could significantly reduce the costs of transporting resources from Earth, making sustainable lunar habitats a reality. With the potential to utilise the Moon's own resources, this closed-loop system could transform our future in space.- The Hubble Bubble Theory: Delve into the intriguing new theory suggesting our Milky Way galaxy might be suspended within a vast cosmic void, dubbed the Hubble Bubble. This concept could provide solutions to the ongoing Hubble Tension, offering fresh insights into the universe's expansion and our cosmic neighbourhood.- A Cosmic Dance with Neptune: Learn about the newly discovered trans-neptunian object, 2020 VN40, which exhibits a unique orbital rhythm, completing one orbit for every ten of Neptune's. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the dynamics of distant solar system bodies and hints at the complexities of our solar system's evolution.- Catching the Southern Delta Aquariad Meteor Shower: Prepare for the upcoming Southern Delta Aquariad meteor shower peaking on July 29. We provide tips on how to maximise your viewing experience, including the best times and locations to spot these shooting stars as Earth passes through the debris trail of comet 96P/Machholz.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 ReferencesLunar Resource Utilisation[Chinese University of Hong Kong](https://www.cuhk.edu.hk)Hubble Bubble Theory[Royal Astronomical Society](https://ras.ac.uk)Trans-Neptunian Object Discovery[Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics](https://www.cfa.harvard.edu)Southern Delta Aquariad Meteor Shower[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.
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Jul 18, 2025 • 12min

Mars Mission M-MATISSE, Solar Secrets with SNIFS, and Neil Armstrong's Apollo Mementos Revealed

Exciting Mars Mission Proposal: Discover the ambitious M Metis mission, which aims to be the first dedicated to studying Mars's space weather. Set to compete for a spot as a European Space Agency medium mission, this initiative will deploy two robotic orbiters, Henri and Marguerite, to investigate the Martian atmosphere and its interactions with solar winds. Dr. Beatrice Sanchez Cano from the University of Leicester highlights the mission's importance for future human exploration and the safety of astronauts on the Red Planet.- Unveiling the Sun's Secrets: Get ready for NASA's upcoming Solar Eruption Integral Field Spectrograph mission (SNFS), launching in July. This groundbreaking mission will explore the chromosphere, a crucial layer of the Sun's atmosphere, to understand the energy dynamics that lead to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. With innovative technology, the SNFS will provide unprecedented insights into solar activity and its effects on space weather.- Boeing's Starliner Update: We discuss the latest challenges faced by Boeing's Starliner capsule, which recently returned from its Crew Flight Test. After encountering multiple issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, the timeline for its next launch has shifted to early 2026. NASA and Boeing are implementing rigorous evaluations and improvements to ensure the spacecraft's reliability for future missions.- A Glimpse into Apollo 11's History: Take a fascinating look at the personal mementos carried by Neil Armstrong during the historic Apollo 11 mission. Detailed manifests of these items have been made public, offering a unique insight into the personal side of this monumental achievement. The items are now preserved at Purdue University, connecting us to the legacy of 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, 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 ReferencesM Metis Mission[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)Solar Eruption Integral Field Spectrograph[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Boeing Starliner Update[Boeing](https://www.boeing.com/)Apollo 11 Items[Purdue University](https://www.purdue.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.
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Jul 17, 2025 • 16min

Starship's Next Flight, Pulsar Secrets Unlocked, and the Birth of a New Solar System

Exciting Developments for SpaceX's Starship: Join us as we delve into the upcoming 10th test flight of SpaceX's Starship, anticipated to launch in just three weeks. Discover the challenges faced in previous flights and the innovative strategies being employed to ensure the success of this monumental rocket, designed for full and rapid reusability. With a goal of 25 launches this year, the race is on for SpaceX to push the boundaries of space exploration.- Unveiling Secrets of a Neutron Star: Explore the groundbreaking findings regarding PSR J1023 0038, a rapidly spinning neutron star. New research reveals that its intense particle winds drive the radiation it emits, rather than the material it siphons from its companion star. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding pulsars and the dynamics of these extraordinary cosmic objects.- Witnessing Planet Formation: For the first time, astronomers have observed the earliest stages of planet formation around a baby star, Hops 315, located 1,300 light years away. Using the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA, scientists captured the moment hot minerals crystallise into solid particles, providing invaluable insights into the processes that shaped our own solar system.- Record-Breaking Mars Meteorite Auction: We discuss the recent auction of the largest Mars meteorite ever found, NWA 16788, which sold for a staggering $4.3 million at Sotheby's. Learn about the unique characteristics of this extraordinary specimen and the implications of such sales for scientific research and collection.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 Starship[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Neutron Star Research[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Planet Formation Discovery[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html)Mars Meteorite Auction[Sotheby's](https://www.sothebys.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.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 14min

Black Hole Merger Record, Private Space Ventures, and Ancient Lunar Mysteries Uncovered

Largest Black Hole Merger Detected: Dive into the monumental discovery of the largest black hole merger ever observed, known as GW 231123. This event, detected by the LIGO gravitational wave observatories, has resulted in a new black hole approximately 225 times the mass of our Sun, challenging current theories on black hole formation. Join us as we explore the implications of this discovery and what it means for our understanding of the cosmos.- AX4 Mission Wrap-Up: We provide a recap of the successful AX4 mission, where a diverse crew of astronauts returned safely from the International Space Station. This mission marks a significant step in NASA's vision for a thriving low Earth orbit economy, showcasing international collaboration and the importance of commercial space travel.- Ancient Lunar Meteorite Discovery: Uncover the secrets of a rare lunar meteorite, Northwest Africa 16286, that is rewriting the Moon's volcanic history. This 2.35 billion-year-old rock reveals hidden volcanic processes that challenge our understanding of the Moon's geological past, highlighting the value of lunar meteorites in expanding our knowledge of the Moon.- Opportunity to Own Martian History: Learn about the upcoming auction of NWA 16788, the largest known Martian meteorite on Earth, expected to fetch up to $4 million. This extraordinary specimen offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the Red Planet and provides valuable insights into Mars' geological history.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 ReferencesBlack Hole Merger[LIGO](https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/)AX4 Mission[Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com/)Lunar Meteorite Discovery[University of Manchester](https://www.manchester.ac.uk/)Martian Meteorite Auction[Sotheby's](https://www.sothebys.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.
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Jul 15, 2025 • 17min

Astronauts Homeward Bound, Sun's Secrets Unveiled, and Uranus's Heat Revelation

Axiom Space's AX4 Mission Returns: Join us as we check-in on the return of the AX4 crew from the International Space Station. Led by Commentaor Peggy Whitson, the crew conducted over 60 experiments during their extended stay, making history as the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to visit the ISS. We discuss their journey aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, and the implications of their research for future missions.- Parker Solar Probe's Groundbreaking Discoveries: Delve into the latest stunning images from NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which recently flew closer to the Sun than any spacecraft before. Learn how these insights into solar weather and the Sun's atmosphere are reshaping our understanding of space weather threats and improving safety for astronauts and technology on Earth.- Global Launch Roundup: Catch up on a whirlwind week of space launches, including China's successful cargo resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station, and Gilmour Space's maiden launch attempt of its Eris rocket from Australia. We also highlight SpaceX's busy schedule, featuring the launch of Starlink satellites and Amazon's Kuiper satellites.- Surprising Findings on Uranus: Discover new research suggesting that Uranus emits more internal heat than it receives from the Sun, challenging previous assumptions made by Voyager 2. This revelation could redefine our understanding of Uranus's internal structure and evolution, bolstering the case for future exploration 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 signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesAxiom Space AX4 Mission[Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com/)Parker Solar Probe[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probe)Global Launches[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)Uranus Research[University of Houston](https://www.uh.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.
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Jul 14, 2025 • 24min

Cosmic Voids, Martian Construction Breakthroughs, and the Spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower

Perseid Meteor Shower Approaches: Get ready for the spectacular Perseid meteor shower, expected to peak around August 12th to 13th! This celestial event promises to deliver a dazzling display of meteors, with Australia being one of the best places to witness it. With up to 100 meteors per hour, this year’s shower is sure to be a treat for stargazers. We share tips on how to maximize your viewing experience, from finding dark skies to letting your eyes adjust to the night.- Exploring a Cosmic Void: Dive into the latest research that suggests our Milky Way may be located within a giant cosmic void. This theory could help resolve the long-standing Hubble tension regarding the universe's expansion rate. Learn how baryon acoustic oscillations and new measurements support this intriguing hypothesis, challenging our understanding of cosmic structure.- Innovative Martian Construction: Discover how researchers at Texas A&M University are pioneering biomanufacturing methods to build structures on Mars using its natural resources. By mimicking the properties of lichens, scientists are developing a synthetic system that can bind Martian regolith into strong building materials, paving the way for sustainable human habitats on the Red Planet.- Charting the Cosmic Web: We discuss groundbreaking observations of a 23 million light-year-long gaseous filament and the role of fast radio bursts in mapping the universe's largest structures. Learn how these discoveries are reshaping our understanding of baryonic matter distribution within the cosmic web.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 signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesPerseid Meteor Shower[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Cosmic Void Research[Royal Astronomical Society](https://ras.ac.uk/)Martian Construction Matt Woods[Texas A&M University](https://www.tamu.edu/)Cosmic Web Observations[Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics](https://www.cfa.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.
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Jul 12, 2025 • 15min

Astronauts Return Plans, Space Farming Breakthroughs, and the James Webb's Cosmic Cat's Paw

Axiom Mission 4 Returns to Earth: Join us as we discuss the Axiom Mission 4 crew's upcoming return from the International Space Station after a busy 2.5 week research mission. Discover the fascinating experiments they conducted in microgravity, including blood sample collection and the potential for cultivating microalgae as a food source for future space missions.- Groundbreaking Moon Rice Project: Explore the innovative Moon Rice Project, where scientists are working to develop a super dwarf rice variety suitable for growing in space. This initiative aims to address the challenges of food production for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, ensuring astronauts have access to fresh, nutrient-rich food.- Celebrating the James Webb Space Telescope: Marvel at the stunning new image from the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the Cat's Paw Nebula. Learn how this powerful instrument is revealing the intricate processes of star formation within this vibrant cosmic nursery.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Webb/Webb_scratches_under_Cat_s_Paw_Nebula_for_third_anniversary- Sunspot Region 4136's Explosive Activity: We turn our attention to the sun as we examine the recent emergence of sunspot region 4136, which has been producing numerous magnetic explosions known as Ellerman bombs. Understand the implications of these solar activities and their potential impact on Earth as this sunspot rotates into view.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 ReferencesAxiom Mission 4[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Moon Rice Project[Italian Space Agency](https://www.asi.it/)James Webb Space Telescope[NASA JWST](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html)https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Webb/Webb_scratches_under_Cat_s_Paw_Nebula_for_third_anniversarySunspot Activity[Solar Dynamics Observatory](https://sdo.gsfc.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.
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Jul 11, 2025 • 15min

Europe's Space Independence: Nordic Launch Sites, July Meteor Showers, and a Cosmic Retraction

Europe's Push for Space Independence: Explore Europe's ambitious efforts to enhance its autonomy in space operations, with new launch sites emerging in the Nordic region. Discover how geopolitical events are driving the need for independent capabilities, as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on US space technology.- Meteor Showers to Light Up the Night Sky: Get ready for a spectacular display as three major meteor showers peak in late July and early August. We provide tips on how to best observe the Alpha Capricornids, Perseids, and Southern Delta Aquariids, ensuring you don't miss these celestial wonders.- The Chris Case of a Retraction: Delve into the intriguing story of a retracted cosmic discovery involving fast radio bursts. Learn how a calibration error led to significant revelations about the origins of these mysterious signals and the importance of transparency in scientific research.- Ambitious Mission to the Moon's Far Side: Journey with us to the far side of the Moon as we discuss the proposed Cosmo Cube mission, aimed at unlocking the secrets of the universe's early epochs. This innovative project seeks to observe the faint radio signals from the cosmic dark ages, potentially revealing insights into dark matter and cosmic evolution.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 ReferencesEuropean Space Independence[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)Meteor Shower Information[American Meteor Society](https://www.amsmeteors.org/)Fast Radio Bursts Research[CHIME](https://chime.phas.ubc.ca/)Cosmo Cube Mission Details[Royal Astronomical Society](https://ras.ac.uk/)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.

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