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Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

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Sep 18, 2024 • 10min

S03E157: Mini Moon Arrival, Spacecraft Servicing, and Europa's Mysteries

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 18th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your source for the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and we've got an exciting lineup for you today. We'll be diving into recent developments in asteroid detection, exploring NASA's ambitious Europa mission, discussing Earth's upcoming mini moon, recapping the first-ever private spacewalk, and examining the potential for servicing spacecraft at the L2 Lagrange point. Get ready for a cosmic journey as we explore these fascinating topics from across the solar system and beyond.Highlights:- Asteroid Detection Breakthrough: On September 4, astronomers spotted a small asteroid, RW1, just 1 meter in diameter, heading towards Earth. It harmlessly burned up in the atmosphere near the Philippines, creating a spectacular fireball. This event marks only the 9th asteroid ever detected before impact, showcasing our improving ability to spot even small objects. Scientists are working tirelessly to enhance early warning systems, with projects like NASA's Neo Surveyor Infrared Telescope mission and advanced AI algorithms playing crucial roles. Currently, we know of about 36,000 near-Earth objects, but new telescopes like the US Vera Rubin 8.5 meters telescope aim to significantly increase detection rates by 2027.- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission: NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission aims to investigate Jupiter's moon Europa, which harbors a vast, salty ocean beneath its icy crust. The mission's primary objective is to determine if Europa possesses the necessary ingredients for life. Scheduled to launch in October 2024, the spacecraft will perform 49 close flybys of Europa, collecting crucial data with its suite of nine advanced scientific instruments. This mission promises to revolutionize our understanding of icy worlds and expand our search for life beyond Earth.- Earth's New Mini Moon: A tiny asteroid known as 2024 PT5 will become Earth's second moon for about two months. Unlike our familiar lunar companion, this mini moon is just passing through, belonging to the Arjuna asteroid belt. It will come within about 2.8 million miles of Earth, traveling at 2200 mph. This celestial visitor represents an interesting astronomical phenomenon, reminding us of the dynamic nature of our solar system.- First Private Spacewalk: The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission recently achieved the first-ever spacewalk by private astronauts. Mission Commentaor Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sara Gillis ventured outside their Dragon spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in the private space industry. This groundbreaking spacewalk not only pushes the boundaries of commercial space activities but also contributes to the development of SpaceX's next-generation space suit, paving the way for future advancements in space exploration.- Servicing Spacecraft at L2 Lagrange Point: NASA researchers have published a study exploring the potential for servicing and refueling spacecraft at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2, where important observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope operate. The study investigates the feasibility of sending robotic missions to L2 to extend the operational lifespans of these valuable assets. This approach could transform how we think about the lifespan of our space-based observatories, potentially allowing us to keep these incredible scientific instruments operational for much longer.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our previous episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.This is Anna signing off. Keep looking up and I'll see you next time for more incredible stories from the cosmos.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
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Sep 17, 2024 • 10min

S03E156: Ariane 6's Comeback, Starving Galaxies, and Mars' Hidden Secrets

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 17th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and most exciting developments in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to bring you another episode packed with fascinating stories from the cosmos. Today, we've got a stellar lineup of topics that span from Earth to the far reaches of our galaxy. So strap in and prepare for liftoff as we journey through the universe's latest mysteries and marvels.Highlights:- Ariane 6 Rocket Update: Europe's newest rocket, the Ariane 6, made its inaugural launch on July 9th this year. Despite a successful series of trials, the mission ended with the upper stage coasting in orbit, unable to complete its final planned maneuver. ArianeSpace has traced this issue to a fixable software fault and is committed to staging a second mission before the end of the year. This rocket, developed at an estimated cost of €4 billion, aims to maintain Europe's competitiveness in the global launch market.- James Webb Space Telescope Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has identified a supermassive black hole that's starving its host galaxy, nicknamed Pablo's galaxy. Located 12 billion light-years away, this galaxy is in a quenched state, expelling gas at speeds of about 1000 km/second, effectively cutting off the galaxy's fuel for star formation. This discovery is a crucial piece of evidence in understanding how galaxies evolve over cosmic time.- US-Australia Spaceport Collaboration: The recent ratification of the US-Australia Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) opens up new possibilities for US companies to use Australian spaceports for launches and payload returns. Australia's vast uninhabited landscapes and less congested air and sea traffic offer unique advantages for launch and reentry. This collaboration could further strengthen strategic capabilities between the two nations.- New Mars Revelations: Recent gravity data studies have uncovered dense, large-scale features beneath Mars' surface, shedding light on the planet's geological history and volcanic activity. These findings suggest that Mars might still have active internal movements. Scientists are proposing the Martian Quantum Gravity (MaQis) mission to map Mars' gravity field in unprecedented detail.- This Week's Rocket Launches: SpaceX is gearing up for two Falcon 9 missions this week. The first launch from Cape Canaveral will carry a pair of Galileo global positioning satellites, while the second from Vandenberg Space Force Base will launch another batch of Starlink satellites, pushing the number of operational Starlink satellites past the 6000 mark. Rocket Lab is also preparing for an Electron launch from New Zealand, carrying the second batch of nanosatellites for Kinéis.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our previous episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.And today's listener shout-out goes to EricG., a listener and commenter on Spotify. Thank you, Eric. Your kind words are much appreciated.This is Anna signing off. Keep looking up and I'll see you next time on Astronomy Daily.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
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Sep 16, 2024 • 26min

S03E155: Hypersonic Breakthroughs, Starliner’s Return, and Mars' Spiders Unveiled

Astronomy AstroDailyPod - The Podcast: 16th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy AstroDailyPod, your ultimate source for the latest in Space and astronomy news. I'm your host, Steve, and today we've got a stellar lineup of stories straight from the Astronomy AstroDailyPod newsletter. Joining us is Hallie, who will share some fascinating updates from Adelaide, South Australia, where hypersonic technology is taking off. So, buckle up as we explore hypersonic testbeds, lunar eclipses, and much more.Highlights:- Hypersonic Technology in South Australia: South Australia is set to become a global aerospace hub, thanks to a new memorandum of understanding between Southern Launch and Hypersonics Launch Systems. The collaboration aims to develop a hypersonic testbed service, utilising Southern Launch's spaceports for testing. Hypersonic vehicles, travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, will be launched on rockets and ignite their scramjet engines to achieve speeds up to Mach 12. This technology could revolutionise air travel, potentially reducing flight times from Adelaide to London to just 2 hours.- Partial Lunar Eclipse and Super Moon: Get ready for a celestial treat! A partial lunar eclipse and a super moon are on the horizon. Visible across North and South America on Tuesday night, and in Africa and Europe on Wednesday morning, this event will feature the moon appearing larger and slightly dimmer. No special eye protection is needed, so grab your binoculars and enjoy the show.- Iran's Satellite Launch: Iran successfully launched the Shamron-1 research satellite into orbit using the Game 100 carrier. This satellite aims to test hardware and software systems for orbital manoeuvre technology. Despite western criticism, Iran insists its aerospace activities are peaceful and in accordance with UN resolutions.- Boeing's Starliner Returns: Boeing's Starliner capsule returned to Earth without its two-person crew, marking the end of a challenging test flight to the ISS. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will remain on the ISS until February 2025, returning on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. NASA continues to support Boeing, emphasising the importance of having multiple crew launch systems.- SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission: The Polaris Dawn mission made history with the first spacewalk by non-government astronauts. The crew, led by Jared Isaacman, ventured into the Van Allen radiation belt, reaching a peak altitude of 870 miles. The mission also featured connectivity tests with SpaceX's Starlink Internet satellite constellation.- Martian Spiders Recreated: Scientists have recreated the spider-like geologic features found on Mars in a lab. These formations, known as arachniform terrain, are believed to be created by processes involving carbon dioxide ice. This breakthrough helps us understand the unique geological processes on Mars.For more Space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free AstroDailyPod newsletter, catch up on all the latest Space and astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our previous episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support
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Sep 14, 2024 • 9min

S03E154: FCC's Satellite Internet Shake-Up, Mysterious Black Hole, and Super Harvest Moon Eclipse

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 14th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your source for the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we'll be covering a range of exciting topics, from FCC's call for more competition in satellite Internet to the discovery of a mysterious black hole. We've got a packed episode ahead, so let's dive right in.Highlights:- FCC Push for Satellite Internet Competition: Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenwursel is advocating for increased competition in the satellite Internet market, taking aim at SpaceX's Starlink dominance. Starlink, Elon Musk's ambitious project, currently controls nearly two-thirds of all active satellites and has launched an impressive 7000 satellites since 2018. Rosenwursel argues that monopolies do not benefit the economy and emphasizes the need for more space actors and companies to develop innovative constellations. This push for diversity could reshape the landscape, potentially leading to more affordable and innovative services for consumers worldwide.- Discovery of a Low-Mass Black Hole: In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese researchers have uncovered a low-mass black hole that's breaking all the rules. The team, led by Dr. Zdeněk Sekanina Song Wang from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, used a combination of radial velocity and astrometry methods to identify this elusive object. This black hole, found in the binary system G 3425, has a mass of about 3.6 solar masses and is challenging our understanding of binary evolution and supernova explosions.- Partial Lunar Eclipse of the Super Harvest Moon: Get ready for a celestial spectacle, stargazers—a partial lunar eclipse of the super harvest moon is on its way. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 17, when the moon will put on quite a show. This eclipse will be visible across most of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of western Asia and Antarctica. Don't miss this super harvest moon lunar eclipse, whether you're watching in person or via online live streams.- Challenges Facing NASA: A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has highlighted significant challenges facing NASA. One of the main issues is aging infrastructure, with 83% of NASA's facilities having exceeded their design lifespan. Another major concern is underfunding, which has led to a focus on near-term missions at the expense of long-term investments. The report's authors present a stark choice: either increase NASA's funding significantly or cut some of its missions.- Discovery of a New Giant Planet: Astronomers from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń have discovered a new planet in the Great Bear constellation. This giant planet, boasting a mass eleven times that of Jupiter, orbits a star known as HD 118203. Its orbit takes 14 years to complete, and its surface temperature is estimated to be a frigid -100 degrees Celsius or lower. This discovery challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our previous episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support
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Sep 13, 2024 • 11min

S03E153: SpaceX's Milestone, Japan's Lunar Landing Plans, and James Webb's Outer Galaxy Insights

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 13th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm Anna, and you're tuning into your Daily dose of space and Astronomy news. We've got an action-packed episode for you today, filled with groundbreaking developments that are pushing the boundaries of human exploration and our understanding of the cosmos. Coming up, we'll dive into a historic milestone in private space exploration as SpaceX achieves the first-ever privately financed spacewalk. We'll also check in on Japan's ambitious plans for a second moon landing attempt and discuss the latest hurdles facing SpaceX's Starship program. But that's not all. We'll take you on a journey to the far reaches of our galaxy as the James Webb Space Telescope unveils stunning new observations of star formation in the extreme outer regions of the Milky Way. And finally, we'll explore NASA's efforts to establish a standardized lunar time, a crucial step for future moon missions and beyond. Stick around as we explore these fascinating stories and more on today's episode of Astronomy Daily.Highlights:- SpaceX's First Private Spacewalk: SpaceX has once again pushed the boundaries of commercial space exploration with a historic achievement. In a groundbreaking mission, billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX crew trainer Sarah Gillis successfully conducted the first privately financed spacewalk in history. The spacewalk took place early Thursday morning, with Isaacman and Gillis taking turns floating just outside their Crew Dragon capsule at an altitude of 458 miles above Earth. They had an unobstructed view of our planet that left Isaacman in awe. This wasn't just a joyride in space, though. The primary goal of this 1 hour and 46 minutes spacewalk was to test SpaceX's new pressure suits. These new suits are a crucial development for SpaceX's ambitious plans to create low-cost, easy-to-manufacture spacesuits for future commercial astronauts who might one day fly to the moon or Mars aboard SpaceX's Super Heavy Starship rockets.- Japan's Second Moon Landing Attempt: Japanese space exploration company ispace is gearing up for another shot at the moon. Their second lunar landing mission is set to launch as early as December, just over a year and a half after their first attempt. The company's CEO, Takeshi Hakamada, announced that the Hakuto-R Mission 2 will be delivered to space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching from Florida. After a journey of four to five months, the spacecraft will attempt its crucial lunar touchdown. Despite a setback in their first attempt, the company remains determined to achieve its goals.- SpaceX's Starship Program Delays: Their highly anticipated fifth test flight of its Starship rocket is facing unexpected delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that a final license determination for Starship Flight 5 is not expected before late November 2024. This comes as a setback for SpaceX, who had been gearing up for the launch since their successful fourth flight in June. The delay stems from SpaceX's decision to modify both the vehicle configuration and mission profile for Flight 5, triggering a more in-depth review process.- James Webb Space Telescope's New Discoveries: In a groundbreaking study, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has turned its powerful gaze to the farthest reaches of our Milky Way, capturing stunning images of star-forming regions in what astronomers call the extreme outer galaxy. Using its NIRCam and MIRI instruments, the Webb telescope focused on two molecular clouds known as Deagle Clouds One and Two. These observations have revealed unprecedented details of star clusters undergoing intense bursts of star formation.- NASA's Standardized Lunar Time: NASA is taking on a task that might seem mundane at first glance but is actually crucial for future lunar missions: establishing a standardized lunar time. The space agency is spearheading efforts to create what's being called Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). This initiative comes in response to a White House policy directive issued in April, recognizing the need for a unified timekeeping system on the moon. This lunar time standard isn't just about the moon, though. NASA sees it as a scalable solution that could be applied to future Mars missions and exploration of other celestial bodies in our solar system.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support
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Sep 12, 2024 • 13min

S03E152: Polaris Dawn's Spacewalk, Soyuz Record, and Tired Light Theory

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 12th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and greatest in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some thrilling stories lined up for you. Sit tight as we dive into groundbreaking missions, celestial discoveries, and much more. Buckle up, stargazers. It's going to be an exciting ride through the cosmos.Highlights:- SpaceX's First Private Spacewalk: SpaceX is about to make history with the first private spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission. The crew, consisting of Jared Isaacman, Scott Petit, Sara Gillis, and Anna Menon, will step outside the safety of their spacecraft to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA). This mission represents a groundbreaking achievement in commercial spaceflight and will be a critical test for new SpaceX-developed spacesuits.- Russia's Flawless Soyuz Rocket Launch: NASA and Roscosmos have successfully launched three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the reliable Soyuz rocket. This mission marks a historic moment with a record 19 astronauts currently orbiting Earth, spread across four different spacecraft.- New Mega Satellite Constellation Proposal: Researchers have proposed an innovative design for a mega satellite constellation that promises rapid global observation capabilities. This ambitious project involves deploying 891 satellites strategically positioned in low Earth orbit to ensure rapid and comprehensive global coverage.- NASA's Juno Mission Discovery: NASA's Juno mission has discovered a brand new volcano on Jupiter's moon Io. This newly observed volcano features multiple lava flows and volcanic deposits, adding even more intrigue to our geologically active neighbor.- Challenge to the Big Bang Theory: A provocative new study by Kansas State University engineer Lior Shamir challenges the foundation of the Big Bang theory. Shamir's findings lend support to the tired light theory, suggesting that light may lose energy over vast distances, rather than galaxies moving rapidly away from us.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily Space News newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
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Sep 11, 2024 • 17min

S03E151: Polaris Dawn's Private Spacewalk, Moon Mapping Challenge, and Milky Way Mysteries

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 11th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and greatest in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some thrilling stories lined up for you. Sit tight as we dive into groundbreaking missions, celestial discoveries, and much more. Buckle up, stargazers. It's going to be an exciting ride through the cosmos.Highlights:- SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission: Earlier this week, SpaceX made history with the launch of its Polaris Dawn mission, introducing an extraordinary era of private space exploration. Aboard the modified Crew Dragon capsule, four courageous private astronauts embarked on a groundbreaking journey, one that is slated to include the first-ever private spacewalk. The mission is led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, with Scott Petit, Sara Gillis, and Anna Menon joining as crew members. This mission also debuts new SpaceX spacesuits designed for greater ease of movement.- NASA's Moon Mapping Challenge: NASA is offering a $50,000 reward for groundbreaking solutions to navigate the rugged terrain of the moon's south pole and map the enigmatic Shackleton crater. This ambitious challenge is part of the Artemis campaign, aiming to facilitate human landing on lunar surfaces and pave the way for future missions to Mars.- Origins of the Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole: New research from the Nevada Center for Astrophysics at UNLV might have unearthed a crucial piece of the cosmic puzzle surrounding Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the core of the Milky Way. Researchers propose that it may have formed as a result of a massive cosmic merger, possibly coinciding with the Milky Way's merger with the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy around 9 billion years ago.- NASA's Parker Solar Probe: NASA's Parker Solar Probe is gearing up for a significant milestone on November 6, with its final planned Venus flyby. This maneuver is designed to harness Venus's gravitational pull to tighten the spacecraft's orbit around the sun, bringing it closer than ever before. The probe is currently in its 21st orbit and will begin a science encounter that will peak with a close approach to the sun on September 30.- NASA's Voyager 1: NASA's Voyager 1 has been an incredible explorer for over 47 years, recently overcoming technical difficulties. The mission team successfully switched the spacecraft to a different set of thrusters, ensuring it continues to send valuable scientific data from over 14 billion miles away in interstellar space.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support
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Sep 10, 2024 • 13min

S03E150: Europa Clipper's Journey, SpaceX's Mars Plans, and Volcanically Active Moon

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 10th October 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your Daily dose of space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have an exciting lineup of stories that I can't wait to share with you. First, we'll delve into NASA's Europa Clipper mission, which is ready to embark on an epic journey to Jupiter and its intriguing moon Europa. Then we'll talk about Elon Musk and SpaceX's ambitious plans to launch uncrewed starships to Mars in just two years, paving the way for future human colonization. We'll also uncover a groundbreaking study on fast radio bursts that might finally solve the mystery behind these cosmic phenomena. And if that isn't enough, we'll explore new findings suggesting the moon might still be volcanically active today. Lastly, we'll highlight NASA's innovative solar sail that you can actually spot from Earth. Buckle up, space enthusiasts. Let's dive in.Highlights:- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission: NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has reached a significant milestone by passing its final technical review. This means it's now all set for its journey towards Jupiter. With a launch window slated between October 10 and 30th, the mission aims to delve into the mysteries of Jupiter's moon Europa, potentially harboring an ocean beneath its icy crust.- SpaceX's Mars Ambitions: Elon Musk recently announced that SpaceX plans to launch its first uncrewed starships to Mars within the next two years. These missions are crucial for testing the reliability of landing these advanced spacecraft intact on the Martian surface. If successful, crewed flights to Mars could follow just two years later, paving the way for human colonization.- Fast Radio Bursts Mystery Possibly Solved: A groundbreaking new study by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics has advanced our understanding of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Using the Very Large Array telescope, researchers recorded the weakest persistent radio emission for an FRB, shedding light on the mysterious origins of these powerful cosmic events.- Volcanic Activity on the Moon: Recent findings from the Chinese Chang'e 5 mission suggest that the moon might still be volcanically active. Tiny glass beads found in lunar samples indicate that volcanic activity might have occurred as recently as 123 million years ago, challenging the traditional belief that lunar volcanism ceased 3 to 3.8 billion years ago.- NASA's Solar Sail: NASA's advanced composite solar sail system is now visible from many locations around the world. This groundbreaking solar sail, which harnesses sunlight for propulsion, represents an exciting step towards more sustainable and accessible deep space missions. Engage with NASA's "Spot the Sail" campaign and track the solar sail using the free NASA app.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, may you be blessed with clear skies.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast for commercial-free editions not very much moeny: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support
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Sep 9, 2024 • 27min

S03E149: Mars's Lost Water, Roman's Galactic Fossils, and Solar Wind Insights

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 9th September 2024Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Steve Dunkley. Today, we're diving into some of the most intriguing stories from the cosmos. From the mystery of Mars's lost water to the latest updates on NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter, we've got a stellar lineup for you. We'll also discuss the Roman Space Telescope's quest to uncover ancient galaxies, the fascinating journey of the Sinchengjung Atlas comet, and ESA's unique mission to bring down the Salsa satellite. Plus, we'll cover Boeing Starliner's successful return and what it means for future crewed missions. Stay tuned for a cosmic adventure!Highlights:- Mars's Lost Water: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Maven mission are on a quest to solve the mystery of where Mars's water went. By analyzing hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere, scientists are uncovering the planet's watery past.- Solar Wind Mystery: NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter are investigating the mechanisms behind solar wind acceleration. New evidence points to magnetic switchbacks as a key factor.- Roman Space Telescope: Set to launch in 2027, NASA's Roman Space Telescope aims to explore the dynamic universe and uncover the secrets of dark matter and galactic formation.- Sinchengjung Atlas Comet: The Sinchengjung Atlas comet is making its way into our region, promising a spectacular celestial show. Despite rumors of disintegration, it remains a highly anticipated event for stargazers.- ESA's Salsa Satellite: After 24 years of studying Earth's magnetic field, the Salsa satellite will undergo a targeted re-entry into the Pacific Ocean, marking a first for ESA in reducing space debris.- Boeing Starliner: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft completed a successful three-month flight test to the ISS, providing crucial data for future crewed missions despite challenges like helium leaks and thruster issues.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
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Sep 7, 2024 • 20min

S03E148: Annular Eclipse 2024, Starliner Calypso's Return, and China's Space Plane Secrets

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 7th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, where we bring you the latest and most exciting updates from the cosmos. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to be your guide on this journey through space. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the celestial wonders and groundbreaking achievements that keep our eyes fixed on the stars. We'll start off with the highly anticipated annular solar eclipse, set to occur on October 2, 2024, and explore the best spots to catch a glimpse of this stunning event. Next, we'll take a closer look at Boeing Starliner Calypso's recent undocking from the International Space Station and discuss the upcoming crew changes. We'll also unravel the mystery behind China's space plane, which has just returned from an impressive 268-day mission. But that's not all. We'll delve into humanity's enduring fascination with aliens, tracing their impact on our culture and imagination from ancient times to the present. Finally, we'll talk about NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope and how it promises to revolutionize our understanding of galactic formation and dark matter. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this celestial voyage together on Astronomy Daily.Highlights:- Annular Solar Eclipse: One of the most exciting upcoming astronomical events is the annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024. This event promises to be a spectacular sight for those fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. The path of this annular eclipse will mostly traverse open ocean waters, making landfall in only a few select locations. One of the most fascinating and remote locations to witness this event is the legendary Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.- Boeing Starliner Calypso: The Boeing Starliner Calypso has returned to Earth after its highly anticipated undocking from the International Space Station. This event marks a significant milestone in modern space exploration. The autonomous undocking went smoothly at 06:04 p.m. EDT on September 6, right on schedule. Landing was slated for later that evening at White Sands in New Mexico.- China's Space Plane: China's mysterious space plane has captured global attention once again, having just completed an impressive 268-day mission in orbit. This reusable spacecraft touched down at the Zhuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on September 6, marking yet another significant milestone in the realm of space exploration.- Fascination with Aliens: When we hear the word aliens, various images might pop into our heads. But this fascination with extraterrestrial life isn't just a modern phenomenon. It stretches back thousands of years and has evolved profoundly over time. From ancient civilizations to modern pop culture, the idea of extraterrestrial life has always captivated human imagination.- NASA's Roman Space Telescope: One groundbreaking tool set to revolutionize our understanding is NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope. Set to launch in 2027, this state-of-the-art telescope aims to uncover the secrets of galactic formation history and explore the mysterious substance known as dark matter. Its high-resolution imaging and wide field of view will allow scientists to observe galaxies as dynamic, evolving entities.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

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