
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

Aug 1, 2024 • 12min
S03E116: An Invitation from NASA to You!
Welcome to another thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily!Join Anna as she takes you on a journey through the latest astronomical discoveries.In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking findings of NASA's Parker Solar Probe, the discovery of the Earth-sized exoplanet Gliese 12 b, and the rapid formation of organic macromolecules in star-forming regions. Plus, learn how you can virtually engage with Northrop Grumman's upcoming resupply mission to the International Space Station. Don't miss out on these fascinating topics and more!For more Astronomy Daily including access to our continually updaing Newsfeed, visit our website at www.astronomydaily.io.Follow us on social Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok. Just search for AstroDailyPod.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 31, 2024 • 15min
S03E115: SpaceX's Ambitious Plan for Australia
Welcome to Astronomy Daily!In this episode, host Anna takes you on an exhilarating journey through the latest in space and Astronomy news.Discover SpaceX's groundbreaking plans to land and recover its Starship rocket off the coast of Australia, delve into NASA's fascinating findings from the DART mission on near-Earth asteroids, and get the scoop on the United Launch Alliance's successful mission for the US Space Force. Plus, learn about the upcoming repair mission for NASA's NICER X-ray telescope aboard the International Space Station.Tune in for these stories and more as we explore the cosmos together!For more visit our website at www.astronomydaily.iowww.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 30, 2024 • 16min
S03E114: NASA & JAXA's Laser Feat & Rare Second Gen Star
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your friendly guide to all things celestial. I'm your host, Anna, and today we'll be diving into some fascinating stories from the world of Astronomy and space exploration. In this episode, we have an exciting lineup that includes groundbreaking achievements and stellar discoveries. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this cosmic journey together.- NASA and JAXA's Laser Signal Exchange: In an impressive feat of international collaboration, NASA and JAXA have successfully exchanged laser signals between NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on the lunar surface. Despite the SLIM lander's retroreflector facing sideways, the teams managed to overcome the challenge, showcasing the resilience and advanced potential of lunar retroreflectors.- Discovery of a Second Generation Star: Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a rare second-generation star in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This find sheds new light on the early universe's element formation processes, offering valuable insights into how the universe's first stars operated outside our galactic neighborhood.- ULA's Final Atlas V Rocket Mission: United Launch Alliance is gearing up for a historic final mission using the Atlas V rocket for the US Space Force. This mission, designated USSF 51, marks the culmination of nearly two decades of reliable service from the Atlas V, carrying a top-secret payload for the US Space Force Systems Command.- Rocket Lab's Mars Mission Preparation: Rocket Lab is preparing to launch twin spacecraft to Mars for NASA's ESCAPADE mission. These twin explorers, named Blue and Gold, aim to study plasma and magnetic fields around Mars, providing valuable insights into the planet's climate evolution.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and astronomy news, and listen to our previous episodes. Follow us on social media by searching for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember the universe is vast and full of wonders just waiting to be discovered. Until next time, keep looking up and dreaming big.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 29, 2024 • 23min
S03E113: Mars Microbe Fossils & Twin Meteor Showers
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we delve into the latest and greatest in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Steve Dunkley, and today we've got a stellar lineup of stories that will take you from Mars to the Moon and beyond. Let's dive into the cosmos.Perseverance's Potential Fossil Discovery: NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, potentially unearthing microbe fossils in a rock named Chevre Falls. This could be the most compelling evidence yet of ancient life on the Red Planet.- Mercury's Diamond Mantle: New research suggests that Mercury may have a 15-kilometre thick layer of solid diamond beneath its crust. This discovery could revolutionise our understanding of the planet's formation and evolution.- Moon Cave for Human Habitation: Scientists have discovered a massive cave on the Moon, which could serve as a potential shelter for future lunar bases. This cave, located in the Mare Tranquillitatis, offers natural protection from cosmic rays and temperature extremes.- Twin Meteor Showers: Stargazers are in for a treat with the upcoming twin meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids, peaking next week. This rare celestial event will be best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere.- Space Force and Private Sector Collaboration: Akema's subsidiary, Five Rivers Analytics, has secured a $480 million contract to support the US Space Force's satellite control network. This partnership aims to enhance national defence and intelligence operations.- Sierra Space's Inflatable Space Module: Sierra Space has successfully completed another burst test on its inflatable space module, a key component of the future commercial space station, Orbital Reef. This innovation promises to revolutionise space habitation and commercialisation.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily Space & Astronomy News newsletter, catch up on all the latest space news, and listen to our previous episodes. Follow us on social media by searching for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Until next time, keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 27, 2024 • 11min
S03E112: Polaris Dawn Rescheduled & NASA's Dark Matter Quest
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we explore the latest and greatest in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have an exciting lineup of stories for you straight from the final frontier. So let's dive into what's new in the cosmos.**Polaris Dawn Mission Delayed**: Our first story today concerns the eagerly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission from SpaceX. Originally slated for late July, the mission has now been delayed to mid to late August.- **SpaceX's Return to Flight**: In recent news, SpaceX is set to resume launches from the Kennedy Space Center after a two-week hiatus. Mark your calendars because this return to flight is scheduled for just after midnight, and it's a significant one. .- **Crew-9 Mission to ISS**: On the horizon for SpaceX, we have the Crew-9 mission, which is slated to launch to the International Space Station no earlier than August 18. This mission holds particular significance as it may mark the final NASA-led ISS mission to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean..- **Roman Space Telescope and Dark Matter Research**: Exciting advancements are coming to the field of dark matter research, thanks to NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope. Set to launch by 2027, this telescope will be a groundbreaking tool in our quest to understand one of the universe's greatest mysteries: dark matter.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io where 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. We'd love for you to join our community on social media too. You can find us on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok by searching for AstroDailyPod. Until next time, keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 26, 2024 • 9min
S03E111: SpaceX's Falcon 9 Returns & Perseverance's Organic Find
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your Daily dose of all things space and beyond. I'm your host, Anna, and today we've got some exciting updates lined up for you from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket getting the green light to return to space to NASA astronauts stuck at the International Space Station longer than expected, there's a lot to cover. We'll also delve into an intriguing discovery made by NASA's Perseverance rover and an unprecedented finding by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. So grab your telescopes and let's get started.- SpaceX's Falcon 9 Cleared for Return: SpaceX's Falcon 9, the world's most used rocket, has been officially cleared to return to space following a rare and surprising mid-flight failure earlier this month. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given its approval after ensuring that there were no public safety issues stemming from the anomaly that occurred during the failed launch on July 11. SpaceX has identified the cause of the failure, a liquid oxygen leak that led to excessive cooling and subsequently damaged hardware. This return to flight operations couldn't come at a better time, as SpaceX is set to launch its Crew Dragon astronaut capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket for NASA's next mission to the International Space Station as early as August.- - Extended Stay for NASA Astronauts: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams find themselves in an extended stay at the International Space Station thanks to some technical hiccups with Boeing's Starliner capsule. Originally scheduled to return in mid-June, the astronauts have been delayed while engineers work through a series of issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks. Despite earlier setbacks and a history of issues, including a failed uncrewed test in 2019 and more problems in 2022, NASA and Boeing are pressing forward in their collaborative effort to ensure safe and reliable missions.- - Perseverance Rover's Organic Molecule Discovery: NASA's Perseverance rover has made an exciting new discovery on Mars—organic molecules in a rock. This isn't definitive proof of life on Mars, but it's certainly the most compelling evidence found so far. Perseverance drilled into a reddish rock named Cheava Falls, the first piece of Mars it has examined that contains these organic molecules. The presence of iron phosphate molecules in the rims could hint at biological activity, although non-biological processes could also be at play. The best way to confirm the origin of these organic molecules would be to bring the sample back to Earth for more detailed analysis.- - Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope's Groundbreaking Discovery: NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery in the cosmos. Last October, a gamma-ray burst now famously dubbed the "BOAT" (Brightest of All Time) astounded astronomers with its unprecedented brightness. A few minutes after the BOAT's initial eruption, Fermi detected an unusual energy peak, marking the first high-confidence emission line ever observed in the 50-year history of studying gamma-ray bursts. This feature suggests unique interactions went on, potentially revealing the chemical elements involved or even specific particle processes like matter and antimatter annihilation.- Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and astronomy news, and listen to our previous episodes. Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok by searching for AstroDailyPod. See you next time, and keep looking up.- www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 25, 2024 • 11min
S03E110: NASA's 4K Breakthrough & Mercury's Diamond Mantle
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest updates and fascinating facts about space and astronomy. I'm Anna, your friendly host. Today, we've got an exciting lineup of news topics to discuss. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through the cosmos.**NASA's 4K Video Streaming Milestone**: A team at NASA's Glenn Research Center has achieved the extraordinary feat of streaming 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station using optical laser communications. This groundbreaking technology can transmit data ten to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems. The success of these laser communication tests lays the groundwork for high-definition video conferencing for astronauts on the moon during the Artemis missions and beyond.- **Diamond Mantle Discovery on Mercury**: New research using data from NASA's Messenger spacecraft has uncovered a surprising diamond mantle beneath Mercury's crust. Scientists speculate that Mercury once had a carbon-rich magma ocean, leading to the formation of this diamond mantle. This discovery not only changes our understanding of Mercury but also sheds light on its rapid cooling and shortened volcanic era, making it starkly different from other rocky planets like Earth or Mars.- **NASA's ICON Mission Insights**: NASA's ICON mission, launched in October 2019, has concluded but has provided unprecedented insights into the ionosphere, the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere. One of its most stunning achievements was capturing data that showcased the intricate relationship between space weather and Earth's weather. ICON's measurements revealed how terrestrial winds and space weather interactions generate complex electric and magnetic fields, transforming our understanding of this dynamic system.- **James Webb Space Telescope's Super Jupiter Imaging**: The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully imaged a super Jupiter in the nearby Epsilon Indi system, setting the stage for a new era of exoplanet research. This monumental discovery allows scientists to study colder gas giant planets in much more detail than ever before. The data revealed intriguing characteristics about the planet's atmospheric composition, suggesting substantial amounts of heavy elements like carbon. This discovery advances our understanding of planet formation processes and the late stages of planetary system development.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily newsletter, catch up on the latest space news, and listen to our previous episodes. Follow us on social media by searching for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Until next time, keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Jul 24, 2024 • 16min
S03E109: 25 Years of Chandra & Mars' Greatest Hits
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we explore the latest news and discoveries in the world of space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm excited to guide you through some fascinating updates today. From groundbreaking missions and scientific revelations to the latest in aerospace engineering, we have a packed episode that is sure to spark your curiosity about the cosmos. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this incredible journey through the universe together.- NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory: 25th Anniversary: NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on July 23, 1999, Chandra has provided invaluable insights into black holes, dark matter, and more. Despite initial budget constraints, Chandra has exceeded expectations, thanks to innovative engineering and the dedication of its team. This observatory has opened new windows in astrophysics, offering data on galaxy formation, supermassive black holes, and gravitational wave events. As we celebrate Chandra's silver anniversary, we also honor the engineers and scientists who have ensured its long-term success.- 10th International Conference on Mars: At the recent 10th International Conference on Mars, experts highlighted ten significant milestones that have shaped our understanding of the red planet. From the international science fleet currently operating on Mars to groundbreaking discoveries by rovers like Curiosity and InSight, these milestones include detecting methane surges, uncovering ancient lake formations, and capturing seismic activity. Each discovery builds a richer narrative of Mars' past and brings us closer to future human exploration.- SpaceX's Starlink Collision Avoidance Maneuvers: SpaceX's Starlink satellites have performed nearly 50,000 collision avoidance maneuvers in the last six months, about double the previous period. This showcases SpaceX's commitment to space safety, but also highlights the growing complexity of managing such a vast constellation. With over 6,200 operational units and increasing solar activity, the frequency of these maneuvers is expected to rise, presenting a significant challenge for future space traffic management.- UK Space Agency's Lunar Water Extraction Initiative: The UK Space Agency has awarded £30,000 in funding to ten innovative teams to extract and purify water from lunar ice. Among the captivating projects is one by Nacre Scientific Limited, which plans to use a modified microwave oven to melt dirty lunar ice. Other solutions include using solar rays, supercritical water, and UV light to purify water. These technologies not only aim to support lunar bases but also have potential applications on Earth, revolutionizing water resource management in remote or war-torn areas.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io where 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. We'd love for you to join our community on social media too. You can find us on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok by searching for AstroDailyPod. Until next time, keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 23, 2024 • 14min
S03E108: Russia's New Space Station & Rubin Observatory's Interstellar Quest
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your friendly and engaging guide to the cosmos. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to bring you the latest and most exciting news from the world of space and astronomy. Today, we'll discuss Russia's ambitious plans for a new space station, uncover interstellar objects with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, explore fascinating connections between supermassive black holes and dark matter, and take a look at space tourism reviews on TripAdvisor. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a cosmic journey through today's top stories.Russia's New Space Station: ROSS: Russia's space agency Roscosmos has unveiled an ambitious plan for its newest space station, the Russian Orbital Service Station (Ross). The first module is expected to launch by 2027, marking a significant step forward for Russia's space exploration efforts. Ross will orbit at the same altitude as the International Space Station but aims to foster new partnerships with countries like Brazil, India, China, and South Africa. The project, estimated to cost around $7 billion USD, will integrate artificial intelligence into its operations and assist in guiding a fleet of satellites, presenting novel challenges for mission control.- Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is set to revolutionize our understanding of interstellar objects and planetary formation. Starting in 2025, this survey will leverage cutting-edge technology to detect smaller, fainter interstellar objects with unprecedented precision. Scientists are optimistic that Rubin's powerful capabilities will reveal dozens, if not hundreds, of new interstellar objects, providing valuable data about the formation and evolution of distant planetary systems.- Supermassive Black Holes and Dark Matter: Astrophysicists have uncovered a remarkable link between supermassive black holes and dark matter particles, shedding new light on the longstanding final parsec problem. Researchers propose that dark matter particles interact in ways previously overlooked, helping supermassive black holes bridge the final parsec and merge. This discovery not only solves the final parsec problem but also aligns with the recent background hum of gravitational waves detected, offering a new window into the microphysics of dark matter.- Space Tourism Reviews on TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is now featuring reviews of space tourism experiences, offering insights into the burgeoning industry. Potential travelers can read firsthand accounts of zero gravity flights and orbital journeys, helping them choose their next cosmic vacation. Whether considering a suborbital trip with SpaceX or a stay at a commercial space station, these reviews provide valuable information for planning an out-of-this-world adventure.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io where you can sign up for our free daily newsletter and stay updated with the latest space news via our constantly updating news feed. Plus, you can listen to all our previous episodes there as well. Connect with us on social media by searching for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Thanks for joining me today. See you next time, and keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Jul 22, 2024 • 19min
S03E107: Apollo 11's Legacy & Volt Rover's Lunar Triumph
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the Podcast that brings you the latest news and updates from the world of space and astronomy. I'm your host, Steve Dunkley, and today we have a captivating lineup of space-related news that I'm sure you'll find fascinating.- **55th Anniversary of Apollo 11**: Reflecting on the monumental Apollo 11 mission, Steve shares his childhood memories of watching Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins make history by landing on the moon. This nostalgic look back reminds us of the incredible achievements of those astronauts and how they inspired a generation to look to the stars.- **New Lunar Rover Testing**: Astrobotic is making strides in creating a lunar power grid with its Volt rover, which recently passed rigorous testing at NASA's Glenn Research Centre. Designed to traverse the moon's surface, the rover features a vertical solar array to harness solar energy, proving its stability on simulated lunar slopes.- **NEOWISE Mission Concludes**: After 14 successful years, NASA's NEOWISE mission will end on July 31. However, its legacy continues with the upcoming NEO Surveyor mission, set for launch in 2027. This new mission will be the first infrared space telescope dedicated to hunting hazardous near-Earth objects, marking a significant step forward in planetary defense.- **Decommissioning the ISS**: NASA and SpaceX have unveiled plans to deorbit the International Space Station in January 2031. A modified SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will lower the ISS's orbit until it reenters the atmosphere, marking the end of an era for this iconic space laboratory that has hosted over 270 astronauts.- **ISS Weekly Update**: The International Space Station crew has been busy with a range of scientific research, maintenance activities, and personal time. Highlights include advancements in space agriculture, human health research, and high-temperature physics. The crew also conducted emergency drills to ensure safety and preparedness.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily newsletter and stay updated with the latest space news. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to join our community of stargazers and space enthusiasts. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.