
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

Jun 15, 2024 • 9min
S03E76: SpaceX Launch Halt & Pluto's Historic Orbit
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll dive into a rare last-second abort of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during a mission to launch 22 Starlink satellites, highlighting the complexities of space missions. Next, we'll explore groundbreaking research on lunar soil from the University of Waterloo, which could pave the way for sustainable human settlement on the moon. We'll also celebrate Pluto's first full orbit around the sun since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking 248 Earth years of cosmic history. Additionally, we'll discuss Astroscales' Adris J satellite's significant milestone in space debris removal, showcasing the future of orbital sustainability. Lastly, the James Webb Space Telescope's latest findings on the exoplanet WASP-107b reveal fascinating details about its atmospheric chemistry and internal dynamics, while the sun approaches a major magnetic field reversal, impacting space weather and cosmic ray shielding. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals.Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:This podcast is better with your support:https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 14, 2024 • 9min
S03E75: Voyager 1's Revival & ISS Spacewalk Setback
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll delve into Voyager One's latest achievements as it resumes its science operations after a technical glitch. We'll also discuss the recent spacewalk cancellation on the International Space Station due to a spacesuit discomfort issue. And don't miss out on the new findings from NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars, which has just reached a new area of scientific interest. Stay tuned for these stories and much more.NASA's Voyager One has fully resumed its science operations after resolving a technical issue that had been affecting its capabilities since November 2023. This remarkable spacecraft, now over 15 billion miles from Earth, is once again collecting crucial data from its four science instruments, providing invaluable insights into the nature of interstellar space. After a series of careful diagnostics and repairs, the mission team successfully restored the instruments to their full operational modes. Engineers will continue to perform minor maintenance tasks, including resynchronizing the timekeeping software and maintaining the digital tape recorder that stores data for the plasma wave instrument. As Voyager One continues its journey, it remains one of NASA's most historic missions, shedding light on the mysteries of space far beyond our solar system.A spacesuit discomfort issue forced NASA to cancel a planned spacewalk on the International Space Station today. The spacewalk, set to be a routine six-hour mission involving astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick, was aimed at conducting necessary repairs and science experiments. However, as the astronauts were preparing for their trek outside the station, NASA astronaut Mike Barrett requested a private line to talk to flight controllers about an unspecified medical issue, leading to the mission's cancellation. Despite the setback, NASA assured the public that there was no emergency, and the mission will be rescheduled.After an arduous journey, NASA's Perseverance rover has reached a new area of scientific interest on Mars, dubbed Bright Angel. The rover navigated through a challenging dune field to avoid boulder-filled terrain, leading it to an ancient river channel full of potential geological treasures. Bright Angel, located at the base of Jezero Crater's northern channel wall, is now being studied for evidence of carbonate and olivine deposits, which could reveal secrets about the ancient river that once flowed into the crater. One particularly intriguing find is Atoko Point, a unique boulder whose composition and origin are currently under investigation.New research suggests that some planets orbiting white dwarfs may retain their water and potentially support life. White dwarfs, with their small size and dim light, provide an excellent backdrop for studying these planets. The study offers a roadmap for finding these elusive worlds and could guide future telescope missions as they search the cosmos for signs of life. The potential for discovering habitable exoplanets around white dwarfs opens up exciting possibilities for understanding planetary systems and life beyond our own solar system.Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance have secured a monumental $5.6 billion in contracts from the Pentagon for the National Security Space Launch phase three program. This is a significant milestone, especially for Blue Origin, as it's their first time entering the national security launch arena. These contracts, which span over the next five years, will see the companies compete for various crucial launch missions, enhancing competition, driving down costs, and ensuring reliable access to space.In a stunning revelation, the James Webb Space Telescope has discovered that a star long believed to be a single entity, known as WL 20s, is actually a pair of twin stars. Using its mid-infrared instrument, Webb has also detected jets of gas streaming from the north and south poles of these twin stars, adding a new layer of understanding to the processes of stellar formation and evolution. Further observations have shown that each star is encircled by disks of dust and gas, suggesting that planets may be forming within these disks.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals.Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens.Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:This podcast is better with your support:https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 13, 2024 • 13min
S03E74: Oops! NASA's Simulated Emergency & The Einstein Telescope's Promise
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with a recent NASA mishap that caused a stir on social media, revealing the delicate nature of space operations. Next, we'll explore the ambitious Einstein Telescope project, poised to revolutionize our understanding of gravitational waves, and take a closer look at a critical spacewalk investigating space microbes. We'll also discuss NASA's groundbreaking mission to create artificial stars, revisit a remarkable binary star system with the Hubble Space Telescope, and catch up on China's latest lunar exploration achievements with their mini rover on the moon's far side. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:This podcast is better with your support:https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 12, 2024 • 10min
S03E73: Starliner's Return Delay & SpaceX's Genetic Revelations
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll dive into NASA and Boeing's plans for the much-anticipated Starliner crewed return, exploring the technical challenges they face. Next, we'll uncover remarkable genetic findings from SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, the first-ever all-civilian space expedition, revealing temporary DNA changes in space. We'll also delve into groundbreaking research on the growth of supermassive black holes over billions of years, providing new insights into their evolution. Additionally, we'll take a closer look at the mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs) and what recent studies reveal about their origins. Finally, we'll discuss the significant challenges astronauts face in maintaining kidney health during long-duration space missions, especially future journeys to Mars. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:This podcast is better with your support: https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 11, 2024 • 22min
S03E72: Martian Frost Mysteries & Starliner's Critical Tests
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, guides you through the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with the remarkable discovery of early morning frost on the peaks of Mars' giant dormant volcanoes, captured by the European Space Agency's Trace Gas Orbiter. This finding could have a profound impact on our understanding of water distribution on the red planet and its implications for future human exploration. Next, we'll turn our attention to the International Space Station, where NASA and Boeing are making significant strides with the Starliner spacecraft. We'll cover the latest tests and what they mean for the future of crewed missions. We'll also explore the stunning observations made during a recent major solar storm that illuminated Mars, offering critical data on the radiation future astronauts might face. Additionally, the James Webb Space Telescope has captured a massive asteroid collision in the Beta Pictoris star system, shedding light on the chaotic process of planet formation. Finally, we'll discuss the cutting-edge development of direct-to-cell satellite technology, which has the potential to revolutionize military communications and enhance global connectivity. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:This podcast is better with your support:https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 10, 2024 • 12min
S03E71: Primordial Black Hole Puzzle & Virgin Galactic's New Era
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with recent research revealing a surprising shortage of primordial black holes, challenging our understanding of dark matter and the universe's structure. Next, we'll explore a breakthrough in autonomous multi-robot planetary exploration, enhancing the efficiency of missions to Mars and beyond. We'll then cover Virgin Galactic's final commercial space flight before a significant fleet upgrade, aiming to boost space tourism profitability. Additionally, we'll delve into new findings on turbulence dynamics in the thermosphere, offering insights that could improve space weather forecasting. Discover the intriguing phenomenon of a puffed-up exoplanet, Pheonix, which defies expectations by retaining its atmosphere despite intense stellar conditions. Lastly, we'll discuss the groundbreaking creation of the largest 3D map of the universe, providing new perspectives on cosmic expansion and dark energy. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals.Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X and our new Facebook page via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support:The podcast is better with your support:https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 8, 2024 • 12min
S03E70: Webb's Exoplanet Insights & Magnetic Marvels: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries and Honoring Bill Anders
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, guides you through the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with the James Webb Space Telescope's latest revelations about exoplanets, providing unprecedented details about their atmospheres and potential habitability. Next, we'll delve into the first detection of magnetic fields in massive stars beyond our galaxy, a groundbreaking discovery that deepens our understanding of stellar magnetism. We also honor the remarkable legacy of Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, whose contributions to space exploration will never be forgotten. Additionally, we'll explore NASA's innovative approaches to returning Mars samples, the dawn of radio astronomy from the moon with the lunar lander Odysseus, and a new perspective on gravitational force that could challenge existing theories about dark matter. Stay with us for an exciting journey through the cosmos.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on X, YouTube, and TikTok via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support: The podcast is better with your support: https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 7, 2024 • 8min
S03E69: Starliner's ISS Triumph & Starship's Ocean Splash: Docking Drama and Splashdown Success
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, guides you through the latest cosmic updates. We'll explore Boeing Starliner crew's challenging yet successful docking with the International Space Station and SpaceX's starship nailing its first ocean splashdown. We'll also look at groundbreaking findings from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the excitement around a mysterious pit on Mars. Additionally, we'll discuss fascinating research on primordial black holes and their potential role in dark matter, and new insights from ESA's Gaia space telescope on the Milky Way's collision history. Stay tuned as we journey through these cosmic updates.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok and X (@AstroDailyPod) for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support: The podcast is better with your support: https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 6, 2024 • 11min
S03E68: Starliner's Historic Test & Artemis III Milestone: NASA's Lunar Leap and Neutron Star Discovery
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, brings you the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with NASA's groundbreaking crewed test of the Starliner spacecraft, marking a significant milestone for the commercial crew program. Then, we'll delve into the Artemis III mission's progress, highlighting a crucial integrated test involving NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. Next, we'll discuss the discovery of the slowest spinning radio neutron star, a finding that challenges our understanding of these celestial objects. We also cover the decommissioning of the first telescope on Hawaii's Mauna Kea volcano, a move balancing scientific research with cultural values. Additionally, we'll bring you updates from the European Space Agency on the upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 rocket. Lastly, we explore a fascinating new book on the history of UFOs. Buckle up for a journey through the cosmos!00:00) Astronomy daily brings you the latest news from space exploration and astronomyFor an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on X (@AstroDailyPod) for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support: The podcast is better with your support: https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/

Jun 5, 2024 • 14min
S03E67: Hubble's Gyro Shift & SpaceX's Starlink Surge: Navigating Telescope Troubles and Satellite Successes
Embark on a celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where your host, Anna, guides you through the latest cosmic updates. We'll start with the Hubble Space Telescope's shift into one gyroscope mode due to a malfunction, and how this adjustment will impact its future observations. Next, we'll delve into SpaceX's recent achievements, including the Starlink 85 satellite launch and the FAA's approval for Starship flight 4, highlighting their strides towards interplanetary travel. We'll also cover Boeing's upcoming attempt to launch the Starliner on its inaugural crewed flight, and the historic milestone of Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko reaching 1,000 cumulative days in space. Lastly, we'll discuss the recent solar storm that produced stunning auroras and what increased solar activity means for the future.00:00) This podcast features the latest updates about the Hubble Space Telescope00:30) NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has shifted to one gyroscope mode03:01) SpaceX recently completed the Starlink eight five mission04:51) The FAA recently granted approval for Starship flight four09:31) Russian cosmonaut becomes first person to reach 1000 cumulative days in space11:21) A recent solar storm gifted us with an awe inspiring display of aurorasFor an astronomical experience, visit our website at astronomydaily.io for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on X (@AstroDailyPod) for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Anna, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!Support: The podcast is better with your support: https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/www.bitesz.comSponsors:www.bitesz.com/nordpasshttps://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/