

Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
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Join hosts Anna & Avery and Steve, Hallie (Mondays) 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.
Episodes
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Oct 23, 2023 • 22min
Space Innovations and Cosmic Mysteries: From Ultrafast Bursts to Orbital Tensions | S02E51
**Date:** October 23, 2023**Host:** Steve Dunkley**Co-Host:** AI Newsreader Hallie**Episode Highlights:**- Personal Reflections: Steve recounts his heartwarming family celebration in Sydney.- NASA's Technological Leap: Discussion on NASA's new reactive additive manufacturing process, Ramfire, and its groundbreaking implications for space exploration.- SpaceX's Starlink Expansion: Overview of SpaceX's successful double satellite launch, a critical advancement in the Starlink Global Broadband Service.- Artemis Program Updates: Insights into the RS-25 engine tests, underscoring progress in NASA's lunar exploration under the Artemis program.- Cosmic Mysteries Unveiled: Exploration of the discovery of ultrafast radio bursts (FRBs) and their potential implications for understanding the universe.- Space Security Concerns: Examination of recent unsettling maneuvers by Russian satellites and the global apprehensions surrounding space debris and satellite warfare.**Key Discussions:**1. **Innovations in Space Technology:** - NASA's cost-effective and efficient Ramfire process for rocket nozzle manufacturing. - Expansion of technology applications in the aerospace industry.2. **Milestones in Satellite Deployment:** - Recap of SpaceX's ambitious simultaneous satellite launches. - Future plans for Starlink and its impact on global connectivity.3. **Advancing Lunar Missions:** - Details of the RS-25 engine hot fire tests. - The role of advanced manufacturing in the Artemis program's progress.4. **Deciphering Cosmic Signals:** - The phenomenon of ultrafast radio bursts (FRBs) and what they reveal about the cosmos. - Reflections on the oldest and farthest FRB recorded.5. **Orbital Tensions:** - Analysis of Russia's controversial satellite maneuvers. - The potential risks and global security implications of space debris and satellite conflicts.**Additional Resources:**- Link to the Space Nuts podcast episodes with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson.- Access to current and previous episodes of Astronomy Daily.- Invitation to join the Space Nuts Facebook group for further discussion and updates.**Sign-Off:**- Reminder for listeners to sign up for the Astronomy Daily newsletter for more space, science, and astronomy news.- A warm goodbye from Steve and Hallie, inviting listeners to stay curious and engaged with the mysteries of the universe.Listeners are encouraged to join the conversation and share their thoughts on the exciting developments and discoveries shaping our understanding of space.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Oct 16, 2023 • 17min
Exploring Cosmic Wonders: From Ring of Fire Eclipse to the Psyche Mission | S02E50
Show Notes for Astronomy Daily with Steve Dunkley and AI Sidekick Hallie - October 16, 2023Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for all celestial happenings and space exploration updates. Join host Steve Dunkley and his AI co-host Hallie as they delve into the latest news from the cosmos!Episode Highlights:1. **Ring of Fire Eclipse: ** Hallie shares her experience watching the spectacular annular eclipse, known as the "Ring of Fire." Millions marveled as the moon created a heavenly spectacle, leaving a bright, blazing border around the sun. Dive into the history with insights on how ancient Maya astronomers studied these celestial events.2. **Mission to Asteroid Sanky:** We discuss the exciting launch of the spacecraft heading to the metal asteroid Sanky. What makes this asteroid unique, and why is it a significant focus for space exploration? Stay tuned for more updates on this mission in future episodes.3. **Understanding Space's Vastness:** A reflection on public perception of space distances, influenced by Hollywood, and an invitation for our sky watchers to contribute their photographs and experiences on the Space Nuts Podcast Group on Facebook.4. **Astronomy Daily's Short Takes: **- **Artemis 2 Update: ** Progress on NASA's Artemis 2 mission is ramping up. The core stage of the SLS rocket is ready, and engineers are in the final testing phases. The mission promises to be a significant leap towards returning astronauts to the Moon.- **ESA's Moonlight Program: ** The European Space Agency is fostering innovation with its call for ideas on how to use lunar communication and navigation satellites. The initiative aims to support upcoming lunar missions and stimulate new businesses both on the Moon and Earth.- **SpaceX Starship Developments: ** Get the latest on SpaceX's preparations for upcoming tests and launches. With hardware advancements and rigorous testing schedules, the journey towards the next Starship launch is more tangible than ever.5. **Deep Dive into NASA's Psyche Mission: ** We're following the launch of NASA's Psyche mission, in collaboration with MIT, targeting a metal-rich asteroid in the asteroid belt. Discover the mission's goals, the scientific mysteries surrounding asteroid Psyche, and the MIT researchers' pivotal roles.6. **Community Engagement: ** Don't forget to join our vibrant community of space enthusiasts! Share your insights, photos, and experiences with us on the Space Nuts Facebook group.7. **Upcoming Episodes: ** Look forward to more fascinating space discussions with Steve Dunkley and special segments from Tim Gibbs, reporting from Bath, England.Join us again next week for more updates on astronomical discoveries, mission progress, and insights from the world of space exploration. Subscribe to our newsletter for an all-encompassing journey through the cosmos and interact with us and fellow astronomy aficionados. Visit [spacenuts.io] (http://spacenuts.io) or [bitesz.com] (http://bitesz.com) for more content.Thank you for tuning in to Astronomy Daily. Keep looking up, and clear skies!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Oct 13, 2023 • 10min
S02E49: Stellar Mysteries: Luminous Spots, Solar Eclipses, and Cosmic Showers
**Show Notes: Astronomy Daily Podcast - Series 02, Episode 49***Host:* Tim Gibbs *AI Newsreader:* Hallie**Highlights:**1. **Introduction:** - Date: Friday, 13th October 2023. - Tim Gibbs addresses recent technical issues and missed episodes.2. **Astronomical Phenomenon - Luminous Spots:** - The Swicky Transient Facility in California detected a transient event. - Observations were made using the Gemini soft telescope, a very large array in New Mexico, the Chandra telescope, and the Hubble Space Telescope. - The event was identified as a luminous fast blue optical transient (luminous spot) named "The Finch". - Luminous spots are bright, short-lived, and their nature remains a mystery. - The Finch's location is unique, being distant from two nearby galaxies.3. **Upcoming Solar Eclipses:** - Two solar eclipses are expected: October 14, 2023 (annular) and April 8, 2024 (total). - Explanation of the three types of solar eclipses: total, annular, and partial. - Midsy Adams from NASA shares her experiences of total eclipses. - Safety reminder: Use solar viewing glasses during the eclipse. - The "Ring of Fire" will be visible in multiple countries, starting in Oregon at 9:13 AM PT on October 14th. - NASA's interactive map can help track the eclipse.4. **Cosmic Ray Extensive Air Showers:** - Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed a method to observe cosmic ray extensive air showers with precision. - The Subaru telescope in Hawaii can capture these showers in high resolution. - The team analyzed images from 2014-2020 and identified 13 with extensive air showers. - This method can help in understanding dark matter and the universe's transition.5. **Safety Reminder:** - Always use proper glasses when viewing a solar eclipse.6. **Jokes by Hallie:** - "Why did the sun go to school? To get a little brighter." - "Why are chemists excellent for solving problems? Because they have all the solutions."7. **Closing Notes:** - Episodes available on spacenuts.io, bytes.com, and Space Nuts podcast. - Join the conversation on the Space Nuts podcast group on Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Oct 9, 2023 • 21min
Starry Nights, AstroBee Returns, and Mount Wilson's Legacy | S02E48
**Show Notes: Astronomy Daily Podcast, Series 2 Episode 48 - October 9, 2023***Hosted by Steve Dunkley, live from Australia, with AI Newsreader Hallie.*1. **Introduction:**- Steve welcomes listeners and introduces Hallie, his digital counterpart.- Hallie shares a story about the AstroBee robots on the International Space Station (ISS). One of them, the yellow AstroBee, has returned to work.- Steve expresses his fondness for the AstroBee robots and their utility on the ISS.2. **Upcoming Space Missions:**- A mission to examine asteroid Syke is set to launch on October 12. The mission will utilize data from the retired observatory, Sophia.- NASA's Syke Mission, launching on October 12, aims to research asteroid 16 Syke, believed to be metal-rich and one of the largest asteroids in the asteroid belt. The mission will use data from the retired Sophia Telescope and NASA's Ames Research Center.3. **SpaceX Launch:**- SpaceX is set to launch 22 Starlink Broadband satellites on October 9 from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch can be viewed live on SpaceX's account on X (formerly Twitter).4. **AstroBee Robots on ISS:**- The yellow AstroBee robot, named Honey, has returned to the ISS after maintenance. It can perform tasks autonomously, aiding astronauts and serving as a platform for research and STEM outreach.5. **Mount Wilson Observatory:**- The observatory, once a prime location for astronomical discoveries, faces challenges due to light pollution from Los Angeles.- Despite its historical significance, funding challenges persist. The observatory relies heavily on volunteers for maintenance and operations.- The observatory marks the hundredth anniversary of a significant discovery, shedding light on its rich history and contributions to astronomy.6. **Closing Remarks:**- Steve encourages listeners to visit the Mount Wilson Observatory website (mtwilson.edu) for more information.- He also promotes the Space Nuts podcast and the Astronomy Daily podcast, available at spacenuts.io and bitesz.com.- Steve invites listeners to join the Space Nuts Facebook group and sign up for the Astronomy Daily newsletter.*End of episode. Thank you for tuning in!*Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Oct 2, 2023 • 14min
Jupiter's Dance, India's Space Rise, and Barnard Star Mysteries
**Show Notes: Astronomy Daily Podcast with Steve Dunkley and AI Newsreader Hallie**- Date: 2nd October 2023- Host: Steve Dunkley- AI Newsreader: Hallie**Highlights:**1. **Introduction & Personal Updates:**- Steve comments on how fast the year is flying by.- Steve mentions the beautiful supermoon he witnessed in Newcastle, north of Sydney. Local photographers captured stunning images of the event.- Hallie encourages listeners to share their supermoon photos on the SpaceNuts podcast group's Facebook page.2. **Astronomy News:**- **Barnard Star:** A small red dwarf located six light years from Earth. Despite its proximity, it was only noticed in 1916. The star has been the subject of numerous studies, especially regarding its potential planets. Recent studies have confirmed that Barnard Star has no close orbiting or potentially habitable planets larger than 70% of Earth's size.- **Search for Extraterrestrial Signals:** A recent study used the 500-meter aperture spherical telescope (FAST) to look for any signs of an extraterrestrial signal from Barnard Star. No evidence of an alien signal was found.3. **Indian Private Space Sector:**- Ayes Ahmed founded Pixel, an Earth imaging satellite startup, in Bangalore in 2019. Since then, the private space sector in India has seen significant growth.- Pixel specializes in hyperspectral imaging satellites, which can track climate risks.- Pixel had to hire SpaceX to launch its first two satellites due to challenges with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).- Pixel has secured significant investments, including from Google, and has won a contract with the US National Reconnaissance Office.4. **Celestial Events:**- **Annular Solar Eclipse:** Scheduled for October 14th, this "ring of fire" event will cross the Americas.- **Full Hunter's Moon & Lunar Eclipse:** On October 28th, a partial lunar eclipse will occur, visible from the eastern hemisphere.- **Jupiter:** The planet will be prominently visible in the night sky throughout October. It will be closest to Earth in the first week of November. The Galilean moons of Jupiter are also a highlight for sky-watchers.5. **Closing Notes:**- Steve encourages listeners to check out the Astronomy Daily Newsletter for daily space, science, and astronomy news.- Listeners can also join the Space Nuts Facebook group and engage with the community.**End of Episode.**Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 25, 2023 • 18min
S02E46: Comets, Space Health, and the Mysteries of the Three-Body Problem
**Show Notes: Astronomy Daily Podcast with Steve Dunkley and AI Newsreader, Hallie***Date:* 25th September 2020*Episode Highlights:*1. **Introduction**:- Steve Dunkley welcomes listeners to another episode of Astronomy Daily.- Hallie, the AI Newsreader, joins the conversation.2. **Comet Mishimura**:- The comet has transitioned from the morning sky to the evening sky.- Facebook group "Comet Watch" reported binocular sightings after sunset starting September 14th.- Heavensabove.com noted the comet shining at magnitude +2.4 on September 16th.- Comet Mishimura was closest to Earth on September 12th and the Sun on September 17th.- The comet may reappear in late November and December 2023 in the dawn sky.3. **Space Health Issues**:- The effects of zero gravity on the brain.- Risks of cosmic radiation to astronauts.- NASA's efforts to shield travelers from radiation.- Importance of exercise and supplements in space.- Effects of microgravity on the nervous and circulatory systems.- Psychological challenges of space travel.4. **SpaceX Starlink Satellites**:- Launch of another cluster of Starlink satellites.- FAA's new rule for cleaning space debris from launches.- Details of the SpaceX launch and the importance of reducing space debris.5. **Three-Body Problem**:- A complex puzzle in physics and mathematics.- Discovery of 12,000 new solutions to the problem.- Historical context and significance of the problem.6. **Osiris Rex Mission**:- Return of the sample packet from the near-earth asteroid Bennu.- The mission's continuation to study the near-Earth asteroid Apophis.- Details of the mission's objectives and future plans.7. **Conclusion**:- Steve wraps up the episode and mentions other related podcasts and platforms for listeners to explore.*Links & Resources*:- [Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson](spacenuts.io)- [Astronomy Daily with Tim Gill](bitesz.com)- [Space Nuts Facebook Group](#)*Sign Off:* Steve and Hallie thank listeners and look forward to the next episode.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 18, 2023 • 22min
S02E45: UFOs, Hot Summers & SpaceX: Space News Unveiled!
**Astronomy Daily Podcast with Steve Dunkley & Hallie - Episode Date: 18th September 2023**- **International Space Station Update:** Amidst political tensions, two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut dock at the ISS.- **NASA's Apollo Robot:** Collaboration with Texas-based Apptronic Inc. to develop a humanoid robot for assisting astronauts in space missions.- **Meteor Sighting in Australia:** Reports of a green fireball spotted over New South Wales and Victoria. Observers are encouraged to share footage to help locate its landing site.- **Climate Alert:** NASA confirms summer 2023 as the hottest on record, emphasizing the impacts of human-driven global warming and the El Nino climate pattern.- **SpaceX & Artemis III:** Updates on SpaceX's Raptor engine tests and their commitment to the Artemis III mission to land astronauts on the moon.- **NASA's UFO Research:** Launch of a new program to scientifically study Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) with Mark McAnerney appointed as the director.- **Controversial Alien Claim:** Presentation of alleged non-human bodies in Mexico sparks debate and skepticism.- **Stay Updated:** Sign up for the Astronomy Daily newsletter at [bitesz.com](http://bitesz.com) and [spacenuts.io](http://spacenuts.io) for the latest space news and stories.Join Steve Dunkley and Hallie next week for more space insights on Astronomy Daily.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 15, 2023 • 11min
S02E44: NASA's UAP Research, ISS Updates and Lunar Endeavors
**Astronomy Daily Podcast - Series 2, Episode 44 with Tim Gibbs and AI Newsreader Hallie****Date:** Friday, 15th September 2023**Show Notes:**1. **NASA's New Role in UAP Research:** - NASA is appointing a director of UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) research.- The decision follows a recommendation from an independent study team.- The full report is available on NASA's website.- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson thanked the study team and emphasized NASA's commitment to exploring the unknown.- The new director will oversee NASA's scientific vision for UAP research, collaborate with other agencies, and apply AI and machine learning to search for anomalies.2. **International Space Station (ISS) Activities:**- Top priorities on September 13th included robotics, lab maintenance, and microbiology.- The Expedition 69 crew engaged in Earth Science Operations and Biomedical duties.- Astro B, a toaster-sized robotic helper, was activated inside the Kibble Laboratory Module.- Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa of JAXA monitored the robotic activities.- NASA Flight Engineer Frank Rubio and ESA Flight Engineer Andreas Mugansen worked in the Columbus Laboratory Module.- The Columbus lab was reorganized to accommodate new exercise gear for astronauts.3. **Lunar Exploration and Development:**- Multiple space agencies plan to establish bases around the moon's southern polar region.- Local resources will be used as building materials, a process known as "Insert to Resource Utilization" (ISRU).- Dr. Kevin M. Kannon proposed a lunar soil classification scheme for space resource utilization.- The scheme will help inform construction based on soil type and location.4. **Russia's Lunar Exploration:**- Russia remains committed to lunar exploration despite the loss of its Luna 25 moon lander.- Russian leader Vladimir Putin emphasized the continuation of the program.5. **Climate Change Indicators:**- Earth experienced its hottest summer in recorded history from June to August 2023.- Global sea surface temperatures broke new records.- Heatwaves affected various countries, with over 200 heat-related deaths in Mexico.- UN Secretary General Antonio Garretis highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change.6. **Osiris Rex Spacecraft Sample Return:**- The spacecraft will return an asteroid sample collected from Bennu in 2020.- The sample capsule will re-enter Earth's atmosphere on September 24th.- After releasing the capsule, the spacecraft will divert to asteroid Apophis under the new name Osiris Apex.- The capsule will land safely with the help of parachutes.7. **Hallie's Joke of the Day:**- "Where does Light go when it breaks the law? Prism? And it's a light sentence."**Closing Notes:**- The podcast episodes are available at spaceknuts.io and bytes.com.- Join the conversation on the Space Nuts podcast group on Facebook.- Tune in to Steve Dunkey on Mondays and Tim Gibbs on Fridays.Thank you for tuning in to Astronomy Daily! See you next week.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 12, 2023 • 12min
S02E43: Moonquakes, Black Holes, and Space Ventures: Another Day in Astronomy
1. **Introduction**- Host: Tim Gibbs- AI Newsreader Sidekick: Hallie- Date: Tuesday, 12th of September 20232. **Weather Chat**- Hallie struggles with temperatures over 30 degrees.- Tim agrees, mentioning the challenges of humidity.3. **Headlines**- **Moonquake Discovery**: India's Lunar Lander, part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, detects a possible moonquake, the first since the 1970s. The event was detected on August 26th, three days after landing on the moon's south pole. This discovery could provide insights into the moon's interior.- **Moon's Geological History**: The Apollo lunar missions between 1969 and 1977 first detected seismic activity on the moon. A 2011 NASA study revealed the moon's core composition.- **Chandrayaan-3's Challenges**: The mission's robotic explorers face extreme lunar temperatures without traditional heating units. Despite this, they've achieved their science goals, especially in exploring regions believed to contain frozen water.- **Black Hole Discovery**: Scientists using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory discover a black hole continuously consuming a star similar to our sun. This event, known as a tidal disruption event, was detected using a new data analysis method from Swift's X-ray telescope.4. **SpaceX and Virgin Galactic Updates**- **SpaceX**: Starship remains grounded after an explosion during its first orbital test flight. The FAA mandates 69 corrective actions before future launches can occur.- **Virgin Galactic**: Successfully sends three paying customers to space, marking its fourth successful mission in recent months. The journey offers a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth's curvature. Notably, one passenger brought ancient human ancestor fossils to space.5. **Hallie's Terrible Joke of the Week**- "Why did the physics professor break up with the biology professor? Because there was no chemistry."6. **Closing Remarks**- Engage with the podcast on the "Space Nuts" Facebook page.- Listen to all episodes on spacenuts.io or bitesz.com.- Catch Tim on Fridays and Steve on Mondays for full shows.Thank you for tuning in!#space #astronomy #daily #news #podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here

Sep 11, 2023 • 28min
S02E42: SpaceX's Mechazilla, Polaris Mysteries, and Japan's Lunar Quest
Learn about recent mysteries surrounding the Polaris star and the challenges faced by Chandran 3 on the moon. Discover NASA's search for extraterrestrial life and the journey of Comet Nishimura through the solar system. Get updates on SpaceX's Starship, including its explosion and the introduction of Mechazilla. Explore Japan's space missions, including Slim Moon Lander and X-Rism X-Ray Telescope. Join the next episode for more exciting news from the world of astronomy!