Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she uncovers the latest astonishing discoveries and developments from our cosmic neighborhood. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the dynamic and ever-surprising universe we inhabit.Highlights:- NASA's Juno Mission at Jupiter: Explore the groundbreaking findings from NASA's Juno spacecraft, which has been revealing incredible insights about Jupiter's polar cyclones and detecting warm magma flowing beneath the surface of its volcanic moon, Io. Discover how these revelations are reshaping our understanding of the largest planet in our solar system.- Challenges with NASA's Psyche Mission: Learn about the unexpected issues faced by the Psyche spacecraft, which is currently addressing a malfunction in its electric propulsion system. Understand how engineers are working diligently to resolve the problem and ensure the mission's success in reaching its asteroid destination.- Historical Perspectives on Alien Life: Take a fascinating journey through history as we explore how scientists and philosophers once believed that life existed throughout the cosmos. From Nicolaus Cusenus to Thomas Dick, discover the whimsical ideas that shaped our understanding of extraterrestrial life before the advent of modern science.- The Mysterious Star Cluster Ophion: Uncover the enigma of the Ophion star cluster, where over 1,000 stars are unexpectedly breaking away from their birthplace. This discovery challenges our understanding of stellar families and hints at new dynamics at play in the cosmos.- Magnetars and the Origins of Gold: Delve into the surprising role of magnetars—powerful neutron stars—in the creation of heavy elements like gold. Learn how recent research suggests these cosmic powerhouses may account for up to 10% of the gold in our galaxy, providing insight into the origins of the precious metals we cherish.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:10 - NASA's Juno mission findings on Jupiter and Io10:15 - Updates on NASA's Psyche mission challenges15:30 - Historical perspectives on alien life20:45 - Discovery of the Ophion star cluster25:00 - Magnetars and the origins of heavy elements✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA's Juno Mission[NASA Juno](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/main/index.html)NASA's Psyche Mission[NASA Psyche](https://www.nasa.gov/psyche)History of Alien Life Beliefs[History.com](https://www.history.com/)Ophion Star Cluster[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Magnetars and Element Creation[Columbia University](https://www.columbia.edu/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she navigates through a whirlwind of recent space developments, from rocket failures to national space initiatives. This episode is packed with intriguing stories that highlight the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration.Highlights:- Firefly Aerospace's Alpha Rocket Failure: Explore the details of Firefly Aerospace's recent setback as their Alpha rocket experienced a critical failure during its sixth flight, resulting in a Lockheed Martin satellite crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Discover the implications of this incident for the commercial space industry and the lessons learned moving forward.- New Zealand's Space Squadron: Learn about New Zealand's announcement to establish a dedicated space squadron, comprising just 15 personnel. This bold move reflects the country's commitment to space-based defense and enhances its role in international security initiatives.- China's Shenzhou 19 Mission: Delve into the successful return of China's Shenzhou 19 spacecraft and its crew after a six-month mission aboard the Tiangong Space Station. Discover the scientific experiments conducted during their stay, including innovative tests on lunar soil bricks.- SpaceX's Record Launch Schedule: Get the latest on SpaceX's ambitious launch schedule, featuring multiple Starlink missions this week as they continue to expand their satellite constellation. With over 7,000 satellites already in orbit, SpaceX's rapid pace is reshaping global broadband access.- ESA's Biomass Satellite Launch: Uncover the groundbreaking capabilities of ESA's new biomass satellite, designed to enhance our understanding of forests and carbon storage through advanced radar technology. This mission promises to provide critical data for climate research.- Buzz Aldrin Podcast Series: Exciting news for space enthusiasts! A new podcast series titled "Buzz," featuring acclaimed actor John Lithgow as Buzz Aldrin, is set to launch. This series promises to reveal the personal struggles behind the iconic astronaut's journey to the moon.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:10 - Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket failure10:15 - New Zealand's space squadron announcement15:30 - China's Shenzhou 19 mission and crew return20:45 - SpaceX's upcoming Starlink launches25:00 - ESA's biomass satellite launch30:10 - Buzz Aldrin podcast series announcement✍️ Episode ReferencesFirefly Aerospace[Firefly Aerospace](https://firefly.com/)New Zealand Air Force[New Zealand Defence Force](https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/)China's Shenzhou 19 Mission[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)SpaceX Starlink Missions[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)ESA Biomass Satellite[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)Buzz Aldrin Podcast Series[iHeart Podcasts](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she navigates through the latest cosmic developments, from NASA's ambitious Roman Space Telescope to groundbreaking advancements in satellite technology. This episode is filled with stellar news that will inspire your curiosity about the universe.Highlights:- NASA's Roman Space Telescope: Discover the exciting designs for the Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, set to launch in 2027. With a field of view 100 times greater than Hubble, this mission aims to unravel the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter while capturing over a billion galaxies in unprecedented detail.- Amazon's Project Kuiper Launch: Learn about Amazon's successful launch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites, marking a significant step in the race for satellite Internet. With plans for over 3,200 satellites, Amazon aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink network and enhance global broadband coverage.- ESA's Biomass Satellite: Explore the European Space Agency's groundbreaking biomass satellite, designed to study Earth's forests and their role in the carbon cycle. This mission promises to provide vital data on carbon storage and help mitigate climate change impacts.- China's Proposed Spaceport in Malaysia: Delve into China's plans for its first overseas launch site in Malaysia, which could revolutionize equatorial launches and enhance China's launch capabilities. This project holds significant economic and geopolitical implications for the region.- Astronaut Don Pettit's 70th Birthday: Celebrate the remarkable return of NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who marked his 70th birthday with a dramatic descent back to Earth after 220 days aboard the ISS. Hear his reflections on aging, space travel, and the future of human exploration.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - This week's Astronomy Daily features a stellar lineup of space news00:36 - The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled to launch in 202703:08 - Amazon successfully launched 27 Project Kuiper broadband satellites on April 2805:51 - European Space Agency has successfully launched its groundbreaking biomass satellite08:52 - China is exploring the establishment of its first overseas launch site with a proposed spaceport11:59 - NASA astronaut Don Pettit celebrates his 70th birthday with a space return✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA's Roman Space Telescope[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Amazon's Project Kuiper[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/)ESA's Biomass Satellite[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)China's Spaceport in Malaysia[China Great Wall Industry Corporation](http://www.cgwic.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Steve Dunkley and his witty digital companion Hallie as they explore the latest developments in space exploration and lunar research. From exciting lunar sample tours to innovative missions targeting Saturn's moon Titan, this episode is packed with cosmic news that will expand your horizons.Highlights:- Chang'e 5 Sample Tour: Discover the latest updates on China's Chang'e 5 lunar samples, which are set to tour universities across the United States. Learn about the international collaboration that allows institutions like Brown University and Stony Brook University to study these precious lunar materials.- NASA's Dragonfly Mission: Dive into the details of NASA's groundbreaking Dragonfly mission, designed to explore Titan's potential for hosting life. With its recent critical design review passed, this nuclear-powered rotorcraft is gearing up for a launch that promises to revolutionize our understanding of extraterrestrial environments.- Firefly Aerospace's Latest Launch: Get the scoop on Firefly Aerospace's upcoming Alpha rocket launch, carrying the Lockheed Martin LM400 satellite bus into polar orbit. This mission marks a significant step in Firefly's partnership with Lockheed Martin and showcases the capabilities of their innovative satellite technology.- Insights into Lunar Exploration: Explore the implications of China's lunar sample sharing and its impact on international space cooperation, amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. Understand how these collaborations could shape the future of lunar exploration and scientific discovery.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Steve signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily with Steve and Hallie01:17 - Today's stories include the latest chapter for the Chang'e 5 samples02:28 - China has accepted international applications to borrow moon samples from its Changi 5 mission07:12 - NASA's $3.35 billion Dragonfly mission passes critical design review15:58 - Hallie will be leaving for the Astronomy Daily virtual studio soon✍️ Episode ReferencesChang'e 5 Lunar Samples[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)NASA's Dragonfly Mission[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Firefly Aerospace Launch Details[Firefly Aerospace](https://firefly.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she uncovers a wealth of groundbreaking discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. From the potential tripling of known satellite galaxies to exciting lunar water revelations, this episode is filled with cosmic insights that will spark your imagination.Highlights:- Vera Rubin Observatory's Galactic Expansion: Dive into the findings from the Vera Rubin Observatory, which could soon triple the known satellite galaxies orbiting our Milky Way. Learn how sophisticated simulations predict the detection of up to 119 new galactic companions, providing crucial insights into galaxy formation and evolution.- Lunar Water Creation: Explore NASA's groundbreaking research suggesting that the Sun may be creating water on the Moon's surface. This revelation could significantly impact future lunar missions, making water a more accessible resource for astronauts.- Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space: Discover the latest milestone in precision timekeeping as the Atomic Clock Ensemble is successfully installed on the International Space Station. This advanced facility promises to redefine our understanding of time and test Einstein's theory of general relativity.- Viewing Sirius: Get tips on how to observe Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, as it dazzles spring stargazers with its spectacular light show. Learn about the unique scintillation effect that creates a prismatic display of colors.- The Mystery of Meteor Showers: Unravel the enigma of unpredictable meteor showers as new research reveals how the Sun's subtle wobble affects meteoroid streams. Understand why some showers appear suddenly and vanish for decades, all due to cosmic choreography.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Vera Rubin Observatory's satellite galaxy discoveries10:30 - Lunar water creation by the Sun17:00 - Installation of the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space22:15 - Viewing tips for Sirius27:30 - The mystery of meteor shower unpredictability✍️ Episode ReferencesVera Rubin Observatory[Vera Rubin Observatory](https://www.vera-rubin-observatory.org)Lunar Water Research[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Atomic Clock Ensemble[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)Sirius Viewing Tips[Astronomy Magazine](https://www.astronomy.com)Meteor Shower Research[SETI Institute](https://www.seti.org)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she delves into the latest cosmic developments, from SpaceX's ambitious satellite launches to groundbreaking discoveries about exoplanets. This episode is packed with exciting news that will ignite your curiosity about the universe.Highlights:- SpaceX's Starlink Expansion: Discover how SpaceX continues to grow its Starlink satellite constellation with the recent launch of 28 new satellites, enhancing global high-speed Internet coverage from low Earth orbit. Learn about the impressive achievements of the Falcon 9 rocket and its role in this ambitious project.- China's Shenzhou 20 Mission: Explore the successful docking of the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft at the Tiangong Space Station, marking a new chapter in China's crewed spaceflight program. Meet the three-member crew as they embark on a six-month mission, contributing to ongoing scientific research in space.- Curiosity Rover's Latest Adventure: Get an exclusive look at NASA's Curiosity rover as it traverses the Martian landscape, captured in a remarkable image from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Learn about the rover's journey and the geological features it aims to investigate.- The Abundance of Super Earths: Uncover a surprising discovery that super Earth exoplanets are more common than previously thought, expanding our understanding of planetary formation and the potential for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.- Controversy Over K2 18b's Biosignatures: Dive into the heated debate surrounding potential biosignatures detected on exoplanet K2 18b. Explore the claims of possible alien life and the scientific skepticism that accompanies such extraordinary assertions.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - This week's Astronomy Daily features news from across the cosmos01:04 - SpaceX continues its steady pace of Starlink launches with successful Thursday launch03:26 - China's Shenzhou 20 successfully docks with the Tiangong Space Station05:40 - NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captures first ever image of Curiosity rover08:06 - Scientists find that super Earth exoplanets are significantly more common than previously thought11:02 - A UH team of astronomers announced possible evidence for extraterrestrial life16:45 - This week's Astronomy Daily podcast explores some of the latest astronomy news✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Starlink Launch[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)China's Shenzhou Program[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)NASA's Curiosity Rover[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Super Earth Discovery[Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics](https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/)K2 18b Research[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.nasa.gov/webb)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she guides you through a captivating exploration of our universe's latest advancements and celestial events. From ambitious lunar projects to groundbreaking detection technologies, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.Highlights:- China's Lunar Nuclear Power Plant: Discover China's bold plans to establish a nuclear power plant on the Moon in collaboration with Russia. This initiative aims to support the International Lunar Research Station and pave the way for a permanent human presence on our lunar neighbor, addressing the challenges of long-term operations in space.- Revolutionary Exoplanet Detection Technology: Learn about a groundbreaking coronagraph developed by researchers at the University of Arizona that could transform our ability to detect exoplanets by dimming the overpowering light from their parent stars. This innovation may help us locate Earth-like planets in habitable zones and search for signs of life beyond our solar system.- Mini Planet Parade on April 24: Mark your calendars for a stunning celestial event! A mini planet parade featuring Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, and our Moon will grace the pre-dawn sky on April 24. Get tips on how to spot this rare alignment and capture breathtaking photographs of the cosmic display.- Asteroid Vesta's Opposition: Get ready for a special viewing opportunity as asteroid Vesta reaches opposition on May 2, becoming visible even to the naked eye. Learn about Vesta's unique characteristics and its significance in our solar system's history.- Celebrating Hubble's 35th Anniversary: Join us in commemorating the Hubble Space Telescope's 35 years in orbit. We'll reflect on its remarkable contributions to astronomy, including groundbreaking discoveries and stunning images that have shaped our understanding of the universe.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - China's lunar nuclear power plant10:30 - Revolutionary exoplanet detection technology17:00 - Mini planet parade on April 2422:15 - Asteroid Vesta's opposition27:30 - Celebrating Hubble's 35th anniversary✍️ Episode ReferencesChina's Lunar Plans[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)Exoplanet Detection Technology[University of Arizona](https://www.arizona.edu/)Mini Planet Parade Details[Astronomy Magazine](https://www.astronomy.com/)Asteroid Vesta Information[NASA Dawn Mission](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/dawn/main/index.html)Hubble Space Telescope Milestones[NASA Hubble](https://www.nasa.gov/hubble)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she takes you on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, unveiling a series of astonishing discoveries that push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. From a planet disintegrating in real-time to groundbreaking insights from the James Webb Space Telescope, this episode is packed with cosmic wonders that will leave you in awe.Highlights:- The Doomed Planet BD+05 4868 Ab: Witness the extraordinary tale of BD+05 4868 Ab, a planet located 140 light years away in the Pegasus constellation, that is literally shedding mountains of material with each orbit. As it orbits perilously close to its star, temperatures soar to nearly 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, turning its surface into magma and creating a massive debris tail stretching up to 9 million kilometers.- A Hidden Supermassive Black Hole in M83: Explore the mystery of the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (M83) as the James Webb Space Telescope uncovers evidence of a potentially hidden supermassive black hole at its center. With unexpected signs of highly ionized gas, this discovery challenges long-held assumptions and opens new avenues for exploration.- Revolutionizing the Search for Life: Delve into how the James Webb Space Telescope is transforming our quest for extraterrestrial life by analyzing the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets. Webb's ability to detect biosignatures could bring us closer to answering the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe.- China's Shenzhou 20 Mission: Get the latest updates on China's ambitious space program as the Shenzhou 20 mission prepares to launch three astronauts to the Chinese space station for a six-month stay, continuing the nation's rapid advancements in space exploration.- The Origins of the UFO Chris: Travel back in time to the late 1940s and uncover the cultural phenomenon of UFOs, from Kenneth Arnold's iconic sighting to the military's mixed messaging that fueled public speculation and skepticism.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - The doomed planet BD05486810:30 - A hidden supermassive black hole in M8317:00 - Revolutionizing the search for life22:15 - China's Shenzhou 20 mission27:30 - The origins of the UFO craze✍️ Episode ReferencesBuddy Discovery[NASA TV](https://www.nasa.gov/tess)James Webb Space Telescope Findings[NASA JWST](https://www.nasa.gov/webb)China's Shenzhou Program[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)UFO History[Smithsonian Magazine](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she navigates through a thrilling array of cosmic stories that stretch from our solar system's asteroids to the mysteries of ancient galaxies. Get ready to discover NASA's Lucy spacecraft's remarkable encounter with the uniquely shaped asteroid Donaldjohanson, delve into the surprising possibility of a diamond layer beneath Mercury's surface, and catch up on an exciting launch schedule that showcases the future of space exploration.Highlights:- NASA's Lucy Spacecraft Meets Asteroid Donaldjohanson: Experience the groundbreaking insights from Lucy's second asteroid encounter, revealing the intriguing contact binary structure of Donaldjohanson. With its unexpected shape and complex geology, this asteroid challenges our understanding of cosmic evolution.- Mercury's Hidden Diamond Layer: Uncover the astonishing discovery that Mercury may harbor a diamond layer beneath its surface. This finding, stemming from NASA's MESSENGER mission, could explain the planet's strong magnetic field and offers a new perspective on planetary formation.- Busy Launch Schedule: Stay informed as we highlight an action-packed week in space launches, including China's Shenzhou 20 mission to the Tiangong Space Station and multiple Falcon 9 missions from SpaceX, showcasing advancements in crewed spaceflight and satellite technology.- Amazon's Project Kuiper Launch Date: Get the latest on Amazon's ambitious Project Kuiper, as it prepares for its inaugural satellite launch, marking a significant milestone in the race for global broadband coverage through a constellation of satellites.- Radioluna: A Lunar Mission to Detect Ancient Signals: Explore the innovative Radioluna project, which aims to deploy a satellite fleet around the moon to capture radio signals from the universe's dark ages, using the moon's far side as a unique radio quiet zone.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - NASA's Lucy spacecraft meets asteroid Donaldjohanson10:30 - Mercury's hidden diamond layer17:00 - Busy launch schedule22:15 - Amazon's Project Kuiper launch date27:30 - Radioluna: a lunar mission to detect ancient signals✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA's Lucy Mission[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)Mercury's Diamond Layer Study[NASA MESSENGER](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/messenger/main/index.html)China's Tiangong Space Station[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)Amazon's Project Kuiper[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/)Radioluna Project[Blue Skies Space](https://www.blueskiesspace.com/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Hallie takes the reins while Steve enjoys a well-deserved break, guiding listeners through a series of fascinating cosmic events and discoveries. From the remarkable birthday of NASA's oldest astronaut to groundbreaking insights about Mars' magnetic field, this episode is packed with stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Highlights:- Don Pettit's 70th Birthday in Space: Celebrate the extraordinary milestone of NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who marked his 70th birthday while returning to Earth after an impressive seven-month mission aboard the International Space Station. Discover the details of his journey and the remarkable achievements of his crew during their time in orbit.- National Reconnaissance Office Reaches Satellite Milestone: Learn about the National Reconnaissance Office's recent accomplishment of deploying over 200 satellites in just two years, following the successful launch of the NROL 145 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This achievement highlights the growing importance of satellite networks for national security.- The Awakening of a Supermassive Black Hole: Dive into the intriguing observations of a dormant supermassive black hole in the galaxy SDSS1335 0728, which suddenly became active after years of inactivity. This phenomenon provides a rare opportunity to study black hole behavior and the dynamics of accretion disks.- PUNCH Mission Captures First Light: Celebrate the successful commissioning of the PUNCH mission, which has begun capturing its first images of the Sun's outer atmosphere. These early observations are crucial for understanding solar wind and coronal mass ejections, setting the stage for future scientific exploration.- New Insights into Mars' Magnetic Field: Explore a groundbreaking theory suggesting that Mars may have once had a molten core, leading to a lopsided magnetic field. This research sheds light on the planet's atmospheric history and its potential for supporting life in the past.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Hallie signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Don Pettit's 70th birthday in space10:30 - National Reconnaissance Office satellite milestone17:00 - Awakening of a supermassive black hole22:15 - PUNCH mission captures first light27:30 - New insights into Mars' magnetic field✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA Astronaut Don Pettit[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)National Reconnaissance Office Launch[NRO](https://www.nro.gov/)Supermassive Black Hole Observations[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/)PUNCH Mission Details[NASA PUNCH](https://www.nasa.gov/punch)Mars Magnetic Field Research[University of Texas](https://www.utexas.edu/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.