SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

Sponsor Link:
This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 11
In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the latest astronomical events, including a record-setting solar storm impacting Earth, the historic Artemis 2 mission preparing to return astronauts to the Moon, and groundbreaking evidence confirming an ancient asteroid impact in the North Sea.
Record-Breaking Solar Storm Strikes Earth
Planet Earth has recently experienced a massive geomagnetic storm triggered by an X1.9 class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection. This event produced stunning auroras, visible as far north as Sydney and Brisbane. We discuss how such solar storms can affect technology on Earth and in space, including potential disruptions to communications and navigation systems, as well as the impact on satellites in low Earth orbit.
Artemis 2: A Historic Return to the Moon
NASA's Artemis 2 mission is gearing up to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey, orbiting the Moon and traveling further than any humans have before. We explore the mission's objectives, including testing spacecraft systems, practicing docking procedures, and conducting deep space science experiments, all while preparing for future lunar landings.
Proof of an Ancient Asteroid Impact
A decades-long debate over the origins of the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea has been resolved with new evidence confirming it was formed by an asteroid impact 43 to 46 million years ago. Utilizing seismic imaging and microscopic analysis, researchers have established this crater as a significant impact site, shedding light on the history of asteroid collisions on Earth and their implications for our planet's geological evolution.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Communications
NASA Reports
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Record solar storm strikes Earth
(00:12:30) Artemis 2 mission prepares to send astronauts back to the Moon
(00:25:00) Evidence confirms asteroid impact in the North Sea
(00:35:15) New insights into Earth's climate from ancient geological events.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 10
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the imminent launch of the first nuclear-powered rocket, the merging of low mass dwarf galaxies, and the intriguing connection between Earth-like planets and gas giants.
The Dawn of Nuclear Rocket Technology
History is set to be made as NASA and DARPA prepare to test the world’s first fully operational nuclear-powered orbital rocket. This innovative vehicle utilizes a nuclear thermal propulsion system that heats liquid hydrogen propellant through nuclear fusion, achieving nearly double the efficiency of conventional rockets. The test aims to validate reactor operation in orbit, potentially revolutionizing space travel by reducing transit times to Mars and allowing for larger payloads.
Merging Dwarf Galaxies: A New Discovery
A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters confirms that low mass dwarf galaxies can merge with one another. Observations of the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy reveal previously hidden stellar structures, suggesting that even the smallest galaxies experience mergers. These findings challenge traditional views on galaxy formation and evolution, indicating that interactions between dwarf galaxies may be more common than previously believed.
The Connection Between Earth-Like and Gas Giant Planets
Astronomers have found that rocky planets similar to Earth are more likely to exist in star systems that also contain large gas giants like Jupiter. This research, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics, shows that cold Jupiters, which orbit beyond the snow line, play a significant role in the formation of super Earths in the inner regions of their planetary systems. The study offers new insights into the complex dynamics of planetary formation and the conditions that lead to the development of terrestrial planets.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal Letters
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Science Advances
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) NASA and DARPA prepare to test the first nuclear-powered orbital rocket
(00:10:15) New study confirms mergers among low mass dwarf galaxies
(00:20:45) Link discovered between Earth-like planets and gas giants
(00:30:00) China breaks through barriers in nuclear fusion reactor development
(00:35:20) The impact of ultra-processed foods on global health.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 9
In this episode of SpaceTime, we unravel the enigma of the universe's mysterious little red dots, delve into groundbreaking insights from Jupiter regarding the evolution of our solar system's planets, and mark the commencement of construction on Earth's largest gamma-ray observatory.
The Mystery of the Little Red Dots
A fascinating new study reveals that the enigmatic little red dots observed in early images from the NASA Webb Space Telescope are, in fact, young black holes cloaked in ionized gas. Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic Dawn Center have determined that these black holes, much smaller than previously thought, are in the process of consuming gas, which creates immense heat and radiation, giving them their distinctive red appearance. This discovery sheds light on the formation of some of the universe's earliest black holes just 700 million years after the Big Bang.
Jupiter's Role in Planetary Evolution
New simulations indicate that Jupiter may contain up to 50% more oxygen than the Sun, providing fresh insights into how the planets in our solar system formed. By developing a comprehensive model of Jupiter's atmosphere, researchers have resolved a long-standing debate regarding the gas giant's chemical composition. The findings suggest that Jupiter's atmosphere circulates much more slowly than previously believed, which could alter our understanding of planetary migration and formation processes.
Construction of Earth's Largest Gamma-Ray Observatory
Engineers have officially begun construction on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, set to be the largest gamma-ray telescope ever built. Located in Chile's Atacama Desert, this observatory will significantly enhance our ability to study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae. With over 60 telescopes across two sites, the observatory will allow astronomers to observe gamma rays with unprecedented accuracy, potentially unlocking new discoveries about dark matter and the fundamental laws of physics.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Journal
Planetary Science Journal
Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) New study reveals little red dots in Webb images are young black holes
(00:07:30) Jupiter may have 50% more oxygen than the Sun, reshaping planetary formation theories
(00:15:45) Construction begins on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory
(00:22:00) New data confirms 2025 saw record ocean heat storage
(00:25:30) Advances in autonomous driving technology showcased at CES 2026.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 8
In this episode of SpaceTime, we investigate the surprising ways Mars influences Earth's climate, hear about the safe return of Crew 11 following the first emergency medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and explore a cosmic clock that reveals insights into Australia's geological history.
Mars: A Climate Influencer
A new study has unveiled that the orbit of Mars can significantly impact Earth's climate, even triggering ice ages. Researchers from the University of California Riverside utilized computer simulations to demonstrate how Mars’ gravitational pull alters Earth's orbit and affects long-term climatic cycles. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Mars' minimal influence and highlight the planet's role in shaping Earth's climatic patterns over millions of years.
Crew 11's Safe Return
NASA's SpaceX Crew 11 has successfully splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean after a historic emergency medical evacuation from the ISS. The crew's return, which occurred a month earlier than planned due to medical concerns, was marked by a brilliant display in the night sky as they descended. This marks a significant event in the history of human spaceflight, emphasizing the importance of health monitoring aboard the space station.
Unveiling Australia's Geological History
Scientists have discovered that the rare gas krypton can be used to unlock the secrets of Earth's ancient landscapes. By examining tiny zircon crystals found in ancient beach sands, researchers can gauge how long these minerals have been exposed at the surface, providing insights into erosion rates and potential mineral deposits. This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the past but also has implications for future resource exploration in Australia.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
NASA Reports
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) New study shows how the orbit of Mars can affect climate here on Earth
(00:05:52) NASA's SpaceX crew 11 safely returned to Earth after medical evacuation
(00:08:17) SpaceX and NASA astronauts splashdown after 167 days in space
(00:09:00) The crew were returning a month early due to medical concerns
(00:10:46) Scientists use rare gas called krypton to study ancient Earth landscapes
(00:23:05) New data from NASA shows 2025 was the second hottest year since records began
(00:24:38) Some AI chatbots are reporting abuse and fear following interactions with humans

Sponsor Link:
This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Squarespace. When it's time to get a presence online, go with the folks who support us...and build the best websites easily. No hassles. You can check out their special offer for SpaceTime listeners by visiting our special URL....Click Here

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 7
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the origins of life, including new findings from Saturn's moon Titan and the implications for our understanding of life beyond Earth. We also explore the latest research on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, and uncover the sources of the sun's mysterious gamma rays.
Life's Building Blocks on Titan
A groundbreaking study reveals that Titan, Saturn's largest moon, exhibits unexpected chemical interactions at extremely low temperatures. Researchers found that hydrogen cyanide can mix with nonpolar substances like methane and ethane, challenging traditional chemistry principles. This discovery could provide insights into the prebiotic chemistry that may have preceded life on Earth, as Titan's environment mirrors that of early Earth.
Europa's Quiet Oceans
In a surprising turn, new calculations suggest that the vast subsurface ocean beneath Europa's icy crust may be lifeless. This research indicates that Europa lacks the geological activity, such as hydrothermal vents, necessary to sustain life. Lead author Paul Brian discusses how the moon's stable orbit around Jupiter limits the tidal forces that could drive geological processes, casting doubt on the moon's potential as a habitat for life.
The Source of Solar Gamma Rays
Astronomers have identified the origin of intense gamma radiation emitted during solar flares, linking it to high-energy electrons colliding with plasma in the solar corona. This finding, derived from observations of a significant solar flare in 2017, enhances our understanding of solar flare physics and could improve space weather forecasting.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Nature Communications
Nature Astronomy
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Scientists studying Saturn's moon Titan have discovered that normally incompatible substances can mix
(00:05:19) NASA will launch the Dragonfly mission to Titan in 2028
(00:13:36) NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will study icy moon Europa
(00:18:11) Astronomers have discovered that gamma rays generated by solar flares are caused by electrons
(00:21:58) Most people who take diabetes drug Mounjaro gain weight back after stopping