SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

• Martian Oceans and Lunar Mysteries: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Cosmic Neighbours

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of Mars, the Moon, and the Milky Way Galaxy.Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence RevealedA new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters presents compelling geological evidence that Mars' Northern Hemisphere was once home to a vast ocean. Lead author Chris from the University of Arkansas discusses how comparisons between river rocks on Earth and Martian sediment reveal ancient river deltas and backwater zones, suggesting that liquid water flowed on the Red Planet, increasing the possibility of past life. This episode delves into the processes of sedimentation and erosion that shaped Mars' landscape, providing insights into its watery past.The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact MysteriesA fresh analysis of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, sheds light on its formation and the Moon's geological history. Researchers have discovered that this massive crater's shape indicates an impact from the north, challenging previous assumptions. As the Artemis missions prepare to land near this basin, they will have the opportunity to study material excavated from the lunar interior, potentially unlocking secrets about the Moon's evolution and the asymmetries in its crust.Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky WayNASA's upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope is set to revolutionise our understanding of the Milky Way's interstellar medium. This mission will map around 20 billion stars, using infrared light to penetrate the dust clouds obscuring our view. Chief investigator Catherine Zucker explains how this data will refine our models of star formation and the galaxy's structure, while also addressing the ongoing mysteries of galactic spiral patterns and their role in star birth.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesGeophysical Research Lettershttps://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007Naturehttps://www.nature.com/natureNASA Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescopehttps://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence RevealedThe Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact MysteriesNancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky Way(00:00) Evidence of ancient oceans on Mars(10:15) New insights into the Moon's largest impact crater(19:30) The upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope mission(27:00) Science Robert: Heatwaves and their impact on global mortality

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• Hidden Hazards: Unmasking Earth's Threat from Invisible Asteroids

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing world of near-Earth asteroids, the evolution of our universe, and the remarkable discovery of a rogue planet experiencing unprecedented growth.Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden ThreatRecent computer simulations published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics have raised alarms about a population of near-Earth asteroids that remain undetectable due to their proximity to Venus. These Venusian co-orbital asteroids, which share an orbital resonance with Venus, could pose a collision risk to Earth within a few thousand years. The study's lead author, Valerio Carumba, explains the challenges of observing these asteroids, as they are obscured by the Sun's glare. With a size of around 300 metres, these asteroids could create impact craters several kilometres wide, highlighting the need for dedicated space missions to monitor this potential threat.The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of ReionizationAstronomers have made significant strides in understanding the universe's early days, revealing that it was warmer than previously thought before the first stars ignited. Research based on observations from the Murchison Wide Field Array in Western Australia indicates that the gas between galaxies was heated around 800 million years after the Big Bang, contradicting earlier theories of a cold universe. This heating, likely driven by early X-ray sources, set the stage for the epoch of reionization, which transformed the cosmos from opaque to transparent, allowing light to travel freely.A Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth SpurtIn a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a rogue planet, catalogued as char 11 oh 7 minus 7626, that is not bound to any star and is growing at an astonishing rate of 6 billion tonnes of gas and dust per second. Located approximately 600 light years away in the constellation Chameleon, this planet challenges conventional notions of planetary stability. Observations reveal that its accretion rate fluctuates dramatically, highlighting the dynamic processes at play in the formation of rogue planets and blurring the lines between planets and stars.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstronomy and Astrophysicshttps://www.aanda.org/Astrophysical Journal Lettershttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden ThreatThe Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of ReionizationA Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth Spurt(00:00) The threat posed by invisible asteroids near Venus(10:30) New findings on the universe's warm early phase(19:00) Discovery of a rogue planet growing at record rates(27:15) Science Robert: 2025 Nobel Prize announcements

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• Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest revelations in astrophysics, including the intriguing prospect of supermassive dark stars, Australia's ambitious lunar rover mission, and fresh insights into the formation of our solar system.Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic DiscoveryAstronomers have identified potential candidates for a new type of star in the early universe, known as supermassive dark stars. Recent observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that these stars, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, are supported against gravitational collapse by dark matter. This episode delves into how these dark stars could help explain the existence of supermassive black holes and the unexpectedly bright distant galaxies observed by Webb. With the possibility of a smoking gun signature in their spectra, the implications of this discovery could reshape our understanding of dark matter and stellar evolution.Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the MoonWork is underway on Australia's first lunar rover, set to launch as part of NASA's Artemis programme. This 20-kilogram robotic vehicle, developed by the Queensland University of Technology, will explore lunar geology and contribute to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The episode covers the rover's design, mission objectives, and the collaborative efforts between Australian institutions and NASA to advance lunar exploration.Piecing Together the Early Solar SystemNew research published in Science Advances reveals that the early solar system was more chaotic than previously thought, with planets forming from recycled fragments of shattered bodies rather than pristine materials. This episode discusses the violent origins of our solar system and how high-energy collisions influenced the development of planetary cores, ultimately shaping the celestial bodies we know today.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of Physical Review Lettershttps://journals.aps.org/prl/Science Advanceshttps://www.science.org/journal/sciadvBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic DiscoveryAustralia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the MoonPiecing Together the Early Solar System(00:00) The potential discovery of supermassive dark stars(10:15) Australia's new lunar rover mission details(18:45) New findings on the chaotic origins of the solar system(25:30) Skywatch for October: Meteor showers and celestial highlights

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• Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the fascinating findings from Saturn's icy moon Enceladus, discuss delays in the Dream Chaser spaceplane's launch schedule, and celebrate NASA's breakthroughs in laser communications for deep space missions.Enceladus: Unveiling Complex ChemistryRecent discoveries reported in the journal Nature Astronomy reveal that Saturn's moon Enceladus is spewing complex organic molecules from its subsurface ocean. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission has unveiled fresh insights into the chemical reactions occurring in this hidden ocean. The presence of organic molecules, including precursors for amino acids, raises the possibility that Enceladus may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. This episode explores how these findings could inform future missions aimed at further investigating Enceladus and its potential habitability.Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in LaunchSierra Space has announced that their Dream Chaser spaceplane's first free flight demonstration has been pushed back to late 2026. Originally designed as a manned spacecraft, Dream Chaser will now serve as a cargo transport for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services, delivering supplies to the International Space Station. The episode discusses the spaceplane's unique design, its cargo capabilities, and the future of its missions, including plans for a fully operational crewed version.Nasa's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications SuccessNASA's new Optical Deep Space Laser Communications project has surpassed all technical goals, paving the way for high-speed communications for future crewed missions to Mars. The technology, which successfully transmitted data over vast distances, demonstrated data rates comparable to broadband Internet services. This breakthrough enables faster communication for astronauts and could revolutionise data transmission in deep space. Tune in to learn more about the technology behind this ambitious project and its implications for future space exploration.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNature Astronomyhttps://www.nature.com/natureastronomyNASA Dream Chaserhttps://www.nasa.gov/dreamchaserNASA Optical Deep Space Laser Communicationshttps://www.nasa.gov/lasercomBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Enceladus: Unveiling Complex ChemistryDream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in LaunchNASA's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success(00:00) The Dream Chaser spaceplane set for another delay(00:48) Scientists have discovered new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's Enceladus(09:41) NASA says new optical Deep Space Laser communications project has exceeded all technical goals(17:29) Around a quarter of all press releases in the United States are probably AI generated(19:23) Companies failing to secure AI agents is causing security risks, warns expert(20:27) Gary Stuart says AI agents can be hacked and should be treated like humans

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• The Universe's Countdown: New Insights into Cosmic Fate and Fungal Origins

  In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the future of our universe, the latest advancements in mapping our Milky Way, and the pivotal role fungi played in the evolution of life on land.The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion YearsA groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that the universe is approaching the midpoint of its 33 billion-year lifespan and may end in approximately 20 billion years. Lead author Henry Tighe from Cornell University presents new data suggesting that the universe's cosmological constant may be negative, leading to a contraction and eventual collapse—a phenomenon referred to as the "big crunch." This research, based on observations from the Dark Energy Survey and the dark energy spectroscopic instrument DESI, challenges long-held beliefs about the universe's eternal expansion and opens new avenues for understanding cosmic evolution.Mapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D ViewThe European Space Agency's Gaia Space Telescope has unveiled the most precise three-dimensional map of star-forming regions within our Milky Way galaxy. By analysing data from 44 million stars, Gaia has provided insights into the obscured molecular clouds where new stars are born. This innovative mapping technique allows astronomers to understand the distribution of ionised gas and the dynamics of star formation, offering a fresh perspective on our galaxy's structure and the processes that shape it.Fungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial LifeA recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution has identified that fungi played a crucial role in preparing Earth for life on land between 900 million and 1.4 billion years ago—much earlier than previously thought. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology utilised a novel gene swap method to trace the evolution of fungi, suggesting that these organisms were instrumental in creating the first ecosystems and nutrient recycling processes that facilitated the emergence of terrestrial life. This discovery reframes our understanding of the timeline for life on Earth and highlights the importance of fungi in shaping our planet's biosphere.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physicshttps://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaiaNature Ecology and Evolutionhttps://www.nature.com/neweBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion YearsMapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D ViewFungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial Life

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