Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

Pluto-Charon Impact Insights, BepiColombo’s Final Flyby, and the Year in Astronomy: S28E06

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 06

Formation of Pluto-Charon Binary System

A new study reveals that the formation of the Pluto-Charon dwarf planet binary system may mirror that of the Earth-Moon system. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that both systems feature a secondary body significantly large in comparison to the primary, unlike other moons in our solar system. The findings could explain Pluto's active geology and potential subsurface ocean, highlighting the significance of giant impacts in shaping planetary bodies.

BepiColombo's Final Mercury Flyby

The BepiColombo spacecraft has completed its final close flyby of Mercury, passing just 295 kilometres above the planet's surface. This manoeuvre marks the last gravity assist required for the joint ESA and JAXA mission before it enters Mercury's orbit in late 2026. The mission aims to study Mercury's magnetic field, surface composition, and interaction with the solar wind, enhancing our understanding of planets close to their host stars.

Astronomy Highlights for 2025

2025 promises exciting astronomical events, with the Sun's solar cycle nearing its peak. Highlights include a rare edge-on view of Saturn's rings, potential brightening of comet G3 Atlas, and two lunar eclipses. The year also features significant planetary alignments, meteor showers, and opportunities to observe the Southern Cross and the centre of the Milky Way. Dr. Nick Glom provides insights into these celestial events and more.

00:00 This is space Time Series 28, Episode 6 for broadcast on 13 January 2025

00:27 A new study suggests the formation of the Pluto Charon dwarf planet binary system

04:35 BepiColombo spacecraft makes its final flyby of Mercury

09:27 This is space time. We take a look at the year ahead in astronomy

10:47 Mid January will be a very interesting time to look at the night sky

13:05 There are two big highlights in March with the eclipse of the moon and Saturn

13:46 The other big event of course is the crossing of the rings of Saturn

17:03 The Southern Cross is well positioned during the month of June

18:38 Venus and Jupiter are the two brightest planets in the night sky

19:16 Also in August, it's a great time to have a look at Sagittarius

20:35 Total eclipse of the Moon occurs when Moon moves into Earth's shadow

23:06 The Australasian Sky Guide has just released its 30th edition

25:05 World Meteorological Organisation confirms that 2024 was the warmest year on record

29:34 It's claimed that two allegedly Celtic heads could turn you into a werewolf

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✍️ Episode References

University of Arizona

[https://www.arizona.edu](https://www.arizona.edu)

Nature Geoscience

[https://www.nature.com/ngeo/](https://www.nature.com/ngeo/)

European Space Agency (ESA)

[https://www.esa.int](https://www.esa.int)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

[https://global.jaxa.jp/](https://global.jaxa.jp/)

Ariane 5 rocket

[https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-5/](https://www.arianespace.com/vehicle/ariane-5/)