Space News Today

Time Dilation, Black Hole Mysteries & Cosmic Curiosities | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

Sponsor Details: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1 . Experience the future of flight with the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone. With intuitive controls and immersive goggles, the Antigravity A1 redefines what it means to fly. Check it out at AntigravityA1 (https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=spacenuts) . And NordVPN . Protect your online data with NordVPN. Get our special listener discounts and four months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts (https://nordvpn.com/spacenuts) using the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout. Cosmic Queries: Time Dilation, Black Holes, and Gravastars In this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the complexities of time dilation near supergiant stars to the mysteries surrounding black holes and the hypothetical concept of gravastars, this episode is a deep dive into the fabric of our universe. Episode Highlights: - Time Dilation Near Supergiants: Andrew and Fred discuss the effects of gravity on time near supergiant stars and whether significant time dilation occurs compared to black holes. - Black Holes and Stars: A listener inquires why black holes can’t revert to stars, prompting a fascinating exploration of singularity and the structure of stars. - Understanding Atoms and Black Holes: The hosts clarify the nature of atoms, free space, and how density calculations relate to black holes, addressing the paradox of infinite density. - Redshift Limits and Gravastars: The episode wraps up with an examination of redshift limits in the expanding universe and a discussion about the theoretical existence of gravastars, including their implications for our understanding of cosmic phenomena. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) . Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30648493?utm_source=youtube

Uranus Unveiled: Decoding the Mystery of Radiation Belts and Martian River Systems

In this episode of SpaceTime , we tackle some of the most intriguing cosmic mysteries and discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe. Unraveling Uranus: The Mystery of Its Radiation Belts For 39 years, the intense electron radiation belts surrounding Uranus have puzzled scientists since NASA's Voyager 2 flyby in 1986 revealed unexpectedly high levels of radiation. New analyses suggest these findings may be explained by a solar wind structure interacting with the Uranian system during Voyager 2's visit. This research opens up new questions about the fundamental physics governing these extreme energy levels and the unique characteristics of Uranus itself. Mapping Martian River Systems: A Historic First A groundbreaking study has mapped ancient river systems on Mars, identifying 16 large drainage basins that could have supported life billions of years ago. By synthesizing previous data on Martian river valleys, lakes, and canyons, scientists have outlined how these systems could have formed a global network, similar to Earth's most biodiverse river basins. This research enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history and its potential for past life. 2026 Australasian Sky Guide Released The 2026 Australasian Sky Guide has officially been released, offering skywatchers a detailed monthly map of celestial events. Highlights include supermoons, planetary alignments, and eclipses, providing an exciting year ahead for astronomy enthusiasts. Dr. Nick Glom shares insights into the guide's features and the astronomical events to look forward to in the coming year. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Communications Earth and Environment Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . (00:00:00) Scientists may have finally resolved 39 year old mystery about Uranus radiation belts (00:03:55) A new study has begun the task of mapping ancient river systems on Mars (00:08:06) The 2026 Australasian Sky Guide has just been released (00:10:23) The book tells readers what's up in the sky for each month (00:11:39) Total eclipse of the moon in March is spectacular and easy to photograph (00:14:22) A new study suggests volcanic activity may have paved the way for the Black Death (00:15:37) A new study claims people who want children are more likely to find older faces attractive (00:17:33) Tim Mendham warns about the dangers of taking medical advice on social media (00:20:08) Spacetime is available through bitesz.com (https://bitesz.com) and other podcasting platforms Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30625931?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Maps, Colour-Changing Spacesuits, and the Moon’s Hidden Resources

Episode Summary In today's episode, we explore a myriad of fascinating developments in space science, ranging from a groundbreaking new galactic map created by NASA's Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope to innovative color-changing spacesuits designed to protect astronauts from radiation. We also discuss how Earth's magnetosphere may be enriching the Moon's soil with vital resources, a busy month for the International Space Station, and SpaceX's potential plans for an IPO. Finally, we take a closer look at Comet 3i ATLAS, which has been observed glowing in X-ray light, providing new insights into its composition and origins. ### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: New Galactic Map from NASA's Roman Telescope** **Key Facts** - NASA's new survey aims to create an unprecedented infrared map of the Milky Way, revealing tens of billions of stars. - The Roman telescope will utilize microlensing techniques to study stellar formation and hidden galactic structures. 03:30 – **Story 2: Color-Changing Spacesuits for Radiation Detection** **Key Facts** - Scientists in Scotland are developing spacesuits with bacteria that change color in response to radiation exposure. - This innovation aims to provide real-time monitoring of astronauts' radiation levels during missions. 05:45 – **Story 3: Earth's Magnetosphere Enriching the Moon** **Key Facts** - A study suggests that Earth's magnetic field may have seeded the Moon with vital resources like water and nitrogen over billions of years. - This finding could enhance the Moon's potential for future human exploration and habitation. 08:00 – **Story 4: Busy Month for the International Space Station** **Key Facts** - The ISS celebrated 25 years of continuous human presence in space and had all eight docking ports occupied for the first time. - The crew conducted various scientific experiments and welcomed new crew members via Soyuz MS.28. 10:15 – **Story 5: SpaceX's Potential IPO** **Key Facts** - Speculation arises around SpaceX considering an IPO valued at approximately $1.5 trillion to support ambitious projects like space-based data centers. - This move could pave the way for future Moon factories and advanced AI infrastructure. 12:00 – **Story 6: Comet 3i ATLAS Observed in X-rays** **Key Facts** - The European Space Agency's XMM-Newton Observatory captured images of the interstellar comet 3i ATLAS emitting X-rays through charge exchange processes. - This observation provides insights into the comet's composition and its distant stellar origins. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. University of Rochester (https://www.universityofrochester.edu/) 4. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 5. International Space Station (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/iss/main/index.html) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: hello@astronomydaily.io Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit 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 (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30625634?utm_source=youtube

Wheelchair Astronaut, Cosmic Fireworks, and the Race to Mine the Moon

### Episode Summary Today’s episode features groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the historic journey of Michaela Benthouse, the first wheelchair user set to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's NS37 mission. We also delve into a major survey of the Magellanic Clouds, revealing insights into their interaction with our Milky Way. Additionally, we discuss surprising findings from NASA's Parker Solar Probe regarding solar recycling, the new race for lunar resources, and the upcoming celestial fireworks from the binary star system V Sagittae. Finally, we explore the innovative Ristretto instrument aimed at studying Proxima B, our nearest exoplanet neighbor. ### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: Michaela Benthouse to Become First Wheelchair User in Space** **Key Facts** - Michaela Benthouse, an aerospace engineer, will fly on Blue Origin's NS37 mission, marking a milestone for accessibility in space. - The mission emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in space exploration. 03:20 – **Story 2: Major Survey of the Magellanic Clouds** **Key Facts** - A new five-year survey using the VISTA telescope will utilize spectroscopy to create a detailed 3D map of the Magellanic Clouds. - This data will help understand their interaction with the Milky Way and the dynamics of the Magellanic Stream. 05:45 – **Story 3: Surprising Findings from Parker Solar Probe** **Key Facts** - The probe captured footage of coronal mass ejections showing material recycling back to the sun. - This discovery could enhance our understanding of solar activity and improve space weather predictions. 08:00 – **Story 4: New Space Race for Lunar Resources** **Key Facts** - Nations and companies are developing technologies to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3. - Concerns arise regarding environmental impacts and the need for updated space treaties. 10:15 – **Story 5: Upcoming Nova from V Sagittae** **Key Facts** - The binary star system V Sagittae is predicted to undergo a nova explosion in the coming years, followed by a supernova event. - This celestial display may be visible to the naked eye, potentially occurring around 2083. 12:00 – **Story 6: Ristretto Instrument to Study Proxima B** **Key Facts** - Ristretto, a new spectrograph, aims to analyze the atmosphere of Proxima B, our closest exoplanet. - It will use advanced techniques to block out the star's glare and search for potential biosignatures in the planet's atmosphere. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. Blue Origin (https://www.blueorigin.com/) 2. European Southern Observatory (https://www.eso.org/public/usa/) 3. NASA Parker Solar Probe (https://www.nasa.gov/solarprobe) 4. Lunar Mining Developments (https://www.space.com/mining-the-moon) 5. Very Large Telescope (https://www.eso.org/public/usa/telescope/vlt/) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: hello@astronomydaily.io Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit 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 (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30607306?utm_source=youtube

Martian Timekeeping: Synchronizing Clocks, Eccentric Orbits & Space Gum Discoveries | Space...

Sponsor Details: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1 . The Antigravity A1 is the world’s first 8K 360 drone , it’s genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight with the goggles, insanely intuitive controls, and endless creative freedom in editing. If you’re thinking about buying a drone, make it this one. Check out the link to learn more: AntigravityA1 (https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=spacenuts) And NordVPN. To get our special Space Nuts listener discounts and four months free bonus , all with a 30-day money-back guarantee, simply visit or use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout. Cosmic Conversations: Time on Mars, Eccentric Orbits, and Space Gum In this riveting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson embark on a fascinating journey through the cosmos, tackling the complexities of timekeeping on Mars, the peculiar orbit of exoplanet TOI 3884B, and a surprising discovery from asteroid Bennu. Episode Highlights: - Timekeeping on Mars : Andrew and Fred delve into the challenges of synchronizing time between Earth and Mars, highlighting the unique aspects of Martian days and the effects of relativity that complicate clock synchronization. - TOI 3884B's Eccentric Orbit : The hosts explore the unusual orbit of TOI 3884B, a planet that orbits its star at a significant angle, raising questions about its formation and the dynamics at play in its solar system. - Space Gum from Asteroid Bennu : A surprising find of nitrogen-rich polymeric sheets in the samples returned from asteroid Bennu leads to a discussion about the origins of this "space gum" and its implications for understanding asteroid composition and formation. - Curiosities and Speculations : The episode wraps up with playful banter about the implications of these discoveries and the mysteries that continue to unfold in our universe. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) . Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30601476?utm_source=youtube

Mars Mishaps, Earthly Tails, and the Hungry Hippo Rocket Fairing

Episode Summary Today’s episode dives into a whirlwind of cosmic news, featuring a communications hiccup with NASA's MAVEN orbiter at Mars, the astonishing discovery of Earth's magnetic tail, and the unveiling of NASA's new Rover Operations Center. We also explore the intriguing hints of a methane-rich atmosphere on an exoplanet detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, a groundbreaking dual-mode drone from China, and Rocket Lab's innovative "Hungry Hippo" fairing design for their upcoming neutron rocket. ### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: MAVEN Orbiter Loses Contact with Earth** **Key Facts** - NASA's MAVEN orbiter has temporarily lost communication, crucial for relaying data from Mars rovers. - The team is working to reestablish contact with the spacecraft. 03:15 – **Story 2: Earth Has a Magnetic Tail** **Key Facts** - A NASA study reveals Earth’s magnetotail stretches 2 million kilometers into space, formed by solar wind interaction. - Understanding this structure helps predict space weather impacts on technology. 05:00 – **Story 3: New Rover Operations Center at NASA** **Key Facts** - NASA opens the Rover Operations Center to support future lunar and Martian missions. - The center integrates advanced AI and emphasizes partnerships with commercial space companies. 07:30 – **Story 4: James Webb Telescope’s Potential Discovery** **Key Facts** - JWST observes the Trappist 1 system, hinting at a methane-rich atmosphere on Trappist 1 e. - The findings are preliminary, and further observations are planned to clarify the signal. 09:10 – **Story 5: China’s Dual-Mode Mars Drone** **Key Facts** - A new drone concept combines flying and rolling capabilities to enhance Mars exploration efficiency. - The design aims to conserve energy while allowing exploration of hard-to-reach areas. 11:00 – **Story 6: Rocket Lab’s Hungry Hippo Fairing** **Key Facts** - Rocket Lab’s neutron rocket features a unique fairing design that opens like a “Hungry Hippo” to release payloads. - This innovation streamlines the recovery process, contributing to rapid reusability in space launches. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) 4. Rocket Lab (https://www.rocketlabusa.com/) 5. Mars Exploration Program (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: hello@astronomydaily.io Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit 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 (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30583978?utm_source=youtube

Spacewalks, Supernovas, and the Mysteries of Super Jupiters

### Episode Summary A thrilling spacewalk at the Tiangong Space Station, the discovery of the oldest supernova witnessed by the James Webb Telescope, and new insights into the chaotic nature of Super Jupiters highlight today's episode. We also explore the powerful winds generated by a supermassive black hole, showcasing the dynamic interactions in our universe. ### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: Marathon Spacewalk at Tiangong Space Station** **Key Facts** - Two astronauts from the Shenshou 21 mission conducted an 8-hour spacewalk to inspect damage on the Shenshou 20 return capsule, struck by space debris. - Installation of new debris protection systems highlights the growing threat of space junk. 03:40 – **Story 2: Record Launches by China** **Key Facts** - China set a national record with three Long March rocket launches in under 19 hours. - Missions included broadband satellite deployments and classified military satellites. 05:20 – **Story 3: Bold Recommendations for Mars Exploration** **Key Facts** - A new report emphasizes the search for life as the top priority for crewed Mars missions. - Proposed campaigns focus on glacier ice and deep subsurface exploration for biosignatures. 07:00 – **Story 4: Oldest Supernova Detected by JWST** **Key Facts** - James Webb Telescope identifies a supernova from 13 billion years ago, just 730 million years post-Big Bang. - This discovery provides insights into the early universe and the lifecycle of massive stars. 08:40 – **Story 5: Super Jupiters Challenge Our Understanding** **Key Facts** - Research on exoplanet VHS 1256 b reveals a chaotic atmosphere, differing significantly from Jupiter's stability. - The study suggests massive gas giants may exhibit turbulent weather patterns instead of organized bands. 10:15 – **Story 6: Winds from a Supermassive Black Hole** **Key Facts** - A supermassive black hole in galaxy NGC 3783 emits powerful winds at 1/5 the speed of light, impacting galaxy evolution. - Observations from XMM-Newton and XRISM telescopes reveal the connection between black holes and their host galaxies. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html) 4. Mars Exploration Program (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html) 5. NASA Black Hole Research (https://www.nasa.gov/blackholes) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: hello@astronomydaily.io Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit 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 (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30562702?utm_source=youtube

Bennu’s Bounty: Uncovering Sugars, Space Gum, and Stardust in Asteroid Samples

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 28 Episode 145 In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries that deepen our understanding of the origins of life and the dynamics of our galaxy. Sugars and Stardust: Insights from Asteroid Bennu NASA's Osiris Rex mission has returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, revealing the presence of biologically essential sugars, including ribose and glucose, along with a unique gum-like substance never before seen in astromaterials. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience and Nature Astronomy , suggest that the building blocks for life were widespread throughout the early solar system. The discovery of ribose supports the RNA world hypothesis, indicating that RNA might have been the first genetic material. Additionally, the presence of glucose hints at the early energy sources available for life on Earth. Stars Defying the Black Hole Astronomers have observed numerous stars in stable orbits around Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. This discovery, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics , challenges previous assumptions that these objects were merely clouds of dust on a collision course with destruction. Instead, the new data from the ERIS Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph reveals a dynamic and stable environment around the black hole, providing a unique laboratory for studying interactions between black holes and stars. Martian Mystery Solved? A new radar technique employed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has cast doubt on the existence of a suspected underground lake beneath the Martian South Pole ice cap. Initial signals that suggested the presence of liquid water have been reinterpreted as possibly being layers of rock and dust. This innovative approach opens new avenues for investigating subsurface resources on Mars, which could have significant implications for future exploration. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Nature Geoscience Nature Astronomy Astronomy and Astrophysics Geophysical Research Letters Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30557915?utm_source=youtube

Stellar Explosions, Galactic Surprises, and the Controversial Light Beaming Plan

### Episode Summary Real-time images of exploding stars, a surprisingly “gentle” supermassive black hole, the return of a long-duration Soyuz crew, a packed week of launches, Subaru’s first new exoplanet and brown-dwarf finds, and a controversial plan to light up the night sky with orbital mirrors. ### Timestamps & Stories 00:00 – Cold Open 00:35 – Intro 01:05 – **Story 1: Astronomers watch novae explode in real time** **Key Facts** - First-ever direct imaging of two novae as they erupted using the CHARA optical interferometer - V1674 Herculis: fastest nova on record; brightened & faded in days; showed two perpendicular gas jets - V1405 Cassiopeiae: visible to naked eye for months; delayed ejection after 50+ days - Gamma-ray bursts from Fermi telescope timed perfectly with visible jets 03:35 – **Story 2: Soyuz MS-27 crew lands after 8-month ISS mission** **Key Facts** - Crew of three returned safely to Kazakhstan on 8 Dec 2025 - 260+ days in orbit (launched April 2025) - Handover completed; ISS now at full Expedition strength for next rotation 05:05 – ** Story 3: Launch Roundup (8–15 Dec 2025) ** **Key Facts** - SpaceX Starship Flight 6 (Texas) – major reusability test - China Long March 7A – new Tiangong station module - ULA Vulcan Centaur Cert-2 (Cape Canaveral) – second certification flight - Rocket Lab Electron (New Zealand) – successful dawn launch - Russia Soyuz-2.1b (Vostochny) – classified payload 06:35 – ** Story 4: Subaru Telescope’s first discoveries* * **Key Facts** - First science results from upgraded high-contrast infrared instruments - New brown dwarf (13–80 Jupiter masses) with dusty disk - New wide-orbit gas-giant exoplanet ~300 light-years away showing methane & water signatures 08:05 – ** Story 5: Sagittarius A* is less destructive than thought ** **Key Facts** - Objects like G2/DSO, D9, X3, X7 all survive stable orbits within 0.8 parsecs of the 4-million-solar-mass black hole - 20+ years of VLT data (SINFONI, NACO, ERIS) show no tidal disruption - Galactic Center may be a star-formation zone rather than a shredder 09:55 – ** Story 6: Giant space mirrors to light up the night ** **Key Facts** - Reflect Orbital plans thousands of mirror satellites by 2030 - Each beam ~5 km wide, 4× brighter than full moon - Goal: extend solar-farm output after sunset & aid night rescues - Astronomers warn of catastrophic light-pollution increase and wildlife disruption 11:20 – Outro ### Sources & Further Reading 1. https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7462/Astronomers-watch-stars-explode-in-real-time-and 2. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/ (https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/) 3. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/) 4. https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet (https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet) 5. https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought) 6. https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/ (https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/) # ## Quick Quotes - “High-definition video of stellar explosions.” – Elias Aydi - “Sagittarius A* is less destructive than was previously thought.” – Florian Peißker - “Catastrophic for astronomy.” – Robert Massey (on orbital mirrors) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: hello@astronomydaily.io Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit 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 (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30542331?utm_source=youtube

Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud’s Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

(00:00:00) Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces (00:00:46) One of our nearest neighbouring galaxies being torn apart (00:08:00) A giant spider on the Jovian Ice Moon Europa (00:12:23) Mars could have been habitable for long periods (00:14:14) The Science Report (00:17:23) Skeptics guide to why some people are born suckers (00:20:24) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into fascinating cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe. The Small Magellanic Cloud: A Galaxy Under Duress Astronomers have uncovered that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, is being torn apart by gravitational forces from its neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This revelation, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights the complex movements of Cepheid variable stars within the galaxy, indicating that it is being stretched in multiple directions. By utilizing data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the interactions between these two galaxies, prompting a reevaluation of their structural dynamics and gravitational relationships with the Milky Way. Europa's Spider: Signs of Subsurface Water? A striking spider-like feature on Jupiter's moon Europa has scientists buzzing with excitement. Researchers suggest this formation, found near the Menanan impact crater, may be evidence of subsurface water seeping through the moon's icy crust following an asteroid impact. The findings, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, could have significant implications for the moon's habitability and the presence of life. By drawing parallels with similar features on Mars, scientists are eager to explore Europa's subsurface properties further, especially with the upcoming Europa Clipper mission set to launch in April 2030. Mars: A Longer Habitable History? New research indicates that Mars may have been habitable for a much longer duration than previously believed. A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets reveals that ancient underground water may have flowed beneath the Martian sand dunes, creating conditions conducive to life long after its surface water disappeared. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history but also highlights the potential of subsurface environments as targets for future exploration in the search for past life. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal Letters Planetary Science Journal Journal of Geophysical Research Planets Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30529859?utm_source=youtube