Space News Today

Black Holes, Time Twists & the Future of Life on Mars: A Q&A Episode | Space Nuts: Astronomy...

Sponsor Details: This episode is brought to you by NordVPN and Insta360 To get your Space Nuts NordVPN offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts (https://nordvpn.com/spacenuts) - a special price and a 30 day moneyback guarantee await. Check it out To check out I nsta360's brilliant cameras and claim your Space Nuts freebie offer, visit store.insta360.com (https://store.insta360.com) ... 360 degree photography at it's finest! Black Holes, Time Dimensions, and the Future of Life on Mars In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts , host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-insightful Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the mysteries of black holes to the complex nature of time and the potential for life on Mars, this episode promises to stimulate your cosmic curiosity. Episode Highlights: - Black Holes and Time: Andrew and Fred Watson delve into a listener's question about black holes and the nature of time as one approaches the event horizon. Can time really reverse, or does it simply stop? The duo explores these mind-bending concepts and the implications of black hole physics. - The Nature of Time: A fascinating discussion arises from a question about whether time can be considered a true dimension. Andrew and Fred Watson unpack the complexities of time as a dimension, including its unique properties compared to spatial dimensions and how it affects our understanding of the universe. - Future Habitats on Mars: The conversation shifts to the potential for life on Mars and the impact of Milankovitch cycles on the planet's climate. Can Mars become a habitable world again, and what does that mean for the future of life in our solar system? The duo examines the possibilities and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. - Listener Ideas and Cosmic Creativity: Andrew shares an exciting book premise suggested by a listener, exploring the idea of Martian microbes merging with human cells. This sparks a conversation about the implications of such a scenario and the creative possibilities it presents. For more Space Nuts, including our continually 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, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite 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. (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson (01:20) Discussion on black holes and the nature of time (15:00) Exploring the potential for life on Mars and Milankovitch cycles (25:30) Listener Ash ideas and cosmic creativity For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: 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/27438903?utm_source=youtube

Unraveling the Hubble Constant: A New Era of Cosmic Understanding

Sponsor Details: This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the pioneers in 360-degree video technology. To explore their innovative range and claim your special offer, visit store.insta360.com (https://store.insta360.com/) and use the coupon code SpaceTime at checkout. In this episode of SpaceTime, we tackle some of the universe's most pressing mysteries, including new insights into the Hubble constant, the surprising geology of Venus, and the building blocks of stellar formation. Resolving the Hubble Constant Debate New data from the James Webb Space Telescope may have finally reconciled the long-standing discrepancy in the measurement of the Hubble constant, the rate at which the universe expands. For years, scientists have grappled with differing values derived from cosmic microwave background radiation and supernova observations. Lead author Wendy Friedman discusses how recent findings suggest that the standard model of cosmology holds up, with the Hubble constant now estimated at 70.4 kilometres per second per megaparsec, aligning more closely with earlier measurements. This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of the universe’s expansion and evolution. Venus's Thin Crust New research indicates that Venus's crust is unexpectedly thin, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's geology. A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Venus lacks the tectonic activity seen on Earth, resulting in a crust that is about 40 to 65 kilometres thick. This research proposes a model of crust metamorphism that could explain how volcanic activity persists on Venus, despite the absence of plate tectonics. Upcoming missions, including NASA's Davinci and Veritas, aim to gather more data that could confirm these findings and enhance our understanding of Venus's geological processes. Building Blocks of Stellar Formation A recent study highlights that the formation of stars is influenced not only by the amount of gas in a galaxy but also by its distribution. Observations from the Philip Survey, conducted using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Telescope, reveal that star formation is concentrated in areas with higher gas density. Lead author Siona Lee explains how this research sheds light on the intricate processes that govern star formation, suggesting that gas location is critical for the birth of new stars across various galaxy types. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X) Nature Communications https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/ (https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . 00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 66 for broadcast on 2 June 2025 01:00 Resolving the Hubble constant debate 12:15 Venus's surprisingly thin crust 22:30 Building blocks of stellar formation 30:00 Science report: New links between autism and Parkinson's disease Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27427410?utm_source=youtube

Blue Origin’s Latest Milestone, Sharper Black Hole Images, and Titan’s Dragonfly Mission

Highlights: - Blue Origin's Latest Milestone: Join us as we celebrate Blue Origin's successful 12th crewed suborbital mission aboard the New Shepard, where space tourists experienced the breathtaking views of Earth and the sensation of weightlessness. This achievement marks another step forward in commercial space tourism, showcasing the reusable capabilities of the New Shepard vehicle. - Unprecedented Black Hole Imaging: Dive into the groundbreaking results from the Event Horizon Telescope, which has captured the sharpest images of black holes ever seen from Earth. With enhanced resolution at 345 GHz, scientists can now observe the behaviours of supermassive black holes in unprecedented detail, revealing insights into their magnetic environments and the dynamics surrounding them. - Spectacular Aurora Displays: Discover the stunning auroras that lit up the skies across North America and beyond, triggered by a powerful coronal mass ejection. This event created breathtaking light shows, visible as far south as Sandy Kaye, and even delighted observers in New Zealand with vibrant displays of the Aurora Australis. - NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan: Journey with us as we look ahead to NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, set to launch in July 2028. This revolutionary nuclear-powered rotorcraft will explore Titan, Saturn's largest moon, investigating its unique methane-rich environment and the chemical processes that may shed light on the origins of life. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, 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. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - Blue Origin's latest milestone 10:00 - Unprecedented black hole imaging 15:30 - Spectacular aurora displays 20:00 - NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan ✍️ Episode References Blue Origin Updates [Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) ) Event Horizon Telescope Findings [Event Horizon Telescope]( https://eventhorizontelescope.org/ (https://eventhorizontelescope.org/) ) Aurora Reports [NOAA Space Weather]( https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/) ) Dragonfly Mission Details [NASA Dragonfly]( https://www.nasa.gov/dragonfly (https://www.nasa.gov/dragonfly) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27425044?utm_source=youtube

The Earliest Galaxy Unveiled, Asteroid Apophis Awaits, and Betelgeuse’s Hidden Companion

Highlights: - The Earliest Galaxy Discovered: Join us as we unveil the groundbreaking discovery by the James Webb Space Telescope, which has detected the earliest galaxy known to humanity, MAM Z14. Existing just 280 million years after the Big Bang, this remarkable find challenges our understanding of galaxy formation and reveals the presence of heavier elements, hinting at even more ancient galaxies yet to be discovered. - Europe's Ambitious Apophis Mission: Explore the European Space Agency's daring Ramses mission, set to study the infamous asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in 2029. With plans to land on the asteroid, this mission promises to enhance our understanding of planetary defence and the dynamics of near-Earth objects. - SpaceX's Starship Saga Continues: Get the latest on SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight, which faced challenges leading to the loss of the upper stage. Despite setbacks, the mission marks significant progress in the reuse of super heavy boosters and the experimental nature of space exploration. - The Mystery of Betelgeuse: Delve into the enigma surrounding Betelgeuse, one of the night sky's most recognisable stars. As astronomers investigate the possibility of a hidden companion influencing its peculiar brightness fluctuations, we explore how this discovery could reshape our understanding of massive star evolution. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, 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. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - The earliest galaxy discovered 10:00 - Europe's ambitious Apophis mission 15:30 - SpaceX's Starship saga continues 20:00 - The mystery of Betelgeuse ✍️ Episode References James Webb Space Telescope [NASA JWST]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html) ) Apophis Mission Details [European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) ) SpaceX Updates [SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) ) Betelgeuse Research [Hubble Space Telescope]( https://hubblesite.org/ (https://hubblesite.org/) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27404020?utm_source=youtube

Gravity’s New Dawn: The Quest for a Unified Theory

Sponsor Details: This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 (https://insta360.com) - the leaders in 360 degree video. To check out the range and grab your special SpaceTime bonus, visit store.insta360.com (https://store.insta360.com) and use the coupon code SpaceTime at checkout. In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of gravity, the intriguing thermal characteristics of the Moon, and the discovery of white dwarf pulsars. A New Theory of Gravity Scientists have proposed a revolutionary new theory of gravity that brings us closer to the long-sought theory of everything. This quantum theory of gravity aims to unify gravity with the fundamental forces of nature, offering potential solutions to some of the most profound questions in physics, including the nature of dark matter and dark energy. We explore the implications of this theory and how it could reshape our understanding of the universe's origins and the behavior of black holes. The Moon's Hot Side Recent findings suggest that the Moon's near side is significantly hotter than its far side, with temperatures reaching up to 170 degrees Celsius higher. This research, based on data from NASA's GRAIL mission, reveals how geological differences between the lunar sides could be attributed to thermal variations in the Moon's mantle. We discuss the potential for these methods to enhance our understanding of other celestial bodies, including Mars and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. White Dwarf Pulsars: A Stellar Discovery Astronomers have made a remarkable discovery of a white dwarf star that emits radio pulses, challenging the notion that only neutron stars can produce such signals. This discovery, reported in Nature Astronomy, opens up new avenues for understanding pulsar mechanisms and their sources across the Milky Way. We examine the significance of this finding and what it means for our knowledge of stellar evolution. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Reports on Progress in Physics https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885) Nature https://www.nature.com/nature/ (https://www.nature.com/nature/) Nature Astronomy https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . 00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 65 for broadcast on 30 May 2025 01:00 New theory of gravity 12:15 The Moon's thermal characteristics 22:30 Discovery of white dwarf pulsars 30:00 Skywatch: June night skies and the Taurids meteor shower Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27388799?utm_source=youtube

Journey to Mars: Musk’s Vision, Atmospheric Breakthroughs, and the Mystery of Teleios

Highlights: - Elon Musk's Ambitious Mars Plans: Explore SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's bold timeline for sending an uncrewed starship to Mars by the end of 2026. This mission aims to coincide with a crucial launch window, but Musk acknowledges the challenges ahead, including the need for humanoid robots to simulate human crews. - Breakthrough Discovery in Mars's Atmosphere: Dive into the recent findings from NASA's MAVEN mission, which has finally observed atmospheric sputtering on Mars. This long-sought phenomenon reveals how solar particles erode the Martian atmosphere, providing crucial insights into the planet's climatic history. - Unprecedented Views of the Sun's Corona: Witness the revolutionary observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, using an advanced adaptive optic system. Discover stunning details of coronal rain and previously unseen plasma features, shedding light on solar dynamics and mysteries. - Europa's Dynamic Surface: Journey to Jupiter's moon Europa, where recent James Webb Space Telescope observations indicate a surprisingly active surface. The presence of both amorphous and crystalline ice suggests ongoing geological processes and the potential for a subsurface ocean. - The Perfectly Circular Object Teleios: Uncover the mystery of Teleios, a remarkably symmetrical supernova remnant discovered in our Milky Way. With an astonishing circularity score, this celestial bubble raises questions about its formation and the nature of stellar explosions. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, 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. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - Elon Musk's ambitious Mars plans 10:00 - Breakthrough discovery in Mars's atmosphere 15:30 - Unprecedented views of the Sun's corona 20:00 - Europa's dynamic surface 25:00 - The perfectly circular object Teleios ✍️ Episode References SpaceX Mars Plans [SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) ) MAVEN Mission Findings [NASA MAVEN]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html) ) Solar Observations [Big Bear Solar Observatory]( http://www.bbso.njit.edu/ (http://www.bbso.njit.edu/) ) Europa Research [James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/) Teleios Discovery [Murchison Widefield Array]( https://www.mwatelescope.org/ (https://www.mwatelescope.org/) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27388062?utm_source=youtube

Dwarf Planets, Peculiar Moons & the Mystery of Dark Matter | Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights &...

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Insta360 ...the leaders in 360 degree video making. Check out their range and grab your special Space Nuts offer by visiting and using the coupon code Space Nuts at checkout. Exploring the Outer Solar System: New Dwarf Planets, Iapetus Mysteries, and Primordial Black Holes In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and theories that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. From the potential identification of a new dwarf planet to the intriguing features of Saturn's moon Iapetus and the enigmatic nature of primordial black holes, this episode is packed with cosmic insights. Episode Highlights: - Potential New Dwarf Planet: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the discovery of a new Trans-Neptunian object that could challenge the existence of Planet Nine. With its elongated orbit and significant distance from the Sun, this potential dwarf planet offers fresh perspectives on our solar system's architecture. - The Peculiar Moon Iapetus: The conversation shifts to Iapetus, a unique moon of Saturn known for its stark contrast in surface coloration and mysterious equatorial ridge. Andrew and Fred Watson explore the various theories regarding its formation and the renewed interest it has garnered in recent discussions. - Primordial Black Holes and Dark Matter: The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the theoretical research surrounding primordial black holes and their potential role in explaining dark matter. Fred shares insights from recent studies suggesting these ancient black holes might be more stable than previously thought, reigniting the debate on their contribution to the universe's missing mass. For more Space Nuts, including our continually 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, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite 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. (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson (01:20) Discussion on the potential new dwarf planet in the solar system (15:00) Exploring the mysteries of Saturn's moon Iapetus (25:30) Theoretical research on primordial black holes and dark matter For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: 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/27386266?utm_source=youtube

NASA’s Astronauts Adjust, A Cosmic Mystery Unveiled, China’s Latest Launch

Highlights: - NASA Astronauts' Unexpected Journey: Join us as we follow the incredible recovery of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who returned from what was meant to be an eight-day mission but turned into a nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station. Hear about their challenges and progress as they readjust to life on Earth after an extended period in microgravity. - The Enigmatic ASCAP J1832: Delve into the mystery of ASCAP J1832, a cosmic object that pulses every 44 minutes in both radio waves and X-rays. This unique star challenges our understanding of stellar behaviour and has scientists puzzled as they investigate its unusual emissions and potential classification. - China's Tianwen 2 Mission: Discover China's ambitious Tianwen 2 mission, launched to collect samples from a living fossil asteroid known as Kamo Oalawa. This groundbreaking mission could provide valuable insights into the early solar system and showcases China's growing capabilities in space exploration. - A Busy Week in Space Launches: Get the latest on a flurry of rocket launches around the globe, including SpaceX's ongoing Starlink deployments and Blue Origin's upcoming New Shepard mission. This segment highlights the rapid advancements in space technology and the increasing frequency of launches. - Earth's Cosmic Future: Explore unsettling research revealing potential risks to Earth's long-term orbital stability due to passing stars. While the chances of catastrophic events remain low, these findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of our solar system and the future of our planet. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.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. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - NASA astronauts' unexpected journey 10:00 - The enigmatic ASCAP J1832 15:30 - China's Tianwen 2 mission 20:00 - A busy week in space launches 25:00 - Earth's cosmic future ✍️ Episode References NASA Astronauts Recovery [NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) ) ASCAP J1832 Discovery [Chandra X-ray Observatory]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/main/index.html) ) Tianwen 2 Mission Details [China National Space Administration]( http://www.cnsa.gov.cn (http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/) ) Space Launch Updates [SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) ) Orbital Stability Research [Planetary Science Institute]( https://www.psi.edu (https://www.psi.edu/) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27371114?utm_source=youtube

Jupiter’s Gigantic Past

Sponsor Details: This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the game changer in 360-degree camera technology. Capture stunning moments with the Insta360 X5, which records 8K 360-degree video. To bag a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com (https://store.insta360.com/) and use the promo code SpaceTime ! In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover remarkable revelations about Jupiter, lightning-induced gamma rays, and groundbreaking achievements in spaceflight. Jupiter's Magnificent Past A new study reveals that Jupiter, the solar system's largest planet, was once twice its current size and possessed a magnetic field 50 times stronger than today. Researchers, led by Konstantin Batygin, used the orbits of Jupiter's small moons, Amalthea and Thebe, to deduce these findings, providing critical insights into the early stages of planetary formation. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of gas giants and their formation processes across the universe. Gamma Rays and Lightning In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected intense flashes of gamma rays produced by lightning strikes. This phenomenon, known as terrestrial gamma ray flashes, occurs when lightning accelerates electrons to near light speeds, resulting in bursts of radiation. The study, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the high-energy processes occurring in Earth's atmosphere, enhancing our understanding of lightning's power and its effects on our planet. Precision Formation Flying in Space History has been made in Earth orbit as two spacecraft from the European Space Agency's Proba 3 mission successfully flew in millimeter-perfect formation for the first time. This precision alignment is crucial for studying the Sun's corona, allowing the two satellites to simulate a single large spacecraft. We discuss the technology behind this mission and its potential to revolutionize solar observations. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Nature Astronomy https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/) Science Advances https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv (https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . 00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 64 for broadcast on 28 May 2025 01:00 Jupiter's original size and magnetic field 12:15 Gamma ray flashes unleashed by lightning 22:30 Precision formation flying in space 30:00 Science report: New contact lens technology for night vision Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27352545?utm_source=youtube

SpaceX’s Ninth Starship Flight, A Hidden Dwarf Planet, and Europa’s Future Habitable Zone

Highlights: - SpaceX's Ninth Starship Test Flight: Join us as we explore the rollercoaster journey of SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight. Witness the impressive achievements of the Super Heavy booster, the first to be reused, and the challenges faced during the mission, including the dramatic loss of the second stage during its descent. - A Major Discovery in the Outer Solar System: Exciting news for planetary scientists as a newly confirmed dwarf planet, 2017 of 201, is revealed. This significant find, measuring approximately 700 kilometres across, challenges existing theories about the outer solar system and hints at more undiscovered celestial bodies lurking in the shadows. - The Future of Europa: Delve into the intriguing possibilities for Europa as our sun evolves. In about 12 billion years, this icy moon could develop a tenuous water vapour atmosphere, potentially creating a brief window for habitability as it shifts into the habitable zone. - Rare Binary Star System Discovery: Discover the remarkable findings from Chinese astronomers who identified a rare binary star system featuring a pulsar whose radiation is intermittently blocked by its companion star. This observation sheds light on stellar evolution and the dynamics of binary systems. - Expanding the Search for Life to Exomoons: A new study suggests that moons orbiting giant planets could be more common sites for habitability than previously thought. Researchers model how large exomoons might form and thrive, expanding our understanding of where to look for extraterrestrial life. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.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. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight 10:00 - A major discovery in the outer solar system 15:30 - The future of Europa 20:00 - Rare binary star system discovery 25:00 - Expanding the search for life to exomoons ✍️ Episode References SpaceX Updates [SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) ) Dwarf Planet Discovery [Institute for Advanced Study]( https://www.ias.edu/ (https://www.ias.edu/) ) Europa Research [NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) ) Binary Star System Findings [National Astronomical Observatories of China]( http://www.naoc.cas.cn/ (http://www.naoc.cas.cn/) ) Exomoon Study [Astronomy and Astrophysics]( https://www.aanda.org/ (https://www.aanda.org/) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27351852?utm_source=youtube