Spacetime With Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 14The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid from the Moon, Lunar Landers, and Trump’s Mars AmbitionsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing discovery of a small asteroid, designated 2024 PT5, which is believed to be a fragment of the Moon ejected into space by a historic impact. This 10-meter wide near-Earth object offers new insights into both asteroid and lunar science, as researchers confirm its composition aligns closely with lunar rock samples.Two Lunar Landers Launch for the MoonSpaceX successfully launched two lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience, as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. These missions aim to deliver critical hardware to the Moon in preparation for a sustainable human presence under the Artemis program. Blue Ghost will conduct a variety of scientific experiments, including lunar subsurface drilling and thermal measurements, while Resilience will deploy a forward robotic micro ro

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 13Mysteries of Water on Mars and the Origins of Earth's MoonIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries about the history of water on Mars. New research reveals thousands of mounds on the Martian northern plains, rich in clay minerals, indicating that this area was once submerged under a vast ocean. These findings, reported in Nature Geoscience, suggest that the mounds preserve a complete geological history of water on Mars, making them prime targets for future exploration missions searching for signs of past life.Could the Moon be a Piece of Earth?We also delve into a fascinating study proposing that the Moon could have formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle rather than from the impact of a Mars-sized body, as previously thought. This new hypothesis, based on isotopic similarities between Earth and Moon samples, offers fresh insights into the origins of our lunar companion and the potential pathways for water to have reached Earth.Establishing

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 12Unveiling the Mysteries of Fast Radio Bursts and Mars' GeologyIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the enigmatic origins of fast radio bursts (FRBs), those mysterious cosmic phenomena that release immense energy in mere nanoseconds. Recent findings challenge existing theories about their sources, suggesting that some FRBs may originate from regions in ancient, dead galaxies, raising profound questions about the nature of these bursts and their potential as cosmic probes.Is Mars Still Geologically Active?A new study based on data from NASA's InSight lander indicates that Mars may still be geologically active. By analyzing marsquakes, researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that the southern hemisphere of the Red Planet has a thicker crust and higher elevation than the northern hemisphere, providing insights into its geological history and evolution over billions of years.Celestial Treat for Southern Hemisphere Sky WatchersSky watchers in the Southern Hemisphere are i

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 11Ancient Water on Mars and the Birth of the Universe's LightsScientists have uncovered two sets of ancient wave ripples on Mars, revealing evidence of long-dried ponds and lakes that once existed on the Red Planet. Discovered by NASA's Curiosity rover, these ripples, formed approximately 3.7 billion years ago, indicate that shallow bodies of water were open to the Martian atmosphere, challenging previous climate models suggesting an ice-covered surface. This finding extends our understanding of the timeline for liquid water on Mars and its potential for microbial life.A Quasar's Role in Cosmic IlluminationAstronomers have detected a highly variable quasar that may have played a crucial role in turning on the lights of the universe. This quasar, observed by the NuSTAR and Chandra X-ray space telescopes, is one of the most distant objects detected and provides new insights into the growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe. Its rapid brightness fluctuations offer vita

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 10Gaia's Sky Scanning Completion and Mid Infrared Flare from Sagittarius A*The European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft has completed its sky scanning phase, marking a monumental achievement in astronomical missions. Over the past decade, Gaia has transformed our understanding of the Milky Way by mapping the positions and characteristics of billions of stars. This mission has provided unprecedented insights into the origins and evolution of our galaxy, revealing its structure and history like never before.Mid Infrared Flare from the Milky Way's Supermassive Black HoleAstronomers have detected a mid infrared flare from Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. This discovery, made using NASA's Webb Space Telescope, fills a crucial gap in our understanding of black hole flares and supports existing models of magnetic reconnection in the accretion disk surrounding the black hole.Discovery of a New Type of ExoplanetNASA's Webb Space Telescope has unveil

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 09Starship's Fiery End and Blue Origin's New Glenn DebutSpaceX's Starship experienced a dramatic explosion during its seventh test flight, marking both success and setback. While the super heavy booster was successfully caught by the launch tower's chopstick arms, the Starship upper stage exploded during ascent. Despite the fiery end, the mission demonstrated significant advancements in booster recovery technology.Blue Origin's New Glenn Maiden FlightBlue Origin's New Glenn mega rocket has completed its first flight, successfully reaching orbit. However, the mission wasn't flawless, as the first stage booster failed to land on a pre-positioned barge in the Atlantic Ocean. The mission's payload, a prototype for the Blue Ring orbital vehicle, was successfully deployed, marking a significant milestone for Blue Origin.Mysterious Stellar Pulsations ExplainedAstronomers have pinpointed the source of mysterious long-period radio transients, linking them to a binary star system comprising

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 08Origins of Fast Radio Bursts UnveiledAstronomers have pinpointed the source of fast radio bursts, specifically linking them to magnetars, a type of highly magnetic neutron star. This breakthrough, reported in Nature, was achieved by analysing the scintillation of FRB2022 1022A, indicating its proximity to a magnetar within 10,000 kilometres. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon, suggesting that all fast radio bursts might originate from similarly extreme environments.Lunar Water's Terrestrial OriginsA groundbreaking study reveals that much of the Moon's water may have originated from early Earth. By examining Apollo-era lunar samples with a high precision triple oxygen isotope technique, scientists discovered a dual heritage of lunar water, tracing back to both proto-Earth and cometary impacts. This finding offers new insights into the Earth-Moon system's formation 4.5 billion years ago.Juno's Insights into IO's VolcanismNASA's Juno mission has uncovered that J

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 07Dark Matter's Role in Milky Way's Stellar StreamsNew research suggests that dark matter may have influenced the formation of the GD-1 stellar stream in the Milky Way. A study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters proposes that a core-collapsing, self-interacting dark matter subhalo could explain the unusual spur and gap features observed in the stream. This finding could deepen our understanding of dark matter's properties and its influence on the universe.Sun's Triple Solar Flare EruptionThe Sun has unleashed three significant X-class solar flares in a single day, with the first and third being X1.1 flares and the second an X1.5. These powerful eruptions, detected by NOAA's Solar Ultraviolet Imager, are part of the Sun's approach to solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Solar flares can disrupt Earth's communications, power grids, and pose health risks to astronauts.Quadrantids Meteor Shower SpectacleThe Earth is experiencing the Quadrantids meteor shower, offering

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 06Formation of Pluto-Charon Binary SystemA 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 FlybyThe 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.Astrono

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 05Volcanic Activity on MarsNew research suggests recent volcanic activity on Mars, with eruptions possibly occurring within the last 50,000 years. This discovery, based on satellite observations, highlights a mysterious dark deposit in Elysium Planitia, indicating explosive volcanism. The findings could mean Mars is still volcanically active, raising possibilities of habitable conditions due to interactions between magma and icy substrates.Mysteries of Supernova 1987AAstronomers using the Murchison Wide Field Array have been delving into the enigmatic Supernova 1987A. The supernova, marking the death of a blue supergiant star, offers insights into stellar evolution. The peculiar hourglass shape and the unexpected blue supergiant phase of the progenitor star continue to puzzle scientists.Dream Chaser Space Plane Launch DelayedThe inaugural flight of the Dream Chaser space plane, Tenacity, is now scheduled for May. The spacecraft will carry supplies to the International Space Station

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 04Challenging the Existence of Dark EnergyA groundbreaking study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand is challenging the long-held belief in dark energy, suggesting that the universe's expansion might not require this enigmatic force. The research proposes the "timescape" model, which accounts for variations in cosmic expansion rates by considering differences in gravitational time dilation. This model could potentially resolve some of the universe's biggest mysteries, including the Hubble tension, by suggesting that dark energy is simply a misinterpretation of cosmic conditions.Solar Wind Slowing Beyond PlutoNASA's New Horizons spacecraft has detected a slowdown in the solar wind as it travels beyond Pluto. The data reveals that the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the Sun, decelerates as it picks up interstellar material. This discovery offers new insights into the heliosphere's outer reaches and the interaction between solar and interstellar forces.Venu

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 03Parker Solar Probe's Historic JourneyNASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the fastest man-made object, surviving a record-breaking close approach to the Sun's surface. The probe, travelling at an unprecedented speed of 155,520 kilometres per hour, flew just 6.1 million kilometres above the Sun, providing invaluable data to help scientists understand the Sun's impacts on the solar system, including Earth. This mission marks a significant achievement in space exploration, shedding light on the Sun's mysterious processes and aiding in the search for habitable worlds beyond our planet.Mystery of Ultra Luminous X-Ray SourcesAstronomers have detected unusual flaring activity in an ultra luminous X-ray source, challenging our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic phenomena. Observations reveal flux variations by up to a factor of six over a few hours, offering new insights into the nature of these powerful sources, which could be linked to feeding supermassive black

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 02Liquid Water on Mars: A Mirage?A new study casts doubt on the existence of liquid water on Mars, challenging previous assumptions about recurring slope lineae and the potential for brine pools. Researchers argue that the Martian environment's low temperature and pressure make it unlikely for liquid water to exist, even in the form of salty brines. The findings question the habitability of the Red Planet by Earth standards.New Asteroids DiscoveredNASA's Webb Space Telescope has identified a new population of small main belt asteroids between Mars and Jupiter. These 138 newly discovered celestial bodies range in size from a bus to a football stadium, offering insights into asteroid formation and the potential risks of asteroid impacts on Earth.Australia's Lunar Rover Project AdvancesAustralia's first Lunar Rover project is moving forward with the development of prototype rovers and essential technology to tackle lunar dust challenges. Supported by the Australian Space Agency, this

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 01Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble TensionThe James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the Hubble Tension, challenging the current understanding of cosmic theory. New observations reveal that the Universe is expanding faster now than during its early years, suggesting gaps in our understanding of cosmic physics. The study, led by Adam Rees and Thomas Barber, confirms the accuracy of Hubble's measurements, pointing to unknown factors in the Universe's expansion.Liquid Erosion on Asteroid VestaA new hypothesis proposes that liquids could have carved out gullies on the airless asteroid Vesta. Laboratory experiments suggest that briny liquids, rather than dry debris flows, may have formed these features. This study, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, provides insights into the geological processes on Vesta.New Year's Day Fireworks on MarsWhile Earth celebrates New Year's Day, Mars experiences its own fireworks with explosive spring thaws. The Martian northern hemisphere is underg

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 157NASA's Parker Solar Probe Touches the SunNASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the first spacecraft to touch the Sun. The probe, weighing 685 kilogrammes, flew within 6.1 million kilometres of the solar surface, achieving unprecedented speeds of over 692 kilometres per hour. This milestone marks a significant step in understanding solar phenomena and space weather, with implications for forecasting geomagnetic storms.Moon's Volcanic Past UnveiledNew samples from China's Chang'e 6 mission to the Moon's far side reveal volcanic activity as recent as 2.8 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the Moon's geological history, suggesting a prolonged period of volcanism on its far side, distinct from earlier samples obtained from the near side.Mapping the Milky WayAstronomers have crafted a new stellar chart offering a more comprehensive map of our Milky Way galaxy. The study reveals the galaxy's formation in two distinct phases, with impl

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 156Superflares: A Century-Long Threat?A new study warns of the potential for our Sun to unleash superflares, with the threat estimated at once per century. These massive eruptions could engulf the Earth, challenging our understanding of solar behaviour. Evidence from other sun-like stars suggests that such violent solar events may be more common than previously thought, urging caution as we continue to study these phenomena.Binary Star Discovery Near Galactic CoreAstronomers have identified the first binary star system near Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. This discovery, made using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, offers new insights into how stars can survive in extreme gravitational environments. The findings could pave the way for detecting planets orbiting close to this massive black hole.NASA's Lucy Mission: Onward to JupiterNASA's Lucy spacecraft has completed its second close flyby of Earth, gaining a gravity

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 155*Discovery of a New Class of Cosmic X-RayAstronomers have identified a new class of cosmic X-ray source, potentially originating from a novel type of nova event. The study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals 29 unusual objects in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. These objects displayed unexpected behaviours, such as long-duration X-ray outbursts and recurring outbreaks. The findings suggest these sources, dubbed 'Milli Novae', could play a crucial role in understanding astrophysical phenomena, especially as they may contribute to the mass of white dwarfs, potentially leading to Type 1A supernovae.*Uncovering the Secrets of the CentaursUsing the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have begun studying centaurs, a unique family of comet-like asteroids orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. The study of 2060 Chiron reveals surface chemistry unlike any other known centaur, with carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices, and methane gases in its coma. These

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 154*The Moon's Age: A New PerspectiveNew research suggests the Moon may be much older than previously believed. Evidence indicates the Moon's crust underwent extensive remelting around 4.35 billion years ago, obscuring its true age. This study proposes the Moon could be as old as 4.53 billion years, challenging past estimates and offering a new understanding of its formation.*Perseverance Rover's New HorizonsNASA's Perseverance rover has reached the top of Jezero Crater's rim, marking a significant milestone in its mission. With the climb complete, the rover is set to explore new geological terrains, potentially uncovering some of the oldest rocks in the solar system. This new phase promises to deepen our understanding of Mars' ancient history.*Unveiling South Australia's Pink Sands MysteryThe discovery of deep pink sands on South Australian beaches has provided insights into the tectonic history of the region. These findings, published in Communications Earth and Environment, sugg

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 153*The Mysterious Origins of Martian MineralsA new study suggests that some Martian minerals may have formed in liquid carbon dioxide rather than water. While traditional views link Mars' dry river channels to past water presence, this research indicates that under ancient Martian conditions, liquid CO2 could have been a significant factor in shaping the planet's geological features. This finding, published in Nature Geoscience, adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about Mars' liquid past and its implications for the planet's habitability.*Australia's Arnhem Space Centre ShutteredEquatorial Launch Australia has announced the closure of the Arnhem Space Centre due to unresolved lease issues with the Northern Land Council. Originally envisioned as a hub for commercial space launches, the project faced multiple delays over land agreements. Plans are now underway to relocate operations to Queensland, aiming to establish the Australian Space Centre, Geberic which promises significant

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 152*Martian Dust Storms: A New UnderstandingA groundbreaking study reveals the triggers behind Mars' infamous planet-wide dust storms. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder suggest that relatively warm and sunny days could initiate these massive storms. Presented at the American Geophysical Union's 2024 meeting, the findings could pave the way for forecasting Martian weather, similar to Earth meteorology. Understanding these storms is crucial, as they pose significant challenges to Mars missions by affecting rovers and landers.*Discovery of New Dark CometsAstronomers have doubled the known population of dark comets, discovering seven more of these enigmatic celestial bodies. These objects, which resemble asteroids but behave like comets, are categorized into two groups based on their orbits and reflectivity. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explores their potential role in delivering vital materials to Earth, such as water.*