Spacetime With Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 37The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExciting New Exoplanet Discovery, Evolving Dark Energy, and Insights into the Moon's Magnetic FieldIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of a potential new exoplanet, TOI 2818C, located over a thousand light years away in the constellation Papus. This intriguing planetary candidate is estimated to be 10 to 16 times the size of Earth and orbits its host star in less than 16 Earth days. We delve into the innovative transit timing variations method employed by astronomers, which revealed the presence of this companion planet alongside the hot Jupiter TOI 2818b, and discuss the implications for our understanding of planetary formation in hot Jupiter systems.Dark Energy's Mysterious EvolutionWe also explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that dark energy may be evolving over cosmic time scales. Utilizing data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), scientists are piecing together the largest three-dimension

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 36The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSpace Tornadoes Discovered in the Milky Way's Core, SpaceX's Starship to Undertake a Mission to Mars Next Year, and Stranded Astronauts Finally Return Home After Nine Months in SpaceIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the astonishing discovery of enormous space tornadoes swirling in the Milky Way's central core. Astronomers have unveiled these spectacular formations, detected using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which reveal the dynamic processes surrounding the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. We discuss the implications of this find for our understanding of the galaxy's central molecular zone and the mechanisms driving material circulation within it.SpaceX's Ambitious Mars MissionWe also cover SpaceX's plans for its Starship rocket, which is set to undertake its first mission to Mars next year. Elon Musk outlines the ambitious timeline for human colonization of the red planet, with unmanned missi

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 35The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastDiscovery of a New Planetary System, Stable Trio of Icy Worlds in the Kuiper Belt, and the Fascinating Concept of White HolesIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the groundbreaking discovery of a nearby planetary system orbiting Barnard's Star, the second closest star system to the Sun. Located just 5.96 light years away, this system comprises four small planets, each 20 to 30% the mass of Earth, revealing new insights into the potential for life beyond our solar system. We discuss the significance of these findings and the advanced techniques used to confirm their existence, including the innovative Maroon X instrument.Exploring the Kuiper BeltWe also explore the remarkable discovery of a stable trio of small frozen worlds in the Kuiper Belt, cataloged as the Algiera system. This intriguing find, made using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory, could potentially be only the second three-body system i

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 34The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSupernovae's Role in Mass Extinctions, NASA's Stellar Mapping Mission, and New Moons of SaturnIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a fascinating new study suggesting that nearby supernovae could have triggered at least two of Earth's mass extinction events. These violent stellar explosions may have stripped away the ozone layer, exposing life to harmful ultraviolet radiation and leading to significant ecological upheaval. We delve into the implications of these findings and how they reshape our understanding of Earth's history.Nasa's SPHEREx MissionWe also discuss NASA's successful launch of the SPHEREx mission, designed to map the entire celestial sky in unprecedented detail. This mission aims to create a three-dimensional map of over 450 million galaxies, utilizing advanced spectroscopy techniques to analyze infrared light and uncover the mysteries of cosmic inflation and the ingredients necessary for life.Saturn's Expanding Moon

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 33The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastWorld's Oldest Meteor Impact Crater, Water Ice on the Moon, and the Secretive X37B Shuttle ReturnsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we unveil the discovery of the world's oldest known meteor impact crater located in Western Australia. This ancient structure, dating back 3.5 billion years, was identified in the Pilbara region and challenges previous notions about Earth's geological history and the origins of life. We discuss the implications of this significant find, including its potential to reshape our understanding of crust formation and the environments conducive to early microbial life.Water Ice on the MoonWe also delve into exciting new research suggesting that water ice may be found just centimeters below the lunar surface across a much larger area of the Moon's polar regions than previously believed. Based on observations from India's Chandrayaan 3 mission, these findings could greatly influence future lunar exploration and habitat

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 32The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMartian Minerals Indicating Ancient Life, World's Most Powerful Gamma Ray Observatory, and Ariane 6 Rocket Operations BeginIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking findings from NASA's Perseverance rover, which has discovered unusual rocks on Mars' Jezero crater rim, hinting at the possibility of ancient life. The rocks, rich in kaolinite, typically form in warm, wet environments, suggesting that Mars may have once hosted conditions suitable for life. We delve into the implications of these findings and what they reveal about the planet's watery past.Advancements in Gamma Ray AstronomyWe also discuss the European Commission's green light for the construction of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, projected to become the world's most powerful gamma ray observatory. This ambitious project aims to vastly expand our understanding of high-energy astronomical phenomena, potentially revealing the origins of gamma rays an

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 31The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastBeaches on Mars, Water's Early Emergence in the Universe, and Voyager's Power ConservationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the groundbreaking confirmation by China's Zhurong Mars rover, which has revealed that ancient ocean beaches once graced Mars' northern hemisphere. Using advanced ground-penetrating radar, scientists have discovered sedimentary structures resembling Earth's coastal deposits, suggesting that the Red Planet once harbored a significant body of water, potentially creating habitable environments for microbial life.Water's Early Role in the UniverseWe also discuss a new study indicating that water may have formed in the universe much earlier than previously thought, just 100 to 200 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery suggests that habitable planets could have begun forming before the first galaxies, with primordial supernovae playing a crucial role in producing the necessary oxygen for water molec

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 30The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastEarth's Jessica Cycles, Starship's Latest Failure, and Lunar Landings in TroubleIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking discovery linking Earth's ice age cycles to its orbital shifts. Recent research indicates a predictable pattern for glacial and interglacial periods, suggesting the onset of the next ice age could occur in approximately 10,000 years. This insight stems from a million-year climate record that matches changes in Earth's orbit with significant climate shifts.Starship's Crash and BurnWe also discuss the latest mishap involving SpaceX's Starship, which experienced a dramatic failure just seconds before achieving orbit. The test flight ended in a spectacular explosion over the Caribbean, prompting multiple investigations into the incident. This marks the second consecutive failure for SpaceX's ambitious rocket program, raising concerns about its future, particularly in relation to NASA's Artemis lunar miss

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 29The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastExploring Callisto's Ocean Potential, Laser Fossil Detection on Mars, and ISS Cleanliness ConcernsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into exciting new research suggesting that Jupiter's moon Callisto may harbor a subsurface ocean, potentially making it another ocean world in our solar system. This revelation builds on data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, which hinted at the presence of a salty liquid water ocean beneath Callisto's icy crust. Advanced modeling techniques have strengthened these claims, setting the stage for further exploration by NASA's Europa Clipper and ESA's Juice missions.Lasers on Mars: Searching for Ancient LifeWe also discuss innovative research that proposes using lasers to identify ancient microbial fossils on Mars. Scientists have successfully detected microbial fossils in gypsum on Earth, raising hopes that similar techniques could uncover evidence of past life on the Red Planet. The findings suggest that

The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastEarth's Climate Shaped by Orion, New Insights into Mars' Red Color, and NASA's Europa Clipper Mission UpdateIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that Earth's climate may have undergone significant changes around 14 million years ago due to our solar system's journey through the Orion star-forming region. Researchers propose that this passage may have compressed the heliosphere, increasing interstellar dust influx and potentially impacting Earth's climate and geological records.Revisiting Mars' Iconic HueWe also discuss new findings that challenge previous assumptions about why Mars is red. Recent research indicates that the planet's rusted appearance may be linked to a wetter history, with liquid water playing a crucial role in the formation of iron oxides. This revelation reshapes our understanding of Mars' habitability and environmental conditions in its ancient past.NASA's Europa Clipper MissionAdditionally, we provide an ex

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 27The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Risk Reduced, Insights into Mars' Core, and NASA's Lunar Mission UpdateIn this episode of SpaceTime, we bring you encouraging news about asteroid 2024 YR4, with new observations indicating that the chances of it impacting Earth have plummeted to just 0.001%. Initially flagged as a potential threat, this asteroid has been closely monitored, and the latest data from the Very Large Telescope has allowed astronomers to refine its orbit and rule out any collision risk for 2032.Exploring the Martian CoreWe also delve into a fascinating new study regarding the composition of Mars' core. Research suggests that while it may contain a liquid outer core, there could also be a solid inner core composed of iron and sulfur. This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of the Red Planet's geophysical properties and the role of lighter elements in its core.NASA's Latest Lunar MissionAdditionally, we provide an update on N

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 26The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Ryugu's Salty Secrets, Solar Orbiter's Venus Encounter, and NASA's Lunar Resource ExplorationIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the recent findings from the asteroid Richie, where scientists have discovered evidence of salt minerals, hinting at the presence of saline water in the outer solar system. This exciting revelation parallels previous discoveries from asteroid Bennu and enhances our understanding of the chemical history of these celestial bodies.Europe's Solar Orbiter and VenusWe also explore the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter spacecraft as it prepares for a close flyby of Venus. This maneuver will allow the spacecraft to adjust its orbit significantly, enabling unprecedented observations of the Sun's polar regions, which have remained elusive from Earth. The encounter will provide critical data to improve our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather.NASA's Polar Ice ExperimentAdd

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 25The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastTwo Arrows of Time, Ancient Rocks on Mars, and NASA's Lunar Trailblazer MissionIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into a groundbreaking discovery by physicists revealing the possibility of two distinct arrows of time emerging from the quantum realm. This fascinating research challenges our conventional understanding of time, suggesting that it may not flow in just one direction, but could theoretically move both forwards and backwards under certain quantum conditions.NASA's Perseverance Rover Finds Ancient Martian RocksWe also highlight the latest findings from NASA's Perseverance rover, which has uncovered new types of rocks that may be the oldest material ever found on Mars. As the rover continues its Crater Rim campaign, it is providing critical insights into the geological history of the Red Planet and the potential for ancient habitable environments.Countdown to NASA's Lunar Trailblazer MissionAdditionally, we preview the upco

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 24The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Impact Odds, Lunar Grand Canyons, and NASA's Stranded AstronautsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the alarming increase in the odds of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth, now estimated at 3.1% for December 22, 2032. This asteroid, measuring between 40 to 90 meters, poses a significant threat, and we delve into the implications of planetary defense strategies that could be employed to mitigate this risk.The Origins of the Moon's Grand CanyonsWe also explore new research that suggests the Moon's massive canyons, Vallis Schrodinger and Valles Plank, were carved out by asteroid impacts in a mere 10 minutes. This groundbreaking study provides insights into the Moon's geological history and will have important implications for future lunar missions, particularly the upcoming Artemis program.NASA's Stranded AstronautsAdditionally, we cover the latest developments regarding NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wiltmore, who

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 23The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastSnowball Earth Evidence, Blue Origin's Parachute Failure, and the Moon Illusion ExplainedIn this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking geological research that provides compelling evidence for the Snowball Earth hypothesis, suggesting that glaciers may have covered the planet from pole to pole hundreds of millions of years ago. This research reveals insights into Earth's climatic history and the emergence of multicellular life following this extreme glaciation event.Blue Origin's Lunar Gravity MissionWe also discuss the recent Blue Origin mission, where the New Shepard spacecraft experienced a parachute failure during a lunar gravity simulation flight. Despite the malfunction, mission managers confirm that the capsule was designed to land safely with two parachutes, and investigations are underway to understand the issue.The Moon Illusion: Why Does It Appear Larger on the Horizon?Additionally, we explore the fascinating phe

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 22The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Van Allen Radiation Belts, Alien Oceans and Signs of Life, and the Largest Black Hole Radio Jet Ever DetectedIn this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of two new temporary Van Allen radiation belts created by a massive solar storm that struck Earth in May 2024. This event not only produced stunning auroras but also highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of radiation belts for the safety of satellites and astronauts. The findings, reported by NASA's Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment, reveal that these belts can last significantly longer than previously thought, with implications for future solar storms and spaceflight safety.Searching for Life in Alien OceansWe also explore the challenges of detecting signs of extraterrestrial life in the subsurface oceans of icy moons like Saturn's Enceladus. A new study suggests that the unique physics of these oceans could hinder the movement of biological si

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 21The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastShifting Dynamics of Earth's Inner Core, China's Lunar South Pole Mission, and Insights into Hot Jupiter ExoplanetsIn this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking research revealing that Earth's inner core may be less solid than previously believed. A new study indicates that the near surface of the inner core is undergoing structural transformations, influenced by interactions with the turbulent outer core. This discovery provides fresh insights into the dynamics of Earth's core and its impact on the planet's magnetic field and rotation.China's Chang'e 7 Mission: A Quest for Lunar Water IceWe also discuss China's upcoming Chang'e 7 mission, set to launch next year, which aims to search for water ice at the lunar south pole. This mission will employ advanced technologies to locate and analyze water ice deposits, crucial for supporting future manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The Chang'e 7 mission will include an orbiter,

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 20The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Discoveries on Earth's Elements, Uranus's Moon Ariel, and the Fate of Comet AtlasIn this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into a groundbreaking study that challenges long-held beliefs about the origins of Earth's missing moderately volatile elements, such as copper and zinc. This research suggests that rather than being lost during the early formation of the solar system, these essential elements were likely retained by the first planetesimals and lost later due to violent cosmic collisions during planetary growth, reshaping our understanding of planetary chemistry and habitability.Uranus's Moon Ariel: A Window to Its InteriorWe also explore the fascinating trench-like features on Uranus's moon Ariel, which may serve as conduits for internal materials. New research indicates that these medial grooves could provide insights into Ariel's geological history and potential subsurface oceans, highlighting the complex interplay of tectonic

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 19The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastNew Insights into Earth's Water, Asteroid Bennu's Composition, and Marsquake TriggersIn this episode of SpaceTime, we investigate a groundbreaking study that challenges previous beliefs about when water arrived on Earth. New findings suggest that water may have come in during the later stages of Earth’s formation, providing fresh perspectives on the origins of life on our planet. The study highlights the importance of molybdenum isotopes in understanding the timing of water delivery and the conditions necessary for life.Searles Lake and Asteroid BennuWe also explore the intriguing similarities between Searles Lake in California and the asteroid Bennu, as researchers find that both environments share common water-soluble minerals. The Osiris Rex mission has revealed that Bennu's samples contain evaporite minerals formed under wet conditions, shedding light on the potential for life-sustaining elements in our solar system's past.Meteoroi

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 18The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastAsteroid Threat Level Rusty, Dark Matter Experiment, and Martian Lava RocksIn this episode of SpaceTime, we discuss the alarming increase in the threat level of near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4, now assessed at a 2.3% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. With astronomers worldwide closely monitoring its trajectory, we explore the potential consequences of an impact from this asteroid, including the possibility of a catastrophic airburst or a significant surface collision.New Dark Matter Experiment in SpaceWe also delve into an ambitious new experiment aimed at uncovering the mysteries of dark matter. Researchers are testing a device that could potentially detect dark matter by measuring tiny signals in a zero-gravity environment. This groundbreaking approach seeks to provide insights into the elusive substance that constitutes approximately 85% of the universe's mass.Insights from Martian Lava RocksAdditionally, we examine findi