Spacetime With Stuart Gary

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.*

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 151*A New Perspective on the Moon's Aitken BasinRecent observations of the Moon's south pole reveal that the Aitken Basin crater is more circular than previously believed. This significant discovery challenges existing theories about its formation and has implications for future lunar missions, including NASA's Artemis program. The study, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, suggests a more direct impact created the crater, offering potential access to deep lunar material for study.*Gravitational Wave Maps Unveil Hidden Cosmic StructuresAstronomers have developed the most detailed gravitational wave maps yet, revealing hidden black holes and cosmic structures. Using pulsar timing arrays, researchers have detected a background of gravitational waves across the universe. This groundbreaking research, reported in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, opens new avenues for understanding galactic evolution and the universe's history.*NASA's First Aircraft A

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 150*Venus: A Lifeless WorldNew research has debunked the long-standing theory that Venusmight have once been habitable. Despite being Earth's sister planet, a study of its atmospheric chemistry reveals that Venus has always been too dry to support oceans, making it an inhospitable world throughout its history. These findings, published in Nature Astronomy, have significant implications for the search for life on exoplanets, suggesting a focus on more Earth-like candidates.*Mars Perseverance Rover Reaches Jezero Crater RimNASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has successfully reached the rim of Jezero Crater, where it is examining the Picotquino region. This area could provide insights into ancient geological processes on Mars, potentially revealing clues about the planet's past climate and the impact that formed the crater.*Quantum Sensors in SpaceNASA's Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by using ultra-cold atoms to detect environ

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 149*Did Earth's Oceans Come from Comets?New research suggests that Earth's oceans may have originated from comets, reigniting the debate about the origins of Earth's water. Recent observations of Comet 67P reveal a similar molecular signature to Earth's oceans, challenging previous findings and suggesting Jupiter family comets could have contributed to Earth's water supply. This discovery, led by Kathleen Mandit from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, highlights the importance of understanding the origins of water, a crucial element for life on Earth.*Discovery of a Rare Main Belt CometA mysterious object in the main asteroid belt has been confirmed as a rare main belt comet. Identified as 456P PanSTARRS, this comet displays regular cometary features despite residing in the main asteroid belt. This discovery, led by Henry Heissch from the Planetary Science Institute, adds to the small but growing list of known main belt comets, offering new insights into the icy bodies of the sola

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 148*Another Delay for NASA's Artemis Moon MissionNASA has announced a delay in the launch of its Artemis 2 manned Moon mission, now rescheduled for April 2026. Originally planned for September 2025, the delay is due to concerns about the Orion spacecraft's heat shield. This postponement also affects the timeline for Artemis 3, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. NASA's focus is on ensuring the safety and reliability of the spacecraft's reentry systems, with adjustments planned for the Artemis 2 mission trajectory.*Ancient Hot Water Activity on Mars UncoveredA groundbreaking study has provided the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on Mars, suggesting a potentially habitable past. Researchers analysed zircon grains from the Martian meteorite NWA 7034, known as Black Buddy, revealing elemental evidence of water-rich fluids from 4.45 billion years ago. This discovery enhances our understanding of Mars' hydrothermal systems and their role in the planet's

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 147*A Cosmic Glimpse into the Universe's PastAstronomers have witnessed a rare supernova, 2023 UFX, offering insights into the early universe. This unusual stellar explosion involved a metal-poor red supergiant star, providing clues about the cosmic conditions when the universe began. The study, led by Michael Tucker from Ohio State University, reveals how early supernovae seeded the next generation of stars, shaping galaxies like the Milky Way. The findings underscore the significance of dwarf galaxies as analogues for the universe's infancy, highlighting how metal-poor environments influenced star evolution and supernova behaviour.*Volcanic Mysteries on Jupiter's Moon IoA new study reveals that Io, Jupiter's volcanic moon, has active volcanoes at its poles, potentially regulating internal tidal heating. This discovery, based on NASA's Juno spacecraft data, sheds light on Io's intense volcanic activity and its role in planetary formation processes. Tidal heating, caused by gravita

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 146*Supernova's Potential to End the Dark Matter SearchAstronomers are eagerly awaiting a nearby supernova that could finally solve the mystery of dark matter. A new study suggests that axions, hypothetical particles, could be discovered within seconds of a supernova's gamma-ray burst. The Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope might detect these gamma rays, offering insights into the mass of QCD axions. However, the rarity of such supernovae and the telescope's limited field of view pose challenges. Researchers are considering launching a fleet of gamma-ray telescopes, named GALAX, to ensure comprehensive coverage.*Magnetic Tornadoes at Jupiter's PolesA recent study reveals that Jupiter's poles are home to magnetic tornadoes that generate Earth-sized concentrations of hydrocarbon haze. These phenomena, visible only in ultraviolet light, are linked to the planet's strong magnetic fields. The findings, based on Hubble Space Telescope images, shed light on the unique atmospheric dynamics of

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 145*Unveiling the Mysteries of Uranus and NeptuneA new study reveals that Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants of our solar system, may have layered interiors composed of water, methane, and ammonia, similar to oil and water that do not mix. This discovery could explain their unique magnetic fields, previously a mystery to scientists. The research, led by Burkhard Miltzer from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that these planets have a water-rich layer beneath their cloud tops, followed by a denser carbon-rich layer, challenging previous theories about their internal structure.*Parker Solar Probe's Final Venus FlybyNASA's Parker Solar Probe has completed its last Venus gravity assist, setting its course to come within 6.2 million kilometers of the Sun's surface. This maneuver, aside from aiding the primary mission, has provided new insights into Venus, as the probe's instruments captured unexpected data revealing the planet's surface glowing in the near-infrared spectr

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 144*Young Exoplanet Challenges Planet Formation TheoriesAstronomers have discovered an exoplanet, Taade 1b, that is just 3 million years old, challenging our current understanding of the speed at which planets form. This young planet, orbiting its star every seven Earth days, offers a unique glimpse into the early stages of planetary formation. The study, led by Madison Barber from the University of North Carolina, highlights the surprising rapidity of Taade 1b's formation compared to Earth's estimated 10 to 20 million-year formation period. The discovery provides new insights into the differences between our solar system and those hosting close-in giant planets like Taade 1b.*Photon Shape Revealed by New Quantum TheoryA groundbreaking theory has allowed scientists to define the precise shape of a photon for the first time. Reported in Physical Review Letters, this research explores how photons, as particles of light, interact with matter at the quantum level. The study reveals tha

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 143*The Milky Way: An Unusual GalaxyA new study reveals that our Milky Way galaxy is an outlier among similar galaxies, challenging the assumption that it is a typical model for understanding galactic formation and evolution. Published in the Astrophysical Journal, the research highlights differences in the Milky Way's evolutionary history compared to other galaxies of similar mass. The Satellite Surround Galactic Analogues (SEGA) survey has identified 101 Milky Way-like analogues, revealing that the Milky Way hosts fewer satellite dwarf galaxies than its peers. Additionally, star formation in the Milky Way's satellite galaxies is less active, raising questions about its unique galactic environment.*Europe's Prober 3 Mission to Study the SunAll systems are go for the European Space Agency's Prober 3 mission, set to launch next month to study the Sun's corona. This double-satellite mission will create artificial eclipses, allowing for prolonged observations of the Sun's atmosphere.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 142*How Mars Got Its MoonsA groundbreaking study suggests that Mars acquired its moons, Phobos and Deimos, after a passing asteroid was torn apart by the planet's gravity. This new hypothesis, based on NASA's supercomputer simulations and published in the journal Icarus, challenges previous theories of their origin, such as capture or major impact. The upcoming Martian Moons Exploration mission by JAXA, with NASA's involvement, aims to further investigate these theories by collecting samples from Phobos.*Starship Test Flight 6SpaceX has successfully completed its sixth test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, overseen by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The test included a splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and a successful orbital journey of the Starship, which trialled new heat shield materials and descent strategies. This marks the final test for this version of Starship, with an upgraded version expected to fly soon.*Revisiting Earth's Or

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 141*Supermassive Black Hole Consumes Matter at Record SpeedAstronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole in the early universe consuming matter at a rate more than 40 times its theoretical limit. This black hole, catalogued as LID568, was observed by the Webb Space Telescope and is providing new insights into the rapid growth mechanisms of black holes shortly after the Big Bang. The findings challenge existing theories on how these cosmic giants formed so quickly and open new avenues for future research.*Uranus' Magnetic Mysteries UnveiledNew analysis of 38-year-old data from NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft reveals that a space weather event dramatically compressed Uranus' magnetosphere just before the flyby in 1986. This event provides clues to the planet's unusual magnetic field and suggests that Uranus' moons might be more geologically active than previously thought. The findings are crucial for understanding this enigmatic ice giant and its unique characteristics.*New Satel

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 140*Revisiting the Milky Way's Black Hole ImageA new study questions the accuracy of the first-ever image of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Researchers suggest the image may not accurately represent its appearance, proposing a more elongated accretion disc instead of the ring-like structure previously released by the Event Horizon Telescope.*Methane in Titan's CrustData from NASA's Cassini spacecraft indicates that Saturn's moon Titan may have a methane-rich crust up to 10 kilometres thick. This insulating layer could explain Titan's shallow impact craters and its methane-rich atmosphere, providing insights into its unique geological and atmospheric dynamics.*Updates on Earth's Ozone HoleNASA reports that the annual ozone hole over Antarctica was smaller this year, ranking as the seventh smallest since recovery efforts began. The ozone layer is on track to fully recover by 2066, thanks to international agreements curbing ozone-depleting c

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 139*Gilmore Space Cleared for Orbital LaunchThe Australian Space Agency has granted Gilmore Space the final approval needed to conduct its maiden orbital test flight of the Ares rocket from the Bowen Spaceport in North Queensland. This launch will mark the first orbital test flight of an Australian-made rocket from Australian soil, showcasing a new hybrid propulsion system developed by the company.*Discovery of Red Monster Galaxies in the Early UniverseAstronomers have identified three ultra-massive galaxies, each nearly the size of the Milky Way, that reached their colossal size within the first billion years of the universe's existence. These findings, reported in Nature, challenge existing models of galaxy formation and suggest a more efficient star formation process in the early universe.*Signs of an Ancient Martian OceanChina's Mars rover, Zhurong, may have found evidence supporting the theory that Mars' northern hemisphere was once covered by a vast ocean. The terrain around

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 138*Discovery of the Outer Solar System's Magnetic FieldScientists have discovered evidence of an ancient magnetic field at the far reaches of our solar system. Research published in AGU Advances, based on 4.6 billion-year-old grain samples from the asteroid Richie, suggests the presence of a weak magnetic field during the formation of the outer solar system. This field, although weak, could have been instrumental in the formation of the outer planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The findings provide new insights into the magnetic influences shaping our solar system.*Southern Launch Gets Green Light for Orbital MissionsSouthern Launch has received federal and state government approval for its Whalers Way orbital launch complex in South Australia. The site is poised to support up to 42 orbital rocket launches annually, with plans for multiple launch pads and comprehensive tracking facilities. This development marks a significant step forward for Australia's growi

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 137*The Earth: A Giant Slushie?New research reveals that Earth once experienced a "slushy" period following its snowball Earth phase. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study by Virginia Tech scientists suggests that as the planet thawed, it transitioned into a slushy state, marked by high carbon dioxide levels and rapid melting. The findings offer fresh insights into Earth's climate evolution and the resilience of life under extreme conditions.*Phobos Eclipses the SunNASA's Mars Perseverance rover has captured a rare celestial event: the Martian moon Phobos eclipsing the Sun. Using its Mastcam-Z camera, Perseverance observed the tiny moon transiting the Sun from its position in Jezero Crater. This remarkable event highlights the ongoing challenges and discoveries as the rover ascends the crater's rim.*SpaceX Dragon Boosts ISSFor the first time, NASA has utilized the SpaceX Dragon capsule to boost the International Space Station into a higher orbi

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 136*Discovering the Origins of MagnetarsA groundbreaking study reveals that magnetars, highly magnetic neutron stars, are born from stellar mergers rather than single star supernova events. These findings, published in Nature, delve into the origins of fast radio bursts (FRBs), which are high-energy flashes releasing more energy in nanoseconds than half a billion suns. The research indicates that FRBs are more common in massive star-forming galaxies, suggesting a link to magnetars formed from stellar mergers. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about magnetar formation and sheds light on the dynamic processes in the universe.*Voyager 1 Approaches One Light Day from EarthNASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft is set to become the first human-made object to travel more than a light day's distance from Earth, a monumental 26 billion kilometers away. This historic milestone is expected in January 2027. Despite recent communication challenges due to a fault protection system glitch, eng

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 135*Could Uranus Moon Miranda Have a Subsurface Ocean?A new study suggests that Uranus' moon Miranda may harbour a liquid water ocean beneath its peculiar jigsaw-like surface. The findings, published in the Planetary Science Journal, challenge existing assumptions about Miranda's history and composition, potentially placing it among the select few worlds in our solar system with environments that could support life. The study highlights the intriguing possibility of a vast ocean beneath Miranda's icy crust, kept warm by gravitational tidal forces.*NASA Discovers Weird Red Rocks with Green Spots on MarsNASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has stumbled upon strange red rocks with green spots on the Martian surface. As the rover continues its journey towards the rim of Jezero Crater, it has uncovered a new geological puzzle featuring red and green rocks. Scientists are intrigued by the green spots, which could suggest past water activity, but their exact composition remains a mystery due to