Spacetime With Stuart Gary

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.*