Spacetime With Stuart Gary

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space exploration and Earth science.Tracking Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas from MarsThe European Space Agency has successfully monitored interstellar comet 3I Atlas from its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, significantly improving the accuracy of its predicted trajectory by a factor of ten. The comet, which travels at speeds of up to 250,000 km/h, was observed from a unique vantage point, allowing astronomers to refine its path through our solar system. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of multi-location observations in planetary defense efforts.Geomagnetic Superstorm Ganon's Impact on Earth's Plasma SphereA recent study reveals how the geomagnetic superstorm Ganon dramatically compressed Earth's plasmasphere, reducing its size to just a fifth of its normal extent. This event, which occurred in May 2024, provides crucial insights into the effects of extreme space weather on our planet's protective layers. The fin

(00:00:00) Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets (00:00:46) Our solar system is moving faster than expected (00:04:38) Organic molecules discovered erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus (00:08:29) A new satellite launched to study Earth’s oceans (00:13:49) The Science Report (00:15:52) Alex on Tech In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for life. These massive formations, known as large low shear velocity provinces and ultra low velocity zones, reside at the boundary between the mantle and outer core, approximately 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research suggests these anomalies could be remnants of Earth's formative processes, providing a deeper understanding of how elements from the co

(00:00:00) Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled (00:00:47) Mysterious structures within Earth's mantle may hold clues to life (00:05:05) A new unprecedented view of the Milky Way Galaxy (00:12:36) Stranded Chinese taikonauts return safely to Earth (00:14:21) The Science Report (00:16:58) Skeptics guide to the return of the haunted doll. In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for life. These massive formations, known as large low shear velocity provinces and ultra low velocity zones, reside at the boundary between the mantle and outer core, approximately 2,900 kilometres beneath the surface. The research suggests these anomalies could be remnants of Earth's formative processes, providing a deeper understanding of how ele

(00:00:00) Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades (00:00:43) NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars blasts off (00:10:00) The Pleiades prove to be far bigger than thought (00:14:05) Ending the debate over interstellar comet 3I-Atlas (00:17:05) The Science Report (00:19:39) Skeptics guide to talking to plants. In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest advancements in space exploration and cosmic discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe.NASA's Escapade Mission Launches to MarsNASA has successfully launched its first dual satellite mission to Mars, the Escapade spacecraft, aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. This innovative mission aims to map the Martian magnetic field and atmosphere in three dimensions, providing crucial insights into how Mars lost its atmosphere and the conditions necessary for future human colonization. The twin probes, named Blue and Gold, will utilize a unique trajectory that allows for flexible launch windows, cr

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into remarkable discoveries that illuminate the origins of our planet and the cosmos beyond.Ancient Australian Rocks Shed Light on Earth's OriginsScientists have made significant strides in understanding the formation of Earth and the Moon through the analysis of 3.7 billion-year-old feldspar crystals from the Murchison region in Western Australia. This research reveals that continental growth began relatively late in Earth's history, around three and a half billion years ago, suggesting a shared composition between Earth and the Moon following a colossal impact event. The findings challenge existing theories about the timing of crustal development and provide new insights into the early geological processes that shaped our planet.Hints of a Possible Fifth Force in NatureA groundbreaking report has emerged, suggesting the potential existence of a fifth fundamental force of nature. Researchers have observed unexpected deviations in electron transitions among calcium isoto

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest astronomical phenomena and significant discoveries that are shaping our understanding of Earth and space.Auroral Displays Light Up the SkiesPlanet Earth has been treated to an extraordinary display of auroras, with both the Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis lighting up the skies following three powerful X-class solar flares, including an X 5.1 event on November 11. This segment dives into the mechanics behind these solar flares, the resulting coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and how they triggered spectacular auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual, including sightings as far north as Cairns and even Florida.Largest Modern Impact Crater DiscoveredScientists have uncovered what is believed to be the largest modern impact crater on Earth, the 900-metre-wide Jinling Crater in southern China. This well-preserved structure, dating back to the Holocene epoch, offers new insights into extraterrestrial impacts and their effects on our planet. The discovery ch

(00:00:00) Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon (00:00:47) Have astronomers finally seen the universe’s first stars (00:04:06) Hidden secrets about the Moon and the asteroid Vesta (00:10:45) Euclid peers deep into a stellar nursery full of baby stars (00:16:05) The Science Report (00:18:09) Skeptics guide to flat earthers falling flat on their face again In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking findings that could reshape our understanding of the universe's early stars, the Moon's hidden secrets, and the asteroid Vesta's internal structure.First Stars DetectedAstronomers may have finally glimpsed the universe's first stars, known as Population 3 stars, thanks to observations from NASA's Webb Space Telescope. These luminous giants, formed just 200 million years after the Big Bang, are believed to have ended the cosmic dark ages and initiated the epoch of reionisation. The episode delves into the significance of these findings, which sugges

(00:00:00) Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun's Magnetic Dance (00:00:45) More confirmation that the Universe's expansion is slowing (00:08:53) First glimpse of the Sun’s polar magnetic field in motion (00:14:09) Space Weather events ramping up (00:18:24) The Science Report (00:20:29) Alex on Tech NEO the humanoid housekeeper In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore significant revelations about the universe's expansion, the Sun's magnetic field, and the current surge in solar weather activity.The Universe's Expansion Rate is SlowingA new study has confirmed that the universe's rate of expansion, which began after the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, is slowing down. This finding contradicts previous theories suggesting that the expansion was accelerating due to dark energy. We delve into the implications of this research, which indicates that dark energy may be evolving more rapidly than previously understood, potentially marking a paradigm shift in cosmology. The epi

(00:00:00) Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials (00:00:42) Earth's geology written in the stars (00:10:30) Taikonauts stranded in space following space junk impact (00:12:38) Biggest Supermoon of the year (00:14:59) The Science Report (00:17:20) Skeptics guide to jogging big foots In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating intersections of geology and astronomy that could reshape our understanding of Earth's history and the cosmos.Earth's Geology Written in the StarsA groundbreaking study reveals a compelling connection between the structure of our Milky Way galaxy and the evolution of Earth's crust. Researchers from Curtin University have found that meteorite impacts, influenced by the solar system's journey through the galaxy, have played a significant role in shaping our planet's geology. The episode explores how ancient zircon crystals are providing a unique archive of Earth's interactions with the galaxy, suggesting that astrophysical processes ma

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore remarkable discoveries and hypotheses that could redefine our understanding of planetary atmospheres and our journey back to the Moon.Phosphine Discovery in Brian Dwarf Wolf 1130CFor the first time, astronomers have detected phosphine in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, raising intriguing questions about its presence and the chemistry of such celestial bodies. This discovery, reported in the journal Science, highlights the significance of phosphorus as a potential biosignature for life and challenges previous theories regarding the abundance of phosphine in other brown dwarfs and gas giants. The episode delves into the implications of this finding and what it means for our understanding of phosphorus chemistry in the universe.A New Hypothesis for Planetary Water FormationA groundbreaking hypothesis suggests that some planets may produce water during their formation through reactions between rocks and hydrogen under extreme pressure. This new perspective, d

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking astronomical discoveries that challenge our understanding of the universe.The Most Massive Stellar Black Hole Merger Ever ObservedAstronomers have detected the most massive stellar black hole merger to date, cataloged as GW23 1123, which resulted in a black hole with a staggering mass of 225 times that of our Sun. This episode discusses the implications of this merger, observed by the LIGO Virgo Collaboration, and how it pushes the boundaries of current theories on black hole formation. The rapid spinning of the resulting black hole raises intriguing questions about the processes that lead to such massive objects in the cosmos.Unraveling the Mystery of Dark MatterCan radio telescopes and NASA's IMAP mission provide answers to the enigma of dark matter? New research suggests that during the cosmic dark ages, dark matter clumped together, pulling in hydrogen gas that emitted powerful radio waves. This segment explores how these signals could potentially

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a trio of intriguing astronomical phenomena that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close EncounterInterstellar comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion, passing closest to the Sun without any signs of alien life forms, despite wild media speculation. This episode discusses how the comet maintained its expected trajectory and velocity, while also revealing groundbreaking findings from NASA's Swift Space Telescope, which detected ultraviolet signatures of water from the comet, providing new insights into the chemistry of interstellar objects and their potential to harbour the building blocks of life.A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf GalaxiesAstronomers have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas linking two dwarf galaxies, NGC 4532 and DDO 137, located approximately 53 million light years away. This remarkable structure spans an astonishing 185,000 light years and is accompanied by a vast tail of gas extending 1

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of life on Mars and the cosmos beyond.Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for LifeA recent study suggests that Martian ice may be the most promising location to search for signs of ancient microbial life. Researchers found that biomolecules from dormant microbes degrade significantly slower in pure water ice compared to Martian soil mixtures. This discovery, published in the journal Astrobiology, raises hopes that future missions to Mars could uncover preserved organic materials in its icy regions, potentially revealing the planet's biological history.A Mysterious Dark Object in the UniverseAstronomers have identified the lowest mass dark object ever detected, with a mass about a million times that of our Sun. This enigmatic object, reported in Nature Astronomy, may offer insights into the nature of dark matter, which constitutes a significant portion of the universe's mass. The object was detected throu

(00:00:00) Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS (00:00:46) Relics of the outer solar system discovered on the Moon (00:03:30) Insights from interstellar comet 3I ATLAS (00:07:31) SpaceX's Starship Mega rocket test flight (00:23:54) The Science report (00:31:46) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore remarkable discoveries that provide new insights into our solar system and beyond.Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the MoonA groundbreaking study reveals that meteorites found on the Moon originated from the outer solar system. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified olivine-bearing clasts from lunar regolith collected by the Chang'e 6 mission. These relics, believed to be carbonaceous chondrites, offer critical information about the formation and evolution of planets. The findings suggest that the Moon serves as a pristine archive for meteorites, with implications for understanding the origins of lunar water and orga

(00:00:00) Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit (00:00:46) Planet Earth experiences as asteroid near miss (00:02:58) Two green comets lighting up the night skies (00:07:31) Chinese space junk smashes into Western Australia (00:09:09) The Science Report (00:12:07) Skeptics guide to the magic healing Biomet (00:15:15) Show Wrap-up In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into a series of astonishing astronomical events that recently unfolded, including a near-miss asteroid and mesmerizing comets lighting up our night skies.Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close EncounterAn undetected asteroid, now designated 2025 TF, made a startling pass just 428 kilometers above Earth, equivalent to the altitude of the International Space Station. Detected by astronomers from Kitt Peak National Observatory six hours post-approach, this 3-meter space rock serves as a reminder of the many near misses that may go unnoticed. This episode discusses the implications of such encounters and the ongoing

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest findings in Martian meteorology, delve into Earth's ancient tectonic activity, and prepare for humanity's return to the Moon.Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather PatternsA groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that wind speeds on Mars can reach up to 160 km/h, significantly higher than earlier estimates. Lead author Valentin U.H. Meckel from the University of Bern discusses how these powerful winds, along with dust devils, play a crucial role in shaping Mars' climate and dust distribution. This episode explores how the observations from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter have provided unprecedented insights into Martian atmospheric dynamics, which are essential for planning future manned missions to the Red Planet.Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into SubductionIn a surprising twist to our understanding of early Earth, a new study published in Nature Communications sugge

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of Mars, the Moon, and the Milky Way Galaxy.Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence RevealedA new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters presents compelling geological evidence that Mars' Northern Hemisphere was once home to a vast ocean. Lead author Chris from the University of Arkansas discusses how comparisons between river rocks on Earth and Martian sediment reveal ancient river deltas and backwater zones, suggesting that liquid water flowed on the Red Planet, increasing the possibility of past life. This episode delves into the processes of sedimentation and erosion that shaped Mars' landscape, providing insights into its watery past.The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact MysteriesA fresh analysis of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, sheds light on its formation and the Moon's geological history. Researchers have discovered that this massiv

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing world of near-Earth asteroids, the evolution of our universe, and the remarkable discovery of a rogue planet experiencing unprecedented growth.Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden ThreatRecent computer simulations published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics have raised alarms about a population of near-Earth asteroids that remain undetectable due to their proximity to Venus. These Venusian co-orbital asteroids, which share an orbital resonance with Venus, could pose a collision risk to Earth within a few thousand years. The study's lead author, Valerio Carumba, explains the challenges of observing these asteroids, as they are obscured by the Sun's glare. With a size of around 300 metres, these asteroids could create impact craters several kilometres wide, highlighting the need for dedicated space missions to monitor this potential threat.The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of ReionizationAstronomers have made significant

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest revelations in astrophysics, including the intriguing prospect of supermassive dark stars, Australia's ambitious lunar rover mission, and fresh insights into the formation of our solar system.Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic DiscoveryAstronomers have identified potential candidates for a new type of star in the early universe, known as supermassive dark stars. Recent observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that these stars, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, are supported against gravitational collapse by dark matter. This episode delves into how these dark stars could help explain the existence of supermassive black holes and the unexpectedly bright distant galaxies observed by Webb. With the possibility of a smoking gun signature in their spectra, the implications of this discovery could reshape our understanding of dark matter and stellar evolution.Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the MoonWork is underway on Australi

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the fascinating findings from Saturn's icy moon Enceladus, discuss delays in the Dream Chaser spaceplane's launch schedule, and celebrate NASA's breakthroughs in laser communications for deep space missions.Enceladus: Unveiling Complex ChemistryRecent discoveries reported in the journal Nature Astronomy reveal that Saturn's moon Enceladus is spewing complex organic molecules from its subsurface ocean. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission has unveiled fresh insights into the chemical reactions occurring in this hidden ocean. The presence of organic molecules, including precursors for amino acids, raises the possibility that Enceladus may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. This episode explores how these findings could inform future missions aimed at further investigating Enceladus and its potential habitability.Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in LaunchSierra Space has announced that their Dream Chaser spaceplane's first free flig