Synopsis
The new home of the ABCs (Australia) popular astronomy podcast (formerly known as StarStuff). Recognized worldwide by our listeners and industry experts as one of the best programs on Astronomy and Space Science.
Episodes
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Black Holes Unleashed: The Cosmic Power Beyond Our Galaxy
07/08/2026 Duration: 34minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 94 Black holes are a hundred times more powerful than we thought Astronomers have been forced to rewrite their textbooks on the power of supermassive black holes after new observations have shown that these cosmic monsters can generate enough energy to impact galaxies hundreds of thousands of light years away. The dramatic collision the flipped our Milky Way galaxy A new study suggests that our home galaxy the Milky Way may have undergone a dramatic change in orientation following a head on collision with another galaxy. A successful return to Earth for the crew of the Soyuz M-28 The Roscosmos Soyuz M-28 spacecraft has returned safely to Earth bringing home the expedition 74 crew who have spent the past 8 months aboard the International Space Station. August SkyWatch The red supergiant Antares, Barnard’s star is the second nearest star system to the Sun, and the annual Perseids meteor shower are among the highlights of the August night skies on SkyWatch This Week’s Guests NASA
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Betelgeuse's Hidden Companion and the Dying Andromeda Galaxy: A Cosmic Tale
05/08/2026 Duration: 28minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 93 The strongest evidence yet that Betelgeuse is not alone Astronomers have finally demonstrated that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse has a binary companion star about two to three times the mass of the Sun. Is the mighty Andromeda galaxy dying A new study has found that star formation is winding down in our nearest big neighbouring galaxy Andromeda. The most volcanically active world in the Solar System NASA's Juno spacecraft has provided the first measurements of the temperature below the surface of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io. The Science Report A new study warns that mining is now a threat to over 12,000 species across the globe. Claims taking faecal capsules could help people with insomnia get a good night's sleep. The link between air pollution exposure and ending up with lung and heart issues. People who spend an excessive amount of time online tend be more stressed. Alex on Tech Telstra Starlink expanding.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc
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Unleashing a Wandering Black Hole and Chasing the Solar Eclipse
04/08/2026 Duration: 35minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 92 The monster that’s been let out of its cage Astronomers have for the first time discovered a monstrous supermassive black hole wandering unseen near the edge of a galaxy. Counting down to next week’s solar eclipse Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greenland Russia and the arctic are about to experience a total solar eclipse as the Moon’s shadow sweeps across the surface of the Earth. The Swift Space Telescope rescue mission suffers a major setback NASA’s Link mission to save the Swift Space Telescope has suffered a few problems with a sudden loss of attitude control putting the spacecraft into an uncontrollable spin. The Science Report Former Biden administration chief health advisor Anthony Fauci pleads the fifth on everything. Antimicrobial resistance in children on the rise globally. The footprints of an ancient civilisation discovered in the Amazon. Discovery of fossils of a giant mosasaur eating an ichthyosaur that ate a pterosaur. Skeptics guide to the 2026 Bent Spoon Awards. T
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Comet Confusion and the Psyche Mission's Mars Encounter
01/08/2026 Duration: 23minSponsor Link:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Now more than ever, you need a reliable VPN service to protect you online. Governments, bad actors and who knows are all trying to access your details online. Get protected by the best - NordVPN. Check out our special deal by visiting nordvpn.com/stuartgary and help support the show at the same time. Win/win!SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 91 The near-Earth asteroid that’s actually a comet Astronomers have confirmed that the near Earth Asteroid 1998 SH2 is actually a comet further blurring the lines between the two types of celestial bodies. Psyche’s gravity assist Mars Flyby NASA’s Psyche spacecraft has undertaken a successful gravity assist flyby of the red planet Mars to help slingshot the probe to its ultimate target – the strange metallic asteroid 16-Psyche. China expanding its space station As NASA looks at winding down and de-orbiting the International Space Station in 2030, Beijing has announced new plans to double the
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LHS 1140b and the Quest for Habitable Atmospheres: Unveiling a Super Earth
29/07/2026 Duration: 31minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 90 Discovery of an atmosphere on a planet orbiting a red dwarf Astronomers think they may have detected an atmosphere on a super-Earth exo-planet orbiting in the habitable zone of a nearby red dwarf star. How mega-dust storms and the Sun affect Martian weather A new study has found that solar storms hitting Mars at the same time as planetary wide dust storms could cause major changes in Martian weather. Approval granted for the world’s first orbital space reflector array America’s Federal Communications Commission has approved plans for the first demonstration flight of Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite which will test the idea of reflecting sunlight back to Earth on demand. The Science Report Family socioeconomic status more important than parent smoking or drinking for kid’s future health. Ancient 3000-year-old wooden beams dating to the first Jewish temple discovered in Jerusalem. How Rottnest Island Salt Lake bacteria could make biodegradable plastic. The artery-on-a-chi
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A Splashdown Success and the Asteroid That Ended the Dinosaurs
27/07/2026 Duration: 31minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 89 A lucky 13th test flight for the world’s biggest rocket The world’s largest and most powerful rocket has successfully launched on its latest test flight bringing it a step closer to NASA’s Artemis program’s aim of returning humans to the lunar surface, and eventually on to Mars and beyond. Scientists identify the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs A new study has determined that the asteroid which slammed into the Earth 66 million years ago wiping out over 75 percent of all life on the planet including all the non-avian dinosaurs was most likely a rare CO type carbonaceous chondrite. SpaceX rocket about to crash into the Moon The spent upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is about to slam into the visible side of the Moon, providing scientists with a new method of pinpointing exactly where objects strike the Moon, data that could help prepare for future lunar seismic experiments. The Science Report Warnings that a third of all heart related deaths due to ultra processed foo
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Barnard's Star and Beyond : Exploring Hellish Worlds and Australia's Space Partnerships
25/07/2026 Duration: 24minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 88 The hellish planets orbiting a nearby star Astronomers have painted the most detailed portrait yet of the planetary system orbiting Barnard’s Star – the Sun’s closest stellar neighbour after Alpha Centauri, just under six light-years away. Australia’s role in India’s manned space program India’s manned space program is moving ahead with the commissioning of a new space tracking station on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The latest mission to the International Space Station The Russian Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft has successfully docked with the International Space Station three hours and two orbits after launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan. The Science Report A new study has found a link between health risks and electromagnetic fields. Wild koala given a chlamydia vaccine implant to help them survive the ever spreading disease. A quadriplegic now able to feed himself using his own hand, thanks to microchip brain implants. Study sh
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Mars, Moon, and Charon: A Cosmic Exploration of Our Celestial Neighbours
22/07/2026 Duration: 19minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 87 Ancient impacts display the red planet’s past history A new study has shown how ancient Martian rocks exposed on the rim of Jezero Crater are preserving a 3.9-billion-year-old “weather report” from the solar system’s most dynamic era. Understanding of the Moon’s regolith for human habitation Scientists have mapped out the thickness of the Moon’s regolith, the layer of loose dust and rock that covers the entire lunar surface finding it averages about six meters in the highlands and about four meters in the maria. Strange goings on Pluto’s Charon A new study has found that the rotation of Pluto’s binary partner Charon is slowing down. The Science Report Heart disease linked to nine specific molecules produced in your gut biota. A billion more people now face at least one day of extreme heat stress compared to the 1970s. Claims consuming an avocado daily, lowers the risk of heart disease in people with obesity. Just like humans, monkeys appear to dislike AI avatars that look l
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Asteroid Impacts and Alien Chemistry: Unveiling Earth's Cosmic History
20/07/2026 Duration: 23minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 86 The asteroid collision that changed life on Earth forever Astronomers have linked a massive collision in the main asteroid belt to a huge meteor bombardment in the inner solar system that may have changed life on Earth. Alien chemistry discovered in meteorite that hit New Jersey home Scientists have discovered high concentrations of salt in briny fluids that could potentially create molecules crucial to life in a meteorite that slammed into a New Jersey home in 2024. The Albanese Government’s cuts funding for astronomy research The Australian Academy of Science has condemned the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to withdraw from its association with the European Southern Observatory calling it short-sighted and warning the move will inflict lasting damage to a research and development system already facing deep structural underinvestment. The Science Report Studies show people with serious heart attacks have higher levels of micro-plastics in their blood. Warnings ChatGPT is
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Nuclear Watchdogs: Detecting Weapons in Space and NASA's Swift Rescue Mission
17/07/2026 Duration: 19minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 85 Detecting nuclear weapons in space New modelling says small cube-sat sized spacecraft not much bigger than a fridge could be used to detect the presence of nuclear weapons on satellites in space. NASA’s rescue mission to save the Swift space telescope reaches orbit NASA’s Swift re-boost rescue mission is finally on its way to intercept the gamma ray space telescope and try to save it from its fiery fate. Stopping astronauts from wanting to kill each other on long space trips It can be tough enough getting on with family members at home or the people you have to work with – but imagine what it will be like if you’re stuck with a small group of people on a multi-year mission to Mars. The Science Report A new study indicates that people who speak more than one language seem to have younger brains. Warnings that two thirds of Australian adults and a quarter of kids are now overweight or obese. Half of all fatal electric scooter accidents in Sweden are caused by drunk riders. Great n
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Cosmic Discoveries: Japan's Asteroid Encounter and the Life Potential of Europa
15/07/2026 Duration: 28minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 84 Japan swoops past a cosmic snowman shaped asteroid Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft has just swooped past a tiny asteroid in deep space that’s shaped like a snow man. Revealing the secrets of the ice moon Europa A new study has shown that the Jovian Ice Moon Europa is reflecting radio signals in a strange unexpected way. What happens to Earth when the Sun dies A new study has provided astronomers with a glimpse of the future we’re likely to face when our Sun dies in around seven billion years from now. The Science Report Study’s show early risers have more nutritious diets than people who prefer staying up late. Australia shown to be home to a large chunk of the world's seagrasses, but is losing them rapidly. A new study claims Meta’s AI smart glasses could help people with low or no vision. Data centres found to have a far bigger carbon footprint than previously thought. Alex on Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z fold 8.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spac
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Earth's Ancient Impact Revealed: Dating the Oldest Crater and China's Cosmic Quest
13/07/2026 Duration: 30minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 83 Earth’s oldest known asteroid impact crater dated in Western Australia Scientists have determined the most precise age yet for the oldest known impact crater on Earth finding it to be some 3.024 billion years old. A Chinese spacecraft has just reached Earth’s second moon China’s Tianwen-2 spacecraft has arrived at a temporary second moon orbiting Earth -- although technically the object is a small near Earth asteroid which is orbiting in sync with the Earth around the Sun. Sea floor spreading seen in action for the first time Scientists studying a seafloor site southwest of Australia have for the first time actually captured how molten rock emerges at boundaries between the Earth’s tectonic plates. The Science Report A new vaccine with the potential to protect people from developing HIV AIDS. Warnings that losing even a small amount of sleep each night could be linked to weight gain. South Australia’s algal bloom found to be the most toxic species of its kind ever studied. Ch
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Mars to Earth: China's Ambitious Sample Return Mission and Cosmic Anomalies
10/07/2026 Duration: 19minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 82 China’s Mars sample return mission set for 2028 China says its planning to launch a Mars sample return mission in two years bringing back at least 500 grams of Martian regolith by 2031. Is science wrong about the universe The universe should look the same in all directions on the large cosmic scale, but new data based on dark energy observations are suggesting otherwise. An ASSASSN reveals its secrets Astronomers have converted observation of a nova explosion on a distant star into sound waves to better understand the dynamics of the spectacular blast. The Science Report Vitamins A and D linked to better lung function and a slowdown of biological aging. The first ever human bladder-kidney transplant reaches promising six-month milestone. Discovery that some native grasses not only survive and thrive after local wildfires. Scientific confirmation that Female faces are consistently rated as more attractive than males. Skeptics guide to the most popular UFO hotspots. Our Guests
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How a Passing Star Redirected Comets and Redefined Our Milky Way Map
08/07/2026 Duration: 23minSponsor Link:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by Inconi. Take back your privacy and data online with Incogni. Check out our special offer: www.incogni.com/stuartgarySpaceTime Series 29 Episode 81How a passing star redirected comets to the inner solar systemA fascinating new study reveals how a passing star, HD 7977, may have altered the trajectory of comets from the Oort Cloud, sending them cascading into the inner solar system. This event, which occurred approximately 2.47 billion years ago, could still be influencing comet activity today. Researchers used data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission to refine the distances involved and suggest that the gravitational perturbations from HD 7977 temporarily dominated the generation of new comets.Changing our map of the Milky Way GalaxyAstronomers have redrawn the map of our Milky Way galaxy, moving its outer arms up to 10% further away than previously estimated. This revised picture is based on observations of gamma-ray bursts and the subseque
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The Big Freeze: Exploring Asteroid Impacts and the Mysteries of Uranus and Neptune
06/07/2026 Duration: 25minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 80 Did ancient asteroid impacts prevent Earth’s continents from forming A new study suggests the barrage of asteroid impacts that slammed into the ancient Earth during the Hadean Eon between 4.6 and four billion years ago may have prevented the formation of the planet’s first continents. Could the ice giants Uranus and Neptune really be magma worlds A new study suggests that the solar systems two ice giants Uranus and Neptune might actually be magma worlds. World’s biggest atom smasher powers down The world’s most powerful atom smasher has been shut down for a four year major refit. The Science Report Sedentary behaviour linked to a 9% higher risk of death by cancer. Confirmation that mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective. Artificial night time lighting has made planet Earth 16 percent brighter between 2014 and 2022. Study shows sending an electric current through black coffee can measure its strength and roast. Skeptics guide to AI and misinformation. Our Guests This Week:
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Stellar Forensics: How Neutron Stars Forge Heavy Elements
03/07/2026 Duration: 38minSponsor Link:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Incogni. If you worry about where your online data is going, you need Incogni. Worry no more. Check out our special SpaceTime offer (with 30 day money back guarantee) by visiting https://www.incogni.com/stuartgarySpaceTime Series 29 Episode 79 How Neutron Stars make heavy elements Physicists have achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding how Neutron Stars forge heavy elements. Aleutian subduction zone older than thought A new study has found that the subduction zone between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates are older than previously thought. The wobbling peanut asteroid Astronomers studying the inner main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson have found that its rotation wobbles. July Skywatch Planet Earth at its greatest distance from the Sun, the constellations Regulus and Leo, and one of the biggest known stars in the universe Antares are among the highlights of July’s night skies on Skywatch. Our Guests This We
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Cosmic Dawn: Unveiling the Galaxy MXDFZ 4.4 and the Secrets of Reionization, Comet 3I ATLAS Origins
01/07/2026 Duration: 21minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 78 Discovering how the cosmic dark ages ended Astronomers have discovered an early galaxy during the Era of Reionization –when the universe was transformed from the cosmic dark ages – when the cosmos went from being opaque to becoming transparent like it is today. New clues about the origins of interstellar comet 3i Atlas Astronomers using NASA’s Webb space telescope have discovered new clues about the origins of interstellar comet 3i Atlas. A pink planet with a salty surprise Astronomers have discovered exotic salt clouds unlike anything ever seen before surrounding a distant pink planet, considered one of the coldest objects ever studied. The Science Report Warnings that GLP-1 agonists carry a risk of eye stroke and sudden sight loss. The biological signature within kidneys that could help predict age-related organ failure. Claims the great apes including humans have been laughing for at least 15 million years. Teens who spend two or more hours daily on day on social media more
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BepiColombo's Mercury Milestone: Navigating to the Solar System's Smallest Planet, Solar Secrets Unveiled
29/06/2026 Duration: 28minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 77 BepiColombo mission finally reaches Mercury space After eight years of powered flight towards the planet Mercury, mission managers have finally turned off the BepiColombo spacecraft’s propulsion engines in preparation for planetary orbit insertion. Is our Sun changing A new study claims the Sun has been mysteriously changing over the last forty years. Strange new type of x-ray flare detected in deep space Astronomers have detected a mysterious never before seen new type of X-ray flare in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The Science Report A special report on the latest bombshell developments in the case of the COVID 19 pandemic. Our Guests This Week: Uk Space Agency Programme Manager Rosemary Young Principle Investigator MIXS Instrument Emma Bunce Leicester University Planetary Geoscientist David Rothery The open University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally
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Supernova Secrets: Uncovering a Stellar Explosion Near the Milky Way's Heart, Quantum Insights into the Big Bang
26/06/2026 Duration: 24minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 76 A possible supernova remnant discovered in the galactic centre Astronomers may have discovered a supernova remnant near the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. A new quantum view of Big Bang A new study could change what science knows about the Big Bang and the earliest moments of cosmic history. Work begins on new Western Australian ground station for lunar missions Construction has begun on Kongsberg’s new 20-metre parabolic dish antenna ground station at Mullewa in outback Western Australia. The Science Report Brain computer interface patient continues to communicate after two years. Powerful heatwave in Antarctica continues to push temperatures up. Study warns people eating ultra processed foods have higher risk of heart disease and death. Japan sends a transformer robot to the Moon. Skeptics guide to skeptical psychology. Our Guests This Week: Dr Hadrien Devillepoix from Curtin University NASA Swift scientists Brad Cenko and Regina Caputo Katalyst CEO G
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Lunar Mantle Mysteries: Unveiling the South Pole Aiken Basin, Mars' Garnet Evolution
24/06/2026 Duration: 18minSpaceTime Series 29 Episode 75 The Moon’s oldest and largest impact crater A new study suggests the Moon’s oldest and largest impact crater – the two and a half thousand kilometre wide South Pole-Aitken basin -- could have excavated material so deep it included parts of the lunar mantle. New clues to how the red planet Mars evolved Scientists have discovered the mineral garnet in a Martian meteorite which may reveal how the red planet evolved billions of years ago. Mission to boost Swift space telescope’s orbit NASA is about to launch a new mission designed to extend the life of a half billion dollar spacecraft by boosting it into a higher orbit. The Science Report New report shows ocean temperatures reached a new record high in 2025. The brain changes within a month of a first psychedelic experience from magic mushrooms. Discovery that humans were using fire between 1.07 and 1.79 million years ago. Claims artificial intelligence becomes more moral the larger and more complex it gets. Alex on Tech: Lithium T