Space News Today

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 10


In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the imminent launch of the first nuclear-powered rocket, the merging of low mass dwarf galaxies, and the intriguing connection between Earth-like planets and gas giants.


The Dawn of Nuclear Rocket Technology


History is set to be made as NASA and DARPA prepare to test the world’s first fully operational nuclear-powered orbital rocket. This innovative vehicle utilizes a nuclear thermal propulsion system that heats liquid hydrogen propellant through nuclear fusion, achieving nearly double the efficiency of conventional rockets. The test aims to validate reactor operation in orbit, potentially revolutionizing space travel by reducing transit times to Mars and allowing for larger payloads.


Merging Dwarf Galaxies: A New Discovery


A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters confirms that low mass dwarf galaxies can merge with one another. Observations of the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy reveal previously hidden stellar structures, suggesting that even the smallest galaxies experience mergers. These findings challenge traditional views on galaxy formation and evolution, indicating that interactions between dwarf galaxies may be more common than previously believed.


The Connection Between Earth-Like and Gas Giant Planets


Astronomers have found that rocky planets similar to Earth are more likely to exist in star systems that also contain large gas giants like Jupiter. This research, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics, shows that cold Jupiters, which orbit beyond the snow line, play a significant role in the formation of super Earths in the inner regions of their planetary systems. The study offers new insights into the complex dynamics of planetary formation and the conditions that lead to the development of terrestrial planets.


www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)


✍️ Episode References


Astrophysical Journal Letters


Astronomy and Astrophysics


Science Advances


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .


(00:00:00) NASA and DARPA prepare to test the first nuclear-powered orbital rocket


(00:10:15) New study confirms mergers among low mass dwarf galaxies


(00:20:45) Link discovered between Earth-like planets and gas giants


(00:30:00) China breaks through barriers in nuclear fusion reactor development


(00:35:20) The impact of ultra-processed foods on global health.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31291826?utm_source=youtube

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Today we explore NASA's inspiring collection of historic keepsakes heading to the Moon on Artemis II, including fabric from the 1903 Wright Flyer. We examine an urgent warning about orbital debris—the CRASH Clock shows catastrophic collision could occur in just 5.5 days if satellites lose maneuvering capability. New analysis of Apollo lunar samples challenges our understanding of where Earth's water came from. Irish researchers solve the mystery of how supermassive black holes grew so quickly in the early universe. Plus, Blue Origin schedules its third New Glenn launch with a reused booster, and NASA's AI tool ExoMiner++ identifies 7,000 new exoplanet candidates in TESS data.


Hosts: Anna & Avery


Episode: S05E20





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .





Sponsor Details:


Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!





Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support)





This episode includes AI-generated content.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31281973?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Link:


This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you really need to do something about your online privacy, go with the best... NordVPN . Get our extra 4 months free offer by visiting Nordvpn.com/spacenuts (https://nordvpn.com/spacenuts)





Artemis 2 Updates, Cosmic Iron Bars, and the Role of Hydrogen Cyanide in Life's Origins


In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest developments in space exploration and cosmic phenomena. Join them as they discuss the progress of the Artemis 2 mission, the discovery of a mysterious iron bar in the Ring Nebula, and the intriguing role of hydrogen cyanide in the potential origins of life.


Episode Highlights:


- Artemis 2 Progress: Andrew and Fred provide an update on the Artemis 2 mission, which recently moved to launch pad 39B at Cape Canaveral. They discuss the upcoming wet dress rehearsal and the significance of this mission as a precursor to future lunar explorations.


- The Iron Bar Mystery: The hosts explore a fascinating discovery in the Ring Nebula, where scientists have identified a linear structure made of highly ionized iron gas. They discuss its potential origins and what this could mean for our understanding of planetary nebulae.


- Hydrogen Cyanide and Life: Andrew and Fred examine a study suggesting that hydrogen cyanide, often seen as a deadly substance, may play a crucial role in the formation of prebiotic molecules. They ponder the implications for life on other celestial bodies, such as Titan.





For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.


If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .


Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31277179?utm_source=youtube

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! In today's episode, we explore Blue Origin's ambitious new TeraWave satellite internet network offering speeds up to 6Tbps, discuss the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and celebrate Buzz Aldrin's 96th birthday as the oldest living astronaut. We also dive into exciting science from Saturn's moon Enceladus, surprising plasma wave discoveries at Mercury, and groundbreaking Solar Orbiter observations revealing how magnetic avalanches power solar flares.


EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:


• Blue Origin announces TeraWave: A new satellite network with 6Tbps speeds for enterprise and government customers


• Historic ISS evacuation: Crew-11 returns early in NASA's first medical evacuation from space


• Buzz Aldrin celebrates 96th birthday as Artemis II crew prepares for lunar journey


• Scientists develop new method to analyze Enceladus plumes for ocean habitability


• BepiColombo discovers Mercury shares plasma wave behavior with Earth


• Solar Orbiter reveals magnetic avalanches trigger solar flares


STORY TIMESTAMPS:


[00:00] Introduction


[01:15] Blue Origin's TeraWave Satellite Network


[05:42] ISS Medical Evacuation - Crew-11's Historic Return


[10:28] Buzz Aldrin's 96th Birthday & Artemis II Connections


[14:35] Enceladus Plumes May Hold Clues to Ocean Habitability


[18:20] Mercury and Earth Share Plasma Wave Behavior


[22:10] Solar Orbiter Discovers Magnetic Avalanches Power Flares


[26:45] Outro


LINKS & RESOURCES:


• Blue Origin TeraWave: https://www.blueorigin.com/terawave


• NASA Crew-11 Mission Information: https://www.nasa.gov/


• Artemis II Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii


• BepiColombo Mission: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo


• Solar Orbiter Mission: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter


• Astronomy Daily Website: https://astronomydaily.io


CREDITS:


Hosted by Anna and Avery


Produced by Astronomy Daily


Episode S05E19 - January 22, 2026


SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT:


Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Astronomy Daily on your favorite podcast platform and visit astronomydaily.io for more space news, articles, and community discussions.


Follow us on social media for daily updates and bonus content!


#AstronomyDaily #SpaceNews #BlueOrigin #NASA #ISS #BuzzAldrin #ArtemisII #Enceladus #Mercury #SolarOrbiter #SpaceExploration





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .





Sponsor Details:


Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!





Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support)





This episode includes AI-generated content.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31259068?utm_source=youtube

Stunning northern lights dazzle the world after a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, legendary NASA astronaut Suni Williams retires after 27 years, and China executes a dramatic space rescue. Plus, Blue Origin's next tourist launch and groundbreaking telescope observations!


In today's episode of Astronomy Daily, hosts Anna and Avery bring you the latest space and astronomy news:


🌌 SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM UPDATE - Follow-up to yesterday's prediction as the CME slams into Earth, triggering spectacular auroras visible from New Mexico to China. We've got photos and the science behind the G4-level storm.


👩‍🚀 SUNI WILLIAMS RETIRES - After 27 years and 608 days in space, NASA astronaut Suni Williams hangs up her spacesuit. We celebrate her incredible achievements including 9 spacewalks and command of the ISS.


🚀 CHINA'S SHENZHOU-20 RESCUE - An incredible story of emergency response in orbit as China safely returns a damaged capsule after a suspected space debris impact. Three overlapping missions showcase impressive operational capability.


🔵 BLUE ORIGIN NS-38 LAUNCH - Six space tourists prepare for Thursday's suborbital flight aboard New Shepard, including Blue Origin's own director of launch operations.


☀️ NASA'S SUNRISE MISSION - Six toaster-sized satellites pass crucial tests and move closer to launch. They'll work together as one giant radio telescope to track dangerous solar eruptions.


🪐 ALMA REVEALS TEENAGE PLANETS - The most detailed images ever of 24 debris disks show planetary systems in their awkward teenage years, revealing the violent phase our solar system once experienced.


Visit astronomydaily.io for more space news and follow us on social media @AstroDailyPod








Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .





Sponsor Details:


Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did!





Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support)





This episode includes AI-generated content.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31235522?utm_source=youtube