Space News Today

• Spacewalks, Supernovas, and the Mysteries of Super Jupiters

  ### Episode Summary A thrilling spacewalk at the Tiangong Space Station, the discovery of the oldest supernova witnessed by the James Webb Telescope, and new insights into the chaotic nature of Super Jupiters highlight today's episode. We also explore the powerful winds generated by a supermassive black hole, showcasing the dynamic interactions in our universe. ### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: Marathon Spacewalk at Tiangong Space Station** **Key Facts** - Two astronauts from the Shenshou 21 mission conducted an 8-hour spacewalk to inspect damage on the Shenshou 20 return capsule, struck by space debris. - Installation of new debris protection systems highlights the growing threat of space junk. 03:40 – **Story 2: Record Launches by China** **Key Facts** - China set a national record with three Long March rocket launches in under 19 hours. - Missions included broadband satellite deployments and classified military satellites. 05:20 – **Story 3: Bold Recommendations for Mars Exploration** **Key Facts** - A new report emphasizes the search for life as the top priority for crewed Mars missions. - Proposed campaigns focus on glacier ice and deep subsurface exploration for biosignatures. 07:00 – **Story 4: Oldest Supernova Detected by JWST** **Key Facts** - James Webb Telescope identifies a supernova from 13 billion years ago, just 730 million years post-Big Bang. - This discovery provides insights into the early universe and the lifecycle of massive stars. 08:40 – **Story 5: Super Jupiters Challenge Our Understanding** **Key Facts** - Research on exoplanet VHS 1256 b reveals a chaotic atmosphere, differing significantly from Jupiter's stability. - The study suggests massive gas giants may exhibit turbulent weather patterns instead of organized bands. 10:15 – **Story 6: Winds from a Supermassive Black Hole** **Key Facts** - A supermassive black hole in galaxy NGC 3783 emits powerful winds at 1/5 the speed of light, impacting galaxy evolution. - Observations from XMM-Newton and XRISM telescopes reveal the connection between black holes and their host galaxies. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 2. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 3. James Webb Space Telescope (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html) 4. Mars Exploration Program (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/main/index.html) 5. NASA Black Hole Research (https://www.nasa.gov/blackholes) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [email protected] Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 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! 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/30562702?utm_source=youtube

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• Bennu’s Bounty: Uncovering Sugars, Space Gum, and Stardust in Asteroid Samples

  SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 28 Episode 145 In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries that deepen our understanding of the origins of life and the dynamics of our galaxy. Sugars and Stardust: Insights from Asteroid Bennu NASA's Osiris Rex mission has returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, revealing the presence of biologically essential sugars, including ribose and glucose, along with a unique gum-like substance never before seen in astromaterials. These findings, published in Nature Geoscience and Nature Astronomy , suggest that the building blocks for life were widespread throughout the early solar system. The discovery of ribose supports the RNA world hypothesis, indicating that RNA might have been the first genetic material. Additionally, the presence of glucose hints at the early energy sources available for life on Earth. Stars Defying the Black Hole Astronomers have observed numerous stars in stable orbits around Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. This discovery, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics , challenges previous assumptions that these objects were merely clouds of dust on a collision course with destruction. Instead, the new data from the ERIS Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph reveals a dynamic and stable environment around the black hole, providing a unique laboratory for studying interactions between black holes and stars. Martian Mystery Solved? A new radar technique employed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has cast doubt on the existence of a suspected underground lake beneath the Martian South Pole ice cap. Initial signals that suggested the presence of liquid water have been reinterpreted as possibly being layers of rock and dust. This innovative approach opens new avenues for investigating subsurface resources on Mars, which could have significant implications for future exploration. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Nature Geoscience Nature Astronomy Astronomy and Astrophysics Geophysical Research Letters 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) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30557915?utm_source=youtube

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• Stellar Explosions, Galactic Surprises, and the Controversial Light Beaming Plan

  ### Episode Summary Real-time images of exploding stars, a surprisingly “gentle” supermassive black hole, the return of a long-duration Soyuz crew, a packed week of launches, Subaru’s first new exoplanet and brown-dwarf finds, and a controversial plan to light up the night sky with orbital mirrors. ### Timestamps & Stories 00:00 – Cold Open 00:35 – Intro 01:05 – **Story 1: Astronomers watch novae explode in real time** **Key Facts** - First-ever direct imaging of two novae as they erupted using the CHARA optical interferometer - V1674 Herculis: fastest nova on record; brightened & faded in days; showed two perpendicular gas jets - V1405 Cassiopeiae: visible to naked eye for months; delayed ejection after 50+ days - Gamma-ray bursts from Fermi telescope timed perfectly with visible jets 03:35 – **Story 2: Soyuz MS-27 crew lands after 8-month ISS mission** **Key Facts** - Crew of three returned safely to Kazakhstan on 8 Dec 2025 - 260+ days in orbit (launched April 2025) - Handover completed; ISS now at full Expedition strength for next rotation 05:05 – ** Story 3: Launch Roundup (8–15 Dec 2025) ** **Key Facts** - SpaceX Starship Flight 6 (Texas) – major reusability test - China Long March 7A – new Tiangong station module - ULA Vulcan Centaur Cert-2 (Cape Canaveral) – second certification flight - Rocket Lab Electron (New Zealand) – successful dawn launch - Russia Soyuz-2.1b (Vostochny) – classified payload 06:35 – ** Story 4: Subaru Telescope’s first discoveries* * **Key Facts** - First science results from upgraded high-contrast infrared instruments - New brown dwarf (13–80 Jupiter masses) with dusty disk - New wide-orbit gas-giant exoplanet ~300 light-years away showing methane & water signatures 08:05 – ** Story 5: Sagittarius A* is less destructive than thought ** **Key Facts** - Objects like G2/DSO, D9, X3, X7 all survive stable orbits within 0.8 parsecs of the 4-million-solar-mass black hole - 20+ years of VLT data (SINFONI, NACO, ERIS) show no tidal disruption - Galactic Center may be a star-formation zone rather than a shredder 09:55 – ** Story 6: Giant space mirrors to light up the night ** **Key Facts** - Reflect Orbital plans thousands of mirror satellites by 2030 - Each beam ~5 km wide, 4× brighter than full moon - Goal: extend solar-farm output after sunset & aid night rescues - Astronomers warn of catastrophic light-pollution increase and wildlife disruption 11:20 – Outro ### Sources & Further Reading 1. https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7462/Astronomers-watch-stars-explode-in-real-time-and 2. https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/ (https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/12/09/soyuz-crew-lands-ending-eight-month-space-research-journey/) 3. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/12/launch-roundup-120825/) 4. https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet (https://www.space.com/astronomy/exoplanets/the-subaru-telescope-just-made-its-1st-discoveries-a-failed-star-and-an-exoplanet) 5. https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought (https://www.universetoday.com/articles/the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole-isnt-as-destructive-as-thought) 6. https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/ (https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/12/giant-space-mirrors-to-light-up-the-night/) # ## Quick Quotes - “High-definition video of stellar explosions.” – Elias Aydi - “Sagittarius A* is less destructive than was previously thought.” – Florian Peißker - “Catastrophic for astronomy.” – Robert Massey (on orbital mirrors) ### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [email protected] Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟 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/30542331?utm_source=youtube

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• Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud’s Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

  (00:00:00) Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces (00:00:46) One of our nearest neighbouring galaxies being torn apart (00:08:00) A giant spider on the Jovian Ice Moon Europa (00:12:23) Mars could have been habitable for long periods (00:14:14) The Science Report (00:17:23) Skeptics guide to why some people are born suckers (00:20:24) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into fascinating cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe. The Small Magellanic Cloud: A Galaxy Under Duress Astronomers have uncovered that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, is being torn apart by gravitational forces from its neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This revelation, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights the complex movements of Cepheid variable stars within the galaxy, indicating that it is being stretched in multiple directions. By utilizing data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the interactions between these two galaxies, prompting a reevaluation of their structural dynamics and gravitational relationships with the Milky Way. Europa's Spider: Signs of Subsurface Water? A striking spider-like feature on Jupiter's moon Europa has scientists buzzing with excitement. Researchers suggest this formation, found near the Menanan impact crater, may be evidence of subsurface water seeping through the moon's icy crust following an asteroid impact. The findings, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, could have significant implications for the moon's habitability and the presence of life. By drawing parallels with similar features on Mars, scientists are eager to explore Europa's subsurface properties further, especially with the upcoming Europa Clipper mission set to launch in April 2030. Mars: A Longer Habitable History? New research indicates that Mars may have been habitable for a much longer duration than previously believed. A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets reveals that ancient underground water may have flowed beneath the Martian sand dunes, creating conditions conducive to life long after its surface water disappeared. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history but also highlights the potential of subsurface environments as targets for future exploration in the search for past life. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal Letters Planetary Science Journal Journal of Geophysical Research Planets 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) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30529859?utm_source=youtube

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• Interstellar Mysteries, Solar Celebrations, and the AI Propulsion Revolution

  Mysterious Interstellar Object 3i Atlas: The interstellar object 3i Atlas is back in the spotlight, exhibiting strange behavior that has scientists puzzled. With non-gravitational acceleration and focused jets forming an anti-tail, its upcoming close approach to Earth on December 19th has prompted coordinated space defense drills among various nations, raising intriguing questions about its true nature. SOHO's 30th Anniversary: Celebrating 30 years of operation, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has not only revolutionized solar science but has also discovered over 5000 comets, making it the most prolific comet hunter in history. Its resilience and contributions to understanding space weather have been invaluable. AI in Spacecraft Propulsion: Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming spacecraft propulsion systems. Through reinforcement learning, AI is optimizing engine performance in real-time, particularly in complex systems like nuclear thermal propulsion and fusion research, paving the way for more efficient travel across the solar system. Hypersonic Space Gun: Longshot Space Technologies is developing a hypersonic space gun, a kinetic launch system designed to fire payloads into orbit at Mach 23. This innovative approach could dramatically reduce launch costs and revolutionize space logistics, although it is limited to ruggedized cargo. Geminid Meteor Shower Preview: The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak on December 13th, offering ideal viewing conditions with a waning crescent moon. Stargazers can expect to see between 120 and 150 meteors per hour, with the chance to witness the colorful streaks originating from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon. Voyager 2's Uranus Mystery Solved: A decades-old mystery regarding Voyager 2's observations of Uranus has been revisited. New research suggests that the intense radiation belt detected during its flyby in 1986 was influenced by a solar wind structure, confirming a temporary solar storm effect far out in the solar system. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/). Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe. ✍️ Episode References 3i Atlas Observations [NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) ) SOHO Achievements [ESA SOHO]( https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/ (https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/) ) AI in Propulsion Research [Journal of Propulsion and Power]( https://arc.aiaa.org/loi/jpp (https://arc.aiaa.org/loi/jpp) ) Hypersonic Launch System [Longshot Space Technologies]( https://www.longshotspace.com/ (https://www.longshotspace.com/) ) Geminid Meteor Shower [American Meteor Society]( https://www.amsmeteors.org/ (https://www.amsmeteors.org/) ) Voyager 2 Uranus Findings [Southwest Research Institute]( https://www.southwestresearchinstitute.org/ (https://www.southwestresearchinstitute.org/) ) 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! 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/30514362?utm_source=youtube

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