Space News Today

## Today's Headlines:


🛰️ **NOAA Solar Observatory Reaches L1**


NOAA's Space Weather Follow-On satellite successfully arrived at Lagrange point 1 on January 21st, establishing the first component of a future constellation designed to provide early warning of solar storms and coronal mass ejections. The satellite offers 15-60 minutes advance notice of space weather events that could impact Earth's infrastructure.


🚀 **Challenger Disaster: 40 Years Later**


Marking four decades since the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, we examine how unseasonably cold weather and O-ring failures led to the loss of seven crew members. The disaster fundamentally changed NASA's safety culture and decision-making processes, lessons that continue to influence spaceflight today.


🤖 **AI Uncovers Cosmic Treasures in Hubble Archive**


Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms have identified hundreds of previously undetected gravitational lenses in Hubble Space Telescope data. These discoveries include rare Einstein rings and exotic lensing configurations that provide windows into the early universe and dark matter distribution.


☄️ **Venus's Potential Meteor Shower**


Astronomers predict Venus may experience a significant meteor shower in July 2026 from debris of asteroid 2002 VT37. The event offers a rare opportunity to study how meteor showers interact with Venus's dense carbon dioxide atmosphere.


🌌 **Stellar Fireworks at the Galactic Center**


New observations reveal intense stellar activity near Sagittarius A*, our galaxy's supermassive black hole, including star formation, supernovae, and tidal disruption events in one of the most extreme environments in the Milky Way.


📡 **Watch Artemis 2 Rocket Live**


NASA has launched a 24-hour livestream of the Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket on Launch Pad 39B as crews prepare for the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, currently targeting April 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVnsO_rdew (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVnsO_rdew)


#### Resources & Links:


- Story Sources: SpaceNews, Spectrum Local News, NASA Science, Space.com, Universe Today


- Website: astronomydaily.io


- Social Media: @AstroDailyPod (all platforms)





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/31367939?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Link:


This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace . Bring your stories to life with Squarespace , the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime (https://www.squarespace.com/spacetime) or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout.





SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 12


In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover groundbreaking discoveries about Earth's mantle, the watery past of Mars, and the rapid growth of galaxies through cool gas filaments.


Distinct Histories of Earth’s Mantle Provinces


Recent research reveals that the two massive continent-sized regions deep within the Earth's mantle have unique chemical compositions and histories. This study challenges long-held assumptions and uses seismic wave data to illustrate how these large low velocity provinces differ in density and material, impacting the planet's heat extraction from the core and potentially affecting the stability of Earth's magnetic field.


Confirmation of Mars as a Blue Planet


New evidence from ancient Martian river deltas suggests that Mars was once covered by a vast ocean. High-resolution images reveal delta-like structures, indicating that water once flowed into an ocean approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery supports the notion of a once habitable environment on Mars, offering insights into its geological history and the potential for life.


Galaxies Growing Through Cool Gas Filaments


A fascinating new study has demonstrated how galaxies can rapidly grow by drawing in filaments of cool gas. Observations from the Keck Telescope's Cosmic Webb Imager provide direct evidence of these gas streams spiraling into galaxies, fueling star formation at unprecedented rates. This research offers significant insights into the processes of galaxy formation and the role of the cosmic web in shaping the universe.


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


✍️ Episode References


Scientific Reports


MPJ Space Exploration


Nature Astronomy


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) Distinct histories of Earth's mantle provinces


(00:12:15) Mars confirmed as a blue planet with ancient ocean


(00:25:30) Galaxies grow rapidly through cool gas filaments


(00:35:00) Discovery of the oldest known rock art in the world.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31361220?utm_source=youtube

Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they explore today's most fascinating space and astronomy stories.


IN THIS EPISODE:


🌌 NASA's Dark Matter Map


NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has created one of the most detailed dark matter maps ever produced, revealing the invisible scaffolding of the universe in unprecedented detail. Scientists mapped nearly 800,000 galaxies, showing how dark matter and regular matter have grown together throughout cosmic history - and how dark matter's influence may have been essential for creating the conditions necessary for life on Earth.


🚀 Weekly Launch Roundup


A busy week in orbital spaceflight with multiple missions planned from Florida, California, and New Zealand. SpaceX prepares to launch GPS III SV09 named after fallen Challenger astronaut Ellison Onizuka, while Rocket Lab readies its "Bridging the Swarm" mission carrying South Korea's NeonSat-1A satellite. Plus updates on multiple Starlink flights and possible Chinese launches.


🌙 Artemis II's Far Side Adventure


The Artemis II crew - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Jeremy Hansen - are training to become the first humans to see parts of the Moon never before observed by human eyes. Learn about their planned three-hour observation session focusing on Mare Orientale and other hidden lunar features, and how their geology training in Iceland is preparing them for this historic mission.


🪐 Jupiter's Hidden Depths


NASA's Juno spacecraft continues to revolutionize our understanding of Jupiter, revealing that the planet's iconic cloud bands extend 1,900 miles below the surface. Discover recent findings about Jupiter's diluted core, mysterious green lightning flashes, and the remarkably persistent polar cyclones that form octagonal and pentagonal patterns at the planet's poles.


☀️ Antarctica's Exclusive Eclipse


Only about 16 people might witness one of 2026's most spectacular celestial events - a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse crossing Antarctica on February 17th. Find out about the two research stations in the path of totality, the extreme conditions observers will face, and where else partial views of the eclipse will be visible.


🛸 Starship V3 Update


SpaceX's upgraded Starship rocket test has been rescheduled for mid-March following a November explosion during testing. Learn about the new capabilities of Starship V3, including plans to launch next-generation Starlink satellites and dock with other Starships in orbit - plus how Blue Origin's New Glenn is emerging as competition in the heavy-lift market.


EPISODE LINKS:


• NASA Dark Matter Discovery: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-reveals-new-details-about-dark-matters-influence-on-universe/


• Launch Schedule Details: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/01/launch-roundup-012626/


• Artemis II Far Side Views: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/artemis-first-humans-see-hidden-side-moon/


• Antarctica Eclipse Information: https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/2026-ring-of-fire-eclipse/


• Starship Development Update: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/spacex-eyes-mid-march-for-first-test-of-upgraded-starship-rocket/


CONNECT WITH US:


🌐 Website: astronomydaily.io


📱 Twitter/X: @AstroDailyPod


📷 Instagram: @AstroDailyPod


📘 Facebook: @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/31342881?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Link:


This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace . Bring your stories to life with Squarespace , the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime (https://www.squarespace.com/spacetime) or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout.





SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 11


In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into the latest astronomical events, including a record-setting solar storm impacting Earth, the historic Artemis 2 mission preparing to return astronauts to the Moon, and groundbreaking evidence confirming an ancient asteroid impact in the North Sea.


Record-Breaking Solar Storm Strikes Earth


Planet Earth has recently experienced a massive geomagnetic storm triggered by an X1.9 class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection. This event produced stunning auroras, visible as far north as Sydney and Brisbane. We discuss how such solar storms can affect technology on Earth and in space, including potential disruptions to communications and navigation systems, as well as the impact on satellites in low Earth orbit.


Artemis 2: A Historic Return to the Moon


NASA's Artemis 2 mission is gearing up to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey, orbiting the Moon and traveling further than any humans have before. We explore the mission's objectives, including testing spacecraft systems, practicing docking procedures, and conducting deep space science experiments, all while preparing for future lunar landings.


Proof of an Ancient Asteroid Impact


A decades-long debate over the origins of the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea has been resolved with new evidence confirming it was formed by an asteroid impact 43 to 46 million years ago. Utilizing seismic imaging and microscopic analysis, researchers have established this crater as a significant impact site, shedding light on the history of asteroid collisions on Earth and their implications for our planet's geological evolution.


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


✍️ Episode References


Nature Communications


NASA Reports


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) Record solar storm strikes Earth


(00:12:30) Artemis 2 mission prepares to send astronauts back to the Moon


(00:25:00) Evidence confirms asteroid impact in the North Sea


(00:35:15) New insights into Earth's climate from ancient geological events.


Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31336113?utm_source=youtube

# Astronomy Daily - S05E22


## Monday, January 26, 2026


Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they explore the latest developments in space and astronomy, from ambitious plans to terraform Mars to stunning new views of dying stars.


### Episode Highlights


**Mars Terraforming Gets Serious**


Scientists unveil a comprehensive blueprint for transforming Mars into a habitable world. Discover the three-phase plan using Martian resources, engineered nanoparticles, and hardy microorganisms that could warm the Red Planet by 30°C and eventually create breathable air. But should we terraform Mars at all?


**Harvesting Water from Mars' Atmosphere**


While underground ice remains the primary water source for future Mars missions, researchers reveal how atmospheric moisture could provide a crucial backup. Learn about the innovative technologies that could make Mars settlements more self-sufficient.


**Chandra's Cosmic Catalog Milestone**


NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has now cataloged over 1.3 million X-ray detections across the sky. We explore this treasure trove of data spanning 22 years of observations, including a stunning view of the Galactic Center with over 3,300 sources in just 60 light-years.


**Earthquake Sensors Track Space Debris**


Ingenious new research shows how seismic monitoring networks can track dangerous falling satellites in near real-time. Discover how scientists reconstructed the trajectory and breakup of China's Shenzhou-15 module using earthquake sensors.


**Water Worlds or Lava Planets?**


Shocking new findings suggest 98% of planets we thought were ocean-bearing "hycean worlds" might actually be molten rock. Learn about the Solidification Shoreline model that's rewriting our understanding of sub-Neptune exoplanets.


**Webb Captures a Dying Star's Beauty**


The James Webb Space Telescope reveals the Helix Nebula in unprecedented detail, showing us the eventual fate of our own Sun. Witness stellar recycling in action as a dying star distributes the building blocks of future worlds.


### Links & Resources


- Research on Mars terraforming strategies


- Advances in Space Research journal study on atmospheric water harvesting


- Chandra Source Catalog: cxc.cfa.harvard.edu/csc/


- Science journal publication on seismic debris tracking


- arXiv preprint on sub-Neptune exoplanet composition


- Webb Space Telescope Helix Nebula observations


For more space news and daily episodes, visit astronomydaily.io


Follow us on social media @AstroDailyPod


---


*Astronomy Daily: Your daily dose of space and astronomy news*





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/31321940?utm_source=youtube