SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 13
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the hidden violent past of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, delve into the origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons, and explore how meteor impacts are triggering dust avalanches on Mars.
The Violent History of Sagittarius A
For years, Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, has been perceived as a quiet entity. However, new research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters indicates that it may have experienced dramatic flares in the past. Observations from the CRISM Space Telescope reveal X-ray emissions from a gas cloud near Sagittarius A, suggesting a history of explosive activity that alters our understanding of supermassive black hole evolution and the history of our galaxy.
Water Origins of Jupiter's Galilean Moons
A groundbreaking study has determined that the contrasting water content of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons was established during their formation rather than evolving later. This research sheds light on the stark differences between Io, which is dry and volcanically active, and Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that the primordial environment around Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping these moons' compositions.
Meteor Impacts Trigger Dust Avalanches on Mars
New evidence indicates that meteor impacts on Mars are causing dust avalanches, creating dark streaks on the planet's surface. An analysis of images from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals that these avalanches occur primarily due to dry processes, driven by seasonal dust and wind activity, rather than water-related phenomena. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian surface dynamics and the impact of meteor activity.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal Letters
Nature Communications
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Sagittarius A's hidden violent past revealed
(00:12:45) Origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons
(00:25:30) Meteor impacts causing dust avalanches on Mars
(00:35:00) February night sky highlights and celestial events.
(00:00:00) This is space time series 29, episode 13 for broadcast on 30 January 2026
(00:00:47) X ray emissions from the Crism Space Telescope suggest Sagittarius A flared
(00:07:59) A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts are creating Martian streaks
(00:10:22) February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars
(00:12:03) February's Orion meteor showers usually peak around February 8th
(00:22:18) Blue supergiant Rigel is the second brightest star in the constellation Orion
(00:31:08) Rygel: Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky
(00:35:09) February is a great time to look for bright stars in the night sky
(00:38:04) The night sky is sparse with the old planets at the moment

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 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
✍️ 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.
(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.

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 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
✍️ 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.
(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.

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
✍️ 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.
(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.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 9
In this episode of SpaceTime, we unravel the enigma of the universe's mysterious little red dots, delve into groundbreaking insights from Jupiter regarding the evolution of our solar system's planets, and mark the commencement of construction on Earth's largest gamma-ray observatory.
The Mystery of the Little Red Dots
A fascinating new study reveals that the enigmatic little red dots observed in early images from the NASA Webb Space Telescope are, in fact, young black holes cloaked in ionized gas. Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic Dawn Center have determined that these black holes, much smaller than previously thought, are in the process of consuming gas, which creates immense heat and radiation, giving them their distinctive red appearance. This discovery sheds light on the formation of some of the universe's earliest black holes just 700 million years after the Big Bang.
Jupiter's Role in Planetary Evolution
New simulations indicate that Jupiter may contain up to 50% more oxygen than the Sun, providing fresh insights into how the planets in our solar system formed. By developing a comprehensive model of Jupiter's atmosphere, researchers have resolved a long-standing debate regarding the gas giant's chemical composition. The findings suggest that Jupiter's atmosphere circulates much more slowly than previously believed, which could alter our understanding of planetary migration and formation processes.
Construction of Earth's Largest Gamma-Ray Observatory
Engineers have officially begun construction on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, set to be the largest gamma-ray telescope ever built. Located in Chile's Atacama Desert, this observatory will significantly enhance our ability to study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae. With over 60 telescopes across two sites, the observatory will allow astronomers to observe gamma rays with unprecedented accuracy, potentially unlocking new discoveries about dark matter and the fundamental laws of physics.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Journal
Planetary Science Journal
Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) New study reveals little red dots in Webb images are young black holes
(00:07:30) Jupiter may have 50% more oxygen than the Sun, reshaping planetary formation theories
(00:15:45) Construction begins on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory
(00:22:00) New data confirms 2025 saw record ocean heat storage
(00:25:30) Advances in autonomous driving technology showcased at CES 2026.