Sponsor Details:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special SpaceTime listener offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout. Help support SpaceTime and get a great deal. Win/win!In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science and solar physics, including the remnants of ancient asteroids on Mars, the recovery of the Mother's Day meteorite, and new insights into solar energetic particles.Asteroid Remnants Found in Martian MantleA new study reveals that fragments from ancient asteroids, which significantly impacted Mars around 4.5 billion years ago, are now trapped within the planet's mantle. Data from NASA's Mars Insight lander has provided unprecedented insights into the Martian interior, showing that these remnants, some up to four kilometres wide, offer a unique glimpse into Mars' geological history. The findings suggest a sluggish evolution of the Martian mantle, contrasting sharply with Earth's dynamic tectonic processes.Mother's Day Meteorite DiscoveryIn an exciting expedition, scientists from Curtin University have successfully recovered a meteorite that lit up the skies over Western Australia on Mother's Day. Using the Desert Fireball Network, researchers pinpointed the meteor's landing site and undertook a challenging journey to retrieve samples. Preliminary analysis indicates that the meteorite is an ordinary chondrite, providing valuable insights into its origins and the solar system's history.Tracing Super Fast Electrons from the SunAstronomers have identified two distinct origins for energetic particles emitted by the Sun, thanks to observations from the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter mission. The research highlights the difference between solar energetic electrons linked to solar flares and those associated with coronal mass ejections. Understanding these two types of solar energetic particles is crucial for predicting space weather and protecting satellites and astronauts from radiation hazards.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Curtin Universityhttps://www.curtin.edu.au/European Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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Cosmic Revelations: The Brightest Fast Radio Burst and New Horizons' Hibernation Journey
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover some of the most exciting discoveries and developments in the universe, including the detection of the brightest fast radio burst ever observed, the New Horizons spacecraft's record-setting hibernation, and an innovative method for generating oxygen in space.Brightest Fast Radio Burst DetectedAstronomers have identified what is being hailed as the brightest fast radio burst (FRB) ever recorded. Catalogued as FRB 2025 0316A, this extraordinary flash of energy was detected 130 million light years away in the spiral galaxy NGC 4141. The burst's unprecedented brightness and proximity provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study its origins and the environment surrounding it, potentially shedding light on the enigmatic sources of these fleeting cosmic phenomena.New Horizons Enters Record HibernationNASA's New Horizons spacecraft has officially begun a record-setting hibernation period as it journeys through the Kuiper Belt, now over 9.2 billion kilometres from Earth. This hibernation will last until June 2026, surpassing its previous record of 273 days. Despite being in hibernation, the spacecraft will continue to collect valuable data on charged particles and dust in the outer heliosphere, which will be transmitted back to Earth upon reactivation.Revolutionary Oxygen Generation in SpaceIn a significant advancement for future space missions, scientists have developed a new method for generating oxygen in space using neodymium magnets to enhance the electrolysis process. This innovative approach simplifies the extraction of oxygen bubbles from water, potentially replacing complex systems currently used in microgravity environments. By leveraging magnetic forces, this technique could improve the efficiency and reliability of oxygen production for astronauts.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journal Lettershttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205NASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Nature Chemistryhttps://www.nature.com/nchem/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Brightest Fast Radio Burst DetectedNew Horizons Enters Record HibernationRevolutionary Oxygen Generation in Space
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Lunar Innovations: Creating Water and Fuel from Moon Dust and Psyche's Progress
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest developments in space exploration, including the European Space Agency's Juice mission, NASA's Psyche spacecraft, and groundbreaking advancements in lunar resource utilization.Juice Mission Back on TrackThe European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Juice, is set for a critical flyby of Venus after overcoming a communications anomaly that temporarily severed contact with Earth. Engineers successfully restored communication with the spacecraft, which is now on its way to study Jupiter's Galilean moons—Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa—believed to harbor subsurface oceans that may support extraterrestrial life. The flyby will assist Juice in gaining the necessary speed for its journey to Jupiter, scheduled for arrival in 2031.Psyche Spacecraft CalibrationNASA's Psyche spacecraft, launched in 2023, has successfully calibrated its onboard cameras as it journeys toward the metal-rich asteroid of the same name. The spacecraft aims to unlock the secrets of planetary cores and will utilize its cameras to capture images of Psyche's surface when it arrives in 2029. The calibration process includes imaging Earth and Mars to ensure the instruments perform optimally for their scientific objectives.Creating Resources from Moon DustIn a significant breakthrough, scientists have developed a method to produce water, oxygen, and methane fuel using lunar regolith, sunlight, and carbon dioxide from astronauts' breath. This innovation could drastically reduce the cost of transporting supplies from Earth to the Moon, paving the way for sustainable lunar bases and expanded space exploration capabilities.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesEuropean Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/NASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Juice Mission Back on TrackPsyche Spacecraft CalibrationCreating Resources from Moon Dust
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Stellar Success: SpaceX's Starship Soars and Mars' Mysteries Uncovered
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into thrilling advancements in space exploration, including a remarkable test flight of SpaceX's Starship, groundbreaking insights into Mars, and a classified mission from the United States Space Force.Starship's Spectacular Test FlightAfter overcoming numerous challenges, SpaceX's Starship has successfully completed its 10th test flight, launching from Texas and splashing down in the Indian Ocean. This flight demonstrated the rocket's capabilities, including a controlled splashdown of the Super Heavy booster and the successful deployment of Starlink satellite simulators. The mission provided critical data on the vehicle's performance during reentry, including stress testing its heat shield.New Insights into MarsThe European Space Agency's Mars Express Orbiter has provided new observations of the Acheron Foci region, revealing the geological forces that have shaped the Red Planet. These findings highlight the impact of ancient geological upheaval and climatic shifts on Mars' landscape, offering clues about its past and the dynamic processes that continue to influence its environment today.Space Force's Secret Shuttle MissionThe United States Space Force has launched its 8th X37B space shuttle mission, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This classified mission aims to test next-generation technologies, including advanced laser communication systems and quantum sensors. The versatile X37B continues to serve as a platform for various operational demonstrations and experiments in space.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesEuropean Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/NASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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Rogue Worlds and Solar Power
This episode is brought to you by the support of Insta360 - the leaders and innovators in portable 360 Photography. And they have just released the all new UltraGo...the take anywhere camera. Get all the details by visiting store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout for our special listener offer. In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries and developments in the realm of astrophysics and space exploration.Rogue Planets and Their PotentialA fascinating new study reveals that giant free-floating planets, known as rogue planets, may have the ability to form their own miniature planetary systems independently of a host star. Observations from the Webb Space Telescope have identified young rogue planets with masses between 5 to 10 times that of Jupiter. These dim objects, which emit primarily in the infrared spectrum, are believed to hold secrets about the formation of planetary systems. The findings indicate that disks of warm dust surrounding these planets could provide the necessary materials for planet formation, suggesting that such systems could exist even in the absence of stars.Europe's Space Rider ProgressesThe European Space Agency's reusable Space Rider spacecraft has successfully completed a crucial test of its nose cone, marking another milestone in its development. This innovative spacecraft will allow ESA to conduct orbital missions and return scientific payloads to Earth. Designed to operate as an unmanned laboratory in low Earth orbit, Space Rider will support a variety of experiments and technology demonstrations, paving the way for Europe to enhance its capabilities in space exploration.Harvesting Solar Power from SpaceCould space-based solar panels be the solution to our energy needs? Scientists are investigating two promising projects aimed at capturing solar energy in orbit. The Innovative Heliostat Swarm aims to create a network of mirrors that direct sunlight to a central receiver, converting it into electricity for transmission back to Earth. Meanwhile, the Mature Planar Array is closer to deployment but will only capture solar energy about 60% of the time. Despite current challenges in cost-effectiveness, these projects could lead to breakthroughs in sustainable energy.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journalhttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205European Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/Journal of Solar Energyhttps://www.journals.elsevier.com/solar-energyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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