Spacetime With Stuart Gary

Dive into the cosmic depths with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 54, where we journey back 3.7 billion years to uncover the oldest evidence of Earth's magnetic field. Join us as we explore pristine ancient rocks from Greenland, revealing a magnetic strength similar to today's, and potentially extending the known age of our planet's protective shield by hundreds of millions of years. This discovery could illuminate the early conditions that fostered life on Earth and the enduring power source behind our magnetic field.The volcanic spectacle continues as we venture to Jupiter's moon Io, unveiling that it has been a hotbed of volcanic activity for its entire 4.57 billion-year existence. The sulfur and chlorine isotopes in Io's atmosphere, analyzed through the Alma radio telescope, attest to a history of relentless eruptions powered by Jupiter's immense gravitational pull.Witness the marvels of the solar corona as we recap the scientific endeavors during the recent solar eclipse that graced North America. From soundi

Embark on an interplanetary investigation with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 53, as we delve into the perplexing presence of methane on Mars. The red planet's mysterious emissions have puzzled scientists for years, with seasonal spikes and unpredictable behavior sparking debates on their origin. Could biological activity be the source, or are geological interactions to blame? Join us as we explore a new hypothesis that suggests Mars' own soil could be sealing and sporadically releasing this elusive gas, adding another layer to the Martian enigma.The episode ascends further into the Jovian system with an up-close encounter of the volcanic moon Io, courtesy of NASA's Juno spacecraft. Marvel at the newly discovered jagged mountain spires and tranquil lava lakes that adorn this tumultuous celestial body, revealing a landscape both violent and serene.But it's not all smooth sailing in the cosmos. We report on the unexpected hiccup faced by NASA's planet-hunting satellite TESS, which has entered safe mode, suspending

Dive into the cosmos with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 52, as we traverse the stellar seas to discover a groundbreaking revelation: stardust from a supernova, harboring secrets from a newly identified type of star. An extraordinary find in an ancient meteorite has led scientists to a hydrogen-burning supernova, a stellar phenomenon only recently recognized by astronomers. This episode sheds light on how a tiny particle, a relic from a star that perished before our solar system's birth, is providing invaluable insights into the cosmos' intricate workings.The voyage of discovery doesn't end there. Rejoice in NASA's triumph as the venerable Voyager 1 spacecraft reestablishes contact after months of silence, sending clear data across the vast expanse from the very edge of interstellar space. The episode also celebrates the successful ascent of New Zealand's Electron rocket, which lofted NASA's innovative solar sail satellite, set to harness the gentle push of sunlight for propulsion.Join us as we delve into these

Embark on a celestial journey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 51, as we unravel the mysteries of Pluto's heart. Scientists, armed with sophisticated computer simulations, have finally pieced together the enigmatic origins of the dwarf planet's heart-shaped feature, Sputnik Planitia. This episode delves into the colossal impact that sculpted Pluto's icy facade, challenging previous assumptions about its internal structure and the existence of a subsurface ocean.The cosmic surprises continue as we delve into the perplexing absence of gamma rays from a recent supernova explosion in the Pinwheel Galaxy. SN 2023 IXF's silent gamma-ray profile has left astronomers scratching their heads, prompting a reevaluation of the role supernovae play in accelerating cosmic rays to near-light speeds.Witness the end of an era with the final launch of a Delta rocket, a titan of the space industry for over six decades. The Delta IV Heavy's last ascent, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, marks a

Venture into the unknown with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 50, as we embark on an interplanetary adventure that transcends the boundaries of our earthly skies. NASA confirms its bold mission to dispatch a pioneering rotocopter to the enigmatic Saturnian moon, Titan. The Dragonfly mission is set to soar through Titan's dense atmosphere, exploring its organically rich landscapes in search of prebiotic chemical processes that mirror the early Earth. With a launch date set for July 2028 and a budget of $3.35 billion, Dragonfly promises to revolutionize our understanding of this distant, methane-drenched world.As we bid a heartfelt farewell to the Mars Ingenuity helicopter, we celebrate its unprecedented achievements on the Red Planet. Despite a hard landing ending its aerial escapades, Ingenuity's legacy endures as it transitions to a stationary science platform, continuing to collect invaluable data for future Martian exploration.Amidst escalating global tensions, South Korea asserts its space prowess with the la

Prepare for a cosmic revelation in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 49, as we journey through the Milky Way to uncover a celestial heavyweight—the most massive stellar black hole ever discovered in our galaxy. Detected by the vigilant eyes of the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, this black hole, known as Gaia BH3, imposes a peculiar wobble on its companion star, betraying its presence. Weighing in at a colossal 33 solar masses and residing a mere 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Aquila, BH3 redefines our understanding of stellar remnants and the mysterious dance of gravity and mass that shapes them.Then, we take a detour through the evolutionary tracks of white dwarf stars, which have long been the cooling embers of the cosmic campfire. Recent observations from Gaia have spotted a group of these stellar corpses defying the natural order, mysteriously ceasing to cool. This perplexing behavior is challenging astronomers to rethink the very nature of these ancient stars, which may not be the reliable

Embark on an astronomical odyssey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 48, as we unveil the most detailed view of the expanding universe to date. The first-year data from DESI, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey, is in, and it's changing the cosmic game. This groundbreaking five-year study is mapping the universe in 3D, charting the enigmatic influence of dark energy over time. Will the universe meet a chilling big freeze, or will dark energy's relentless acceleration lead to a catastrophic big rip? With precision better than 1%, DESI's data is painting a complex picture of our cosmic destiny.Then, join us in celebrating a celestial milestone as the Solar Observatory spacecraft SOHO captures its 5000th comet. SOHO's unexpected role as a prolific comet hunter has deepened our understanding of these enigmatic sun-grazers, offering insights into the sun's atmosphere and the large-scale structure of comets.Plus, we follow the Soyuz MS-24 capsule's return to Earth, bringing home a NASA astronaut and the f

Prepare to illuminate the shadowy frontiers of space in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 47. We begin by shedding light on new findings that reveal brown dwarfs, those celestial enigmas straddling the line between the largest planets and the smallest stars, are far more star-like than we ever imagined. Born from the same intricate dance of gas and dust that gives rise to stars, these failed stars have a story more intertwined with their luminous kin than previously thought. Next, we peer into the future, where the clock is ticking down to an explosive cosmic event. Astronomers eagerly anticipate a nova eruption within a binary star system, set to dazzle the skies sometime before year's end. This stellar spectacle, a cyclical detonation on the surface of a white dwarf, promises to be a beacon in the night, echoing observations that date back over a century.We then voyage to the extreme starburst galaxy M82, a crucible of creation churning out new stars at a rate tenfold that of our own Milky Way. With the James Web

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46: The Cosmic Dance of Neutron Stars and Black HolesJoin us on a thrilling journey through the cosmos in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46, where we delve into the mysteries of a possible neutron star-black hole merger detected in gravitational waves. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration may have stumbled upon a cosmic ballet between the densest objects in the universe, offering tantalizing clues about the elusive mass gap and challenging our understanding of stellar evolution.Next, we explore the cannibalistic tendencies of stars as a new study reveals that stars often end up devouring their own planets. This celestial feast, found in roughly 8% of binary star systems examined, raises questions about the stability of planetary orbits and could reshape our knowledge of cosmic dynamics.And as North America was plunged into darkness by a total solar eclipse, scientists seized the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research. From rockets piercing the upper atmosphere to jets chasing th

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 45 *Perseverance collects its 24th sample on Mars NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover has just collected its 24 geological sample from the surface of the red planet.  The drill core offers new clues about Jezero Crater and the lake it may have once held. *New date set for Starliner's first manned mission NASA has set May 6 as the opening of the launch window for the first manned flight of Boeing’s long troubled CST-100 Starliner.  The flight to the International Space Station was originally slated for this month. *Space junk slams into a Florida home NASA says it’s analyzing an object that crashed into a Florida man's home last week which is suspected of being piece of debris jettisoned from the International Space Station. *The Science Report New research shows that the warming climate will turn Australia’s soil into a net emitter of carbon dioxide. A new study claims women with a low resting heart rate had a slightly higher chance of a criminal lifestyle. Identifying criminals by airb

The Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 44 *New Clues About Mars’ Ancient Water NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover has arrived at an area in Gale Crater’s Mount Sharp that may show evidence liquid water flowed on the red planet for much longer than previously thought. *NASAs new Moon buggies NASA has selected three companies to help it develop its proposed new Moon buggy --- the lunar terrain vehicle or LTV. *The largest digital camera ever built for astronomy After two decades of work, scientists and engineers at the US Department of Energy's Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre’s National Accelerator Laboratory have finally completed the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Camera -- The largest digital camera ever built for astronomy. *The Science Report A new study shows that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death. The Persian Plateau identified as pivotal for Homo sapiens migration out of Africa. Volcanoes could hold the clues to how the first building blocks of life wer

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 43*The Milky Way's Faintest Star System UnveiledAstronomers have unveiled the faintest star system known to orbit our Milky Way galaxy, Ursa Major III Unions I. This ancient and elusive star system, reported in the Astrophysical Journal, may be one of the most dark matter-dominated systems discovered, lying just 30,000 light-years away. With only about 60 stars and a mass just 16 times that of the Sun, it challenges our understanding of galaxy formation and the role of dark matter in the cosmos.*Queensland's Bowen Orbital Spaceport Launches into ActionAustralia's space industry takes a giant leap with the official opening of the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. Set to host its inaugural launch with Gilmore Space's Ares rocket, the spaceport marks a significant milestone in the nation's commercial space endeavors. Ares, a hybrid propulsion rocket, aims to deliver payloads into low Earth orbit, signifying Australia's re-emergence as a

This episode is brought to you by NordPass...the password manager (and more) that you need in your life for not very much money. To get the deal, visit www.nordpass.com/stuartThe Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 42*Water's Persistent Presence in Mars' Gale CraterMars' Gale Crater may have harbored water far longer than scientists previously believed, challenging our timeline of the Red Planet's arid transformation. New evidence from NASA's Curiosity rover, detailed in the journal Geology, suggests that underground water may have been present in the crater during the latter part of the Hesperian period, 3.7 to 3 billion years ago. This discovery, marked by deformed desert sandstone, hints at a more habitable past and could reshape our search for ancient Martian life.*The Sun's Spectacular Double Solar FlareThe Sun has unleashed its most powerful eruption since 2017 with a double solar flare event, signaling a ramp-up towards solar maximum. The X1.1-class flare, coupled with a

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 41*The Scandinavian Connection: Born from Greenland's Ancient CrustIn a groundbreaking geological study, scientists have traced the oldest Scandinavian bedrock back to its origins in Greenland, revealing a continental connection dating back 3.75 billion years. Published in the journal Geology, this research uncovers a hidden chapter of Earth's crust beneath Denmark and Scandinavia, suggesting a tectonic detachment from Greenland that predates previous estimates by a quarter of a billion years. The discovery, locked within zircon minerals, not only reshapes our understanding of continental drift but also underscores Earth's uniqueness in the solar system as a cradle for life.*Blue Origin's Orbital Reef: A Leap Towards Commercial Space HabitatsBlue Origin, in collaboration with Sierra Space, has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the Orbital Reef commercial space station. Under NASA's watchful eye, the project has success

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 40*Magnetic Mysteries at the Milky Way's HeartThe Event Horizon Telescope has revealed organized magnetic fields swirling at the periphery of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's core. In a groundbreaking observation, astronomers have captured these fields in polarized light, finding remarkable similarities to the black hole in galaxy M87. This discovery suggests that strong magnetic fields could be a universal trait among black holes, influencing how they interact with their surrounding matter. The study's implications stretch far beyond the iconic Sagittarius A*, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic behavior of black holes and their powerful ejections into space.*The Birth of Blue Supergiants Through Stellar MergersBlue supergiants, some of the universe's most luminous and massive stars, have long puzzled astronomers due to their abundance and solitary nature. A new study posits that these cosmic behemoths, oft

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 39*Unveiling the Einasto Supercluster: A Cosmic BehemothAstronomers have unveiled one of the most massive superclusters ever observed, a colossal structure named the Einasto Supercluster. Comprising thousands of galaxies and a mass of 20 followed by 15 zeros in stars, this supercluster is a testament to the pioneering work of Jan Oort, whose 95th birthday coincides with the discovery. The Einasto Supercluster, stretching 360 million light-years across, provides new insights into the large-scale structure of the universe, challenging our understanding of galactic evolution and the gravitational forces at play in these vast cosmic metropolises.*Humans Alter Asteroid's Path and ShapeIn a groundbreaking mission, humans have altered the shape and orbit of an asteroid. NASA's DART spacecraft collided with the asteroid moon Dimorphos, not only knocking it off course but also reshaping its entire structure. This kinetic impact demonstration confir

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 38*Witnessing the Final Stages of Planetary FormationFor the first time, astronomers have captured the end of the planetary formation process, observing the dispersal of gas from a young star's circumstellar disk. The James Webb Space Telescope has provided unprecedented images of the Tchar star system, where a vast gap in its disk suggests we're witnessing the final act in its planetary evolution. The study sheds light on the fate of gas giants and terrestrial planets, revealing the delicate dance of creation that shapes nascent solar systems.*The Devil's Comet: A Green Spectacle in the SkyComet 12P/Pons-Brooks, with its distinctive green hue and horned appearance, is making its first visit to the inner solar system in over 70 years. This Mount Everest-sized icy wanderer could grace our skies with its naked-eye visibility as it reaches perihelion this April. Nicknamed the 'Devil's Comet', its cryovolcanic nature promises a celestial show

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 37*Betelgeuse's Surprising Spin: A Red Supergiant's SecretsAstronomers have been intrigued by the rapid rotation of the red supergiant star Betelgeuse, but new insights suggest its seemingly swift spin could be an illusion caused by its boiling surface. The star's dimming, once thought to herald an imminent supernova, turned out to be dust obscuring our view. Located in Orion, Betelgeuse's tumultuous surface, with convective bubbles the size of Earth's orbit, challenges our understanding of stellar dynamics.*The Moon's Cratered Past: A History Written in ImpactsNew research indicates the Moon endured more asteroid and comet bombardments than previously thought, potentially reshaping our knowledge of its geological history. This study reveals that early impacts may have left subtle marks, eluding detection due to a still-cooling lunar surface. As the Moon's magma ocean solidified, these ancient impacts could tell a tale of a dynamic early s

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 36*The Precise Mass of Neutron Stars UnveiledAstronomers have pinpointed the exact upper mass limit for non-rotating neutron stars, providing a critical piece to the puzzle of black hole evolution. The study, detailed in Physical Review D, reveals that the heaviest non-rotating neutron stars weigh about 2.25 solar masses. This breakthrough in nuclear physics and astrophysics could refine our understanding of the stellar life cycle and the transition from neutron stars to black holes.*Japan's Aspirations for Private Spaceflight Go Up in SmokeJapan's first privately operated space launch provider, Space One, faced a fiery setback as its new solid-fuel rocket exploded seconds after liftoff. The ill-fated Karaos rocket, carrying a government test satellite, disintegrated over the Wakayama region, underscoring the harsh realities of space exploration. The incident highlights the challenges faced by emerging private space companies in the compet

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 36*Mars Unveils a Colossal Volcanic SecretAstronomers have discovered a massive ancient volcano on Mars, hidden beneath an ice sheet in the planet's Tharsus volcanic province. This behemoth, which has eluded detection by orbiting spacecraft since 1971, could offer new insights into the Red Planet's geologic past and potential for life. The structure, tentatively named Noctus Volcano, stands over 29,600 feet tall and spans about 280 miles across. Its discovery near the labyrinthine Noctus Labyrinthus and the colossal Valles Marineris suggests a long history of volcanic activity and hints at the presence of glacial ice beneath its surface.*Europe's New Radar Mission to Monitor Climate ChangeThe European Space Agency is gearing up for ROSAL, a cutting-edge Earth observation mission set to scrutinize the planet's oceans, land, and ice. With the largest deployable planar antenna array ever built, ROSAL will complement existing Copernicus Sentin