In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a trio of intriguing astronomical phenomena that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.
Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter
Interstellar comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion, passing closest to the Sun without any signs of alien life forms, despite wild media speculation. This episode discusses how the comet maintained its expected trajectory and velocity, while also revealing groundbreaking findings from NASA's Swift Space Telescope, which detected ultraviolet signatures of water from the comet, providing new insights into the chemistry of interstellar objects and their potential to harbour the building blocks of life.
A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies
Astronomers have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas linking two dwarf galaxies, NGC 4532 and DDO 137, located approximately 53 million light years away. This remarkable structure spans an astonishing 185,000 light years and is accompanied by a vast tail of gas extending 1 million light years. The findings shed light on how galaxies interact and evolve, particularly in dense environments like the Virgo Cluster, and offer crucial insights into the dynamics of galactic gas and star formation.
Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars
A new study suggests that explosive volcanic eruptions on ancient Mars may have transported water ice to the equatorial regions of the Red Planet. Using computer modelling, researchers propose that water vapour released during these eruptions could have frozen in the Martian atmosphere, leading to the accumulation of significant ice deposits. This discovery could have profound implications for future human exploration of Mars, as it raises questions about the availability of water resources in unexpected locations.
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✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal Letters
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205
Nature Communications
https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/
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Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter
A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies
Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars