Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E47
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Steve Dunkley welcomes you to another thrilling exploration of the cosmos, featuring the latest updates from the world of astronomy and space science. From the mysterious Space Force spaceplane to the discovery of a fast-moving star, this episode is packed with intriguing stories that will leave you eager for more cosmic knowledge.
Highlights:
- Space Force's X37B Spaceplane: Get a rare glimpse of the US Space Force's shadowy X37B spaceplane, which has been orbiting Earth for over a year. We discuss the recent photo released by the Space Force, showcasing the vehicle's solar panels and open payload bay, along with the mission's objectives and its new aerobraking maneuver.
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: Hear the latest on asteroid 2024 YR4, which has sparked rumors of potential destruction in 2032. Thankfully, updated calculations show an extremely low probability of impact with Earth, while its chances of colliding with the Moon have slightly increased.
- SpaceX's Static Fire Test: Dive into the details of SpaceX's recent long-duration static fire test of Ship 34, which lasted nearly a minute. We explore the implications of this test for future launches and the ongoing modifications to the spacecraft following previous anomalies.
- Fast-Moving Star Discovery: Discover an astonishing new find: a small, fast-moving star racing through the center of our galaxy, possibly with a planet in orbit. This star is estimated to be traveling at an incredible speed of 1.2 million miles per hour, making it a candidate for the fastest known exoplanet system.
- The Science of 21 Centimeter Radiation: Learn about the significance of 21 centimeter radiation in the search for extraterrestrial life. This fundamental frequency, linked to hydrogen atoms, is considered a universal calling card for potential communication with intelligent civilizations across the cosmos.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Steve signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
00:00 - Welcome back to Astronomy Daily
01:05 - Space Force's X37B spaceplane update
07:30 - Asteroid 2024 YR4 risk assessment
12:15 - SpaceX's static fire test of Ship 34
18:00 - Discovery of fast-moving star
22:30 - The significance of 21 centimeter radiation
27:00 - Conclusion and upcoming content
✍️ Episode References
X37B Spaceplane Insights
[Space Force](https://www.spaceforce.mil)
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Information
[NASA NEO](https://www.nasa.gov/neo)
SpaceX Ship 34 Updates
[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)
Fast-Moving Star Discovery
[NASA Goddard](https://www.nasa.gov/goddard)
21 Centimeter Radiation Research
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io)
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