Space News Today

Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e136-starbase-milestones-space-junk-solutions-and-astronaut-adventures--61135559

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and insights in the world of space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today we'll start with SpaceX's rapid progress at Starbase, where they're making significant advances with their launch towers and preparing for future missions. Then we'll move on to a fascinating new initiative from Japanese company Astroscale, which aims to tackle the growing problem of space junk with an innovative $90 million mission. Next, we'll dive into some exciting research being conducted on the International Space Station by NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Finally, we'll explore Harvard professor Avi Loeb's intriguing hypothesis about how advanced civilizations might use black holes as a power source. Let's dive in.

- **SpaceX's Rapid Progress at Starbase**: SpaceX has done it again. They've stacked launch tower two at orbital launch pad B at Starbase, Texas, in record time. This rapid assembly, completed in just 41 Daily, is an impressive feat of engineering and logistics, setting the stage for their innovative chopstick system designed to catch boosters mid-air. 

- **Astroscale's $90 Million Space Junk Removal Mission**: Japanese company Astroscale recently secured a $90 million contract to remove a bus-sized rocket stage from orbit. This mission, funded by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is a significant step forward in space sustainability. Astroscale's project, named ADRAS-J2, aims to tackle the issue of space debris head-on, using advanced robotic technologies to clean up our orbits. The mission involves using a robotic arm to grab the tumbling rocket stage and pull it into Earth's atmosphere, where it will burn up on reentry. 

- **Exciting Research on the ISS**: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been conducting groundbreaking research on the International Space Station (ISS). Their work includes experiments on plant growth in space, fluid physics, and utilizing Astrobee, a set of free-flying robots designed to assist with chores and maintenance. 

- **Avi Loeb's Black Hole Moon Hypothesis**: Harvard professor Avi Loeb has sparked intriguing discussions with his latest hypothesis, the Black Hole Moon. This groundbreaking idea suggests that advanced civilizations could exploit black holes as potent energy sources, potentially providing a technosignature detectable from Earth. Loeb builds upon Roger Penrose's concept of extracting energy from a rotating black hole's accretion disk and proposes the creation or capture of a small black hole weighing about 100,000 tons. This black hole could emit a massive continuous energy output through Hawking radiation, potentially powering an entire planet and even consuming waste. Detecting such a system could revolutionize our search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

For more space news, be sure to visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed. 

Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update. 

Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars.

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e135-starliner-vs-crew-dragon-polaris-dawn-s-delay-and-chandrayaan-3-s-lunar-revelations--61123807

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and discoveries in the field of space and Astronomy. I'm your host Anna, and we have some fascinating stories lined up for you today. From NASA's upcoming decision on Boeing's Starliner to the historic private spacewalk planned by SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, we've got the latest updates that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll also delve into groundbreaking findings from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, discuss the finale of ESA's Cluster mission, and explore new simulations about the chances of a collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. Stay tuned. It's going to be an exciting episode. 

- **NASA's Decision on Boeing's Starliner**: NASA is gearing up to make a significant decision this Stuart regarding whether astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams will return to Earth using Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft or SpaceX's reliable Crew Dragon. This announcement holds particular weight given the numerous challenges the Starliner has faced throughout its mission.  

- **Polaris Dawn Mission: Historic Private Spacewalk**: SpaceX has announced a slight delay in their much-anticipated Polaris Dawn mission. Originally set to lift off on August 26, the launch is now scheduled for no earlier than August 27. This shift allows the team to complete some additional pre-flight checkouts to ensure everything is in perfect order for this groundbreaking mission.  

- **Chandrayaan-3 Mission: New Lunar Discoveries**: Next up, the Pragyan rover, part of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, has been actively exploring the moon's south pole, providing fascinating insights into our celestial neighbor. Launched last summer, the Vikram lander made a successful touchdown, allowing the Pragyan rover to embark on its scientific expedition. So far, Pragyan has been diligently collecting and analyzing soil samples, a task that has yielded data bolstering theories about the moon's fiery origins. 

- **ESA's Cluster Mission Finale **: ESA's historic Cluster mission is coming to a close after an impressive 24 years of service. Launched back in 2000, the Cluster mission has provided invaluable data on Earth's magnetic environment, or magnetosphere. 

- **Milky Way and Andromeda: Collision or Near Miss?**: Here's a story that could rewrite the textbooks. Astronomers have long held the belief that our home galaxy, the Milky Way, will inevitably merge with our neighboring Andromeda galaxy within the next 5 billion years. This anticipated cataclysmic event has been a staple of astronomical forecasts, predicting an eventual fusion of the two galaxies into a new elliptical supergalaxy called Milkomeda. However, new simulations present a more nuanced picture, suggesting that the likelihood of this colossal collision could be a mere 50% over the next 10 billion years. 

To catch the latest in Space and Astronomy News, simply visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/445-snowball-earth-theories-dinosaur-asteroid-origins-and-the-hubble-tension-resolved--61114230

Hi there. Thanks for joining us on another episode of Space Nuts. Andrew Dunkley here and it's good to have your company. Coming up on this episode we're going to be looking at snowball Earth. There was a time where it was just a frozen sphere of nothingness for, well, billions of years. Now they have a new theory about that and it's no Irish joke. There's a clue in there. The dinosaur asteroid's origin has been revealed. Yep. The thing that started the getting rid of them all across the planet. We know where it came from. And the so-called crisis in cosmology might not be a crisis at all. We're talking about the Hubble tension. We'll talk about all of that on this episode of Space Nuts.

Chapters

- Snowball Earth: Discover the new theory about Earth's frozen past and the rocks in Scotland and Australia that provide clues.

- - Dinosaur Asteroid's Origin: Learn about the new study revealing the origin of the asteroid that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

- - Crisis in Cosmology: Delve into the Hubble tension and why it might not be a crisis after all.

- - Chinese High-Speed Engine: Explore the claims of a new Chinese engine that could revolutionise air travel with speeds up to 19,700 km/h.

- For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at https://www.spacenuts.io. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.

- For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at https://www.bitesz.com.

- Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.

- Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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- https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass

Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e134-ancient-galaxies-unveiled-dart-debris-mystery-and-polaris-hidden-spots--61111804

Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm Anna, your guide on this cosmic journey. Today, we have a thrilling lineup of stories straight from the universe's farthest reaches. We'll dive into the discovery of ancient galaxies that shed light on the early universe, explore potential debris from NASA's DART mission making its way to Earth and Mars, and unveil stunning new images of Polaris, our North Star. We'll also decode the legendary WOW signal and discuss how longer Earth Daily influenced evolutionary milestones. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this incredible voyage through space and time. 

- **Ancient Galaxies Discovered by China's FAST Telescope**: Astronomers using China's FAST telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery—six ancient galaxies teeming with hydrogen. This significant finding not only advances our understanding of the early universe but also highlights the extraordinary potential of modern radio telescopes. 

- **NASA's DART Mission Debris**: NASA's DART mission, which stands for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, made headlines when it successfully demonstrated a strategy for deflecting potentially hazardous asteroids using the kinetic impact method. On September 26, 2022, the DART spacecraft collided with Dimorphos, showcasing how we might protect our planet from future asteroid threats. 

- **Stunning New Images of Polaris**: Thanks to advancements in telescope technology, recent high-resolution images of Polaris, our North Star, have unveiled a deeper layer of its complexity. Captured by the CHARA Array on Mount Wilson in California, these images reveal large, bright, and dark spots on Polaris' surface, similar to sunspots. 

- **Decoding the WOW! Signal**: In 1977, the intriguing WOW signal, a powerful and narrow-band radio signal, was detected by the Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope. For decades, the source of this signal remained a mystery. However, recent research led by Abel Mendez from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo suggests that the WOW signal was likely caused by the transient brightening of hydrogen clouds in space. 

- **Longer Earth Days and Evolutionary Milestones**: Recent studies have revealed a correlation between the moon's gradual departure from Earth and the lengthening of our planet's Daily. As the moon drifts away, it siphons off Earth's rotational energy, causing our planet's spin to slow and our Daily to lengthen. Over millions of years, these changes have added up, with days becoming more than 2 hours longer. 

For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io

Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ athttps://www.bitesz.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e133-alien-life-probabilities-saxavord-s-fiery-test-and-spacex-s-latest-success--61100640

Welcome listeners to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest news and updates in the fascinating world of space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of news stories to discuss. We'll kick things off with an intriguing study that challenges our assumptions about the rarity of intelligent alien life. Then we'll shift our focus to Scotland, where a rocket engine test at the Saxavord Spaceport led to an unexpected explosion. But don't worry, no one was injured. In more uplifting news, SpaceX has successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit using a new first stage booster, marking another milestone in their mission to expand global internet coverage. Lastly, we'll delve into the mysterious Omega Centauri cluster, where recent findings dispute the existence of a mid-sized black hole, pointing instead to a horde of smaller ones. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the universe together.

- **Are We Alone in the Universe? A New Take on the Drake Equation**: Astronomers David Kipping from Columbia University and Geraint Lewis from the University of Sydney have taken a fresh look at the famous Drake equation, applying probabilistic logic to provide new insights. Their study suggests that life would either be present on nearly all Earth-like exoplanets or none of them at all, visualized as a U-shaped graph. This challenges our assumptions about the rarity of intelligent alien life and keeps the hope alive for finding extraterrestrial intelligence.

- **Rocket Engine Explosion at Saxavord Spaceport**: An unexpected turn of events unfolded at the Saxavord Spaceport in Scotland when a rocket engine exploded in flames during a test. The incident, which took place in the Shetland Islands, was caught on BBC footage. Thankfully, the site had been evacuated prior to the test, and no injuries were reported. Despite this setback, the spaceport remains on track to potentially become the first British site to undertake a vertical satellite launch into space.

- **SpaceX Launches 22 Starlink Satellites**: SpaceX has successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, continuing their ambitious project to expand global internet coverage. The launch took place from the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex in Florida, featuring a brand new Falcon 9 first stage booster. This achievement marks the 80th landing on a drone ship and the 341st booster landing to date for SpaceX, showcasing their unparalleled capability in achieving consistent, reliable results.

- **Mystery of Omega Centauri's Black Hole**: A new study challenges earlier findings that suggested the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole at the center of the Omega Centauri cluster. Instead, the latest research finds no substantial evidence for such a black hole, suggesting that a swarm of smaller black holes can equally explain the motion of fast-moving stars near the cluster's center. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of deciphering celestial phenomena and showcases the vibrant nature of astronomical research.

For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io

Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at https://www.bitesz.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s27e101-mars-hidden-oceans-galactic-clusters-growth-and-aussie-satellites-aboard-iss--61099734

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the discovery of vast oceans of liquid water beneath Mars' surface, uncover new insights into galaxy growth in dense environments, and celebrate the arrival of three Australian satellites aboard the International Space Station. Join us for these fascinating updates and more!

00:00:00 - This is SpaceTime series 27, episode 101 for broadcast on the 21st of August 2024

00:00:45 - Oceans of liquid water found deep under the Martian surface

00:12:30 - New study shows galaxies in dense environments tend to grow bigger

00:23:45 - Three Australian satellites arrive aboard the International Space Station

00:32:15 - The science report: New figures confirm July was the 14th consecutive month of record-breaking heat

00:45:00 - Google releases new AI-equipped Pixel smartphone range

For more SpaceTime, visit our website at https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e131-senegal-s-satellite-milestone-perseverance-s-steep-climb-and-nasa-s-pad-knights--61077254

Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily! I'm your host, Steve, and today we have a stellar lineup of stories that will take you on an exciting journey through the cosmos. From Senegal's first satellite launch to NASA's Perseverance rover's latest mission, we've got a lot to cover. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's astronomical updates.

- **Senegal's First Satellite: Gainsat-1**: Senegal has successfully launched its first satellite, Gainsat-1, marking a significant step towards the country's technological sovereignty. Launched from Vandenberg Base in California, the satellite will collect data for various state agencies, including water resources management and meteorology.

- **NASA's Pad Rescue Team**: Discover the incredible work of NASA's Pad Rescue Team at Kennedy Space Center. These highly trained firefighters and engineers are prepared to handle emergencies during launch countdowns, ensuring the safety of crew members with their specialized training and equipment.

- **John McFaul: ESA's Para-Astronaut**: Meet John McFaul, a para-astronaut selected by the European Space Agency. With his unique background as a trauma surgeon and an amputee, McFaul is paving the way for astronauts with disabilities. Learn about his groundbreaking work and the feasibility studies aimed at making space more inclusive.

- **Perseverance Rover's New Mission**: NASA's Perseverance rover is set to embark on its fifth science campaign, climbing the western rim of Jezero Crater. This challenging ascent will explore ancient features that could rewrite Mars' history, offering new insights into the planet's geological past.

For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io

Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at https://www.bitesz.com

Become a supporter of this podcast:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s27e100-stonehenge-s-scottish-secret-perseverance-s-epic-climb-and-a-blue-super-moon--61076940

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the origins of Stonehenge's altar stone, delve into NASA's Mars Perseverance rover's ambitious climb up Jezero crater's rim, and anticipate tomorrow's blue super moon. Join us for these fascinating updates and more!

00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 100, for broadcast on 19 August 2024

00:00:46 - New research has revealed Stonehenge's monumental altar stone comes from Scotland

00:08:49 - Have you drawn an opinion yet as to what Stonehenge was used for

00:11:39 - Tomorrow night's super moon will also be a blue moon

00:12:15 - NASA's Mars Perseverance rover begins climb up western rim of crater

00:17:08 - The moon will reach its fullest early tomorrow morning in Australia

00:19:45 - One consequence of perigee full moons is an increase in ocean tides

00:22:20 - A new study finds Australians are more likely to live longer than other nations

00:25:18 - Increasing coastal erosion is reducing Arctic Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide

For more SpaceTime, visit our website at https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

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Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/444-cosmic-movements-solar-mysteries-unveiled--61067192

Space Nuts Q&A: Measuring Movement, Sun's Fuel, Mars Hypotheticals, and Wormholes

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this lively Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle listener questions on a range of fascinating topics in SpaceTime science.

Episode Highlights:

- Measuring Movement in the Universe: JR from Ohio asks if everything in the universe moves and how we can measure that. Fred Watson Watson delves into the cosmic web, dark matter, and the fundamental principles of gravity and motion.

- - The Sun's Fuel: Rod from Bloomington, Illinois, questions how the Sun can burn 600 million tonnes of hydrogen every second without dimming or shrinking. Fred Watson Watson explains the process of nuclear fusion and the balance between gravity and radiation pressure.

- - Mars Hypothetical: Mick from Dublin wonders what would happen if Mars were suddenly removed from the solar system. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the potential gravitational impacts on Earth and the Moon, and the broader effects on the solar system's structure.

- - Wormholes and Gravity: Gergo from Slovakia asks a hypothetical question about the gravitational pull near a wormhole and a black hole. Fred Watson Watson explores the theoretical implications and the stability of wormholes in extreme gravitational fields.

- Don't forget to send us your questions for our Q&A episodes via our website... https://www.spacenuts.io

- Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our websitehttps://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/support/. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.Visit our websites:

- https://www.spacenuts.io

- https://www.bitesz.com

Source:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e130-revolutionary-cubesat-launch-planetary-defense-success-and-earth-s-rotational-mysteries--61061517

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we bring you the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have an exciting lineup of stories that you won't want to miss. We're starting off with the launch of ESA's new PICSAT-2 satellite, which aims to revolutionize Earth observation through the power of artificial intelligence. Next, we'll dive into NASA's DART mission, which not only managed to deflect an asteroid but also offered invaluable insights into planetary defense strategies. We'll also explore how astronomers are making strides in predicting the feeding times of black holes. Yes, you heard that right. The cosmic voids have dinner schedules. Finally, we'll delve into a fascinating study that uncovers Earth's rotational history, revealing a pattern that has implications for major environmental events across millions of years. So sit back, relax, and get ready to journey through the cosmos with us.

- **ESA's PICSAT-2 Satellite Revolutionizes Earth Observation**: ESA's PICSAT-2 satellite has officially launched, marking a revolutionary advancement in Earth observation through artificial intelligence. 

- **NASA's DART Mission: A Breakthrough in Planetary Defense**: NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, mission, has made a significant splash in planetary defense by successfully demonstrating the ability to deflect an asteroid. The mission involved sending a spacecraft to collide deliberately with the moonlet Dimorphos, which is part of the binary asteroid system Didymos. 

- **Predicting Black Hole Feeding Times**: Astronomers have made an impressive leap in our understanding of black holes by successfully predicting the meal times of a colossal black hole. This prediction came after observing the black hole's consumption of a nearby star in bits and pieces. The initial data was captured in 2018, when a surge of brightness was detected from a galaxy about 860 million light-years away. 

- **Uncovering Earth's Rotational History**: A recent study has uncovered intriguing details about the Earth's rotational history, revealing a staircase pattern of deceleration interspersed with periods of stability. By analyzing sediment samples dating back a staggering 650 million years, researchers have pieced together how our planet's spin has changed over the eons. 

For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io. 

Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ athttps://www.bitesz.com