Space News Today

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest in space and astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we've got some fascinating stories lined up that you won't want to miss. We'll be diving into SpaceX's recent breakthroughs, including the reveal and first firing of their latest Raptor 3 engine. We'll also cover major milestones from NASA, such as the significant progress made with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Lastly, we'll discuss an exciting citizen science project from the European Space Agency that invites you to help classify thousands of newly imaged galaxies. So grab your telescopes and let's embark on this cosmic journey together.

- **SpaceX's Raptor 3 Engine Reveal**: SpaceX had a bustling week revealing and firing the new Raptor 3 engine. This advanced engine significantly improves performance, packing a punch with 280 metric tons of thrust while being lighter than its predecessors. What makes Raptor 3 stand out is its internal design, where much of the external plumbing has been either moved inside or eliminated, allowing for higher pressure and efficiency. This marks a noteworthy evolution from the Raptor 2, which has been the workhorse of SpaceX's Starship program so far.

- **SpaceX's Starship Preparations**: Meanwhile, SpaceX isn't just resting on its laurels. The company is deeply engaged in preparations for Flight 6 and is eagerly awaiting regulatory approval for Flight 5. These efforts include readiness checks and vital tests. Excitingly, this also involves operational tests with the Mechazilla chopsticks, a key mechanism designed to catch the Starship boosters as they return from space. The upcoming Flight 5 mission is on standby with both the ship and the booster cleared and ready pending final clearance. This highlights SpaceX's relentless push to refine its technologies and expand its capabilities, keeping the momentum going for future space endeavors.

- **Starship Project Advancements**: SpaceX is also rapidly advancing in its Starship project. With Ship 33 nearing full assembly, only two sections remain to complete the first Block 2 ship: the bottom liquid oxygen tank section and the aft engine section. This new configuration will allow SpaceX to add around 300 extra tons of propellant, enhancing the ship's capabilities. In the meantime, major upgrades are underway for Booster 14.1. It's back at Orbital Launch Pad A for more testing, particularly focusing on the innovative Mechazilla chopsticks catch mechanism. These tests are crucial to ensuring the system can handle the instant loads required for successful booster recovery.

- **NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope**: NASA has achieved a significant milestone with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Recently, the deployable aperture cover, an essential component of the telescope, successfully passed rigorous environmental tests designed to simulate the challenging conditions it will face during launch and in space. This large sunshade is designed to keep unwanted light out of the telescope, ensuring the clarity and accuracy of its observations. 

- **ESA's Galaxy Classification Project**: The European Space Agency and Galaxy Zoo are calling for public participation to classify thousands of galaxies imaged by the Euclid Space Telescope. This citizen science project is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts who love to explore the cosmos and contribute to scientific research. 

- **Groundbreaking Sounding Rocket Mission**: A groundbreaking sounding rocket mission is set to study the sun as a star. This first-of-its-kind mission aims to observe the sun's behavior in an unprecedented way, potentially unlocking new insights into solar science. By utilizing a sounding rocket, scientists can gather unique data on solar activity that regular satellites and space telescopes might miss. 

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Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and updates from the world of space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we have a stellar lineup of stories that will take you on a journey through some of the most intriguing recent updates in the cosmos. From the conclusion of NASA's NEOWISE mission to the challenges posed by China's satellite launch and groundbreaking discoveries in meteor science, we've got it all covered for you. Plus, we'll debunk a longstanding theory about black holes formed from light and explore what these findings mean for future technological innovations. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's top stories.

- NASA's NEOWISE Mission Ends: NASA’s NEOWISE mission has officially concluded after over a decade of invaluable service in detecting and studying asteroids and comets. Initially launched as the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) in December 2009, the mission was repurposed to focus on identifying near-Earth objects, contributing significantly to planetary defense. Despite its end, NEOWISE has left a lasting legacy with its exhaustive datasets, paving the way for future missions like NASA’s Neo Surveyor.

- China's Satellite Launch and Space Debris: This past Tuesday saw the liftoff of a Chinese Long March 6A rocket, launching the first 18 satellites for China’s ambitious Qianfan broadband network. However, the upper stage of the rocket broke apart shortly after, dispersing a cloud of debris into space. This incident raises significant concerns about space sustainability, emphasizing the need for robust space domain awareness and mitigation practices.

- Persistent Meteor Trails: Recent studies have unveiled the mystery behind persistent meteor trails. Contrary to previous beliefs, the key to these lasting trails is the meteor’s altitude as it enters Earth’s atmosphere. At around 90 km up, a chemical reaction occurs between vaporized metals from the meteor and atmospheric oxygen and ozone, sustaining the trail for minutes or even up to an hour. These findings provide a unique window into the atmospheric chemistry at otherwise difficult-to-study altitudes.

- Debunking Kugelblitze: For decades, the concept of black holes created from concentrated light, known as Kugelblitze, has fascinated scientists. However, recent research has debunked this theory. Advanced mathematical models including quantum effects show that the light intensity required to form a Kugelblitz far exceeds anything observed in the universe. This discovery clarifies the limitations of our understanding of black holes and the conditions necessary for their formation.

- (00:00) Today's Astronomy Daily podcast features a stellar lineup of stories

- (00:35) NASA's NEOWISE mission has officially come to an end after 10 years

- (05:05) Persistent meteor trails are formed when metals from meteors react with ozone

- (08:24) New research challenges Kugelblitz theory that black holes formed from light

- (11:06) Thank m you for joining us on this journey through the latest in space and astronomy news

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

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In this episode, we explore new revelations about near-Earth asteroids and their evolution over time. We also dive into the ongoing enigma of the sun's superheated corona, and the Kremlin's latest plans for a new Russian orbital SpaceTime station plus Skywatch highlights for August...what you can see in the night sky this month.. Join us for these intriguing updates and more!

- 00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 96, for broadcast on the 9 August 2024

- 00:00:44 - Five new studies provide fresh insights into the ways asteroids change over time

- 00:10:50 - Russia has unveiled the latest designs and timeline for its new space station

- 00:15:22 - Astronomers describe stars in terms of spectral types based on temperature and characteristics

- 00:19:58 - Messier four is one of 103 fuzzy objects discovered by Charles Messiere

- 00:22:16 - Sagittarius is known for its many nebula and clusters

- 00:23:23 - Ophiuchius contains several star clusters and other interesting features

- 00:27:02 - August is also the peak of the annual Perseids meteor shower

- 00:29:00 - The Milky Way is directly overhead in the southern hemisphere at this time of year

- 00:30:21 - The southern cross is visible in the evening sky during August

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

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Space Nuts: Phosphine Revisited, Space Debris Solutions, and a Tribute to David L. Crawford

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging episode of Space Nuts, where they discuss recent revelations and developments in Space science.

Episode Highlights:

- Phosphine in Venus's Atmosphere: The controversial discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere is back in the spotlight. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the latest findings that suggest the presence of phosphine might be more credible than previously thought, thanks to new data from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope.

- Space Debris: With recent incidents of SpaceTime debris hitting the ground, the issue is becoming more pressing. The Tim discusses the measures being taken to mitigate the risks, particularly focusing on SpaceX's Dragon capsules and their new landing strategies.

- Tribute to David L. Crawford: Reflecting on the life and legacy of David L. Crawford, a pioneer in the fight against light pollution and a strong advocate for dark skies. Fred Watson shares his personal experiences and the significant contributions David made to astronomy and environmental awareness.

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

Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. 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:

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Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and updates in the world of astronomy and space exploration. I'm your host, Anna. Each day we bring you the most exciting stories from the cosmos, keeping you informed about the latest discoveries, missions, and breakthroughs in space science. From NASA's groundbreaking missions to private space flight adventures, we've got it all covered for you. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's top stories.

- **NASA's Astronaut Return Plans**: NASA officials have revealed that astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams, who were delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing Starliner in June, could make their return journey aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025 if Starliner is still considered unsafe.

- **SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission**: Next up, we have exciting news about SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, which is now targeting a launch date of August 26. This ambitious mission aims to make history in multiple ways. First and foremost, it will feature the first-ever private spacewalk, setting a new milestone in the era of commercial space exploration. 

- **FAA's Forecast on Private Space Launches**: The FAA is forecasting a dramatic increase in private space launches, predicting that by 2028, the number of annual licensed launches could more than double. This surge is largely attributed to the growing capabilities and utilization of reusable rockets, notably SpaceX's Falcon 9. 

- **Scientific Studies on UFOs**: Lastly, a growing number of scientists are advocating for serious studies into UFOs, now termed as unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs. For decades, the subject of UFOs has often been met with skepticism and dismissed as the stuff of conspiracy theories. However, the need for scientific scrutiny has become increasingly evident. 

- (00:00) Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for astronomy news

- (00:28) NASA considering using SpaceX's Crew Dragon if Starliner still considered unsafe

- (02:46) SpaceX's Polaris dawn private space mission has been scheduled for August 26

- (06:54) Growing number of scientists are advocating for serious studies into UFO's

- (09:38) That's all for today's episode of Astronomy Daily

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 X, Facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.

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

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, where we cover the latest in space and astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we've got an exciting lineup that will take you on a journey through some of the most intriguing recent updates in the cosmos. We'll start with NASA's latest move to push the Crew-9 mission launch to September as they delve into the intricacies of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Then we'll shift gears to explore groundbreaking research that peels back the layers on Venus, revealing that our inhospitable "evil twin" might share more in common with Earth than we ever imagined. Finally, we'll spotlight a compelling study on red dwarf stars and how their stellar flares could pose both challenges and potentials for habitability on nearby exoplanets. So grab your telescopes and your curiosity, and let's dive into today's episode.

- NASA's Crew-9 Mission Postponed: NASA is postponing the launch of the Crew-9 mission to September due to ongoing analysis of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. This delay will give mission managers more time to finalize plans for the Boeing crew flight test, which is currently docked at the International Space Station. Thruster issues with the Starliner spacecraft have been the main concern. NASA is taking this extra time to analyze the results of recent hot fire testing and to ensure the reliability of the integrated propulsion system. Until either the Starliner or Crew-8 Dragon departs the space station, there will be no available docking ports for the Crew-9 mission.

- - Venus's Geological History: New research suggests that Venus, often dubbed Earth's inhospitable "evil twin," may have once been tectonically active despite its current stagnant lithosphere. Today, Venus is known for its extreme surface conditions, temperatures hot enough to melt lead, and surface pressures intense enough to crush most materials. However, this new study reveals that the planet's surface features such as faults, folds, and volcanoes indicate a history of significant tectonic activity.

- - Red Dwarf Stars and Habitability: A recent study has shed light on the potential dangers facing habitable planets around red dwarf stars. The research, led by astronomers from the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, reveals that these stars can emit far-ultraviolet radiation at levels much higher than previously believed. This finding has striking implications for the habitability of planets orbiting red dwarfs.

- - (00:00) Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news

- - (00:49) NASA is postponing the launch of the crew nine mission to September

- - (04:54) New research suggests Venus may have once been tectonically active

- - (06:49) Red dwarf stars emit far ultraviolet radiation at levels much higher than previously thought

- - (09:12) That's it for today's episode of Astronomy Daily

- 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 X, Facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.

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

Welcome to another exciting episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Steve Dunkley and his trusty AI assistant, Hallie!

Today, we have a stellar lineup of cosmic news and insights. Join us as we explore Northrop Grumman's latest mission to the ISS, dive into the fascinating world of Dimorphus, and uncover the peculiar rotational behavior of the star V889 Hercules. Plus, Hallie will guide you through the sky-watching highlights for August. Buckle up for a journey through the cosmos!

**Northrop Grumman's Mission to the ISS**: Discover the latest resupply mission details, including the use of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and the intriguing experiments onboard.

**Dimorphus and Didymus**: Learn about the surface ages and geological characteristics of these celestial bodies, and why Dimorphus is one of Steve's favorite little rocks.

**V889 Hercules' Unique Rotation**: Hallie delves into the unusual rotational dynamics of this sun-like star and what it means for our understanding of stellar physics.

**Sky-Watching Highlights for August**: From the Perseid meteor shower to the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, find out what to look for in the night sky this month.

**Rocket Lab's 51st Electron Rocket Launch**: Get the scoop on the latest launch and its significance for Earth imaging technology.

(00:00) Welcome to Astronomy Daily for the 5 August 2024 edition

(01:15) 94% of all those surveyed didn't know that lights in the sky were stars

(02:12) The conditions look good for the Perseid meteor shower tonight

(05:58) Rocket Lab launches 51st electron rocket for Japanese Earth imaging company Synspective

(08:33) NASA's dart mission intentionally slammed into dimorphos in September 2022

(16:27) Space Exploration company SpaceX successfully launched a resupply mission on Sunday

For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website (https://www.astronomydaily.io). Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on X, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

In today's episode of SpaceTime, we explore NASA's Mars Perseverance rover's discovery of what could be the first potential signs of ancient life on Mars. We also discuss the recording of Earth's hottest day ever and SpaceX's plans to base a Starship recovery team in Australian waters. Join us for these fascinating updates and more!

00:00:00 " This is spacetime series 27, episode 94 for broadcast on the 5 August 2024

00:00:47 " NASA's Mars perseverance rover has discovered what could be first potential signs

00:08:32 " NASA says July 22 was the hottest day on record on planet Earth

00:11:05 " SpaceX is looking at recovering the starship following a future test flight

00:15:40 " A short term vegan diet can actually make you biologically younger, study finds

00:17:39 " The first of the Australian Defence Forces long awaited Triton drones have arrived

00:22:32 " Project sign was the first official us air force investigations, started in 1948

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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Space Nuts Q&A:

Earth's Hypothetical Swap, Europa Clipper Mission, and Protoplanets

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into listener questions about some of the most fascinating topics in SpaceTime science.Episode Highlights:

- Earth Changing Places: Carrick from New Zealand poses a hypothetical question about what would happen if Earth swapped places with Mercury or been listening. Fred Watson discusses the catastrophic consequences, including tidal locking, atmosphere loss, and a runaway greenhouse effect.

- Europa Clipper Mission: Brady from Florida is eager to learn about the upcoming Europa Clipper mission. Fred Watson provides an overview of the mission's goals, which include searching for signs of life and studying Europa's ice shell and ocean. The mission is slated for launch in October 2024, with exciting data expected from 2030 onwards.

- Protoplanets and Stars: Matthew, a powerline worker, asks why protoplanets don't become stars. Fred Watson explains the lack of mass and energy required for nuclear fusion and discusses the formation of gas giants and brown dwarfs.

- Mars' Atmosphere: Martin sends in a creatively produced question about Mars' primordial atmosphere. Fred Watson elaborates on how Mars lost its atmosphere over millions of years due to a lack of magnetic field and gravitational pull, stripping it away slowly.

Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... spacenuts.io

Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. 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

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for the latest news and discoveries in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have some exciting stories lined up for you. We'll dive into new research on our moon's atmosphere, revealing the powerful effects of meteorite impacts. Next, we'll explore why detecting signs of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, known as technosignatures, is more challenging than we might think. Finally, we'll uncover recent findings about potential dark matter objects in space discovered using pulsars. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this cosmic journey together.

- NASA astronauts from the Apollo missions uncovered a fascinating aspect of the moon that was previously unknown. It has an atmosphere, although it's incredibly thin, so much so that it's technically classified as an exosphere. But what drives this tenuous lunar atmosphere? 

- NASA scientists have been delving into the intriguing question of why we might not be able to detect advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, also known as technosignatures. One prevailing theory suggests that these civilizations may have relatively modest energy requirements, which means they wouldn't necessarily need to construct vast, detectable stellar energy structures, like enormous solar panel arrays that cover their planet's surface, or giant orbiting megastructures, to harvest energy from their star.

- Recent research has brought exciting news in our quest to understand dark matter, something that has intrigued astronomers for decades. The study involves pulsars, which are neutron stars known for emitting regular beams of radio waves. 

- If you enjoyed today's show, be sure to visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io. Until next time, keep looking up.

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