Highlights:
- Europe's Nuclear-Powered Space Travel: Join us as we explore the European Space Agency's exciting plans for nuclear propulsion technology that could revolutionise space travel. This innovative approach aims to reduce the journey to Mars from nine months to just four or five, while also minimising harmful radiation exposure for astronauts. Discover how this technology could pave the way for a new era in space exploration.
- Asteroid 2024 YR4's Lunar Encounter: We discuss the latest updates on asteroid 2024 YR4, which now has a slightly increased chance of impacting the Moon in 2032. With predictions refined by the James Webb Space Telescope, we delve into the implications of this potential encounter and what it means for planetary defence efforts.
- Commercial Launches from Sardinia: Exciting developments in the commercial space sector as Italian company OLM M plans to conduct launch services from Sardinia. With a new rocket named Starlight, designed for suborbital missions, we look at the historical significance of the launch site and what this means for future space endeavours.
- Discovery of Giant Radio Galaxies: Prepare to be amazed as astronomers unveil 15 newly discovered giant radio galaxies, the largest single objects in the universe. We discuss their immense sizes and unique structures, shedding light on the behaviour of supermassive black holes and the cosmic processes that lead to the formation of these colossal entities.
- Infinite Energy in the Vacuum of Space: Dive into the mind-bending concept of zero-point energy, where quantum fields contain infinite energy even in their lowest state. We explore the implications of this theory and why, despite its existence, this energy remains inaccessible for practical use.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! 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 Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily
01:10 - Europe's nuclear-powered space travel
10:00 - Asteroid 2024 YR4's lunar encounter
15:30 - Commercial launches from Sardinia
20:00 - Discovery of giant radio galaxies
25:00 - Infinite energy in the vacuum of space
✍️ Episode References
European Space Agency Nuclear Propulsion Plans
[ESA](https://www.esa.int/)
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Updates
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)
OLM M Commercial Launches
[OLM M](https://www.olm-m.com/)
Giant Radio Galaxy Discoveries
[Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder](https://www.astronomy.com/news/2023/10/scientists-discover-15-new-giant-radio-galaxies)
Zero-Point Energy Concept
[Quantum Field Theory](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/quantum-field-theory)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)
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