The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 26*The Brightest and Fastest Growing Black Hole Quasar Ever SeenAstronomers have uncovered a cosmic colossus: the most luminous quasar known, powered by a black hole 17 billion times the mass of the Sun and growing at a staggering rate. The quasar J0529-4351, situated over 12 billion light-years away, is a beacon from the early universe, challenging our understanding of black hole formation and growth.*Supernova 1987A's Hidden Heart: The Neutron Star WithinNASA's Webb Space Telescope has pierced through the dusty veil of Supernova 1987A, revealing emissions indicative of a neutron star's presence. This discovery resolves a long-standing debate and provides a glimpse into the violent stellar processes that forge these dense remnants.*Surviving the Cosmic Rays: Earth's First Life and the Shield of ManganeseHow did life's early building blocks endure Earth's intense radiation? New research suggests that cell-like structures with manganese-based antioxidants could have been life's ancient protectors, enabling the survival and evolution of the first organisms in a gamma-ray-blasted world.*Leap Year Explained: Why February Gains an Extra DayAs February 29 approaches, we demystify the leap year phenomenon. Learn how this calendrical correction ensures our timekeeping stays in harmony with Earth's orbit, and discover the historical and astronomical significance behind the extra day in February.Join us on SpaceTime as we delve into the depths of black holes, witness the aftermath of stellar explosions, and explore the primordial resilience of life on our planet. Tune in for a journey through the cosmos and the intricacies of our celestial calendar.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQFor more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQFor more space and astronomy podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

S27E26: The Universe's Luminosity Leader: Unveiling Quasar J0529-4351

19 years on Australian Public Radio (as StarStuff), 8 years of podcasting and counting. We have a lot of content to share with you.Recognized worldwide by our listeners and industry experts as one of the best and most thoroughly researched programs on Astronomy, Space, and Science News.Hosted by Stuart Gary, a veteran radio science reporter, broadcaster and now podcaster.Keep up-to-date and learn something new with every episode.New episodes weekly. Three new episodes are published on Mondays for our subscribers and individual episodes publicly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Show your support for SpaceTime, help us reach our goals with early access to commercial-free episodes and bonuses via Supercast, Patreon, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Links at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

Astronomy

Embark on an interplanetary investigation with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 53, as we delve into the perplexing presence of methane on Mars. The red planet's mysterious emissions have puzzled scientists for years, with seasonal spikes and unpredictable behavior sparking debates on their origin. Could biological activity be the source, or are geological interactions to blame? Join us as we explore a new hypothesis that suggests Mars' own soil could be sealing and sporadically releasing this elusive gas, adding another layer to the Martian enigma.The episode ascends further into the Jovian system with an up-close encounter of the volcanic moon Io, courtesy of NASA's Juno spacecraft. Marvel at the newly discovered jagged mountain spires and tranquil lava lakes that adorn this tumultuous celestial body, revealing a landscape both violent and serene.But it's not all smooth sailing in the cosmos. We report on the unexpected hiccup faced by NASA's planet-hunting satellite TESS, which has entered safe mode, suspending its quest for new worlds beyond our solar system. What caused this sudden shutdown, and what does it mean for the future of exoplanet discovery?Plus, don't miss our Science Report, where we unearth a connection between a form of rheumatoid arthritis and gene mutations linked to blood cancer, and discuss the climatic shifts allowing tropical fish to venture into temperate Australian waters.For the full cosmic journey, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com and support the show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Discover the universe's wonders with us on SpaceTime.This episode is brought to you by NordPass. Navigate the digital universe with confidence using a password manager you can trust. Secure your cosmic exploration at www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 53, for broadcast on 1 May 2024(00:47) New study may help explain why scientists are continuing to detect methane on Mars(08:55) NASA's Juno spacecraft has studied the volcanic moon IO during two flybys(15:45) Climate change is helping tropical fish species invade temperate Australian waters(17:24) Google AI chatbot Baird apparently hallucinated, citing a research paper that doesn't exist(19:11) Ohio based company has invented the first ever flamethrower wielding robot dogs(21:43) Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcast providers

S27E53: Methane on Mars and Io's Infernos: Uncovering Cosmic Mysteries

Dive into the cosmos with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 52, as we traverse the stellar seas to discover a groundbreaking revelation: stardust from a supernova, harboring secrets from a newly identified type of star. An extraordinary find in an ancient meteorite has led scientists to a hydrogen-burning supernova, a stellar phenomenon only recently recognized by astronomers. This episode sheds light on how a tiny particle, a relic from a star that perished before our solar system's birth, is providing invaluable insights into the cosmos' intricate workings.The voyage of discovery doesn't end there. Rejoice in NASA's triumph as the venerable Voyager 1 spacecraft reestablishes contact after months of silence, sending clear data across the vast expanse from the very edge of interstellar space. The episode also celebrates the successful ascent of New Zealand's Electron rocket, which lofted NASA's innovative solar sail satellite, set to harness the gentle push of sunlight for propulsion.Join us as we delve into these celestial tales and more, including the profound implications of presolar grains on our understanding of the universe, the dynamic environments that shape star and planet formation, and the technological marvels that continue to expand humanity's reach into the void.For a journey through time and space that captivates and educates, tune in to SpaceTime with Stuart Gary. Embrace the enigma of the stars and become part of a community that looks beyond our world to the wonders that await.Support the show and access ad-free episodes at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Follow our interstellar conversations on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the fabric of the universe, one episode at a time.This episode is brought to you by NordPass. As you navigate the celestial pathways, secure your digital life with a password manager you can trust. Visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass for a special offer.For more space news, listen to Astronomy Daily the Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts, or stream from www.astronomydaily.io.This week’s guests include: Phil Bland, from Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences Amir Caspi from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antinio Texas   And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics   

S27E52: Cosmic Time Capsules: Unraveling the Origins of Interstellar Stardust

Embark on a celestial journey with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 51, as we unravel the mysteries of Pluto's heart. Scientists, armed with sophisticated computer simulations, have finally pieced together the enigmatic origins of the dwarf planet's heart-shaped feature, Sputnik Planitia. This episode delves into the colossal impact that sculpted Pluto's icy facade, challenging previous assumptions about its internal structure and the existence of a subsurface ocean.The cosmic surprises continue as we delve into the perplexing absence of gamma rays from a recent supernova explosion in the Pinwheel Galaxy. SN 2023 IXF's silent gamma-ray profile has left astronomers scratching their heads, prompting a reevaluation of the role supernovae play in accelerating cosmic rays to near-light speeds.Witness the end of an era with the final launch of a Delta rocket, a titan of the space industry for over six decades. The Delta IV Heavy's last ascent, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, marks a historic milestone and paves the way for the next generation of launch vehicles.And in our Science Report, we explore the alarming rise in global obesity rates, the benefits of resistant starch in diets, the development of an automated toilet flushing device to combat bathroom bacteria, and a curious survey on the belief in angels.For an in-depth exploration of these cosmic conundrums and technological triumphs, visit https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com and become a patron for exclusive access to commercial-free episodes and special content at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Embrace the wonders of the universe with SpaceTime.This episode is brought to you by NordPass. Secure your digital life as you navigate the vastness of the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass for a special offer.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.This episode is brought to you by NordPass, the password manager we use to keep us sane online....and you should too. To check out our very special offer, visit www.bitesz.com/nordpassFor your daily dose of Space News, check out Astronomy Daily the Podcast, available wherever you get podcasts or stream from www.astronomydaily.io Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

S27E51: Pluto's Heart Unveiled: The Impact that Shaped a Dwarf Planet

Venture into the unknown with SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 50, as we embark on an interplanetary adventure that transcends the boundaries of our earthly skies. NASA confirms its bold mission to dispatch a pioneering rotocopter to the enigmatic Saturnian moon, Titan. The Dragonfly mission is set to soar through Titan's dense atmosphere, exploring its organically rich landscapes in search of prebiotic chemical processes that mirror the early Earth. With a launch date set for July 2028 and a budget of $3.35 billion, Dragonfly promises to revolutionize our understanding of this distant, methane-drenched world.As we bid a heartfelt farewell to the Mars Ingenuity helicopter, we celebrate its unprecedented achievements on the Red Planet. Despite a hard landing ending its aerial escapades, Ingenuity's legacy endures as it transitions to a stationary science platform, continuing to collect invaluable data for future Martian exploration.Amidst escalating global tensions, South Korea asserts its space prowess with the launch of a new spy satellite, keeping a vigilant eye on its northern neighbor. This strategic move marks a significant step in the intensifying space race on the Korean Peninsula, as nations jockey for celestial dominance and surveillance capabilities.Join us as we also delve into the Science Report, confronting the harsh realities of climate change with another bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef and examining the global hotspots of cybercrime. Plus, we'll explore the latest in technology, from AI-enhanced chips to the ongoing evolution of smartphone supremacy.For the full cosmic journey, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com and support the show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Discover the universe's wonders with us on SpaceTime.This week's episode is brought to you by NordPass. Navigate the digital universe with confidence using a password manager you can trust. Secure your cosmic exploration at www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Twitter @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass....the password manger we use and the one need to have in your life to make onlne easier. Check out our great offer by visiting www.bitesz.com/nordpass

S27E50: Titan Awaits: NASA's Rotorcraft Readies for Alien Shores

Prepare for a cosmic revelation in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 49, as we journey through the Milky Way to uncover a celestial heavyweight—the most massive stellar black hole ever discovered in our galaxy. Detected by the vigilant eyes of the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, this black hole, known as Gaia BH3, imposes a peculiar wobble on its companion star, betraying its presence. Weighing in at a colossal 33 solar masses and residing a mere 2,000 light-years away in the constellation Aquila, BH3 redefines our understanding of stellar remnants and the mysterious dance of gravity and mass that shapes them.Then, we take a detour through the evolutionary tracks of white dwarf stars, which have long been the cooling embers of the cosmic campfire. Recent observations from Gaia have spotted a group of these stellar corpses defying the natural order, mysteriously ceasing to cool. This perplexing behavior is challenging astronomers to rethink the very nature of these ancient stars, which may not be the reliable cosmic clocks once thought.We'll also explore the technological advancements propelling humanity's reach into the cosmos with the development of a new, more capacious Cygnus cargo ship. Set to enhance supply missions to the International Space Station, this vessel promises to double the payload space and carry up to five tonnes of cargo, marking a significant leap forward in our orbital endeavors.And in our Science Report, we celebrate the end of the 2023-24 El Niño weather pattern, but with a watchful eye on the horizon for a potential return to La Niña conditions. Plus, we delve into the health risks of sugary and artificially sweetened drinks, the discovery of a jaw-droppingly large marine reptile, and the curious case of an extensive paranormal archive that sparks more questions than answers.For the full cosmic journey, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com and support the show at https://www.spreaker.com/show/spacetime. Discover the universe's wonders with us on SpaceTime.This week's episode is brought to you by NordPass. Navigate the digital universe with confidence using a password manager you can trust. Secure your cosmic exploration at www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app and follow us on X (Twitter) @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

S27E26: The Universe's Luminosity Leader: Unveiling Quasar J0529-4351

Download our free app to listen on your phone