SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 23

The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast

Snowball Earth Evidence, Blue Origin's Parachute Failure, and the Moon Illusion Explained

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking geological research that provides compelling evidence for the Snowball Earth hypothesis, suggesting that glaciers may have covered the planet from pole to pole hundreds of millions of years ago. This research reveals insights into Earth's climatic history and the emergence of multicellular life following this extreme glaciation event.

Blue Origin's Lunar Gravity Mission

We also discuss the recent Blue Origin mission, where the New Shepard spacecraft experienced a parachute failure during a lunar gravity simulation flight. Despite the malfunction, mission managers confirm that the capsule was designed to land safely with two parachutes, and investigations are underway to understand the issue.

The Moon Illusion: Why Does It Appear Larger on the Horizon?

Additionally, we explore the fascinating phenomenon known as the Moon illusion, which causes the Moon to appear larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky. We delve into the psychological and perceptual factors that contribute to this optical illusion, despite the Moon's actual size remaining constant.

00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 23 for broadcast on 21 February 2025

00:49 Evidence supporting the Snowball Earth hypothesis

06:30 Implications for Earth's climatic history

12:15 Blue Origin's lunar gravity mission details

18:00 Analysis of parachute failure during descent

22:45 The Moon illusion and its psychological explanations

27:00 Understanding optical illusions in astronomy

30:15 The self-domestication of wolves and its implications

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✍️ Episode References

NASA

https://www.nasa.gov

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

https://www.pnas.org

New England Journal of Medicine

https://www.nejm.org

Royal Society B

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rspb

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Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E43

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna guides you through a captivating array of discoveries and developments shaking up the world of astronomy and space exploration. From the mesmerizing light displays of a supermassive black hole to groundbreaking observations of distant exoplanets, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic insights.

Highlights:

- James Webb Space Telescope's Stunning View of Sagittarius A*: Discover how the James Webb Space Telescope has provided unprecedented observations of the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way. Scientists have observed a dazzling display of flares, revealing the dynamic nature of these cosmic giants and challenging our understanding of their behavior.

- Simultaneous Rocket Launches : Witness history as Rocket Lab and SpaceX achieve near-simultaneous launches, marking significant milestones in their missions. Learn about Rocket Lab's advanced imaging satellite and SpaceX's groundbreaking landing in Bahamian waters, opening up new possibilities for future missions.

- Indus Innovation: A New Era of US-India Space Cooperation : Explore the exciting partnership between the United States and India through the Indus Innovation initiative. This collaboration focuses on space technology and aims to foster innovation and joint scientific endeavors, including the upcoming flight of an Indian astronaut to the ISS.

- 3D Mapping of Exoplanet Atmospheres: Dive into the first-ever three-dimensional map of an exoplanet's atmosphere, revealing astonishing weather patterns on WASP-121b. This breakthrough offers new insights into atmospheric dynamics and challenges our understanding of weather across the universe.

- Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: Stay informed about the latest risk assessment for asteroid 2024 YR4, which now shows a 3.1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. Learn about the ongoing monitoring efforts and the importance of understanding its composition for potential impact scenarios.

- Life Around White Dwarfs: Uncover intriguing research suggesting that planets orbiting white dwarf stars could potentially harbor life. This groundbreaking study challenges traditional views and opens new avenues in the search for extraterrestrial life.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.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 Anna 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 - James Webb's observations of Sagittarius A

07:30 - Rocket Lab and SpaceX simultaneous launches

12:15 - US-India space cooperation through Indus Innovation

18:00 - 3D mapping of WASP-121b's atmosphere

22:30 - Update on asteroid 2024 YR4

27:00 - Potential for life around white dwarfs

32:00 - Conclusion and upcoming content

✍️ Episode References

James Webb Space Telescope Insights

[James Webb](https://www.nasa.gov/webb)

Rocket Lab Launch Information

[Rocket Lab](http://www.astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io) )

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-discoveries--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-discoveries--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25668408?utm_source=youtube

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 22

The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast

New Van Allen Radiation Belts, Alien Oceans and Signs of Life, and the Largest Black Hole Radio Jet Ever Detected

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the discovery of two new temporary Van Allen radiation belts created by a massive solar storm that struck Earth in May 2024. This event not only produced stunning auroras but also highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of radiation belts for the safety of satellites and astronauts. The findings, reported by NASA's Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment, reveal that these belts can last significantly longer than previously thought, with implications for future solar storms and spaceflight safety.

Searching for Life in Alien Oceans

We also explore the challenges of detecting signs of extraterrestrial life in the subsurface oceans of icy moons like Saturn's Enceladus. A new study suggests that the unique physics of these oceans could hinder the movement of biological signatures from deep waters to the surface, complicating the search for life beyond Earth. This research emphasizes the need to understand ocean dynamics in the search for life in our solar system.

The Largest Black Hole Radio Jet in the Early Universe

Additionally, astronomers have identified the largest radio jet ever seen in the early universe, spanning an astonishing 200,000 light years. This discovery sheds light on the formation of massive jets and quasars, providing crucial insights into the evolution of galaxies in the early cosmos. The quasar, which formed when the universe was just 9% of its current age, challenges previous assumptions about the conditions needed for such powerful jets to form.

00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 22 for broadcast on 19 February 2025

00:49 Discovery of new Van Allen radiation belts

06:30 Implications of the May solar storm

12:15 Challenges in detecting life in Enceladus's oceans

18:00 The significance of ocean dynamics in extraterrestrial life searches

22:45 The largest black hole radio jet ever observed

27:00 Understanding quasars and their impact on galaxy evolution

30:15 The implications of AI self-replication

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✍️ Episode References

NASA

https://www.nasa.gov

Geophysical Research Space Physics

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007

Communications and Earth Environment

https://www.nature.com/ncomms/

Astrophysical Journal Letters

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25662203?utm_source=youtube

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E42

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on a thrilling journey through the latest discoveries and developments in the universe. From the astonishing speeds of a hypervelocity star system to groundbreaking insights about our Moon's ancient history, this episode is packed with cosmic wonders that will ignite your curiosity.

Highlights:

- Fastest Planetary System Ever Observed : Discover the incredible findings from NASA scientists who have identified a star system racing through space at a staggering 1.2 million miles per hour, accompanied by a super Neptune-sized planet. Learn how gravitational lensing played a key role in this remarkable discovery and what it means for our understanding of planetary dynamics.

- Upcoming Rocket Launches : Get ready for an action-packed week in space exploration, featuring multiple Falcon 9 launches by SpaceX and Rocket Lab's 60th Electron mission. Delve into the significance of a historic landing attempt in Bahamian waters and the innovative technology behind the missions.

- New Insights into the Moon's Formation : Explore how recent analyses of Apollo lunar samples have revealed that our Moon solidified around 4.43 billion years ago, coinciding with Earth's transformation into a habitable world. Understand the importance of the substance known as creep in uncovering this timeline.

- Microscopic Black Holes and Their Effects: Learn about a fascinating study investigating the potential consequences of a primordial black hole passing through the human body. Discover the surprising results and the minimal risk associated with such hypothetical scenarios.

- Unraveling Oumuamua's Origins : Dive into new research that suggests solar systems with giant planets might be breeding grounds for interstellar objects like Oumuamua. Understand the process of tidal fragmentation and its implications for the formation of these cosmic wanderers.

- Peter Pan Disks and Planet Formation : Uncover the mystery of planet-forming disks that refuse to age, lasting far longer than previously thought. Explore how these disks could lead to the formation of unique planets with distinct characteristics.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.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 Anna 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 - Fastest planetary system discovery

07:30 - Upcoming rocket launches overview

12:15 - Insights from lunar samples

18:00 - Study on primordial black holes

22:30 - Research on Oumuamua's origins

27:00 - Peter Pan disks and their significance

32:00 - Conclusion and upcoming content

✍️ Episode References

NASA's Fastest Planetary System

[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/apollo)

Primordial Black Holes Study

[Black Holes](https://www.sciencedaily.com/blackholes)

Oumuamua Research

[Oumuamua](https://www.space.com/oumuamua)

Peter Pan Disks Study

[Planet Formation](https://www.astronomy.com/planet-formation)

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io) )

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25647109?utm_source=youtube

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E41

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Steve Dunkley and his co-host Hallie dive into a variety of intriguing stories from the Astronomy Daily newsletter. From innovative robotic missions to lunar landers and the ongoing saga of NASA astronauts, this episode is filled with captivating insights that will engage your cosmic curiosity.

Highlights:

- Aether: The Spring-Loaded Robot for Asteroid Exploration : Discover how a student team from the University of Texas at Justin is developing Aether, a revolutionary robotic probe designed to explore the asteroid belt. Learn about its unique capabilities, including a spring-loaded landing system and a metal-burning rocket engine that allows it to hop between asteroids while harvesting fuel from their surfaces.

- NASA Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore Update : Get the latest on the adventures of astronauts Williams and Wilmore aboard the International Space Station. Amid media speculation about their status, they share their experiences and clarify that they are not stranded but rather continuing their important work in space.

- Blue Ghost 1 and Resilience Lunar Missions: Follow the progress of two commercial lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1, which has successfully entered lunar orbit, and ispace's Resilience, which is on a trajectory to the Moon. Understand the significance of these missions and their contributions to lunar exploration.

- Controversy Over Vera Rubin's Legacy: Explore the recent changes made to the biography of renowned astronomer Vera Rubin on the Rubin Observatory's website, which has sparked alarm within the astronomy community. Discover the implications of these edits on the representation of women in science and ongoing diversity efforts.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. (http://www.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 - Introduction to Aether robot for asteroid exploration

06:30 - Update on NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore

12:15 - Progress of Blue Ghost 1 and Resilience lunar missions

18:00 - Controversy over Vera Rubin's biography changes

25:00 - Conclusion

✍️ Episode References

Aether Robot Project

[Aether Project](https://www.nasa.gov/iss)

Blue Ghost 1 Lunar Mission

[Firefly Aerospace](http://www.astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io) )

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-discoveries--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-discoveries--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25629257?utm_source=youtube

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 21

The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast

Shifting Dynamics of Earth's Inner Core, China's Lunar South Pole Mission, and Insights into Hot Jupiter Exoplanets

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking research revealing that Earth's inner core may be less solid than previously believed. A new study indicates that the near surface of the inner core is undergoing structural transformations, influenced by interactions with the turbulent outer core. This discovery provides fresh insights into the dynamics of Earth's core and its impact on the planet's magnetic field and rotation.

China's Chang'e 7 Mission: A Quest for Lunar Water Ice

We also discuss China's upcoming Chang'e 7 mission, set to launch next year, which aims to search for water ice at the lunar south pole. This mission will employ advanced technologies to locate and analyze water ice deposits, crucial for supporting future manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The Chang'e 7 mission will include an orbiter, lander, rover, and a mobile hopper designed for traversing shadowed craters.

Hot Jupiter Progenitor: New Discoveries in Exoplanet Research

Additionally, we delve into the fascinating discovery of a hot Jupiter exoplanet with an eccentric orbit, shedding light on the formation processes of these gas giants. The research indicates that this planet has likely been influenced by a binary star system, providing new evidence for the mechanisms behind hot Jupiter migration and evolution.

00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 21 for broadcast on 17 February 2025

00:49 New findings on Earth's inner core

06:30 Overview of China's Chang'e 7 mission

12:15 Insights from the discovery of a hot Jupiter exoplanet

18:00 Implications for planetary formation theories

22:45 The significance of lunar water ice for future missions

27:00 Understanding the dynamics of celestial bodies

30:15 The impact of climate change on global temperatures

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

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✍️ Episode References

NASA

https://www.nasa.gov

Nature Geoscience

https://www.nature.com/ngeo/

Journal of Nature Climate Change

https://www.nature.com/nclimate/

Macquarie University

https://www.mq.edu.au

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-astronomy-science-news--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-astronomy-science-news--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25626767?utm_source=youtube