Episodios

  • S03E129: Dinosaur-Killer Asteroid's Origin, Tianwen-1's Mars Map, and Hypervelocity Star Discovery

    S03E129: Dinosaur-Killer Asteroid's Origin, Tianwen-1's Mars Map, and Hypervelocity Star Discovery
    Aug 16 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your ultimate source for the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of stories that will take you on a journey through some of the most intriguing recent updates in the cosmos. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or just curious about what's happening up there, this podcast is the perfect place for you to catch up on the latest discoveries. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's stellar stories.
    - **Asteroid That Wiped Out the Dinosaurs Originated Beyond Jupiter**: Recent findings have shed new light on the asteroid that ended the reign of the dinosaurs. Researchers have pinpointed that this massive asteroid, which collided with the Yucatan peninsula 66 million years ago, originated beyond Jupiter.
    - **China's Tianwen-1 Mission Unveils High-Resolution Global Color Map of Mars**: China's Tianwen-1 mission has released a groundbreaking, high-resolution global color map of Mars. This map offers unprecedented detail and accuracy, surpassing previous global images with a resolution of 76 meters per pixel.
    - **Hypervelocity Star Discovered by Citizen Scientists**: A hypervelocity star named J1249+36 has been identified by citizen scientists participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project. This star is speeding through our galaxy at about 1.3 million mph, making it the first very low mass hypervelocity star discovered.
    - **Ensuring Astronauts' Mental Well-Being in Space**: Life on the International Space Station (ISS) can seriously impact the performance and well-being of astronauts. Studies on the ISS are focused on understanding these effects and testing new technologies to counteract them.
    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at 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.
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    12 m
  • S03E128: Extending Starliner ISS Mission, Terraforming Mars, and Perseverance's Ascent

    S03E128: Extending Starliner ISS Mission, Terraforming Mars, and Perseverance's Ascent
    Aug 15 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we have an exciting lineup of stories to share with you. We'll dive into NASA's decision-making process on whether to extend astronauts' stay aboard the International Space Station amidst ongoing issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule. We'll also explore a groundbreaking new method developed by researchers to terraform Mars using engineered nanoparticles, a technique that could make the red planet more hospitable for future colonists. We'll also look at NASA's Perseverance rover as it embarks on a challenging new mission to climb the western rim of Jezero Crater in search of ancient life signs. Lastly, we'll shed light on a fascinating project by Honeybee Robotics to install massive streetlights on the moon, which could revolutionize future lunar exploration. Stay tuned as these stories promise to be out of this world.
    - **NASA's ISS Dilemma with Boeing Starliner**: NASA is currently in a critical decision phase, determining the fate of two astronauts stationed aboard the International Space Station.
    - **Terraforming Mars with Engineered Nanoparticles**: Researchers from the University of Chicago and Northwestern have unveiled a revolutionary approach to warming Mars, potentially making the red planet more conducive to life. Their method involves using engineered dust particles to increase Mars' temperature by over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
    - **Perseverance Rover's New Mission**: Speaking of Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover is gearing up to tackle one of its toughest challenges yet—climbing the western rim of Jezero Crater. This ascent marks the start of its fifth science campaign since it touched down on the red planet in February 2021.
    - **Honeybee Robotics' Lunar Streetlights**: Finally, Honeybee Robotics has put forward a fascinating proposal to help illuminate the long, dark lunar nights with massive streetlights. This project, known as Lunar Saber, aims to construct 330-foot tall towers on the moon that will store solar energy and provide powerful floodlight illumination during the lunar nights, which last the equivalent of two Earth weeks.
    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at 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 www.bitesz.com.

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    8 m
  • S03E127: Planetary Forces and Solar Cycles, Triton Hopper Mission, and Redefining Planets

    S03E127: Planetary Forces and Solar Cycles, Triton Hopper Mission, and Redefining Planets
    Aug 14 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your friendly and engaging source for all things space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, here to guide you through the latest cosmic headlines. Whether you're a casual stargazer or an astrophysics enthusiast, we've got news that will spark your curiosity and keep you informed about the universe.
    - **Planetary Influences on the Sun's Magnetic Cycles**: Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden, Rossendorf, and the University of Latvia have unveiled a groundbreaking physical model supporting the planetary hypothesis. This model proposes that vortex-shaped currents on the sun, named Rossby waves, act as intermediaries between the gravitational influences of planets like Venus, Earth, and Jupiter, and the sun's magnetic activities. By revealing how Rossby waves mediate the planet's tidal forces, researchers can now predict and understand even longer-term solar cycles, offering new insights into the sun's behavior and its interactions with the rest of our solar system.
    - **Exploring Neptune's Moon Triton**: Steve Olson and Jeffrey Landis have proposed the Triton Hopper mission to explore Neptune's largest moon, Triton. The innovative mission aims to use a cryogenic pump to extract propellant directly from Triton's icy surface, enabling the hopper to cover significant distances by hopping across the moon. Loaded with scientific instruments, this mission could unlock a wealth of data about Triton's geology and potential for biological activity.
    - **Redefining What Makes a Planet**: The definition of what constitutes a planet is back up for debate. Researchers like Jean-Luc Margot of UCLA have proposed new criteria focusing on dynamical dominance and mass. This refined classification aims to provide clarity and consistency, aiding both the astronomical community and the public's understanding of what exactly constitutes a planet. The IAU is expected to discuss these proposals further at their next general assembly in Rome in 2027.
    - **Space Sustainability Collaboration**: Airbus Defense and Space and Astroscale Limited have partnered to advance in-orbit servicing and space debris removal. Their collaboration focuses on space debris removal, in-orbit servicing, precise navigation and docking technologies, in-orbit space assembly and manufacturing, and satellite refueling and life extension. This partnership aims to enhance the longevity and efficiency of space assets, contributing significantly to building a circular economy in space.
    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at 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 www.bitesz.com.


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    13 m
  • S03E126: SpaceX's Polar Mission, Mars' Hidden Water, and Gaia's Asteroid Moons

    S03E126: SpaceX's Polar Mission, Mars' Hidden Water, and Gaia's Asteroid Moons
    Aug 13 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest in space and astronomy news. Today, we've got an exciting lineup of stories that will take you on a journey through some of the most intriguing recent updates in the cosmos. From SpaceX's remarkable new mission to hidden reservoirs of liquid water on Mars and a flurry of rocket launches, we've got it all covered for you. Plus, we'll delve into fascinating findings from the Gaia Space Telescope. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's stellar stories.
    - **SpaceX's Groundbreaking Polar Mission**: SpaceX has announced a privately financed mission that will send a diverse international crew of four around Earth's poles. This historic flight will feature a blockchain entrepreneur, a cinematographer, a polar adventurer, and a robotics researcher. Leading the team is Chun Wang, a well-known blockchain pioneer. The mission, named Fram II, will last between three to five Daily and aims to observe the ice caps and extreme polar environments from space for the first time. The Crew Dragon capsule will orbit Earth at altitudes between 265 and 280 miles, offering a unique vantage point for the crew.
    - **Hidden Water Reservoirs on Mars**: Recent studies using data from NASA's Mars InSight lander have indicated the presence of liquid water deep beneath the Martian surface. These findings suggest that Mars's subsurface could hold vast reservoirs of water, potentially even more extensive than previously thought. This discovery is monumental as water is a key ingredient for life. Researchers believe that microbial life could exist in these underground reservoirs, similar to Earth.
    - **Rocket Launch Roundup**: This week is packed with activity, featuring four major rocket launches. A Russian Soyuz rocket will make another resupply mission to the International Space Station, carrying approximately 2400 kg of vital supplies. The Indian Space Research Organization will achieve a significant milestone with the final certification flight of its new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. SpaceX will also have a busy week with two Falcon 9 launches, including the WorldView Legion 3 and 4 mission and the Transporter-11 rideshare mission, carrying around 50 small payloads from various countries.
    - **Gaia Space Telescope's Discoveries**: The Gaia Space Telescope has identified more than 350 potential moons around asteroids, offering new insights into the dynamics of binary asteroid systems. This detection was achieved by observing the gravitational wobble in the light signals captured by Gaia. Lead author Luana Liberato and her team at the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur in France spearheaded this innovative study. This discovery suggests that a significant fraction of asteroids in our solar system could have moons, reshaping our understanding of these celestial bodies.

    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at 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.
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    11 m
  • S03E125: NASA's Viper Moon Rover, James Webb's Black Hole Revelations, and Rediscovering Phosphine

    S03E125: NASA's Viper Moon Rover, James Webb's Black Hole Revelations, and Rediscovering Phosphine
    Aug 12 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and updates in the world of astronomy and SpaceTime exploration. I'm your host, Andrew Dunkley, filling in for Steve. We've got an exciting lineup today, from NASA's Viper moon rover to the James Webb Space Telescope's black hole observations and more. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's top stories.
    - **NASA's Viper Moon Rover**: NASA is seeking help from U.S. companies and institutions for a mission involving the Viper moon rover, initially designed to map potential resources like ice at the Moon’s south pole. Although NASA has discontinued Viper, they are open to contributing it to a qualified partner.
    - **NASA's Scientific Balloon Programme**: NASA's annual fall campaign for its scientific balloon programme has begun at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. From mid-August to mid-October, eight balloons will be launched, supporting 16 missions across astrophysics, heliophysics, and atmospheric research.
    - **James Webb Space Telescope and Black Holes**: The James Webb Space Telescope has been observing supermassive black holes, shedding light on active galactic nuclei (AGN). Recent observations of a black hole in galaxy ESO 428-G14, about 70 million light-years away, revealed polar dust heated by energetic shockwaves from relativistic jets.
    .- **Rediscovery of Phosphine on Venus**: About four years ago, scientists announced the discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere, sparking debates about potential life. Recently, using a new receiver on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, the same team has reaffirmed the presence of phosphine, bolstering their confidence with 140 times more data than the initial detection.
    - **ESA's Juice Mission**: ESA's Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (Juice) is set for a critical lunar-Earth flyby around August 19-20. This double gravity assist will adjust Juice's speed and direction for its journey to Jupiter via been listening.
    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at 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 favourite platform.
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    19 m
  • S03E124: SpaceX's Raptor 3 Breakthrough, NASA's Roman Telescope Milestone, and ESA's Galaxy Hunt

    S03E124: SpaceX's Raptor 3 Breakthrough, NASA's Roman Telescope Milestone, and ESA's Galaxy Hunt
    Aug 10 2024
    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.
    For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcast, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
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    7 m
  • S03E123: NEOWISE Ends, China's Satellite Mishap, and Meteor Mysteries

    S03E123: NEOWISE Ends, China's Satellite Mishap, and Meteor Mysteries
    Aug 9 2024
    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 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.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.



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    12 m
  • S03E122: Updates - NASA's Crew Dragon Dilemma and SpaceX's Historic Polaris Dawn

    S03E122: Updates - NASA's Crew Dragon Dilemma and SpaceX's Historic Polaris Dawn
    Aug 8 2024
    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 astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on X, Facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.
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    10 m