Episodios

  • Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History

    Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest findings in Martian meteorology, delve into Earth's ancient tectonic activity, and prepare for humanity's return to the Moon.
    Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather Patterns
    A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that wind speeds on Mars can reach up to 160 km/h, significantly higher than earlier estimates. Lead author Valentin U.H. Meckel from the University of Bern discusses how these powerful winds, along with dust devils, play a crucial role in shaping Mars' climate and dust distribution. This episode explores how the observations from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter have provided unprecedented insights into Martian atmospheric dynamics, which are essential for planning future manned missions to the Red Planet.
    Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into Subduction
    In a surprising twist to our understanding of early Earth, a new study published in Nature Communications suggests that subduction and continental crust formation occurred much earlier than previously believed. Researchers utilized advanced geochemical analysis of ancient olivine crystals to challenge the notion of a stagnant lid tectonic regime during the Hadean eon. This episode discusses the implications of these findings on our understanding of Earth's geological history and the processes that shaped our planet's surface.
    NASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar Exploration
    NASA is set to send astronauts back to the Moon with the Artemis II mission, slated for launch in early 2026. This episode provides an overview of the mission's objectives, including a ten-day crewed flyby of the Moon, which will test the Orion spacecraft and gather crucial scientific data. As the crew prepares to explore the lunar far side, we discuss the significance of this mission for future lunar habitation and potential manned missions to Mars.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    Nature Communications
    https://www.nature.com/ncomms/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather Patterns
    Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into Subduction
    NASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar Exploration
    (00:00) Wind speeds on Mars and their implications
    (12:45) New findings on early Earth's tectonic activity
    (21:15) NASA's Artemis II mission overview
    (30:00) Science report: Octopus handedness and air pollution effects on sleep apnea
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    24 m
  • Martian Oceans and Lunar Mysteries: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Cosmic Neighbours

    Martian Oceans and Lunar Mysteries: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Cosmic Neighbours
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of Mars, the Moon, and the Milky Way Galaxy.
    Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence Revealed
    A new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters presents compelling geological evidence that Mars' Northern Hemisphere was once home to a vast ocean. Lead author Chris from the University of Arkansas discusses how comparisons between river rocks on Earth and Martian sediment reveal ancient river deltas and backwater zones, suggesting that liquid water flowed on the Red Planet, increasing the possibility of past life. This episode delves into the processes of sedimentation and erosion that shaped Mars' landscape, providing insights into its watery past.
    The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact Mysteries
    A fresh analysis of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, sheds light on its formation and the Moon's geological history. Researchers have discovered that this massive crater's shape indicates an impact from the north, challenging previous assumptions. As the Artemis missions prepare to land near this basin, they will have the opportunity to study material excavated from the lunar interior, potentially unlocking secrets about the Moon's evolution and the asymmetries in its crust.
    Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky Way
    NASA's upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope is set to revolutionise our understanding of the Milky Way's interstellar medium. This mission will map around 20 billion stars, using infrared light to penetrate the dust clouds obscuring our view. Chief investigator Catherine Zucker explains how this data will refine our models of star formation and the galaxy's structure, while also addressing the ongoing mysteries of galactic spiral patterns and their role in star birth.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Geophysical Research Letters
    https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007
    Nature
    https://www.nature.com/nature
    NASA Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope
    https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence Revealed
    The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact Mysteries
    Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky Way
    (00:00) Evidence of ancient oceans on Mars
    (10:15) New insights into the Moon's largest impact crater
    (19:30) The upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope mission
    (27:00) Science Robert: Heatwaves and their impact on global mortality
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • Hidden Hazards: Unmasking Earth's Threat from Invisible Asteroids

    Hidden Hazards: Unmasking Earth's Threat from Invisible Asteroids
    Oct 14 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing world of near-Earth asteroids, the evolution of our universe, and the remarkable discovery of a rogue planet experiencing unprecedented growth.
    Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden Threat
    Recent computer simulations published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics have raised alarms about a population of near-Earth asteroids that remain undetectable due to their proximity to Venus. These Venusian co-orbital asteroids, which share an orbital resonance with Venus, could pose a collision risk to Earth within a few thousand years. The study's lead author, Valerio Carumba, explains the challenges of observing these asteroids, as they are obscured by the Sun's glare. With a size of around 300 metres, these asteroids could create impact craters several kilometres wide, highlighting the need for dedicated space missions to monitor this potential threat.
    The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of Reionization
    Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding the universe's early days, revealing that it was warmer than previously thought before the first stars ignited. Research based on observations from the Murchison Wide Field Array in Western Australia indicates that the gas between galaxies was heated around 800 million years after the Big Bang, contradicting earlier theories of a cold universe. This heating, likely driven by early X-ray sources, set the stage for the epoch of reionization, which transformed the cosmos from opaque to transparent, allowing light to travel freely.
    A Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth Spurt
    In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a rogue planet, catalogued as char 11 oh 7 minus 7626, that is not bound to any star and is growing at an astonishing rate of 6 billion tonnes of gas and dust per second. Located approximately 600 light years away in the constellation Chameleon, this planet challenges conventional notions of planetary stability. Observations reveal that its accretion rate fluctuates dramatically, highlighting the dynamic processes at play in the formation of rogue planets and blurring the lines between planets and stars.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astronomy and Astrophysics
    https://www.aanda.org/
    Astrophysical Journal Letters
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden Threat
    The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of Reionization
    A Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth Spurt
    (00:00) The threat posed by invisible asteroids near Venus
    (10:30) New findings on the universe's warm early phase
    (19:00) Discovery of a rogue planet growing at record rates
    (27:15) Science Robert: 2025 Nobel Prize announcements
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    38 m
  • Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe

    Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe
    Oct 10 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest revelations in astrophysics, including the intriguing prospect of supermassive dark stars, Australia's ambitious lunar rover mission, and fresh insights into the formation of our solar system.
    Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery
    Astronomers have identified potential candidates for a new type of star in the early universe, known as supermassive dark stars. Recent observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that these stars, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, are supported against gravitational collapse by dark matter. This episode delves into how these dark stars could help explain the existence of supermassive black holes and the unexpectedly bright distant galaxies observed by Webb. With the possibility of a smoking gun signature in their spectra, the implications of this discovery could reshape our understanding of dark matter and stellar evolution.
    Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon
    Work is underway on Australia's first lunar rover, set to launch as part of NASA's Artemis programme. This 20-kilogram robotic vehicle, developed by the Queensland University of Technology, will explore lunar geology and contribute to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The episode covers the rover's design, mission objectives, and the collaborative efforts between Australian institutions and NASA to advance lunar exploration.
    Piecing Together the Early Solar System
    New research published in Science Advances reveals that the early solar system was more chaotic than previously thought, with planets forming from recycled fragments of shattered bodies rather than pristine materials. This episode discusses the violent origins of our solar system and how high-energy collisions influenced the development of planetary cores, ultimately shaping the celestial bodies we know today.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Journal of Physical Review Letters
    https://journals.aps.org/prl/
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery
    Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon
    Piecing Together the Early Solar System
    (00:00) The potential discovery of supermassive dark stars
    (10:15) Australia's new lunar rover mission details
    (18:45) New findings on the chaotic origins of the solar system
    (25:30) Skywatch for October: Meteor showers and celestial highlights
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    30 m
  • Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice

    Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice
    Oct 8 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the fascinating findings from Saturn's icy moon Enceladus, discuss delays in the Dream Chaser spaceplane's launch schedule, and celebrate NASA's breakthroughs in laser communications for deep space missions.
    Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry
    Recent discoveries reported in the journal Nature Astronomy reveal that Saturn's moon Enceladus is spewing complex organic molecules from its subsurface ocean. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission has unveiled fresh insights into the chemical reactions occurring in this hidden ocean. The presence of organic molecules, including precursors for amino acids, raises the possibility that Enceladus may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. This episode explores how these findings could inform future missions aimed at further investigating Enceladus and its potential habitability.
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch
    Sierra Space has announced that their Dream Chaser spaceplane's first free flight demonstration has been pushed back to late 2026. Originally designed as a manned spacecraft, Dream Chaser will now serve as a cargo transport for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services, delivering supplies to the International Space Station. The episode discusses the spaceplane's unique design, its cargo capabilities, and the future of its missions, including plans for a fully operational crewed version.
    Nasa's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success
    NASA's new Optical Deep Space Laser Communications project has surpassed all technical goals, paving the way for high-speed communications for future crewed missions to Mars. The technology, which successfully transmitted data over vast distances, demonstrated data rates comparable to broadband Internet services. This breakthrough enables faster communication for astronauts and could revolutionise data transmission in deep space. Tune in to learn more about the technology behind this ambitious project and its implications for future space exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Astronomy
    https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy
    NASA Dream Chaser
    https://www.nasa.gov/dreamchaser
    NASA Optical Deep Space Laser Communications
    https://www.nasa.gov/lasercom
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch
    NASA's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success
    (00:00) The Dream Chaser spaceplane set for another delay
    (00:48) Scientists have discovered new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's Enceladus
    (09:41) NASA says new optical Deep Space Laser communications project has exceeded all technical goals
    (17:29) Around a quarter of all press releases in the United States are probably AI generated
    (19:23) Companies failing to secure AI agents is causing security risks, warns expert
    (20:27) Gary Stuart says AI agents can be hacked and should be treated like humans
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    25 m
  • The Universe's Countdown: New Insights into Cosmic Fate and Fungal Origins

    The Universe's Countdown: New Insights into Cosmic Fate and Fungal Origins
    Oct 6 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the future of our universe, the latest advancements in mapping our Milky Way, and the pivotal role fungi played in the evolution of life on land.
    The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion Years
    A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that the universe is approaching the midpoint of its 33 billion-year lifespan and may end in approximately 20 billion years. Lead author Henry Tighe from Cornell University presents new data suggesting that the universe's cosmological constant may be negative, leading to a contraction and eventual collapse—a phenomenon referred to as the "big crunch." This research, based on observations from the Dark Energy Survey and the dark energy spectroscopic instrument DESI, challenges long-held beliefs about the universe's eternal expansion and opens new avenues for understanding cosmic evolution.
    Mapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D View
    The European Space Agency's Gaia Space Telescope has unveiled the most precise three-dimensional map of star-forming regions within our Milky Way galaxy. By analysing data from 44 million stars, Gaia has provided insights into the obscured molecular clouds where new stars are born. This innovative mapping technique allows astronomers to understand the distribution of ionised gas and the dynamics of star formation, offering a fresh perspective on our galaxy's structure and the processes that shape it.
    Fungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial Life
    A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution has identified that fungi played a crucial role in preparing Earth for life on land between 900 million and 1.4 billion years ago—much earlier than previously thought. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology utilised a novel gene swap method to trace the evolution of fungi, suggesting that these organisms were instrumental in creating the first ecosystems and nutrient recycling processes that facilitated the emergence of terrestrial life. This discovery reframes our understanding of the timeline for life on Earth and highlights the importance of fungi in shaping our planet's biosphere.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
    https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia
    Nature Ecology and Evolution
    https://www.nature.com/newe
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion Years
    Mapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D View
    Fungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial Life
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Ceres: The Dwarf Planet That Might Have Hosted Life?

    Ceres: The Dwarf Planet That Might Have Hosted Life?
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing potential for life on the dwarf planet Ceres, explore NASA's latest mission to study the heliosphere, and celebrate the achievements of the University of Melbourne's Spirit Nanosat.
    Ceres: A Potentially Habitable World?
    Recent research published in Science Advances suggests that Ceres, currently a frigid and frozen world, may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. By modelling the planet's thermal and chemical history, scientists propose that Ceres could have sustained a long-lasting energy source, allowing for microbial metabolism. While there's no direct evidence of life, the findings indicate that Ceres had the necessary ingredients—water, carbon, and chemical energy—that could have supported single-celled organisms in its ancient past.
    Nasa's New Heliospheric Mission
    NASA has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to investigate the heliosphere, the magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of solar wind and its interactions with interstellar particles, which are crucial for assessing space weather impacts on Earth. IMAP will operate alongside the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA's Swifo L1 spacecraft, contributing to a comprehensive study of our solar environment.
    Spirit Nanosat's Milestone Achievement
    The University of Melbourne's Spirit nanosatellite has successfully completed its initial mission phase, deploying its thermal management system and taking a selfie in space. Launched in December 2023, Spirit is equipped with a miniaturised gamma-ray detector to search for gamma-ray bursts, marking a significant advancement in small satellite technology and scientific exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    NASA IMAP Mission
    https://www.nasa.gov/imap
    University of Melbourne Spirit Nanosatellite
    https://www.unimelb.edu.au/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Ceres: A Potentially Habitable World?
    NASA's New Heliospheric Mission
    Spirit Nanosat's Milestone Achievement
    (00:00) New study claims the dwarf planet Ceres could once have been habitable enough for life
    (05:14) The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will study the heliosphere
    (15:58) New study finds tropical fish are colonising new habitats because of ocean warming
    (18:07) Khloe Kardashian reportedly claims she's seen UFOs and experienced paranormal activity
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet

    Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet
    Oct 1 2025
    (00:00:00) Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet
    (00:00:43) Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    (00:03:11) NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    (00:11:52) Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
    (00:14:23) Tech News

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing dynamics of Mercury's shrinking size, embark on a mission to unveil Earth's elusive exosphere, and uncover the secrets of ancient volcanic activity on Mars.
    Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    Recent research published in AGU Advances reveals that Mercury continues to shrink as it cools, a process that has been ongoing since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists have estimated that the planet's radius has contracted by between 2.7 to 5.6 kilometres due to cooling-induced faulting. This study employs new methods to provide a more accurate understanding of Mercury's long-term thermal history, which could also be applied to other planetary bodies, including Mars.
    NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    NASA has launched the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory to study Earth's invisible halo, the exosphere. This mission aims to capture the first continuous observations of the Geocorona, revealing the dynamics of hydrogen atoms escaping into space. Understanding the exosphere's response to solar activity is crucial for predicting space weather events that could affect astronauts on missions to the Moon and beyond. The observatory will provide insights into how Earth retains water and may even aid in the search for exoplanets with similar atmospheric conditions.
    Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
    A meteorite discovered in the Zaharov Desert is shedding light on Mars's ancient volcanic systems. The rock, classified as NWA 16254, offers unprecedented insights into the planet's magmatic processes, indicating a two-stage crystallisation process that occurred under varying pressure conditions. This discovery could help scientists understand Mars's thermal history and its volcanic evolution over billions of years, raising questions about the planet's past and its potential for hosting life.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    AGU Advances
    https://agu.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/23337380
    NASA Geocorona Observatory
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    Planetary Science Journal
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2632-3338
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
    Más Menos
    23 m