Episodios

  • Comet MAPS Is Gone — What Killed It & What Comes Next + Planet Parade Tonight
    Apr 18 2026
    In this episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover six space and astronomy stories for Saturday, April 18, 2026. Comet MAPS has met its end at the Sun — the pair reflect on what happened and what comes next. Artemis III's SLS rocket stage rolls out of New Orleans on Monday. JWST and ALMA have revealed a stunning monster spiral galaxy hiding behind cosmic dust 11.5 billion years ago. An exoplanet system is changing its orbital architecture in real time. Four planets are gathering in a pre-dawn planet parade visible tonight. And 33,000 hydrogen halos have been found that solve a decades-old mystery about the early universe's fuel supply. Story 1: Comet MAPS — Death of a Sungrazer Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS), a Kreutz sungrazer discovered on January 13, 2026 by French amateur astronomers at the AMACS1 Observatory in Chile, disintegrated during its close solar approach on April 4. The nucleus — estimated at approximately 400 metres in diameter based on JWST observations — could not survive passage just 160,000 km above the solar surface. A brief dust tail was visible in coronagraph images from SOHO and GOES-19, but the debris cloud has since dispersed. Attention now shifts to Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) as the next comet of interest. MAPS was the furthest-discovered Kreutz sungrazer in history, spotted 81 days before perihelion. Sources: EarthSky | StarWalk Space News | Sky & Telescope Story 2: Artemis III SLS Core Stage Rollout On Monday, April 20, NASA will roll the top four-fifths of the Artemis III Space Launch System core stage — containing the liquid hydrogen tank, liquid oxygen tank, intertank, and forward skirt — out of the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and load it onto the Pegasus barge for delivery to Kennedy Space Center. The engine section is already at Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. Four RS-25 engines are expected to arrive from Stennis Space Center by July 2026. Artemis III is currently targeting a 2027 launch for a crewed Earth-orbit test of Orion docking with commercial lunar landers, with a crewed Moon landing planned for 2028. Source: NASA Artemis III Media Release | nasa.gov Story 3: JWST & ALMA Reveal Monster Spiral Galaxy ADF22.A1 Using the James Webb Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), an international team led by Hideki Umehata (Nagoya University) has revealed the true nature of ADF22.A1 — a galaxy in the SSA22 protocluster from 11.5 billion years ago. Previously hidden behind heavy cosmic dust, JWST unveiled its spiral stellar structure while ALMA mapped its rotating gas disk, spinning at an extraordinary 530 km/s — more than twice our own Milky Way. With an effective radius of approximately 22,800 light years, it is nearly twice the size of typical galaxies from that era. Cold accretion from the Cosmic Web is the leading explanation for its rapid growth and spin-up. A companion study examines nine additional dusty star-forming galaxies in the same protocluster, revealing diverse evolutionary stages and morphologies. Sources: ALMA Observatory Press Release | Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan (2025) | ApJ (2026) Story 4: TOI-201 — Shape-Shifting Exoplanet System A team led by Ismael Mireles (University of New Mexico) has published findings in Science Advances confirming three bodies in the exoplanet system TOI-201: a super-Earth (TOI-201 d, 1.4x Earth radius, 5.85-day orbit), a warm Jupiter (TOI-201 b, ~0.5 Jupiter masses, 53-day orbit), and a brown dwarf (TOI-201 c, ~7.9-year orbit). The brown dwarf's gravity is actively distorting the inner planets' orbits on human timescales — the super-Earth's transits are shifting, and within 200 years it will stop transiting the star from Earth's viewpoint. TOI-201 c is the longest-period transiting object ever discovered. The system is 372 light-years away in the constellation Pictor. Next transit of TOI-201 c: March 26, 2031. Paper: Mireles et al., Science Advances, April 15, 2026 | DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aef2618 Story 5: April 18 Four-Planet Parade Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune are gathering in a compact cluster just 4 degrees wide in the pre-dawn eastern sky. Mercury (mag -0.1), Mars (mag 1.2), and Saturn (mag 0.9) are naked-eye targets. Neptune (mag 7.8) requires binoculars. Southern Hemisphere observers have the best view. Look east 60-90 minutes before sunrise. Peak window: April 16-23, with April 18-20 optimal. The cluster sits near the Pisces-Cetus border. App guide: Star Walk 2 / Sky Tonight | starwalk.space Story 6: 33,000 Hydrogen Halos Found in the Early Universe The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) has published a landmark study in The Astrophysical Journal identifying more than 33,000 Lyman-alpha nebulae — massive hydrogen gas halos surrounding galaxies from 10-12 billion years ago ('Cosmic Noon'). The previous known count was approximately 3,000. Lead researcher Erin Mentuch Cooper (UT Austin) described the ...
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    16 m
  • ’We Came Back as Best Friends’ — Artemis II Speaks | Blue Origin Sunday | FYST Opens
    Apr 17 2026

    The heroes of Artemis II speak! Less than a week after their historic lunar flyby, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen held their first full post-mission press conference — and their words were extraordinary. Plus: Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is on the pad for Sunday's landmark first-ever booster reuse; a 34-year dream becomes reality as the world's highest telescope opens in the Chilean Andes; astronomers discover 33,000 hydrogen halos that were hiding the universe's missing fuel; tonight is your best chance to spot the brightest comet of the year; and a solar storm could paint the weekend skies with aurora.

    Links & Sources • NASA Artemis II Postflight News Conference: nasa.gov/artemis-ii-news-and-updates • Blue Origin New Glenn NG-3: spaceflightnow.com • FYST Telescope Inauguration: news.cornell.edu • HETDEX Hydrogen Halos Study: hetdex.org / Astrophysical Journal • Comet C/2025 R3 Skywatching Guide: science.nasa.gov • Solar Activity & Aurora Forecast: earthsky.org

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    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32796094?utm_source=youtube

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    17 m
  • Unveiling 11,000 New Asteroids and Earth’s Local Origins
    Apr 17 2026

    SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 46 *Discovery of over eleven thousand new asteroids Preliminary data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory has led to the discovery of over 11,000 new asteroids. *Confirmation that the Earth was made locally A new study has shown that planet Earth was formed from materials located in the inner solar system rather than stuff from beyond Jupiter. *Virgin Galactic’s new spaceship to be flying before the end of the year Space tourism company Virgin Galactic says work on the first of its new Delta class spacecraft will be completed within a few weeks. and construction of the second of these sub orbital space planes is now underway. *The Science Report Could routine be key to successful weight loss. A new study has found that Tyrannosaurus Rex walked and ran on their tippy toes. The Australian Army’s new Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers now rolling off the production line. Skeptics guide to monsters in the railroad yard. Our Guests This Week: DSN Spokesperson Rhianna Lyons from the CSIRO Sean Hodgman from the Australian National University Yogesh Sridhar from the Australian National University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/) For more SpaceTime and show links: https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ (https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ) If you love this podcast, please get someone else to listen to. Thank you… For more podcasts visit our HQ at https://bitesz.com (https://play.headliner.app/episode/32792496?utm_source=youtube

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    24 m
  • Lunar Water Mysteries, Interstellar Juice & Graphene’s Cosmic Potential | Space Nuts: Astronomy...
    Apr 16 2026

    In this intriguing episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest revelations in space science, focusing on the presence of water on the Moon, the fascinating findings from the comet 3I Atlas, and the innovative use of graphene in propulsion technology. This episode is a deep dive into how these cosmic elements intertwine and shape our understanding of the universe.

    Episode Highlights:

    - Water on the Moon: Andrew and Fred discuss the recent studies suggesting that the water found in lunar craters may have accumulated over billions of years, primarily through solar wind interactions rather than single impactful events. They delve into the implications of this discovery for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization.

    - Comet 3I Atlas: The hosts share exciting insights from the ESA's JUICE spacecraft, which has provided unprecedented observations of the interstellar comet 3I Atlas. They highlight the significant water vapor emissions and the implications for understanding comet behavior as it travels through our solar system.

    - Graphene Aerogel Propulsion: A fascinating discussion unfolds around the recent experiments with graphene aerogels and their potential for light-driven propulsion in space. Andrew and Fred explore how this innovative technology could revolutionize space travel, enabling efficient and sustainable propulsion methods for future missions.

    - Future of Space Exploration: The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of ongoing research and technological advancements in the realm of space exploration, emphasizing the need for in-situ investigations to unravel the mysteries of our celestial neighbors.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

    If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) .

    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32768673?utm_source=youtube

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    33 m
  • The Growing South Atlantic Anomaly and Its Implications for Planet Earth
    Apr 15 2026

    SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 45 *The South Atlantic anomaly is growing – are the planet’s poles about to flip A new study has confirmed that a gigantic weak spot in planet Earth’s protective magnetic field known as the South Atlantic anomaly is growing ever larger. *New study narrows down the mostly likely locations for water on the Moon A new study suggests water likely accumulated on the Moon slowly over billions of years, rather than during one big event. *Pairs of atoms observed existing in two places at once for the first time Quantum physicists have observed pairs of atoms entangled in two different places at once for the first time. *The Science Report Claims King Harold's legendary 200-mile march to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 never happened. A new study has shown that the world’ earliest known octopus fossil isn’t actually an octopus. Artificial Intelligence hardware is changing how fast large language models respond. Alex on Tech: On device AI has arrived.

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    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32749539?utm_source=youtube

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    33 m
  • Artemis II: A Historic Journey to the Moon and Back
    Apr 13 2026

    SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 44

    *NASA’s Artemis II returns to Earth after its historic mission to the Moon NASA’s Artemis II mission has returned safely to Earth following its historic journey around the Moon. The four person crew splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean off the San Diego coast ending the ten day record setting flight which saw them travel further from mother Earth than humans have ever ventured before. *Astronomers have discovered the most primitive star ever seen Astronomers have identified one of the earliest stars ever seen; and the nearest candidate yet found to the first generation of stars created out the primordial material of the big bang. *Fireball spotted over Victoria, Australia Residents in Rutherglen have reported a large green-tailed fireball streaking across the Victorian skies. It’s the latest is a spate of meteor sightings over the past month or so with others reported in Germany, Ohio, Texas, and Washington State.. *The Science Report A new study has shown that summer is arriving earlier, lasting longer and packing more heat. Scientists say people with obstructive sleep apnoea have a 71% higher risk of heart issues or death. The Australian Navy getting a new fleet of 40 Bluebottle unmanned warships. Skeptics guide to the creep of creationism in schools Our Guests This Week: DSN Spokesperson Rhianna Lyons from the CSIRO Sean Hodgman from the Australian National University Yogesh Sridhar from the Australian National University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32710979?utm_source=youtube

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    39 m
  • Relativistic Beaming, Martian Waters & Cosmic Trash: The Space Nuts Q&A | Space Nuts: Astronomy...
    Apr 13 2026

    Relativistic Doppler Beaming, Martian Water, and Fusion Confusion

    In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a variety of thought-provoking listener questions that explore the depths of astronomy and space science. From the complexities of relativistic Doppler beaming in black holes to the intriguing evidence of water on Mars and the mysteries of nuclear fusion in the sun, this episode is brimming with cosmic insights and scientific clarity.

    Episode Highlights:

    - Relativistic Doppler Beaming: Ron from New York asks about the brightness differences in black hole accretion disks. Andrew and Fred explain how relativistic speeds affect light emission, leading to the phenomenon known as Doppler beaming and why we don't see the expected color shifts.

    - Water on Mars: Sunny from California questions the geological evidence for water on Mars. The hosts discuss the findings from the Phoenix lander and the implications of briny water on the Martian surface, confirming that it was indeed water, albeit potentially different from what we know on Earth.

    - Earth's Mass and Space Junk: Holt raises a fascinating question about how much material we can send into space before it impacts Earth's orbit. Andrew and Fred provide insights into the negligible mass we've launched compared to the Earth's total mass, reassuring listeners that our planet remains unaffected.

    - Fusion Reactions in the Sun: Ken from Maroochydore seeks clarification on the fusion process in the sun, specifically regarding mass loss and binding energy. The hosts unravel the complexities of fusion, explaining how energy is produced and the significance of mass defects in nuclear reactions.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

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    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32708692?utm_source=youtube

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    31 m
  • April Skies: Celestial Wonders and Planetary Alignments Await
    Apr 10 2026

    SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 43 *Climate change is slowing Earth's spin at an unprecedented rate A new study has found that climate change is slowing the Earth rotation at an unprecedented rate compared to past 3.6 million years *Magnetic waves discovered deep inside the Sun Scientists have detected large scale magnetic waves moving deep inside the Sun. The discovery reported in the journal Nature Astronomy could help scientists predict solar activity. *Mystery medical evacuation from space station finally explained That mystery medical evacuation from the International Space Station earlier this year has finally been explained. *April SkyWatch The splendours of the Southern Cross and its two pointer stars Alpha and Beta Centauri, the blue Supergiant Canopus and the Lyrids meteor shower are among the highlights of the April night skies on SkyWatch. Our Guests This Week: Artemis lunar science lead Kelsey Young from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn (http://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn) . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ If you’d like to support the podcast and gain access to bonus content by becoming a SpaceTime crew member, you can do just that through premium versions on Patreon, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Details on the Support page on our website https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/ (https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/)

    Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/32667831?utm_source=youtube

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    32 m