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Cosmic Discoveries: Erupting Comets, Boiling Ice Moons, and Mars' Climate Secrets

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical revelations that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. From the surprising eruptions of the exo-comet 3I Atlas to the intriguing boiling oceans beneath the icy crusts of moons like Enceladus, this episode is filled with cosmic wonders.

Episode Highlights:

- Eruptions on Comet 3I Atlas: Andrew and Fred explore the recent findings about the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, which appears to be experiencing volcanic eruptions. They discuss the concept of cryovolcanoes and how the comet's interactions with solar radiation may be causing these fascinating phenomena.

- Boiling Oceans of Ice Moons: The hosts examine new research from the University of California, Davis, which suggests that the ice moons of our solar system, including Enceladus, may have boiling oceans beneath their icy crusts. They explain how tidal forces and pressure changes could lead to this unexpected behavior.

- New Evidence of Mars' Climate: Andrew and Fred discuss exciting discoveries made by NASA's Perseverance rover, which has found evidence of a wet, tropical climate on Mars billions of years ago. They delve into the implications of these findings and what they might mean for the potential of past life on the Red Planet.

- Launch Pad Mishap: The episode concludes with a discussion about the recent incident involving the Soyuz launch pad, where a service platform was damaged following a successful launch. The hosts reflect on the challenges faced in human spaceflight and the ongoing cooperation between international space agencies despite geopolitical tensions.

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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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/30485159?utm_source=youtube

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries and intriguing phenomena from Mars to the depths of space.

Lightning Strikes on Mars: A Historic Discovery

NASA's Perseverance Rover has made a remarkable find by detecting lightning in the Martian atmosphere for the first time. Recorded within two dust devils in Jezero Crater, the rover's Supercam microphone captured electromagnetic and acoustic signals indicative of electrical discharges. This discovery not only confirms long-held theories about Martian electrical activity but also reveals significant implications for the planet's atmospheric chemistry and potential hazards for future missions.

NASA's Observations of Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

Following the European Space Agency's observations, NASA has released stunning images of interstellar comet 3I Atlas. As the comet passed close to Mars, NASA's MAVEN and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provided crucial data on its trajectory and chemical composition. These insights are helping astronomers piece together the comet's journey and origins, revealing potential clues about water in other star systems.

Moss in Space: Resilience Against the Void

A new study has shown that moss can survive the harsh conditions of space for up to 15 years. Researchers sent moss spores to the International Space Station, where they thrived despite exposure to the vacuum and extreme temperatures. This remarkable resilience could have implications for understanding life's potential to endure in extreme environments beyond Earth.

Skywatch: December Highlights

As the December solstice approaches, we take a look at the night sky's highlights, including the Geminids meteor shower and the ticking time bomb of Eta Carina. We also discuss the significance of the December solstice and the celestial events that define this time of year.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Nature

NASA Reports

Journal of Eye Science

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

(00:00:00) NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has captured evidence of electrical discharges

(00:03:47) NASA publishes its own observations of the Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas

(00:07:26) Moss spores survive exposure to vacuum of space for up to 15 years

(00:09:40) The December solstice marks the beginning of winter in both hemispheres

(00:11:54) Axial precession causes a slow and continuous change in Earth's rotational axis

(00:15:11) Astronomers describe stars in terms of spectral types based on temperature and characteristics

(00:19:04) Two blue stars nearing end of their lives before exploding massive core collapse supernovae

(00:24:23) Just above the horizon is the constellation of Orion the Hunter

(00:34:04) Canopus talks about the effect of the Moon on stargazing

(00:37:03) The Southern Cross starts near the celestial equator and wanders far south

(00:39:06) There are two star clusters that we speak about quite often on the show

(00:41:50) The only planet that's up in the early evening is Saturn

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30473771?utm_source=youtube

Threat to the Atacama Desert: Scientists are raising alarms over a massive renewable energy project near Chile’s Atacama Desert, home to the Paranal Observatory. Concerns include potential light pollution, dust interference, and atmospheric heating that could compromise the region's exceptional astronomical conditions. The scientific community is advocating for solutions to minimize these impacts while balancing sustainable energy needs.

Blue Origin's New Innovations: Blue Origin has unveiled exciting new hardware, including the Blue Moon Mark One robotic lander set to fly by 2026, a more powerful version of the New Glenn rocket, and Blue Ring, a space tug designed to support logistics in Earth orbit. These advancements highlight the company's commitment to building a sustainable space infrastructure.

Starquakes and Cosmic Mysteries: NASA's TESS has detected unusual starquakes from a red giant orbiting the black hole Gaia BH2. The star's rapid spin and curious chemical composition suggest it may be the result of a merger between two stars, showcasing the power of astroseismology in uncovering cosmic histories.

Time on Mars: A fascinating revelation indicates that time moves slightly faster on Mars compared to Earth due to its weaker gravity and slower orbit. This difference, while minuscule, poses significant implications for future Martian missions, necessitating a standardized time system for coordinated operations.

Innovative Martian Construction: Researchers propose a groundbreaking method for building on Mars using local resources. By combining Martian soil with Earth bacteria, scientists aim to create bioconcrete for construction, while also producing oxygen, offering a dual solution for habitat creation and life support in the harsh Martian environment.

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, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! 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 Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Threat to the Atacama Desert

[Astronomy Journal]( https://www.astronomy.com/ (https://www.astronomy.com/) )

Blue Origin Innovations

[Blue Origin]( https://www.blueorigin.com/ (https://www.blueorigin.com/) )

Starquakes Research

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

Time on Mars Studies

[Physics Today]( https://www.physicstoday.org/ (https://www.physicstoday.org/) )

Martian Construction Research

[NASA Mars]( https://mars.nasa.gov/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/) )

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This episode includes AI-generated content.

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(00:00:00) Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

(00:00:50) New study claims Theia and Earth were once neighbours

(00:06:16) Lucy’s mission to Jupiter’s trojan asteroids

(00:15:26) Starliner’s next mission to be limited to cargo only

(00:17:57) The Science Report

(00:23:17) Alex on Tech: Dooms Day clock countdown to Digital ID

In this episode of SpaceTime , we dive into the intriguing origins of our Moon and the latest developments in space exploration.

Theia: The Lost Planet Behind the Moon's Birth

A groundbreaking study reveals that Theia, the small planet believed to have collided with Earth to form the Moon, originated from the inner solar system. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute and the University of Chicago have analyzed isotopic compositions of Earth and Moon rocks, suggesting that Theia was likely composed of materials found closer to the Sun than Earth's orbit. This discovery sheds light on the nature of this celestial body and its dramatic impact on our planet's history.

Lucy Mission Update: Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

NASA's Lucy spacecraft, launched in October 2021, is on an ambitious 12-year mission to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. These ancient remnants from the solar system's formation are crucial for understanding planetary development. Lucy will visit seven asteroids, including both leading and trailing Trojan swarms, providing unprecedented insights into the early solar system. Principal Investigator Hal Levison emphasizes that the mission will revolutionize our understanding of planetary formation and the origins of volatiles and organics on terrestrial planets.

Starliner Mission Limited to Cargo

In a significant setback, NASA has announced that Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will only carry cargo on its next mission to the International Space Station. This decision follows a series of technical issues that plagued Starliner's previous flights. With the total number of planned missions reduced from six to four, NASA aims to ensure safety and reliability before allowing crewed flights again.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of Science

NASA Reports

Max Planck Institute Studies

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