Episodes

  • S04E105: Solar Cycle 26's Early Signs & Curiosity's Sulfur Surprise

    S04E105: Solar Cycle 26's Early Signs & Curiosity's Sulfur Surprise
    Jul 19 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the Podcast that brings you the latest news and updates from the world of space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some exciting topics to cover, from the early signs of the sun's next solar cycle to a groundbreaking discovery by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover. There's a lot to discuss. We'll also delve into the recent findings on Jupiter's great red spot and get an update on Boeing's Starliner capsule. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just a space enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. So let's get started.
    • First Signs of Solar Cycle 26 Detected: Scientists have detected the first rumblings of the next eleven-year solar cycle through sound waves within the sun, even though we're still halfway through the current one, Solar Cycle 25. This discovery, presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's national astronomy meeting, came from researchers at the University of Birmingham. Using internal sound waves, astronomers have pinpointed patterns of faster and slower rotating bands within the sun, known as solar torsional oscillation. Dr. Rachel Howe noted that a faint sign of the next solar cycle, Cycle 26, is now visible in the data, indicating that it will officially commence around 2030. This ongoing research aims to advance our knowledge of solar dynamics and prepare for the impacts of solar activity on Earth.
    • - Curiosity Mars Rover's Groundbreaking Discovery: On May 30, NASA's Curiosity rover made a surprising discovery by driving over a rock and revealing yellow sulfur crystals, a sight never before seen on Mars. This find suggests new insights into Mars' geologic and hydrologic history. The rover has been exploring the Geddes Valis channel, uncovering various clues about the planet's past, including chemical interactions and water flows. Project scientist Ashwin Vasavada described the discovery as finding an oasis in the desert, highlighting its significance in understanding Mars' complex narrative.
    • - Boeing's Starliner Capsule Update: Boeing is making strides in understanding the thruster issues that delayed the return of its Starliner capsule from the International Space Station. Engineers recently completed tests on a spare thruster, providing invaluable data for troubleshooting the problem. NASA's commercial crew program manager, Steve Stitch, emphasized the importance of these tests in ensuring a safe return for astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams. Although there's no confirmed return date yet, the detailed analysis will guide the necessary adjustments before clearing Starliner for its journey home.
    • - Jupiter's Great Red Spot Shrinking: Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the largest windstorm in the solar system, has been shrinking over the past century. A new study led by Caleb Kevinney from Yale University might shed light on why this is happening. Using 3D simulations, researchers discovered that smaller transient storms feed into the Great Red Spot, helping to sustain its size. This study has broader implications for understanding both Jovian and terrestrial weather systems, potentially improving our predictive capabilities for extreme weather events on Earth.
    • Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily newsletter and stay updated with the latest space news. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to join our community of stargazers and space enthusiasts. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.
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    11 mins
  • S04E104: Viper's Lunar Farewell & ISS's Grand Finale

    S04E104: Viper's Lunar Farewell & ISS's Grand Finale
    Jul 18 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest news in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of space-related news that I'm sure you'll find fascinating.
    Episode Highlights
    - **NASA Cancels Viper Lunar Rover Mission**: NASA has officially canceled the Viper lunar rover mission, initially aimed at exploring the moon's south polar region. Persistent supply chain issues and cost overruns were major factors. While the rover is fully assembled, NASA is exploring the possibility of offering it to US industry and international partners for future lunar exploration.
    - **Deorbiting the ISS**: NASA has unveiled plans to deorbit the International Space Station using a vehicle developed by SpaceX. This move will bring a controlled and safe conclusion to two decades of remarkable achievements aboard the ISS. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be adapted for this mission, ensuring a precise and safe reentry.
    - **Hot Jupiter Progenitor Discovered**: Astronomers have pinpointed a hot Jupiter in the making, known as TIC 241-24-9530 b. This planet, situated about 1100 light-years from Earth, has the most eccentric orbit ever recorded and is expected to evolve into a hot Jupiter over a billion years. The discovery sheds light on the life cycle of these extreme planets.
    - **Preserving ISS Artifacts**: NASA is now considering preserving small artifacts from the International Space Station, marking a reversal of their previous stance. Items like the ship’s bell, logs, and display panels may be saved as mementos, ensuring that the ISS's legacy is immortalized in museums.
    NASA Cancels Viper Lunar Rover Mission
    NASA has officially pulled the plug on the Viper lunar rover mission, originally scheduled for a November launch. Persistent supply chain issues and cost overruns were cited as the main reasons. The mission, aimed at exploring the moon's south polar region, was delayed multiple times, pushing potential landing to 2025. Despite the cancellation, NASA is exploring the possibility of offering the rover to US industry and international partners.
    Deorbiting the ISS
    NASA has unveiled plans to deorbit the International Space Station using a vehicle developed by SpaceX. This move will bring a controlled and safe conclusion to two decades of remarkable achievements aboard the ISS. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be adapted for this mission, ensuring a precise and safe reentry. The mission will see the ISS drift downwards before the crew finally exits, about six months prior to the final reentry.
    Hot Jupiter Progenitor Discovered
    Astronomers have pinpointed a hot Jupiter in the making, known as TIC 241-24-9530 b. This planet, situated about 1100 light-years from Earth, has the most eccentric orbit ever recorded and is expected to evolve into a hot Jupiter over a billion years. The discovery, published in Nature, sheds light on the life cycle of these extreme planets and underscores the importance of multi-institutional collaboration in uncovering the mysteries of our universe.
    Preserving ISS Artifacts
    NASA is now considering preserving small artifacts from the International Space Station, marking a reversal of their previous stance. Items like the ship’s bell, logs, and display panels may be saved as mementos, ensuring that the ISS's legacy is immortalized in museums. NASA is consulting with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to develop a preservation strategy.
    Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily newsletter and stay updated with the latest space news. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to join our community of stargazers and space enthusiasts. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.
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    17 mins
  • S04E103: New Worlds Discovered & Sun's Fiery Display

    S04E103: New Worlds Discovered & Sun's Fiery Display
    Jul 17 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest news in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna.
    In today's episode, we've got some fantastic stories lined up for you. We'll start by exploring some fascinating new discoveries in the world of exoplanet science, where scientists have just announced the finding of six new worlds, pushing the count of known exoplanets beyond 5500. Then we'll decode the details of a powerful solar flare that recently erupted from our sun, one of the largest explosive events that our solar system can produce. Finally, we'll dive into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence technology as it's being used by NASA's Mars rover, showcasing how AI is revolutionizing autonomous planetary exploration. Stay tuned. You won't want to miss this.
    • **Six New Exoplanets Discovered**: On August 24, 2023, scientists announced a groundbreaking discovery of six new exoplanets, pushing the number of known exoplanets to 5502. These new worlds, detected using various cutting-edge methods, range from massive gas giants to potentially rocky planets. Among them are HD 36384 b, a super Jupiter, and TOI 198 b, a rocky planet in the habitable zone of its star. Each discovery provides invaluable data for researchers, enhancing our understanding of planetary diversity and the potential for extraterrestrial life.
    • - **NASA's Exoplanet Hunting Tools**: NASA's suite of tools, including the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and the James Webb Space Telescope, have significantly expanded our catalog of known exoplanets. The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope promises to advance our ability to directly observe and study exoplanets, potentially identifying conditions suitable for life.
    • - **Powerful Solar Flare on July 13, 2024**: Our sun emitted a powerful X1.2-class solar flare, one of the most explosive occurrences in our solar system. Captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), this flare highlights the importance of monitoring solar activities to mitigate their effects on Earth's technologies. SDO's sophisticated instruments provide high-resolution images and data, helping scientists understand solar variability and safeguard our technological infrastructure.
    • - **AI on NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover**: Artificial intelligence on NASA's Perseverance Mars rover is revolutionizing autonomous exploration. Using the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), the rover autonomously analyzes rock compositions, making real-time decisions without input from Earth. This AI-driven precision ensures the collection of scientifically valuable data and represents a pivotal step toward future AI-driven exploratory missions.
    • Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io, where you can sign up for our free daily newsletter, track all the latest space and astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed, and listen to all our back episodes. Catch you in the next one. Until then, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.
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    13 mins
  • S04E102: Comet Drama & Juice's Celestial Waltz

    S04E102: Comet Drama & Juice's Celestial Waltz
    Jul 16 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your source for the latest in space and astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some exciting topics to discuss.
    Episode Highlights
    - Tsuchinchan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3): Dive into the fate of a newly discovered comet, Tsuchinchan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3), which has sparked both enthusiasm and debate among astronomers. Initially lost and then rediscovered, this comet's journey and potential fragmentation have divided the astronomical community.
    - ESA's JUICE Mission: Explore the European Space Agency's daring mission as the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) prepares for a groundbreaking lunar-Earth flyby. This maneuver will use the moon's and Earth's gravity to alter the spacecraft's trajectory toward Jupiter, showcasing innovative space navigation.
    - NASA Beams Hip Hop to Venus: Highlight a musical milestone in space communication as NASA beams Missy Elliott's hip hop track, "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," to Venus. This extraordinary blend of art and science symbolizes a fascinating crossover between space exploration and popular culture.
    Tsuchinchan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3)
    Officially known as C/2023 A3, this intriguing celestial object was discovered earlier this year on January 9 at the Purple Mountain Observatory's Xuyi station in China. Initially lost, it was rediscovered 44 days later at the Atlas station in South Africa. While predictions suggested it could become a bright naked-eye object by fall 2024, recent research by Dr. Zdenek Sekanina, a respected comet expert, suggests it may not survive its journey around the sun. The astronomical community remains divided, with some experts predicting disintegration and others observing signs of a healthy nucleus.
    ESA's JUICE Mission
    This August, JUICE is set to perform an ambitious lunar-Earth flyby, the first-ever attempt to use both the moon's and Earth's gravity to alter its trajectory toward Jupiter. This high-stakes maneuver will adjust JUICE's speed and direction without massive amounts of fuel, setting the stage for its epic journey to Jupiter. The mission involves continuous contact with ground stations and the activation of all ten science instruments to collect invaluable data.
    NASA Beams Hip Hop to Venus
    In an extraordinary blend of art and science, NASA's Deep Space Network transmitted Missy Elliott's hip hop track, "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," to Venus for the first time. This initiative symbolizes a creative intersection between space exploration and popular culture. The song was beamed 158 million miles from Earth to Venus, showcasing the vast capabilities of NASA's communication systems.
    Don't forget to visit our website, astronomydaily.io, to sign up for our free daily newsletter, track the latest astronomy news, and listen to all our previous episodes. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.
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    14 mins
  • S04E101: Heliosphere Mysteries & Webb's Galactic Dance

    S04E101: Heliosphere Mysteries & Webb's Galactic Dance
    Jul 15 2024
    Welcome to another episode of Astronomy AstroDailyPod. I'm your host, Steve Dunkley, and today is 15 July 2024. Despite feeling under the weather, I'm here to bring you the latest updates from the cosmos. Let's dive straight into the celestial news with Hallie.
    Episode Highlights
    • Understanding the HeliosphereThe sun's influence extends far beyond Earth, creating the heliosphere—a vast bubble in space filled with solar wind and magnetic fields. This episode explores the heliosphere's interaction with the interstellar medium and its encompassing planets and celestial belts.
    • Webb Telescope's Cosmic Dance To celebrate its second anniversary, the Webb Telescope captured an infrared view of two galaxies, the penguin and the egg, locked in a cosmic dance. This segment delves into their interactions and the star formations triggered by their collision.Night Sky Wonders
    • Discover the celestial events visible this week, including Mars and Jupiter's pre-dawn appearance in Taurus, the close encounter with Uranus, and the start of the Perseid meteor shower. Tips for stargazing and using binoculars to enhance your experience are also shared.
    • Space Junk Dangers Farmers in Saskatchewan recently found spacecraft fragments, highlighting the growing issue of space debris. This segment discusses the risks and the need for controlled reentries to prevent potential fatalities or damage.
    • SpaceX Falcon 9 Failure SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket faced a rare failure, leading to the loss of 20 Starlink satellites. This section covers the incident, its implications, and the ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.
    • Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated with the latest space news. Follow us on X at AstroDailyPod and join our community on Facebook.
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    • Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe. See you next week when I'm hopefully feeling better. Bye for now!
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    18 mins
  • S03E100: Falcon 9's Rare Failure & Apollo 11's 55th Anniversary

    S03E100: Falcon 9's Rare Failure & Apollo 11's 55th Anniversary
    Jul 13 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your ultimate source for the latest and most captivating news in space and astronomy. I'm Anna, your host, and I'm excited to guide you through today's cosmic happenings. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a newcomer to the wonders of the universe, this podcast promises to be both engaging and insightful. Today, we're diving into some fascinating developments, from the unexpected hiccup with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, which has been a stalwart in the launch industry, to NASA's celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing's 55th anniversary, highlighting how Apollo-era innovations continue to influence today's space missions. We'll also celebrate the second anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope, marveling at its latest stunning images and groundbreaking discoveries. Finally, we'll discuss the concerns surrounding the Europa Clipper mission, focusing on some technical issues that have emerged just months before its anticipated launch. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the universe together.
    Episode Highlights
    - SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Failure: Last Friday, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket faced a rare and unfortunate failure, marking the end of an impressive seven-year success streak. This incident involved the rocket breaking apart in space, which doomed its payload of 20 Starlink satellites. The investigation into the cause of this engine failure has already begun, and the Falcon 9 will remain grounded until a comprehensive solution is found.
    - Apollo 11 Moon Landing 55th Anniversary: NASA is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone in space exploration, the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This landmark event took place on July 20, 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon. To honor this remarkable achievement, NASA has planned a series of in-person, virtual, and engagement activities across the nation from July 15 to July 25.
    - James Webb Space Telescope 2nd Anniversary: The James Webb Space Telescope has just marked its second anniversary of operations. Since its launch, the Webb telescope has continued to astonish us with its groundbreaking discoveries and captivating images. The anniversary image depicts the cosmic ballet of interacting galaxies, Arp 142, captured in vivid detail by Webb's near-infrared camera and mid-infrared instrument.
    - Europa Clipper Mission Concerns: The highly anticipated Europa Clipper mission, set to illuminate the mysteries of Jupiter's icy moon Europa, faces a significant hurdle just months before its planned launch in October. A newly discovered problem with the spacecraft's transistors has thrown a wrench in the mission's timeline. This ambitious $5 billion endeavor aims to assess the moon's potential to support life.
    Don't forget to visit our website for more episodes and the latest space news from our continually updating news feed. For even more space content and updates, follow us on Facebook, X, and TikTok. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the universe.
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    17 mins
  • S03E99: Virgin Galactic's New Facility & SpaceX's Starlink Anomaly

    S03E99: Virgin Galactic's New Facility & SpaceX's Starlink Anomaly
    Jul 12 2024
    Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to bring you the latest updates from the cosmos. Today we have an exciting lineup of stories that span from cutting-edge manufacturing breakthroughs to game-changing proposals in planetary science. So get comfortable, and let's embark on this journey through the latest frontiers of space and astronomy.
    Episode Highlights
    • Virgin Galactic's New Manufacturing Facility: Virgin Galactic has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of their new state-of-the-art spaceship manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility is set to revolutionize the final assembly of their next-generation Delta spaceships, aiming for commercial operations by 2026.
    • - ispace Rocket Setback: The Chinese private aerospace firm ispace faced a significant setback during the test flight of their SQX-1Y8 rocket. We'll discuss the mission, what went wrong, and the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the failure.
    • - Redefining Planets: A group of planetary scientists led by UCLA professor Jean-Luc Margot has proposed a new definition of what constitutes a planet. This new proposal aims to include exoplanets and provide a more precise classification system.
    • - SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink Launch Anomaly: SpaceX encountered a rare issue with their Falcon 9 rocket during the launch of Starlink satellites. We'll examine the implications for future missions and what this means for the Starlink satellite constellation.
    • If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io, where you can catch up on all our episodes and stay updated with the latest in space and astronomy news. We love having you as part of our astronomical community, so keep tuning in for more stellar content. Until next time, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    15 mins
  • S03E98: Starliner Delays & Mars' Icy Secrets Unveiled

    S03E98: Starliner Delays & Mars' Icy Secrets Unveiled
    Jul 11 2024
    Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for the latest updates and thrilling discoveries from the cosmos. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm excited to take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating stories from the universe. Whether you're commuting, relaxing, or exploring the great outdoors, let's dive into the wonders of the cosmos together. First, we'll discuss the perseverance of astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams aboard the ISS, who remain confident in the Boeing Starliner despite recent setbacks. Next, we'll explore new insights into Mars' climatic history, suggesting the Red Planet once experienced cold and icy conditions similar to Earth's subarctic regions. We'll also delve into a study revealing that up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets, offering vital clues about how water arrived on Earth. Lastly, we'll uncover groundbreaking news from the Omega Centauri cluster, where an international team may have pinpointed an intermediate-mass black hole at its core. So sit back, relax, and enjoy today's cosmic adventure.
    Episode Highlights
    • Confidence in Boeing Starliner: Astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams express unwavering faith in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft despite technical setbacks, as they await their return from the ISS.
    • - Martian Icy Clues: Recent studies suggest Mars once had cold, icy conditions similar to subarctic regions on Earth, shedding new light on its potential to have supported life.
    • - Dark Comets: Up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets, mysterious celestial bodies that might have played a key role in delivering water to Earth.
    • - Omega Centauri's Black Hole: An international team may have identified an intermediate-mass black hole at the core of Omega Centauri, offering new insights into black hole formation and growth.
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    16 mins