SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy Podcast

In this episode ofSpaceTime, we delve into the cosmos to uncover extraordinary cosmic phenomena, groundbreaking Mars exploration, and innovative asteroid detection technology.
The Most Powerful Cosmic Explosions Since the Big Bang
Astronomers have identified a new class of cosmic events known as extreme nuclear transients (ENTs), which are the most powerful explosions observed since the Big Bang. These events occur when supermassive black holes tear apart stars over three times the mass of our sun, releasing energy that surpasses even the brightest supernovae. We explore the implications of these findings, including how these luminous phenomena can provide insights into black hole growth and the early universe.
NASA's Perseverance Rover Takes a Bite of Ancient Martian Rock
NASA's Perseverance Rover has sampled a potentially ancient rock on Mars known as Crocodilen, located on the Jezero Crater Rim. This area offers vital clues about the planet's watery past and the potential for past life. We discuss the rover's mission, its new sampling strategy, and the significance of the clay minerals found in the region, which could preserve organic compounds.
First Light for Europe's New Killer Asteroid Hunter
The European Space Agency's FlyEye telescope has achieved its first light, marking a new era in the search for near-Earth asteroids that could threaten our planet. Designed to capture a vast region of the sky simultaneously, FlyEye will operate autonomously to detect and track these celestial hazards. We delve into how this innovative technology will enhance our planetary defense efforts and the role it will play in monitoring potential threats.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
Episode References
Science Advances
https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
Nature
https://www.nature.com/nature/
Become a supporter of this podcast:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 70 for broadcast on 11 June 2025
01:00 The most powerful cosmic explosions since the Big Bang
12:15 NASA's Perseverance Rover takes a bite of ancient Martian rock
22:30 First light for Europe's new killer asteroid hunter
30:00 Science report: Global drought severity increases since 1981

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In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking revelations that challenge our understanding of cosmic events and planetary formation.
New Insights on the Milky Way and Andromeda Collision
Recent studies utilizing data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft cast doubt on the long-anticipated collision between our Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. New simulations indicate only a 2% probability of a merger occurring within the next 3.7 to 5 billion years, suggesting that both galaxies may continue to evolve largely unperturbed for a much longer period. We explore the implications of these findings and the variables that have altered previous predictions about our galactic future.
Understanding Seismic Wave Acceleration in Earth's D Layer
A fascinating new study sheds light on the behavior of seismic waves deep within the Earth. Researchers have discovered that the unique crystal structure of minerals in the D layer, located near the core-mantle boundary, influences the acceleration of seismic waves. This breakthrough not only clarifies the mystery behind seismic wave behavior but also provides insights into the dynamics at play in the Earth's depths.
Discovery of Embryonic Exoplanets Using Advanced Techniques
Astronomers have unveiled a new technique that has successfully identified five new embryonic exoplanets, offering a glimpse into their early formation stages. Utilizing the ALMA radio telescope, researchers can peer through dense protoplanetary disks to detect these young planets, which are forming rapidly in dynamic environments. This revolutionary method opens new avenues for understanding planetary evolution and the processes that govern the birth of new worlds.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
Episode References
Nature Astronomy
https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/
Communications Earth and Environment
https://www.nature.com/commsenv/
Astrophysical Journal Letters
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
Become a supporter of this podcast:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 69 for broadcast on 9 June 2025
01:00 New insights on the Milky Way and Andromeda collision
12:15 Understanding seismic wave acceleration in Earth's D layer
22:30 Discovery of embryonic exoplanets using advanced techniques
30:00 Science report: AI systems refusing to turn off

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In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover exciting new research challenging our understanding of dark matter, reveal hidden treasures beneath the Earth's surface, and explore the potential for life on Titan, Saturn's enigmatic moon.
Modified Newtonian Dynamics: A Dark Matter Alternative
Recent studies suggest that modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) may serve as a viable alternative to the elusive dark matter hypothesis. This theory, proposed by physicist Mordecai Milgrom, modifies Newton's laws to explain the gravitational behavior observed in galaxies without relying on dark matter. We delve into the latest findings that support MOND, including a novel method for measuring gravity in wide binary star systems, which indicates that gravity may actually be stronger than Newton's predictions under certain conditions.
Earth's Hidden Gold Reserves
A groundbreaking study reveals that Earth's core may contain vast reserves of gold and other precious metals, far beyond what is accessible on the surface. Researchers discovered traces of ruthenium in volcanic rocks from Hawaii, suggesting that these metals originated from the core and are leaking into the mantle. This research opens new avenues for understanding Earth's internal dynamics and the movement of materials from the core to the surface.
Searching for Life's Chemistry on Titan
NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission aims to investigate the intriguing chemistry of life on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. With its organic-rich environment and unique geological features, Titan presents an opportunity to study prebiotic chemistry in a way that Earth cannot. We explore how Dragonfly will analyze the moon's surface and atmosphere to uncover clues about the processes that may have led to the emergence of life, potentially reshaping our understanding of habitability in the universe.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
Nature
https://www.nature.com/nature/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 68 for broadcast on 6 June 2025
01:00 Modified Newtonian dynamics as an alternative to dark matter
12:15 Earth's hidden gold reserves
22:30 Searching for life's chemistry on Titan
30:00 Science report: Ancient tool-making from whale bones and quantum computing breakthroughs

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In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest developments in space exploration, lunar geology, and solar phenomena.
SpaceX's Fiery Ninth Starship Test Flight
The latest test flight of SpaceX's Starship ended dramatically as both the orbiter and the booster were destroyed during reentry. Despite the fiery conclusion, SpaceX officials noted that the test was designed to push the limits of the spacecraft. The flight featured numerous milestones, including a successful hot staging and the first reflight of a booster. However, issues arose during the landing burn, resulting in a spectacular explosion. We discuss the implications of this test and what it means for future missions, including NASA's Artemis 3.
Lunar Rocks and Their Magnetic Mystery
A new study proposes that a significant asteroid impact may explain the presence of highly magnetic rocks on the Moon. Researchers suggest that a brief amplification of the Moon's weak magnetic field, caused by a large plasma-generated impact event, could account for the magnetism observed in some lunar samples. This hypothesis sheds light on the Moon's geological history and its magnetic properties, particularly in regions near the lunar south pole, where future missions are planned.
Revealing the Sun's Corona
Astronomers have captured unprecedented details of the Sun's corona using a new adaptive optics system. This groundbreaking technology has allowed scientists to produce the clearest images of the corona yet, enhancing our understanding of coronal heating and solar eruptions. The new observations reveal dynamic features and turbulent flows within the corona, providing insights into the mechanisms driving space weather and its effects on Earth.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Astronomy
https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/
Science Advances
https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 67 for broadcast on 4 June 2025
01:00 SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight
12:15 Lunar rocks and their magnetic mystery
22:30 Revealing the Sun's corona
30:00 Science report: New methods for green hydrogen production

Sponsor Details:
This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the pioneers in 360-degree video technology. To explore their innovative range and claim your special offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the coupon code SpaceTime at checkout.

In this episode of SpaceTime, we tackle some of the universe's most pressing mysteries, including new insights into the Hubble constant, the surprising geology of Venus, and the building blocks of stellar formation.
Resolving the Hubble Constant Debate
New data from the James Webb Space Telescope may have finally reconciled the long-standing discrepancy in the measurement of the Hubble constant, the rate at which the universe expands. For years, scientists have grappled with differing values derived from cosmic microwave background radiation and supernova observations. Lead author Wendy Friedman discusses how recent findings suggest that the standard model of cosmology holds up, with the Hubble constant now estimated at 70.4 kilometres per second per megaparsec, aligning more closely with earlier measurements. This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of the universe’s expansion and evolution.
Venus's Thin Crust
New research indicates that Venus's crust is unexpectedly thin, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's geology. A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Venus lacks the tectonic activity seen on Earth, resulting in a crust that is about 40 to 65 kilometres thick. This research proposes a model of crust metamorphism that could explain how volcanic activity persists on Venus, despite the absence of plate tectonics. Upcoming missions, including NASA's Davinci and Veritas, aim to gather more data that could confirm these findings and enhance our understanding of Venus's geological processes.
Building Blocks of Stellar Formation
A recent study highlights that the formation of stars is influenced not only by the amount of gas in a galaxy but also by its distribution. Observations from the WALLABY survey, conducted using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Telescope, reveal that star formation is concentrated in areas with higher gas density. Lead author Seona Lee explains how this research sheds light on the intricate processes that govern star formation, suggesting that gas location is critical for the birth of new stars across various galaxy types.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
Nature Communications
https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 66 for broadcast on 2 June 2025
01:00 Resolving the Hubble constant debate
12:15 Venus's surprisingly thin crust
22:30 Building blocks of stellar formation
30:00 Science report: New links between autism and Parkinson's disease