Episodes

  • Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet

    Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet
    Jul 4 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover remarkable insights into Mars, Mercury, and the latest developments in space exploration.
    Hidden Martian Volcano: Jezero Mons
    Scientists have identified a previously overlooked volcano, Jezero Mons, located on the rim of Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover is actively collecting samples. This discovery could provide vital clues about Mars' volcanic history and habitability, suggesting that the region may have supported life due to the interplay of volcanic heat and water. The findings, published in Communications Earth and Environment, highlight the need for further exploration of Mars' geology, as volcanism plays a crucial role in understanding the planet's past.
    Tidal Forces Shaping Mercury's Cliffs
    A new study published in Geophysical Research Planets proposes that tidal forces from the Sun may have contributed to the deformation of Mercury's towering cliffs. Traditionally attributed to cooling and contraction, this research indicates that the planet's unique orbital dynamics could also influence its geological features. The BepiColombo mission, scheduled to arrive at Mercury next year, aims to gather data that could validate these findings and enhance our understanding of the planet's evolution over billions of years.
    Axiom Space's AX4 Mission Arrives at the ISS
    The Axiom Space AX4 mission has successfully docked at the International Space Station for a 14-day stay. This mission, featuring a diverse international crew, aims to conduct over 60 scientific and commercial experiments, furthering Axiom's goal of establishing a private space station in low Earth orbit. Despite facing multiple delays, the mission underscores the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Communications Earth and Environment
    https://www.nature.com/commsenv/
    Geophysical Research Planets
    https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/24701343
    Axiom Space
    https://www.axiomspace.com/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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    36 mins
  • Stellar Insights: Parker Solar Probe's Mission to Understand Solar Activity

    Stellar Insights: Parker Solar Probe's Mission to Understand Solar Activity
    Jun 30 2025
    This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. Get up to 76% off NordVPN, enjoy 4 extra months free, and receive an Amazon gift card—plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Visit nordvpn.com/stuartgary or use code STUARTGARY at checkout.
    Parker Solar Probe's Historic Close Approach to the Sun
    NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable milestone, completing its 24th close flyby of the Sun at a record distance of just 6.2 million kilometers from the solar surface. During this encounter, the probe reached speeds of 687,000 kilometers per hour, gathering invaluable data on solar wind and solar activity as the Sun approaches its solar maximum. The mission aims to deepen our understanding of the Sun's behavior and its impact on space weather, which can affect technology and human activities on Earth.
    Deep Earth Pulses: A New Ocean in the Making
    Scientists have detected rhythmic surges of molten rock rising from deep within the Earth beneath Africa, revealing a dynamic mantle plume that is gradually tearing the continent apart. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature Geoscience, indicates that the Afar region is experiencing the birth of a new ocean basin due to the interaction between tectonic plates and the pulsing mantle below. The study highlights the complex relationship between the Earth's interior and surface processes, offering new insights into volcanic activity and continental breakup.
    Aeris Rocket Launch Window Opens
    Mission managers at Gilmour Space are preparing for the opening of a new launch window for their Ares orbital rocket's first test flight, set to begin tomorrow. Following earlier technical issues, the team is closely monitoring weather conditions as they aim to launch the first all-Australian designed and built launch vehicle since the 1970s. With ambitious plans for future versions capable of carrying heavier payloads, this test flight marks a significant step in Australia's growing space industry.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Geoscience
    https://www.nature.com/naturegeoscience/
    NASA Parker Solar Probe
    https://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probe
    Gilmour Space
    https://gilmourspace.com/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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    25 mins
  • Magnetic Mysteries: Unraveling Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field Connection

    Magnetic Mysteries: Unraveling Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field Connection
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating connections between Earth's atmospheric conditions and its magnetic field, alongside intriguing insights into Mercury and the mysteries of the Sun's corona.
    Link Between Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field
    A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances reveals a correlation between the fluctuations of Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric oxygen levels over the last 540 million years. Researchers suggest that processes within the Earth might influence habitability on the surface, highlighting the magnetic field's role in protecting our atmosphere from cosmic rays and solar wind. This correlation raises questions about the underlying processes linking these two critical elements for life on Earth.
    Unraveling Mercury's Secrets
    New findings indicate that Mercury's crust and internal structure are unlike any other planet in our solar system. Laboratory simulations are aiding the European-Japanese BepiColombo mission, set to orbit Mercury in November 2026. Researchers are investigating why Mercury's core constitutes 60% of its volume, exploring theories about its metal-rich composition and volcanic history. The study emphasizes the need for more data to understand Mercury's unique characteristics and geological processes.
    The Ongoing Mystery of the Sun's Corona
    Despite advancements in solar research, the heating of the Sun's corona remains a significant puzzle. Observations from NASA's IRIS mission and other spacecraft are shedding light on potential mechanisms, including magnetic reconnection and plasma waves. These studies are revealing the complexity of the solar atmosphere and could help scientists understand how energy is transferred from the Sun's surface to its outer layers.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    NASA IRIS Mission
    https://iris.lmsal.com/
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int/
    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 77 for broadcast on 27 June 2025
    01:00 Link between Earth's oxygen and magnetic field
    12:15 Unraveling Mercury's secrets
    22:30 The ongoing mystery of the Sun's corona
    30:00 Science report: Changing seasonal rhythms and their impact on ecosystems
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    22 mins
  • Cosmic Threads: Discovering the Universe's Hidden Matter in Hot Gas Filaments

    Cosmic Threads: Discovering the Universe's Hidden Matter in Hot Gas Filaments
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover significant advancements in our understanding of the universe and ongoing developments in space exploration.
    Astronomers Find the Universe's Missing Matter
    A groundbreaking study reveals that the universe's elusive normal matter is concealed within hot intergalactic gas filaments. This discovery, detailed in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, identifies a massive filament of gas, ten times the mass of the Milky Way, connecting four galaxy clusters. Utilizing the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and JAXA's Suzaku X-ray space telescopes, researchers have successfully characterized this filament, providing crucial insights into the cosmic web's structure and supporting existing models of the universe.
    Concerns Grow Over Leaks Aboard the International Space Station
    Fresh concerns regarding leaks aboard the International Space Station have led to delays in the SpaceX Axiom Spaceflight 4 mission. NASA is closely monitoring cabin pressure in the Russian segment of the station, where ongoing structural issues have been identified. Despite recent repairs, the situation remains a top safety priority as astronauts prepare for their upcoming mission.
    European Space Agency's Mars Rover Progress
    The European Space Agency's ExoMars rover, Rosalind Franklin, is back on track to land on Mars in 2028, seven years later than originally planned. This mission aims to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet and investigate its geochemical environment. With new funding and NASA's agreement to provide launch services, the Rosalind Franklin rover is undergoing final tests to ensure its success on the Martian surface.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astronomy and Astrophysics
    https://www.aanda.org/
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int/
    NASA
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    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 76 for broadcast on 25 June 2025
    01:00 Astronomers find the universe's missing matter
    12:15 Concerns grow over leaks aboard the International Space Station
    22:30 European Space Agency's Mars rover progress
    30:00 Science report: New insights into conversion therapy and health impacts
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    21 mins
  • Starship Catastrophe: The Latest Test Flight Explosion and Its Implications

    Starship Catastrophe: The Latest Test Flight Explosion and Its Implications
    Jun 23 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore some of the most recent and intriguing developments in space exploration and cosmic phenomena.
    Starship's Latest Test Flight Ends in Explosion
    SpaceX faces another setback as its 10th Starship test flight ended in a massive explosion at the Massey test stand in Boca Chica, Texas. The incident occurred just minutes before a planned static fire test of the upper stage. We discuss the details of the explosion, including early indications of a cryogenic methane leak and the implications for SpaceX's ambitious goals of interplanetary transport.
    A Cosmic Anomaly and Its Frightening Implications for Earth
    A newly discovered cosmic anomaly challenges our understanding of galaxy evolution. A distant spiral galaxy, housing a supermassive black hole billions of times the mass of the Sun, is emitting colossal radio jets stretching over 6 million light years. This finding raises alarming questions about the potential future of our own Milky Way and the dangers posed by similar jets originating from Sagittarius A, our galaxy's supermassive black hole. We delve into the study's findings and their implications for life on Earth.
    New Insights into Neutron Stars
    A groundbreaking study has provided new insights into the birth masses of neutron stars, revealing that they typically form with a mass around 1.3 times that of our Sun. Using advanced modeling techniques, researchers analyzed a sample of neutron stars in binary systems to understand their formation history better. This research opens up new avenues for interpreting gravitational wave detections and understanding the lifecycle of massive stars.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
    https://academic.oup.com/mnras
    Nature Astronomy
    https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/
    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 75 for broadcast on 23 June 2025
    01:00 Starship's latest test flight ends in explosion
    12:15 A cosmic anomaly and its frightening implications for Earth
    22:30 New insights into neutron stars
    30:00 Science report: Cannabis use linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk
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    24 mins
  • Cosmic Giants: Unveiling the Universe's Largest Particle Cloud

    Cosmic Giants: Unveiling the Universe's Largest Particle Cloud
    Jun 20 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries and innovative advancements in the realm of space and planetary science.
    Record-Breaking Cosmic Structure Discovered
    Astronomers have imaged an unprecedented cosmic structure, a massive cloud of energetic particles surrounding a galaxy cluster that spans nearly 200 million light years. This remarkable finding, presented at the 246th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, challenges existing theories about particle energization, suggesting that giant shock waves and turbulence are at play rather than nearby galaxies. We delve into the implications of this discovery for our understanding of cosmic magnetic fields and the dynamics of galaxy clusters.
    A New Approach to Building Mars
    A recent study has revealed a novel method for planetary core formation, suggesting that molten sulfide rather than metal could create a core in rocky planets like Mars. This research, published in Nature Communications, offers fresh insights into the early evolution of terrestrial worlds, particularly in sulfur-rich environments. We discuss how this finding could reshape our understanding of Mars's geochemical timeline and its core formation process.
    High-Performance Infrared Nano Antennas
    Scientists have developed innovative gold nano antennas that significantly enhance the capabilities of thermal infrared cameras, improving image quality and sensitivity. This advancement, led by researchers at Sandia National Laboratories, allows for clearer observations of thermal infrared radiation, with applications ranging from astronomy to national security. We explore the technology behind these nano antennas and their potential impact on various fields.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Communications
    https://www.nature.com/ncomms/
    American Astronomical Society
    https://aas.org/
    Sandia National Laboratories
    https://www.sandia.gov/
    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 74 for broadcast on 20 June 2025
    01:00 Record-breaking cosmic structure discovered
    12:15 A new approach to building Mars
    22:30 High-performance infrared nano antennas
    30:00 Science report: New dinosaur species discovered
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    21 mins
  • Solar Secrets Unveiled - Solar Orbiter's Ground-breaking detail of the Sun's South Pole

    Solar Secrets Unveiled - Solar Orbiter's Ground-breaking detail of the Sun's South Pole
    Jun 18 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and advancements in space exploration.
    Solar Orbiter's Unprecedented Views of the Sun's South Pole
    For the first time, astronomers have captured detailed observations of the Sun's south pole thanks to the joint NASA/ESA Solar Orbiter spacecraft. This mission provides insights into the Sun's magnetic field dynamics and its role in the solar cycle, including the current solar maximum, which is marked by increased solar activity and spectacular auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of solar physics and space weather.
    Surprising Discoveries on the Moons of Uranus
    NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed unexpected surface characteristics of Uranus's largest moons. Contrary to predictions, the leading sides of these moons showed signs of darkening, challenging previous theories about the interactions between the moons and Uranus's magnetosphere. We explore the significance of these observations and what they suggest about the complex relationship between Uranus and its satellites.
    Europe's Ariane 6 Rocket Prepares for Its Third Launch
    The European Space Agency is gearing up for the third flight of its new Ariane 6 rocket, set to launch a meteorological satellite into orbit. We provide an overview of the Ariane 6's design advancements, its performance in previous launches, and how it enhances Europe's independent access to space. This rocket represents a significant step forward in European space capabilities.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA Solar Orbiter
    https://www.nasa.gov/solarorbiter
    Hubble Space Telescope
    https://hubblesite.org/
    Ariane 6 Launch Details
    https://www.arianespace.com/
    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 73 for broadcast on 18 June 2025
    01:00 Solar Orbiter's unprecedented views of the Sun's south pole
    12:15 Surprising discoveries on the moons of Uranus
    22:30 Europe's Ariane 6 rocket prepares for its third launch
    30:00 Science report: New insights into the Dead Sea Scrolls and autism research
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    29 mins