S27E143: Milky Way's Uniqueness, Prober 3's Solar Mission, and Australia's Secret Satellite

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 143
*The Milky Way: An Unusual Galaxy
A new study reveals that our Milky Way galaxy is an outlier among similar galaxies, challenging the assumption that it is a typical model for understanding galactic formation and evolution. Published in the Astrophysical Journal, the research highlights differences in the Milky Way's evolutionary history compared to other galaxies of similar mass. The Satellite Surround Galactic Analogues (SEGA) survey has identified 101 Milky Way-like analogues, revealing that the Milky Way hosts fewer satellite dwarf galaxies than its peers. Additionally, star formation in the Milky Way's satellite galaxies is less active, raising questions about its unique galactic environment.
*Europe's Prober 3 Mission to Study the Sun
All systems are go for the European Space Agency's Prober 3 mission, set to launch next month to study the Sun's corona. This double-satellite mission will create artificial eclipses, allowing for prolonged observations of the Sun's atmosphere. The mission will employ precise formation flying, with one satellite blocking the Sun's disc for the other, enabling extended studies of the solar corona, the source of solar wind and Space weather.
*Australia's Secret Satellite Launch
A classified mission for Optus and the Australian Defence Force has been launched by SpaceX. The mission, known as TD7, involves a military telecommunications satellite placed into geostationary orbit. Built by Northrop Grumman, the satellite is designed for future mission extensions. The launch marks SpaceX's 16th mission for the same Falcon 9 booster, which successfully returned to Earth.
The Science Report
The World Health Organisation reports a surge in measles cases worldwide, with 10.3 million cases last year. A new study finds accelerated ice loss in an Alaskan ice field since 2005, contributing to sea level rise. Japanese scientists discover that domestic cats can associate human words with images without rewards. Norton issues a cyber warning on rising scam tactics and malware threats. Meanwhile, OpenAI considers developing its own web browser amidst debates on internet censorship and digital ID in Australia.
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00:00 This is space time series 27 episode 143 for broadcast on 27 November 2024
00:48 New study finds Milky Way is an outlier among similar galaxies
06:01 ESA's Prober 3 mission to study the sun will launch next month
08:20 Two satellites will fly together as one with millimetre level control
12:35 SpaceX has just launched a classified mission for Optus and the Australian Defence Force
15:31 World Health Organisation warns measles cases have now surged across the world
21:08 Department of Justice asking Google to consider breaking up with Chrome
22:07 It looks like the Internet censorship bill will be defeated in the Senate