SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

Stuart Gary

Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

  1. Dark Matter's Role and Lunar Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets of Our Galaxy and Moon's Interior

    1 DAY AGO

    Dark Matter's Role and Lunar Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets of Our Galaxy and Moon's Interior

    Sponsor Links: This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Squarespace....your first stop when you want to build a presence online. To check out our special offers, simply visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime for details SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 18 In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking theories about the nature of dark matter, the thermal differences between the lunar far and near sides, and new revelations regarding Jupiter's dimensions. Dark Matter's Role in the Milky Way A new study suggests that dark matter could be the driving force behind the gravitational dynamics of our Milky Way galaxy. Researchers propose that a clump of fermionic dark matter might exert similar gravitational influence as the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center, Sagittarius A. This theory challenges conventional understanding and is supported by data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, which mapped the galaxy's outer halo and rotational curve, indicating a potential new model for understanding galactic structures. Lunar Far Side's Cooler Interior Recent findings published in Nature Geoscience indicate that the lunar far side may be significantly cooler than the near side. Analyzing samples collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission, scientists discovered that the far side's regolith formed from lava at temperatures approximately 100 degrees Celsius lower than those from the near side. This study provides insight into the Moon's geological history and the uneven distribution of heat-producing elements, which may have resulted from ancient impacts or tidal forces from Earth. Jupiter's Slimmer Profile New measurements from NASA's Juno mission reveal that Jupiter is actually slimmer than previously thought, being about 8 kilometers narrower at the equator and 24 kilometers flatter at the poles. These findings refine our understanding of the gas giant's shape and have implications for models of planetary formation and evolution. The data also sheds light on Jupiter's atmospheric dynamics, including its powerful winds and cyclones, enhancing our knowledge of gas giants both within our solar system and beyond. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Nature Geoscience, Nature Astronomy Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support. (00:00:00) New study claims that mysterious substance called dark matter could be powering our Milky Way (00:08:01) New study suggests lunar far side may be a little bit colder than near side (00:12:52) Space Time is brought to you by Squarespace. com spacetime (00:14:23) New measurements based on NASA's Juno mission reveal Jupiter is much smaller than previously thought (00:18:16) People with depressive personalities far more likely to have sexual fantasies, study finds (00:20:34) New test shows artificial intelligence chatbot admitting it would kill to save itself (00:27:09) Already we have security companies treating AI chatbots like humans

    30 min
  2. Solar Storms and Artemis Delays: Navigating the Fury of the Sun and Lunar Ambitions

    3 DAYS AGO

    Solar Storms and Artemis Delays: Navigating the Fury of the Sun and Lunar Ambitions

    Sponsor Links: This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Squarespace....your first stop when you want to build a presence online. To check out our special offers, simply visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime for all the details SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 17 In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the recent powerful solar storm that has impacted Earth, the delay of NASA's Artemis 2 manned moon mission, and China's ambitious plans for a futuristic orbital space carrier. Massive Solar Storm Hits Earth The sun has unleashed a barrage of solar eruptions, including 41 N-class flares and six X-class flares, with an X8.1 class flare setting a new record for 2026. This storm is described as the strongest radiation event in 20 years, with scientists noting its potential similarity to the historic 1859 Carrington event. The solar activity has disrupted radio communications and produced stunning auroras, while the sun continues its 11-year solar cycle. Nasa's Artemis 2 Mission Delayed NASA has postponed the launch of its Artemis 2 manned moon mission due to fuel leaks during a critical launch rehearsal. The mission aims to send a crew of four aboard an Orion spacecraft on a 10-day journey around the moon. The delays stem from issues with the SLS rocket's hydrogen tanks and other technical challenges, with new launch windows opening in March. China's Orbital Space Carrier Plans China has announced plans for a Star Wars-style orbital space carrier named Luanio, designed to deploy hypersonic missiles and unmanned stealth drones. This massive spacecraft would be part of an ambitious defense system, although the technology to build such a vehicle is still in the realm of science fiction. The announcement comes amid tensions between the U.S. and China regarding military advancements. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

    31 min
  3. Europa's Ice Shell and Planet Nine: Unveiling the Thickness of Frozen Worlds and Cosmic Oddities

    5 DAYS AGO

    Europa's Ice Shell and Planet Nine: Unveiling the Thickness of Frozen Worlds and Cosmic Oddities

    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 16 In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking revelations about Europa's ice shell, explore new evidence for the existence of a potential Planet Nine, and discuss a significant advancement in quantum physics that challenges the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Europa's Ice Shell Thickness Revealed Data from NASA's Juno mission has provided the first insights into the thickness of Europa's icy crust, estimating it to be around 29 kilometers. This measurement comes from Juno's 2022 flyby, where the spacecraft utilized its microwave radiometer to analyze the moon's surface temperature and characteristics. The findings suggest that beneath this thick ice lies a global ocean of liquid water, potentially harboring the ingredients necessary for life. Understanding the ice shell's structure is crucial for future missions, including NASA's Europa Clipper, set to arrive in 2030. The Case for Planet Nine A new study published in Nature Astronomy presents fresh simulations suggesting that wide-orbit planets, like the hypothesized Planet Nine, could be a natural outcome of chaotic early planetary systems. Researchers found that during turbulent phases of stellar formation, planets can be flung into distant orbits rather than being ejected entirely. This work offers a 40% chance that a Planet Nine-like object exists, providing a promising avenue for future exploration as telescopes become more capable of surveying the distant solar system. Advancements in Quantum Physics In a remarkable breakthrough, physicists have demonstrated a method to sidestep the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, allowing for simultaneous precise measurements of a particle's position and momentum. This innovative approach, detailed in Science Advances, could pave the way for ultra-precise sensor technologies across various fields, including navigation and astronomy. The study redefines the boundaries of quantum measurement, offering new possibilities for scientific exploration. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Nature Astronomy Science Advances Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

    20 min
  4. Mercury's Hidden Activity and Titan's Dragonfly: Exploring Volatile Streaks and Robotic Rotocopters

    4 FEB

    Mercury's Hidden Activity and Titan's Dragonfly: Exploring Volatile Streaks and Robotic Rotocopters

    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 15 In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover intriguing discoveries about Mercury's geological activity, NASA's innovative Dragonfly mission to Titan, and the environmental impacts of rocket fuel pollution. Mercury's Surprising Streaks A new study reveals bright streaks, or lineae, on Mercury's surface, suggesting the planet is not as geologically inactive as previously thought. Researchers from the University of Bern utilized machine learning to analyze over 100,000 images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, discovering that these streaks are likely caused by the outgassing of volatile materials from beneath Mercury's crust. This finding indicates ongoing geological processes and will be further explored by the BepiColombo mission, set to reach Mercury later this year. NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan NASA is developing the Dragonfly, a car-sized rotocopter designed to explore Saturn's moon Titan, which features methane and ethane lakes. Scheduled for launch in 2028, Dragonfly will utilize Titan's dense atmosphere to fly to various locations, examining environments that may harbor organic materials essential for life. The mission builds on the success of the Ingenuity rotocopter on Mars, with extensive testing underway to ensure optimal performance in Titan's unique conditions. Rocket Fuel Pollution and the Ozone Layer A recent study highlights the damaging effects of burning rocket fuels, such as kerosene, on Earth's ozone layer. The report indicates that the rapid growth of the rocket launch industry is exacerbating this issue, particularly affecting regions like Antarctica and parts of Australia. Researchers are calling for restrictions on the use of these fuels to mitigate environmental harm. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Nature Communications, Earth and Environment Climate and Atmospheric Science Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) Streaks on the surface of Mercury suggesting it's not quite dead yet (00:11:13) Burning rocket fuel damages Earth's ozone layer, study finds (00:12:28) A new study claims cyber attacks can spark intense social media discussions (00:14:53) Apple bans anti woke Holly Valent song from iTunes in Australia (00:16:39) Apple has now had hypertension notifications authorized by the TGN (00:18:04) Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through bitesz. com

    19 min
  5. Earth's Water Origins and Io's Volcanic Secrets: Unveiling Tectonic Climate Drivers and Lunar Archives

    3 FEB

    Earth's Water Origins and Io's Volcanic Secrets: Unveiling Tectonic Climate Drivers and Lunar Archives

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore new insights into the origins of Earth's water, groundbreaking discoveries beneath the surface of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, and how tectonic plate movements may have influenced Earth's climate throughout history. New Clues on Earth's Water Origins A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that asteroid and comet impacts could only account for a small fraction of Earth's water supply. By analyzing oxygen isotopes in lunar regolith collected during the Apollo missions, researchers found that the early Earth likely retained little to no water during its formative years. This challenges long-held beliefs and suggests that the majority of Earth's water must have originated from other sources, rather than being delivered by celestial bodies. Unprecedented Volcanic Activity on Io NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured remarkable data on Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system. Observations from a December flyby revealed the most energetic eruption ever detected on Io, affecting a vast area of 65,000 square kilometers. The findings indicate that interconnected magma reservoirs beneath Io's surface are responsible for this extraordinary volcanic activity, providing new insights into the moon's geological dynamics and evolution. Tectonic Plates and Earth's Climate A new study suggests that carbon released from shifting tectonic plates may have played a significant role in Earth's climatic transitions, rather than volcanic activity as previously thought. Researchers reconstructed carbon movements over the last 540 million years, providing evidence that carbon emissions from mid-ocean ridges were the primary drivers of climate shifts between ice ages and warmer periods. This research reshapes our understanding of past climate dynamics and offers valuable insights for future climate models. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal of Geophysical Research Planets Communications Earth and Environment Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

    23 min
  6. Cosmic Echoes and Jovian Secrets: Unraveling the Milky Way's Black Hole and Jupiter's Water Mysteries

    30 JAN

    Cosmic Echoes and Jovian Secrets: Unraveling the Milky Way's Black Hole and Jupiter's Water Mysteries

    Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 13 In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the hidden violent past of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, delve into the origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons, and explore how meteor impacts are triggering dust avalanches on Mars. The Violent History of Sagittarius A For years, Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, has been perceived as a quiet entity. However, new research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters indicates that it may have experienced dramatic flares in the past. Observations from the CRISM Space Telescope reveal X-ray emissions from a gas cloud near Sagittarius A, suggesting a history of explosive activity that alters our understanding of supermassive black hole evolution and the history of our galaxy. Water Origins of Jupiter's Galilean Moons A groundbreaking study has determined that the contrasting water content of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons was established during their formation rather than evolving later. This research sheds light on the stark differences between Io, which is dry and volcanically active, and Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that the primordial environment around Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping these moons' compositions. Meteor Impacts Trigger Dust Avalanches on Mars New evidence indicates that meteor impacts on Mars are causing dust avalanches, creating dark streaks on the planet's surface. An analysis of images from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals that these avalanches occur primarily due to dry processes, driven by seasonal dust and wind activity, rather than water-related phenomena. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian surface dynamics and the impact of meteor activity. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal Letters Nature Communications Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) Sagittarius A's hidden violent past revealed (00:12:45) Origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons (00:25:30) Meteor impacts causing dust avalanches on Mars (00:35:00) February night sky highlights and celestial events. (00:00:00) This is space time series 29, episode 13 for broadcast on 30 January 2026 (00:00:47) X ray emissions from the Crism Space Telescope suggest Sagittarius A flared (00:07:59) A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts are creating Martian streaks (00:10:22) February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars (00:12:03) February's Orion meteor showers usually peak around February 8th (00:22:18) Blue supergiant Rigel is the second brightest star in the constellation Orion (00:31:08) Rygel: Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky (00:35:09) February is a great time to look for bright stars in the night sky (00:38:04) The night sky is sparse with the old planets at the moment

    43 min
  7. Earth's Hidden Mantle Secrets: Mars' Blue Past and the Cosmic Gas Pipeline of Galaxy Growth

    28 JAN

    Earth's Hidden Mantle Secrets: Mars' Blue Past and the Cosmic Gas Pipeline of Galaxy Growth

    Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 12 In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries about Earth's mantle, the watery past of Mars, and the rapid growth of galaxies through cool gas filaments. Distinct Histories of Earth’s Mantle Provinces Recent research reveals that the two massive continent-sized regions deep within the Earth's mantle have unique chemical compositions and histories. This study challenges long-held assumptions and uses seismic wave data to illustrate how these large low velocity provinces differ in density and material, impacting the planet's heat extraction from the core and potentially affecting the stability of Earth's magnetic field. Confirmation of Mars as a Blue Planet New evidence from ancient Martian river deltas suggests that Mars was once covered by a vast ocean. High-resolution images reveal delta-like structures, indicating that water once flowed into an ocean approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery supports the notion of a once habitable environment on Mars, offering insights into its geological history and the potential for life. Galaxies Growing Through Cool Gas Filaments A fascinating new study has demonstrated how galaxies can rapidly grow by drawing in filaments of cool gas. Observations from the Keck Telescope's Cosmic Webb Imager provide direct evidence of these gas streams spiraling into galaxies, fueling star formation at unprecedented rates. This research offers significant insights into the processes of galaxy formation and the role of the cosmic web in shaping the universe. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Scientific Reports MPJ Space Exploration Nature Astronomy Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) Distinct histories of Earth's mantle provinces (00:12:15) Mars confirmed as a blue planet with ancient ocean (00:25:30) Galaxies grow rapidly through cool gas filaments (00:35:00) Discovery of the oldest known rock art in the world.

    25 min
  8. Solar Storms and Lunar Returns: The Artemis 2 Mission and Earth's Record-Breaking Solar Flare

    27 JAN

    Solar Storms and Lunar Returns: The Artemis 2 Mission and Earth's Record-Breaking Solar Flare

    Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout. SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 11 In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the latest astronomical events, including a record-setting solar storm impacting Earth, the historic Artemis 2 mission preparing to return astronauts to the Moon, and groundbreaking evidence confirming an ancient asteroid impact in the North Sea. Record-Breaking Solar Storm Strikes Earth Planet Earth has recently experienced a massive geomagnetic storm triggered by an X1.9 class solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection. This event produced stunning auroras, visible as far north as Sydney and Brisbane. We discuss how such solar storms can affect technology on Earth and in space, including potential disruptions to communications and navigation systems, as well as the impact on satellites in low Earth orbit. Artemis 2: A Historic Return to the Moon NASA's Artemis 2 mission is gearing up to send astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The crew will embark on a 10-day journey, orbiting the Moon and traveling further than any humans have before. We explore the mission's objectives, including testing spacecraft systems, practicing docking procedures, and conducting deep space science experiments, all while preparing for future lunar landings. Proof of an Ancient Asteroid Impact A decades-long debate over the origins of the Silverpit Crater in the North Sea has been resolved with new evidence confirming it was formed by an asteroid impact 43 to 46 million years ago. Utilizing seismic imaging and microscopic analysis, researchers have established this crater as a significant impact site, shedding light on the history of asteroid collisions on Earth and their implications for our planet's geological evolution. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Nature Communications NASA Reports Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) Record solar storm strikes Earth (00:12:30) Artemis 2 mission prepares to send astronauts back to the Moon (00:25:00) Evidence confirms asteroid impact in the North Sea (00:35:15) New insights into Earth's climate from ancient geological events.

    27 min

About

Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

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