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SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

Stuart Gary
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  • ASTRONOMY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

  1. Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit

    20 HR AGO

    Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit

    (00:00:00) Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit (00:00:46) Planet Earth experiences as asteroid near miss (00:02:58) Two green comets lighting up the night skies (00:07:31) Chinese space junk smashes into Western Australia (00:09:09) The Science Report (00:12:07) Skeptics guide to the magic healing Biomet (00:15:15) Show Wrap-up In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into a series of astonishing astronomical events that recently unfolded, including a near-miss asteroid and mesmerizing comets lighting up our night skies. Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close Encounter An undetected asteroid, now designated 2025 TF, made a startling pass just 428 kilometers above Earth, equivalent to the altitude of the International Space Station. Detected by astronomers from Kitt Peak National Observatory six hours post-approach, this 3-meter space rock serves as a reminder of the many near misses that may go unnoticed. This episode discusses the implications of such encounters and the ongoing efforts to enhance planetary defense against potential threats. Green Comets Illuminate the Night Sky Skywatchers have been treated to the rare sight of two vibrant green comets, C 2025 R2 Swann and C 2025 A6 Lemon, both originating from the Oort Cloud. As they approach the sun, these comets are heating up and releasing gases, creating their characteristic tails. This segment explores their trajectories, visibility, and the exciting opportunity they present for amateur astronomers, particularly as they coincide with the annual Orionid meteor shower. Chinese Space Junk Crash in Australia In a dramatic turn of events, debris from the Chinese Jielong 3 rocket has been discovered smoldering in Western Australia's outback. This segment details the recovery of the wreckage and the ongoing investigation by the Australian Space Agency. The incident raises concerns over space debris management, especially in light of previous accidents involving Chinese spacecraft. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astronomy and Astrophysics https://www.aanda.org/ Geophysical Research Letters https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close Encounter Green Comets Illuminate the Night Sky Chinese Space Junk Crash in Australia

    16 min
  2. Cosmic Close Calls: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Our Skies| S28E126, 127 & 128

    2 DAYS AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Cosmic Close Calls: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Our Skies| S28E126, 127 & 128

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into a series of astonishing events that have unfolded in our skies and beyond, from asteroid near misses to spectacular comet sightings. Asteroid Near Miss: A Close Call for Earth Earlier this month, an undetected asteroid, now dubbed 2025 TF, zoomed past Earth at just 428 km above the surface—an altitude comparable to the International Space Station. Astronomers only detected the 3-meter-wide space rock six hours after its closest approach, raising concerns about the many other near misses that may go unnoticed. This segment explores the implications of such events and the effectiveness of current asteroid detection systems. Green Comets Light Up the Night Sky Sky watchers have been treated to the rare sight of two bright green comets streaking across the night sky. Both comets, thought to have originated from the Oort Cloud, are heating up as they approach the Sun, creating a coma and tails of gas that give them their characteristic color. This episode discusses the visibility of Comet C 2025 R2 Swan and Comet C 2025 A6 Lemon, including tips for amateur astronomers to catch a glimpse of these celestial visitors during the annual Orionid meteor shower. Chinese Space Junk Crashes in Australia In a startling incident, a piece of Chinese space debris has crashed in the remote outback of Western Australia. The smoldering wreckage, believed to be from the Jielong 3 rocket, was discovered by miners and has prompted an investigation by the Australian Space Agency. This segment highlights the ongoing issues surrounding space debris and the need for better management of defunct satellites and rocket stages. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrobiology https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/astrobiology Nature Astronomy https://www.nature.com/nature-astronomy/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Asteroid Near Miss: A Close Call for Earth Green Comets Light Up the Night Sky Chinese Space Junk Crashes in Australia

    1h 17m
  3. Bonus: Cosmic Transformation: How the First Stars Ignited a Heated Universe

    5 DAYS AGO · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Bonus: Cosmic Transformation: How the First Stars Ignited a Heated Universe

    In this bonus episode of SpaceTime, we unravel the mysteries of the universe's early years, exploring groundbreaking discoveries about the epoch of reionization, the formation of the first stars, and the role of hydrogen in cosmic history. Revealing the Universe's Warm Beginnings Recent findings published in the Astrophysical Journal highlight that the universe was warm and not cold during its formative years, challenging previous theories. Lead author Katherine Trott from Curtin University discusses how observations from the Murchison Wide Field Array radio telescope have provided insights into the epoch of reionization. This critical period marks the transition from the cosmic dark ages to a universe filled with light, driven by the radiation from the first stars and galaxies, which heated and ionized the gas in and between galaxies. The Cosmic Dawn: Understanding Reionization Trott explains how the new data reveals that gas began heating up around 800 million years after the Big Bang, contradicting the notion of a cold universe. The episode delves into the methods used to isolate the faint signals from this epoch, emphasizing the challenges faced by astronomers in filtering out noise from other cosmic sources. The implications of this research extend to our understanding of how the universe evolved and the processes that led to the formation of the first population of stars, which set the stage for the creation of heavier elements. The Role of Hydrogen and Cosmic Chemistry The discussion also touches on the significance of hydrogen as the most abundant element in the universe and its transformation during reionization. Trott highlights how the first stars, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, contributed to the chemical enrichment of the universe, ultimately leading to the formation of the elements found on Earth today. The episode concludes with a look ahead at future research endeavors, including the anticipated Square Kilometre Array, which promises to deepen our understanding of the universe's early history. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357 Murchison Wide Field Array https://www.mwa-telescope.org/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Revealing the Universe's Warm Beginnings The Cosmic Dawn: Understanding Reionization The Role of Hydrogen and Cosmic Chemistry (00:00) Introduction to the epoch of reionization (10:15) New findings on the universe's temperature during its early years (20:00) The significance of hydrogen in cosmic evolution (30:45) Future research with the Square Kilometre Array

    21 min
  4. Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History

    17 OCT

    Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest findings in Martian meteorology, delve into Earth's ancient tectonic activity, and prepare for humanity's return to the Moon. Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather Patterns A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that wind speeds on Mars can reach up to 160 km/h, significantly higher than earlier estimates. Lead author Valentin U.H. Meckel from the University of Bern discusses how these powerful winds, along with dust devils, play a crucial role in shaping Mars' climate and dust distribution. This episode explores how the observations from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter have provided unprecedented insights into Martian atmospheric dynamics, which are essential for planning future manned missions to the Red Planet. Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into Subduction In a surprising twist to our understanding of early Earth, a new study published in Nature Communications suggests that subduction and continental crust formation occurred much earlier than previously believed. Researchers utilized advanced geochemical analysis of ancient olivine crystals to challenge the notion of a stagnant lid tectonic regime during the Hadean eon. This episode discusses the implications of these findings on our understanding of Earth's geological history and the processes that shaped our planet's surface. NASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar Exploration NASA is set to send astronauts back to the Moon with the Artemis II mission, slated for launch in early 2026. This episode provides an overview of the mission's objectives, including a ten-day crewed flyby of the Moon, which will test the Orion spacecraft and gather crucial scientific data. As the crew prepares to explore the lunar far side, we discuss the significance of this mission for future lunar habitation and potential manned missions to Mars. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Science Advances https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv Nature Communications https://www.nature.com/ncomms/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather Patterns Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into Subduction NASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar Exploration (00:00) Wind speeds on Mars and their implications (12:45) New findings on early Earth's tectonic activity (21:15) NASA's Artemis II mission overview (30:00) Science report: Octopus handedness and air pollution effects on sleep apnea

    24 min
  5. Martian Oceans and Lunar Mysteries: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Cosmic Neighbours

    15 OCT

    Martian Oceans and Lunar Mysteries: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Cosmic Neighbours

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of Mars, the Moon, and the Milky Way Galaxy. Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence Revealed A new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters presents compelling geological evidence that Mars' Northern Hemisphere was once home to a vast ocean. Lead author Chris from the University of Arkansas discusses how comparisons between river rocks on Earth and Martian sediment reveal ancient river deltas and backwater zones, suggesting that liquid water flowed on the Red Planet, increasing the possibility of past life. This episode delves into the processes of sedimentation and erosion that shaped Mars' landscape, providing insights into its watery past. The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact Mysteries A fresh analysis of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, sheds light on its formation and the Moon's geological history. Researchers have discovered that this massive crater's shape indicates an impact from the north, challenging previous assumptions. As the Artemis missions prepare to land near this basin, they will have the opportunity to study material excavated from the lunar interior, potentially unlocking secrets about the Moon's evolution and the asymmetries in its crust. Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky Way NASA's upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope is set to revolutionise our understanding of the Milky Way's interstellar medium. This mission will map around 20 billion stars, using infrared light to penetrate the dust clouds obscuring our view. Chief investigator Catherine Zucker explains how this data will refine our models of star formation and the galaxy's structure, while also addressing the ongoing mysteries of galactic spiral patterns and their role in star birth. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Geophysical Research Letters https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007 Nature https://www.nature.com/nature NASA Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Ancient Oceans on Mars: Geological Evidence Revealed The Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin: Unveiling Impact Mysteries Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope: Mapping the Milky Way (00:00) Evidence of ancient oceans on Mars (10:15) New insights into the Moon's largest impact crater (19:30) The upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope mission (27:00) Science Robert: Heatwaves and their impact on global mortality

    24 min
  6. Hidden Hazards: Unmasking Earth's Threat from Invisible Asteroids

    14 OCT

    Hidden Hazards: Unmasking Earth's Threat from Invisible Asteroids

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing world of near-Earth asteroids, the evolution of our universe, and the remarkable discovery of a rogue planet experiencing unprecedented growth. Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden Threat Recent computer simulations published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics have raised alarms about a population of near-Earth asteroids that remain undetectable due to their proximity to Venus. These Venusian co-orbital asteroids, which share an orbital resonance with Venus, could pose a collision risk to Earth within a few thousand years. The study's lead author, Valerio Carumba, explains the challenges of observing these asteroids, as they are obscured by the Sun's glare. With a size of around 300 metres, these asteroids could create impact craters several kilometres wide, highlighting the need for dedicated space missions to monitor this potential threat. The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of Reionization Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding the universe's early days, revealing that it was warmer than previously thought before the first stars ignited. Research based on observations from the Murchison Wide Field Array in Western Australia indicates that the gas between galaxies was heated around 800 million years after the Big Bang, contradicting earlier theories of a cold universe. This heating, likely driven by early X-ray sources, set the stage for the epoch of reionization, which transformed the cosmos from opaque to transparent, allowing light to travel freely. A Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth Spurt In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a rogue planet, catalogued as char 11 oh 7 minus 7626, that is not bound to any star and is growing at an astonishing rate of 6 billion tonnes of gas and dust per second. Located approximately 600 light years away in the constellation Chameleon, this planet challenges conventional notions of planetary stability. Observations reveal that its accretion rate fluctuates dramatically, highlighting the dynamic processes at play in the formation of rogue planets and blurring the lines between planets and stars. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astronomy and Astrophysics https://www.aanda.org/ Astrophysical Journal Letters https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Invisible Asteroids Near Venus: A Hidden Threat The Universe's Evolution: New Insights from the Epoch of Reionization A Richie Planet's Remarkable Growth Spurt (00:00) The threat posed by invisible asteroids near Venus (10:30) New findings on the universe's warm early phase (19:00) Discovery of a rogue planet growing at record rates (27:15) Science Robert: 2025 Nobel Prize announcements

    38 min
  7. Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe

    10 OCT

    Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest revelations in astrophysics, including the intriguing prospect of supermassive dark stars, Australia's ambitious lunar rover mission, and fresh insights into the formation of our solar system. Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery Astronomers have identified potential candidates for a new type of star in the early universe, known as supermassive dark stars. Recent observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that these stars, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, are supported against gravitational collapse by dark matter. This episode delves into how these dark stars could help explain the existence of supermassive black holes and the unexpectedly bright distant galaxies observed by Webb. With the possibility of a smoking gun signature in their spectra, the implications of this discovery could reshape our understanding of dark matter and stellar evolution. Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon Work is underway on Australia's first lunar rover, set to launch as part of NASA's Artemis programme. This 20-kilogram robotic vehicle, developed by the Queensland University of Technology, will explore lunar geology and contribute to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The episode covers the rover's design, mission objectives, and the collaborative efforts between Australian institutions and NASA to advance lunar exploration. Piecing Together the Early Solar System New research published in Science Advances reveals that the early solar system was more chaotic than previously thought, with planets forming from recycled fragments of shattered bodies rather than pristine materials. This episode discusses the violent origins of our solar system and how high-energy collisions influenced the development of planetary cores, ultimately shaping the celestial bodies we know today. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Journal of Physical Review Letters https://journals.aps.org/prl/ Science Advances https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon Piecing Together the Early Solar System (00:00) The potential discovery of supermassive dark stars (10:15) Australia's new lunar rover mission details (18:45) New findings on the chaotic origins of the solar system (25:30) Skywatch for October: Meteor showers and celestial highlights

    30 min
  8. Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice

    8 OCT

    Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the fascinating findings from Saturn's icy moon Enceladus, discuss delays in the Dream Chaser spaceplane's launch schedule, and celebrate NASA's breakthroughs in laser communications for deep space missions. Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry Recent discoveries reported in the journal Nature Astronomy reveal that Saturn's moon Enceladus is spewing complex organic molecules from its subsurface ocean. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission has unveiled fresh insights into the chemical reactions occurring in this hidden ocean. The presence of organic molecules, including precursors for amino acids, raises the possibility that Enceladus may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. This episode explores how these findings could inform future missions aimed at further investigating Enceladus and its potential habitability. Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch Sierra Space has announced that their Dream Chaser spaceplane's first free flight demonstration has been pushed back to late 2026. Originally designed as a manned spacecraft, Dream Chaser will now serve as a cargo transport for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services, delivering supplies to the International Space Station. The episode discusses the spaceplane's unique design, its cargo capabilities, and the future of its missions, including plans for a fully operational crewed version. Nasa's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success NASA's new Optical Deep Space Laser Communications project has surpassed all technical goals, paving the way for high-speed communications for future crewed missions to Mars. The technology, which successfully transmitted data over vast distances, demonstrated data rates comparable to broadband Internet services. This breakthrough enables faster communication for astronauts and could revolutionise data transmission in deep space. Tune in to learn more about the technology behind this ambitious project and its implications for future space exploration. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Nature Astronomy https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy NASA Dream Chaser https://www.nasa.gov/dreamchaser NASA Optical Deep Space Laser Communications https://www.nasa.gov/lasercom Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch NASA's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success (00:00) The Dream Chaser spaceplane set for another delay (00:48) Scientists have discovered new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's Enceladus (09:41) NASA says new optical Deep Space Laser communications project has exceeded all technical goals (17:29) Around a quarter of all press releases in the United States are probably AI generated (19:23) Companies failing to secure AI agents is causing security risks, warns expert (20:27) Gary Stuart says AI agents can be hacked and should be treated like humans

    25 min
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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-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

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