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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. Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Hidden Ice: Unraveling Mysteries of Water and Galaxies

    2 HR AGO

    Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Hidden Ice: Unraveling Mysteries of Water and Galaxies

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a trio of intriguing astronomical phenomena that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter Interstellar comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion, passing closest to the Sun without any signs of alien life forms, despite wild media speculation. This episode discusses how the comet maintained its expected trajectory and velocity, while also revealing groundbreaking findings from NASA's Swift Space Telescope, which detected ultraviolet signatures of water from the comet, providing new insights into the chemistry of interstellar objects and their potential to harbour the building blocks of life. A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies Astronomers have discovered a massive bridge of neutral hydrogen gas linking two dwarf galaxies, NGC 4532 and DDO 137, located approximately 53 million light years away. This remarkable structure spans an astonishing 185,000 light years and is accompanied by a vast tail of gas extending 1 million light years. The findings shed light on how galaxies interact and evolve, particularly in dense environments like the Virgo Cluster, and offer crucial insights into the dynamics of galactic gas and star formation. Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars A new study suggests that explosive volcanic eruptions on ancient Mars may have transported water ice to the equatorial regions of the Red Planet. Using computer modelling, researchers propose that water vapour released during these eruptions could have frozen in the Martian atmosphere, leading to the accumulation of significant ice deposits. This discovery could have profound implications for future human exploration of Mars, as it raises questions about the availability of water resources in unexpected locations. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal Letters https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205 Nature Communications https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close Encounter A Colossal Gas Bridge Between Dwarf Galaxies Volcanic Eruptions and Hidden Ice on Mars

    25 min
  2. Interstellar Water and Cosmic Bridges: Unraveling the Mysteries of Comet 3I ATLAS and Dwarf Galaxies| S28E129, 130 & 131

    18 HR AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Interstellar Water and Cosmic Bridges: Unraveling the Mysteries of Comet 3I ATLAS and Dwarf Galaxies| S28E129, 130 & 131

    SpaceTime S28E129 S28E130 S28E131 w/c November 3, 2025 Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 129 *Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas passes behind the Sun, but no sign of alien life Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion marking its closest position to the Sun. *Dwarf galaxies linked by a massive intergalactic bridge Astronomers have discovered a colossal bridge of neutral hydrogen gas linking two dwarf galaxies *Volcanic eruptions may have delivered hidden ice to Mars's equator A new study suggests explosive volcanic eruptions on ancient Mars may have transported water ice to equatorial regions of the red planet. *The Science Report Moscow says it’s successfully tested a new nuclear powered cruise missile. Earth is now hotter than at any point in the past 125,000 years. Palaeontologists have identified a "nanotyrannus", or the dwarf tyrannosaurus, Skeptics guide to whether vegans have psychic abilities. SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 130 *The most massive stellar black hole merger ever seen Astronomers have seen the most massive stellar mass black hole merger ever detected by gravitational wave observatories. *Can the mystery of dark matter be unravelled using radio telescopes A new study from Tel Aviv University has predicted, for the first time, the groundbreaking results that can be obtained from detecting radio waves coming to us from the early Universe. *NASA’s IMAP Mission to Study Boundaries of Our Home in Space NASA mission managers say its new Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe – IMAP – is continuing on course with all systems nominal. *The Science Report A possible association between autism and exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. A new study shows human activity has extended the fire season in nearly all regions on Earth. A new device using static electricity on your clothing could help you chat to AI systems. #Alex on Tech Does AI value human life. SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 131 *Detection of phosphine in a brown dwarf atmosphere raising questions Astronomers have for the first time found phosphine in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C. *A new hypothesis to explain how some planets get their water A new study claims that some planets may produce water during their formation through reactions between their rocks and hydrogen under pressure. *Preparing for our return to the Moon Half a century ago humans stepped on the Moon for the first time in a set of sorties that awed the world – now they’re finally preparing to go back. *The Science Report Teens who start using cannabis before age 15 are more likely to have mental and physical health issues. The world's major electric car makers will need to rely on lithium imports as soon as 2029. How to make chocolate taste even better. Skeptics guide to the of Princess Diana's ghost https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week’s guests include: Professor Lister Staveley-Smith from the University of Western Australia node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research. IMAP Project Scientist Matina Gkioulidou from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory IMAP Deputy Principal Investigator Eric Christian from NASA IMAP Principal Investigator Dave McComas from Princeton University And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics 🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn . The discounts and bonuses are incredible! And it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌

    1h 14m
  3. Martian Ice and Cosmic Shadows: Unveiling Life and Dark Matter Mysteries

    4 DAYS AGO

    Martian Ice and Cosmic Shadows: Unveiling Life and Dark Matter Mysteries

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of life on Mars and the cosmos beyond. Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for Life A recent study suggests that Martian ice may be the most promising location to search for signs of ancient microbial life. Researchers found that biomolecules from dormant microbes degrade significantly slower in pure water ice compared to Martian soil mixtures. This discovery, published in the journal Astrobiology, raises hopes that future missions to Mars could uncover preserved organic materials in its icy regions, potentially revealing the planet's biological history. A Mysterious Dark Object in the Universe Astronomers have identified the lowest mass dark object ever detected, with a mass about a million times that of our Sun. This enigmatic object, reported in Nature Astronomy, may offer insights into the nature of dark matter, which constitutes a significant portion of the universe's mass. The object was detected through gravitational lensing, and its small size challenges existing theories about dark matter's composition and distribution. NASA's Call for Lunar Mission Bids NASA is seeking new bids for its Artemis Moon program, aiming to foster competition among American companies to return humans to the lunar surface. With ongoing delays from SpaceX, NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasizes the urgency of the mission as the U.S. races against China to achieve lunar exploration milestones. The upcoming Artemis missions promise to be pivotal in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. November Skywatch with Jonathan Nally www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrobiology Journal https://www.liebertpub.com/journals/astrobiology/1 Nature Astronomy https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for Life A Mysterious Dark Object in the Universe NASA's Call for Lunar Mission Bids

    32 min
  4. Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

    6 DAYS AGO

    Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

    (00:00:00) Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS (00:00:46) Relics of the outer solar system discovered on the Moon (00:03:30) Insights from interstellar comet 3I ATLAS (00:07:31) SpaceX's Starship Mega rocket test flight (00:23:54) The Science report (00:31:46) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore remarkable discoveries that provide new insights into our solar system and beyond. Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the Moon A groundbreaking study reveals that meteorites found on the Moon originated from the outer solar system. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified olivine-bearing clasts from lunar regolith collected by the Chang'e 6 mission. These relics, believed to be carbonaceous chondrites, offer critical information about the formation and evolution of planets. The findings suggest that the Moon serves as a pristine archive for meteorites, with implications for understanding the origins of lunar water and organic materials. Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: Insights into Alien Solar Systems The interstellar comet 3I ATLAS is revealing fascinating details about the composition of other solar systems. New observations indicate that 3I ATLAS has been active longer than expected, releasing various molecules as it travels through our solar system. This segment discusses how the comet's behavior challenges existing assumptions about comet activity and provides clues about the materials present in distant star systems. SpaceX's Starship Mega Rocket Test Flight SpaceX has successfully completed its 11th test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, demonstrating significant advancements in its design and capabilities. The mission involved various maneuvers, including hot staging and payload deployment, as well as tests of the spacecraft's reentry and landing procedures. This episode highlights the importance of these tests for future missions to the Moon and Mars, as SpaceX continues to refine the Starship for interplanetary travel. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences https://www.pnas.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. Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the Moon Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS: Insights into Alien Solar Systems SpaceX's Starship Mega Rocket Test Flight

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

    28 OCT

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

    26 OCT • 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
  7. Bonus: Cosmic Transformation: How the First Stars Ignited a Heated Universe

    23 OCT · 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
  8. 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
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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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