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

    7H AGO

    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
  2. 17H AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Earth's Water Origins and Io's Volcanic Secrets: Unveiling Lunar Insights and Tectonic Climate Drivers| S29E14, 15 & 16

    SpaceTime S29E14 S29E15 S29E16 w/c February 2, 2026 Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 14 *New clues about where Earth’s water came from A new study claims an analysis of the Lunar surface sets a hard limit on the amount of water that arrived on Earth through asteroid and comet impacts. *Fresh data about what lies beneath the surface of the volcanic world of Io NASA’s Juno spacecraft has observed an unprecedented volcanic event on the Jovian moon Io. *How shifting tectonic plates might have driven Earth’s climate swings A new study claims carbon released from Earth’s spreading tectonic plates may have triggered major transitions between the planet’s ancient ice ages and warm climates rather than volcanic activity as previously thought. *The Science Report Study claims climate change made the intense January heat waves in Australia five times more likely. Doctors successfully keep a patient alive for 48 hours without lungs. Scientists detect traces of Chinese radioactive nuclear waste in the West Philippine Sea. Skeptics guide to a possible cause for Pareidolia. SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 15 *Streaks on Mercury show it’s not a dead world A new study has discovered a large number of bright streaks, known as "lineae", on the surface of the planer Mercury – the nearest rock to the Sun. *How NASA's Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Titan will fly NASA is developing a car-sized rotorcraft called Dragonfly to explore Saturn's moon Titan. *Space fuel pollution Studies are showing that burning rocket fuel such as kerosene damages the ozone layer, and the burgeoning space industry could make it a lot worse in future. *The Science Report The growing threat of cyber-attacks by nations like China and Iran. The new prostate cancer treatment without as many side effects. New study shows T-Rex took longer to grow than previously thought. Alex on Tech: Apple loses credibility after banning number 1 hit song. SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 16 *Juno measures the thickness of Europa’s ice shell Astronomers have received their first clues into the thickness of the frozen ice sheets that cover the Jovian moon Europa. *A new case for a possible Planet Nine There’s new hope in the ongoing search for a ninth planet in the dark outer reaches of our solar system somewhere beyond Neptune. *Side stepping the Heisenberg uncertainty principle Physicists have reshaped quantum uncertainty to sidestep the restriction imposed by the famous Heisenberg uncertainty principle. *The Science Report People who consume alcohol for longer are more likely to develop bowel cancer. The growing problem of microplastics in fish. How the humble spud spread across the Americas. Skeptics guide to finding bigfoot. https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week’s guests include: Dr Ben Mather from the University of Melbourne Lead Rotor Engineer Felipe Ruiz from Johns Hopkins APL Wind Tunnel Test Lead Rick Heisler from Johns Hopkins APL Experimental Machinist Cory Pennington from Johns Hopkins APL Aeroelasticity Assistant Branch Chief Dave Piatak at NASA Langley 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! ✌

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

    5D AGO

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

    JAN 28

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

    JAN 27

    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
  6. Solar Storms and Lunar Returns: Artemis 2's Historic Mission and Earth's Cosmic Weather| S29E11, 12 & 13

    JAN 26 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Solar Storms and Lunar Returns: Artemis 2's Historic Mission and Earth's Cosmic Weather| S29E11, 12 & 13

    SpaceTime S29E11 S29E12 S29E13 w/c January 26th, 2026 Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 11 *Earth hit by record setting solar storm Planet Earth’s just been hit by another massive geomagnetic solar storm. The event was triggered by a powerful X-1.9 class solar flare and coronal mass ejection which pummelled the planet generating spectacular auroral activity. *Artemis II ready to send astronauts back to the Moon NASA’s giant Artemis II Moon rocket has been rolled out onto the launch pad for next months planned mission to send four astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in over half a century. *Proof that an asteroid hit the North Sea over 43 million years ago A decades-long scientific debate over the origins of the Silverpit Crater in the southern North Sea has finally been resolved with new evidence confirming that it was caused by an asteroid or comet impact between 43 and 46 million years ago. *The Science Report No evidence of a link between paracetamol and autism. World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2025 was one of the three warmest years on record. The collision between Central and South America occurred far earlier than previously thought. Skeptics guide to living with ghosts in your house. SpaceTime 20260128 Series 29 Episode 12 *Continents deep in the Earth’s mantle Scientists studying the evolution of two massive continent-size regions in Earth’s deep mantle have discovered that they each have their own distinctive histories and chemical composition. *Confirmation that Mars was once a blue planet A new orbital study examining ancient Martian river deltas suggest the red planet was once a blue planet with a vast ocean. *How galaxies can grow quickly A new study has discovered how galaxies can grow by sucking in filaments of cool gas to feed growing stars. *The Science Report Discovery of the oldest known rock art in the world dating back some 67 thousand years. How the ancient Tethys sea might have shaped Central Asia’s topography. A cow showing for the first time that cattle are capable of versatile tool use. Alex on Tech Siri getting a major make over. SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 13 *The Milky Way’s supermassive black hole hiding a violent past The Milky Way Galaxy’s supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* has long been considered a quiet sedate creature, but a new study has discovered a violent past. *The water makeup of Jupiter’s Galilean moons was set at birth A new study has shown that the differing water content of Jupiter’s four large Galilean moons was established as they formed and not from later evolutionary processes. *Meteoroid impact triggers dust avalanches on Mars A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts can generate dark scratch like streaks on the red planet’s surface. *February Skywatch The constellation of Orion the Hunter, The red supergiant Betelgeuse, and the Pleiades or seven sisters open star cluster are among the highlights of the February night skies on SkyWatch. https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week’s guests include: Donal O’Sullivan from Caltech And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally 🌏 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 26m
  7. Nuclear Rockets and Cosmic Mergers: Exploring the Future of Space Travel and Galactic Evolution

    JAN 23

    Nuclear Rockets and Cosmic Mergers: Exploring the Future of Space Travel and Galactic Evolution

    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 10 In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the imminent launch of the first nuclear-powered rocket, the merging of low mass dwarf galaxies, and the intriguing connection between Earth-like planets and gas giants. The Dawn of Nuclear Rocket Technology History is set to be made as NASA and DARPA prepare to test the world’s first fully operational nuclear-powered orbital rocket. This innovative vehicle utilizes a nuclear thermal propulsion system that heats liquid hydrogen propellant through nuclear fusion, achieving nearly double the efficiency of conventional rockets. The test aims to validate reactor operation in orbit, potentially revolutionizing space travel by reducing transit times to Mars and allowing for larger payloads. Merging Dwarf Galaxies: A New Discovery A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters confirms that low mass dwarf galaxies can merge with one another. Observations of the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy reveal previously hidden stellar structures, suggesting that even the smallest galaxies experience mergers. These findings challenge traditional views on galaxy formation and evolution, indicating that interactions between dwarf galaxies may be more common than previously believed. The Connection Between Earth-Like and Gas Giant Planets Astronomers have found that rocky planets similar to Earth are more likely to exist in star systems that also contain large gas giants like Jupiter. This research, reported in Astronomy and Astrophysics, shows that cold Jupiters, which orbit beyond the snow line, play a significant role in the formation of super Earths in the inner regions of their planetary systems. The study offers new insights into the complex dynamics of planetary formation and the conditions that lead to the development of terrestrial planets. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Astrophysical Journal Letters Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Advances Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) NASA and DARPA prepare to test the first nuclear-powered orbital rocket (00:10:15) New study confirms mergers among low mass dwarf galaxies (00:20:45) Link discovered between Earth-like planets and gas giants (00:30:00) China breaks through barriers in nuclear fusion reactor development (00:35:20) The impact of ultra-processed foods on global health.

    17 min
  8. Cosmic Mysteries: Unveiling the Secrets of Black Holes, Jupiter's Oxygen, and Earth's Gamma Ray Revolution

    JAN 21

    Cosmic Mysteries: Unveiling the Secrets of Black Holes, Jupiter's Oxygen, and Earth's Gamma Ray Revolution

    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 9 In this episode of SpaceTime, we unravel the enigma of the universe's mysterious little red dots, delve into groundbreaking insights from Jupiter regarding the evolution of our solar system's planets, and mark the commencement of construction on Earth's largest gamma-ray observatory. The Mystery of the Little Red Dots A fascinating new study reveals that the enigmatic little red dots observed in early images from the NASA Webb Space Telescope are, in fact, young black holes cloaked in ionized gas. Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic Dawn Center have determined that these black holes, much smaller than previously thought, are in the process of consuming gas, which creates immense heat and radiation, giving them their distinctive red appearance. This discovery sheds light on the formation of some of the universe's earliest black holes just 700 million years after the Big Bang. Jupiter's Role in Planetary Evolution New simulations indicate that Jupiter may contain up to 50% more oxygen than the Sun, providing fresh insights into how the planets in our solar system formed. By developing a comprehensive model of Jupiter's atmosphere, researchers have resolved a long-standing debate regarding the gas giant's chemical composition. The findings suggest that Jupiter's atmosphere circulates much more slowly than previously believed, which could alter our understanding of planetary migration and formation processes. Construction of Earth's Largest Gamma-Ray Observatory Engineers have officially begun construction on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, set to be the largest gamma-ray telescope ever built. Located in Chile's Atacama Desert, this observatory will significantly enhance our ability to study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae. With over 60 telescopes across two sites, the observatory will allow astronomers to observe gamma rays with unprecedented accuracy, potentially unlocking new discoveries about dark matter and the fundamental laws of physics. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com ✍️ Episode References Nature Journal Planetary Science Journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. (00:00:00) New study reveals little red dots in Webb images are young black holes (00:07:30) Jupiter may have 50% more oxygen than the Sun, reshaping planetary formation theories (00:15:45) Construction begins on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (00:22:00) New data confirms 2025 saw record ocean heat storage (00:25:30) Advances in autonomous driving technology showcased at CES 2026.

    29 min
4.2
out of 5
295 Ratings

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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