Google's Galactic Data Centres, Near Misses in Orbit, and Mars' Hidden Influence

In today's episode, we delve into a series of captivating stories from the cosmos, including Google's ambitious Project Suncatcher, which aims to build data centers in space, harnessing solar power and the cold vacuum of space for efficiency. We also discuss a close encounter between a Chinese spacecraft and a SpaceX Starlink satellite, highlighting the urgent need for better space traffic management. Additionally, we explore a new theory suggesting that a rogue planet may have reshaped our solar system, and how Mars has been subtly influencing Earth's climate over millennia. To cap it off, we celebrate a remarkable milestone for Voyager 1, as it approaches a staggering distance of one light day from Earth.### Timestamps & Stories 01:05 – **Story 1: Google's Project Suncatcher - Data Centers in Space****Key Facts** - Google plans to launch prototype satellites in 2027 to create an orbital data center powered by solar energy. - The project aims to address the immense energy consumption of data centers on Earth. 03:20 – **Story 2: Close Encounter in Orbit****Key Facts** - A Chinese spacecraft narrowly avoided a collision with a SpaceX Starlink satellite, coming within 200 meters. - The incident underscores the growing problem of space congestion and the need for better coordination among satellite operators. 05:45 – **Story 3: Richie Planet Theory Reshaping Solar System****Key Facts** - New research suggests a rogue planet may have triggered the rearrangement of our solar system's giant planets. - Simulations indicate that a massive object could have caused the instability that shaped the orbits of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. 08:00 – **Story 4: Mars' Influence on Earth's Climate****Key Facts** - A study finds that gravitational interactions between Earth and Mars amplify long-term climate cycles on Earth. - These interactions may enhance the effects of Milankovitch cycles, influencing ice ages over millions of years. 10:15 – **Story 5: Voyager 1's Milestone Journey****Key Facts** - Voyager 1 is set to reach a distance of one light day from Earth by November 2026, making communication a 48-hour round trip. - Launched in 1977, it remains the most distant human-made object, continuing to send valuable data from interstellar space. ### Sources & Further Reading 1. Google2. SpaceX3. NASA Voyager Mission4. NASA Solar System Exploration5. European Space Agency### Follow & Contact X/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [e-mail] Website: astronomydaily.io Clear skies and see you tomorrow! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.