Episodios

  • Earth's Ancient Secrets: Unveiling the Oldest Rocks and Mars' Frozen History

    Earth's Ancient Secrets: Unveiling the Oldest Rocks and Mars' Frozen History
    Jul 11 2025
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    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking research that sheds light on Earth's ancient history, the formation of hot Jupiters, and the enigmatic climate of Mars.
    Earth's Oldest Rocks Confirmed in Northern Canada
    A recent study published in the journal Science confirms that the oldest rocks on Earth are located in northern Quebec, Canada, dating back 4.16 billion years. Lead author Jonathan Nally. from the University of Ottawa explains how this discovery provides a unique window into the Hadean Eon, offering insights into the early Earth's environment and the formation of its first continents. While the Jack Hills Range in Australia holds the oldest material of terrestrial origin, these Canadian rocks are pivotal in understanding Earth's formative years.
    New Insights into Hot Jupiter Formation
    We explore the intriguing case of CI Tau B, a hot Jupiter that orbits a young star just 450 light-years away. Researchers from Rice University and Lowell Observatory have utilized advanced spectroscopic techniques to analyze the planet's mass and brightness, revealing that it formed through a hot start mechanism rather than traditional models. This study provides a critical benchmark for understanding how giant planets can form rapidly in close proximity to their stars, challenging long-held assumptions in planetary science.
    Was Mars Always Doomed to be a Desert?
    A new hypothesis from the University of Chicago suggests that Mars was never meant to remain a warm, habitable planet. The study indicates that the planet's past liquid water periods were likely short-lived, driven by the Sun's gradual brightening. Unlike Earth, which has maintained its habitability, Mars appears to self-regulate towards desert conditions, raising questions about the mechanisms that have led to its current frozen state. The findings, published in Nature, build on previous discoveries by NASA's Curiosity rover and could reshape our understanding of Martian climate history.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Journal
    https://www.sciencemag.org/
    Astrophysical Journal Letters
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357
    Nature Journal
    https://www.nature.com/nature
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    24 m
  • Celestial Phenomena: The Largest Oort Cloud Comet and Mars Perseverance's Milestones

    Celestial Phenomena: The Largest Oort Cloud Comet and Mars Perseverance's Milestones
    Jul 9 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore some of the most exciting recent discoveries in astronomy, including the largest Oort Cloud comet ever observed and remarkable achievements from NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover.
    Comet C/2014 UN271 Bernardinelli-Bernstein: A Giant from the Oort Cloud
    Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting molecular activity in Comet C/2014 UN271 Bernardinelli-Bernstein, the largest and most distant active comet ever observed. Originating from the Oort Cloud, this colossal comet measures nearly 140 km across, revealing complex jets of carbon monoxide gas and providing insight into its behavior far from the Sun. Observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile have confirmed its status as the largest known Oort Cloud comet, offering a rare glimpse into the chemistry and dynamics of these distant celestial objects.
    Nasa's Perseverance Rover Sets New Distance Record
    NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has achieved a new milestone, traveling 411 meters in a single autonomous drive while exploring the Jezero Crater. This episode highlights the rover's innovative AUTONAV self-driving system and its 30th Abrasion Study of a Martian rock named Kenmore. The findings reveal significant mineral compositions, including clay minerals, iron, and magnesium, enhancing our understanding of Mars' geological history and potential past habitability.
    Exoplanets Triggering Stellar Flares
    Astronomers have discovered that certain exoplanets in close orbits around their host stars can trigger powerful stellar flares, leading to atmospheric erosion over time. This groundbreaking finding, reported in the journal Nature, demonstrates the interaction between planets and their stars in a way never before observed. The study, conducted using the European Space Agency's CHEOPS spacecraft, reveals that these energetic flares can significantly impact the evolution of the orbiting planets, providing new insights into the dynamics of stellar systems.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Astrophysical Journal Letters
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357
    NASA Perseverance Rover
    https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/
    Nature Journal
    https://www.nature.com/nature
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    23 m
  • Interstellar Discoveries: The Arrival of Comet 3I Atlas and the Mars Sample Race

    Interstellar Discoveries: The Arrival of Comet 3I Atlas and the Mars Sample Race
    Jul 7 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the latest astronomical discoveries and the implications for future space exploration.
    New Interstellar Visitor: Comet 3I Atlas
    Astronomers have identified a new interstellar object, designated 3I Atlas, which is currently traversing our solar system. Discovered by NASA's ATLAS telescope in Chile, this comet is approximately 670 million kilometers away and poses no threat to Earth, as it will pass at a safe distance of 240 million kilometers. With a velocity exceeding 51 kilometers per second, 3I Atlas is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor, following the enigmatic Oumuamua and the more familiar comet 2I/Borisov. As observations continue, scientists are eager to learn more about its origins and characteristics.
    China's Ambitious Mars Sample Return Mission
    Speculation is mounting that China may outpace the U.S. and Europe in the race to return the first samples from Mars. The recently announced Tianwen 3 mission aims to collect Martian samples and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis, potentially revealing whether life ever existed on the Red Planet. This mission follows China's successful deployment of the Zhurong rover and highlights the ongoing competition in space exploration. Scientists will need to target specific locations on Mars to collect samples that could provide insights into the planet's past habitability.
    Vera C Rubin Observatory's Stunning First Images
    Astronomers are thrilled by the first images released by the Vera C Rubin Observatory, which features an 8.4-meter telescope and a 3,200-megapixel camera. This observatory is set to conduct the world's largest sky survey over the next decade, generating an astonishing 20 terabytes of data each night. The Legacy Survey of Space and Time will provide unprecedented insights into cosmic phenomena, including asteroids, supernovae, and the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Australian astronomers are collaborating in this global effort, processing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA ATLAS
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    China's Tianwen 3 Mission
    https://www.space.com/china-mars-sample-return-tianwen-3
    Vera C Rubin Observatory
    https://www.lsst.org/
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    26 m
  • Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet

    Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet
    Jul 4 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover remarkable insights into Mars, Mercury, and the latest developments in space exploration.
    Hidden Martian Volcano: Jezero Mons
    Scientists have identified a previously overlooked volcano, Jezero Mons, located on the rim of Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover is actively collecting samples. This discovery could provide vital clues about Mars' volcanic history and habitability, suggesting that the region may have supported life due to the interplay of volcanic heat and water. The findings, published in Communications Earth and Environment, highlight the need for further exploration of Mars' geology, as volcanism plays a crucial role in understanding the planet's past.
    Tidal Forces Shaping Mercury's Cliffs
    A new study published in Geophysical Research Planets proposes that tidal forces from the Sun may have contributed to the deformation of Mercury's towering cliffs. Traditionally attributed to cooling and contraction, this research indicates that the planet's unique orbital dynamics could also influence its geological features. The BepiColombo mission, scheduled to arrive at Mercury next year, aims to gather data that could validate these findings and enhance our understanding of the planet's evolution over billions of years.
    Axiom Space's AX4 Mission Arrives at the ISS
    The Axiom Space AX4 mission has successfully docked at the International Space Station for a 14-day stay. This mission, featuring a diverse international crew, aims to conduct over 60 scientific and commercial experiments, furthering Axiom's goal of establishing a private space station in low Earth orbit. Despite facing multiple delays, the mission underscores the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Communications Earth and Environment
    https://www.nature.com/commsenv/
    Geophysical Research Planets
    https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/24701343
    Axiom Space
    https://www.axiomspace.com/
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    36 m
  • Martian Mysteries: Curiosity's New Discoveries and the Search for Life

    Martian Mysteries: Curiosity's New Discoveries and the Search for Life
    Jul 2 2025
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    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest discoveries and research that are reshaping our understanding of Mars and the effects of solar activity on planetary climates.
    Curiosity Rover's New Martian Rock Samples
    NASA's Mars Curiosity rover has drilled into a new region of Martian rock, revealing intriguing features that may provide insights into whether the planet ever had conditions suitable for life. The rover's findings include unique boxwork patterns formed by groundwater, suggesting that even as Mars dried up, water was still present below the surface. As Curiosity ascends Mount Sharp, scientists are eager to understand the implications of these patterns and the mineral cements involved, which may hold clues to Mars' climatic history and the potential for ancient microbial life.
    Solar Flares and Weather Patterns
    A groundbreaking study published in the Astronomical Journal has uncovered a connection between solar flares and short-term changes in weather patterns on exoplanets. Researchers found that flares from a planet's host star can cause measurable climate shifts within days, highlighting the importance of solar activity in modulating atmospheric behavior. This research not only enhances our understanding of exoplanet habitability but also suggests that solar variability may influence weather systems on Earth, particularly in volatile regions.
    Nasa's In-Flight Imagery Project
    NASA's Scientifically Calibrated in Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) team is set to gather vital data during the reentry of a European aerospace company's demonstration capsule. Utilizing advanced instruments, including a spectrometer and high-definition telescope, SCIFLI aims to capture real-time performance data that will refine computational models for future space missions. This mission highlights the importance of empirical data in enhancing safety and performance for crewed and robotic space exploration.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Astronomical Journal
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881
    NASA Curiosity Rover
    https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/
    NASA SCIFLI Team
    https://www.nasa.gov/langley/scifli
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    21 m
  • Stellar Insights: Parker Solar Probe's Mission to Understand Solar Activity

    Stellar Insights: Parker Solar Probe's Mission to Understand Solar Activity
    Jun 30 2025
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    Parker Solar Probe's Historic Close Approach to the Sun
    NASA's Parker Solar Probe has achieved a remarkable milestone, completing its 24th close flyby of the Sun at a record distance of just 6.2 million kilometers from the solar surface. During this encounter, the probe reached speeds of 687,000 kilometers per hour, gathering invaluable data on solar wind and solar activity as the Sun approaches its solar maximum. The mission aims to deepen our understanding of the Sun's behavior and its impact on space weather, which can affect technology and human activities on Earth.
    Deep Earth Pulses: A New Ocean in the Making
    Scientists have detected rhythmic surges of molten rock rising from deep within the Earth beneath Africa, revealing a dynamic mantle plume that is gradually tearing the continent apart. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature Geoscience, indicates that the Afar region is experiencing the birth of a new ocean basin due to the interaction between tectonic plates and the pulsing mantle below. The study highlights the complex relationship between the Earth's interior and surface processes, offering new insights into volcanic activity and continental breakup.
    Aeris Rocket Launch Window Opens
    Mission managers at Gilmour Space are preparing for the opening of a new launch window for their Ares orbital rocket's first test flight, set to begin tomorrow. Following earlier technical issues, the team is closely monitoring weather conditions as they aim to launch the first all-Australian designed and built launch vehicle since the 1970s. With ambitious plans for future versions capable of carrying heavier payloads, this test flight marks a significant step in Australia's growing space industry.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Geoscience
    https://www.nature.com/naturegeoscience/
    NASA Parker Solar Probe
    https://www.nasa.gov/content/parker-solar-probe
    Gilmour Space
    https://gilmourspace.com/
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    25 m
  • Magnetic Mysteries: Unraveling Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field Connection

    Magnetic Mysteries: Unraveling Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field Connection
    Jun 27 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating connections between Earth's atmospheric conditions and its magnetic field, alongside intriguing insights into Mercury and the mysteries of the Sun's corona.
    Link Between Earth's Oxygen and Magnetic Field
    A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances reveals a correlation between the fluctuations of Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric oxygen levels over the last 540 million years. Researchers suggest that processes within the Earth might influence habitability on the surface, highlighting the magnetic field's role in protecting our atmosphere from cosmic rays and solar wind. This correlation raises questions about the underlying processes linking these two critical elements for life on Earth.
    Unraveling Mercury's Secrets
    New findings indicate that Mercury's crust and internal structure are unlike any other planet in our solar system. Laboratory simulations are aiding the European-Japanese BepiColombo mission, set to orbit Mercury in November 2026. Researchers are investigating why Mercury's core constitutes 60% of its volume, exploring theories about its metal-rich composition and volcanic history. The study emphasizes the need for more data to understand Mercury's unique characteristics and geological processes.
    The Ongoing Mystery of the Sun's Corona
    Despite advancements in solar research, the heating of the Sun's corona remains a significant puzzle. Observations from NASA's IRIS mission and other spacecraft are shedding light on potential mechanisms, including magnetic reconnection and plasma waves. These studies are revealing the complexity of the solar atmosphere and could help scientists understand how energy is transferred from the Sun's surface to its outer layers.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    NASA IRIS Mission
    https://iris.lmsal.com/
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 77 for broadcast on 27 June 2025
    01:00 Link between Earth's oxygen and magnetic field
    12:15 Unraveling Mercury's secrets
    22:30 The ongoing mystery of the Sun's corona
    30:00 Science report: Changing seasonal rhythms and their impact on ecosystems
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    22 m
  • Cosmic Threads: Discovering the Universe's Hidden Matter in Hot Gas Filaments

    Cosmic Threads: Discovering the Universe's Hidden Matter in Hot Gas Filaments
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover significant advancements in our understanding of the universe and ongoing developments in space exploration.
    Astronomers Find the Universe's Missing Matter
    A groundbreaking study reveals that the universe's elusive normal matter is concealed within hot intergalactic gas filaments. This discovery, detailed in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, identifies a massive filament of gas, ten times the mass of the Milky Way, connecting four galaxy clusters. Utilizing the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and JAXA's Suzaku X-ray space telescopes, researchers have successfully characterized this filament, providing crucial insights into the cosmic web's structure and supporting existing models of the universe.
    Concerns Grow Over Leaks Aboard the International Space Station
    Fresh concerns regarding leaks aboard the International Space Station have led to delays in the SpaceX Axiom Spaceflight 4 mission. NASA is closely monitoring cabin pressure in the Russian segment of the station, where ongoing structural issues have been identified. Despite recent repairs, the situation remains a top safety priority as astronauts prepare for their upcoming mission.
    European Space Agency's Mars Rover Progress
    The European Space Agency's ExoMars rover, Rosalind Franklin, is back on track to land on Mars in 2028, seven years later than originally planned. This mission aims to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet and investigate its geochemical environment. With new funding and NASA's agreement to provide launch services, the Rosalind Franklin rover is undergoing final tests to ensure its success on the Martian surface.
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    ✍️ Episode References
    Astronomy and Astrophysics
    https://www.aanda.org/
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int/
    NASA
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 76 for broadcast on 25 June 2025
    01:00 Astronomers find the universe's missing matter
    12:15 Concerns grow over leaks aboard the International Space Station
    22:30 European Space Agency's Mars rover progress
    30:00 Science report: New insights into conversion therapy and health impacts
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    21 m