Sponsor Details:

This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 (https://insta360.com/) - the leaders in 360-degree video technology. To explore their innovative range and claim your special SpaceTime bonus, visit and use the coupon code SpaceTime at checkout.

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover exciting new research challenging our understanding of dark matter, reveal hidden treasures beneath the Earth's surface, and explore the potential for life on Titan, Saturn's enigmatic moon.

Modified Newtonian Dynamics: A Dark Matter Alternative

Recent studies suggest that modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) may serve as a viable alternative to the elusive dark matter hypothesis. This theory, proposed by physicist Mordecai Milgrom, modifies Newton's laws to explain the gravitational behavior observed in galaxies without relying on dark matter. We delve into the latest findings that support MOND, including a novel method for measuring gravity in wide binary star systems, which indicates that gravity may actually be stronger than Newton's predictions under certain conditions.

Earth's Hidden Gold Reserves

A groundbreaking study reveals that Earth's core may contain vast reserves of gold and other precious metals, far beyond what is accessible on the surface. Researchers discovered traces of ruthenium in volcanic rocks from Hawaii, suggesting that these metals originated from the core and are leaking into the mantle. This research opens new avenues for understanding Earth's internal dynamics and the movement of materials from the core to the surface.

Searching for Life's Chemistry on Titan

NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission aims to investigate the intriguing chemistry of life on Titan, Saturn's largest moon. With its organic-rich environment and unique geological features, Titan presents an opportunity to study prebiotic chemistry in a way that Earth cannot. We explore how Dragonfly will analyze the moon's surface and atmosphere to uncover clues about the processes that may have led to the emergence of life, potentially reshaping our understanding of habitability in the universe.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X)

Nature

https://www.nature.com/nature/ (https://www.nature.com/nature/)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 68 for broadcast on 6 June 2025

01:00 Modified Newtonian dynamics as an alternative to dark matter

12:15 Earth's hidden gold reserves

22:30 Searching for life's chemistry on Titan

30:00 Science report: Ancient tool-making from whale bones and quantum computing breakthroughs

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27507595?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Details:

This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 ...the ultimate in 360-degree video technology. Check out their amazing cameras and grab your special Space Nuts offer by visiting store.insta360.com (https://store.insta360.com/) and using the coupon code Space Nuts at checkout.

Cosmic Bubbles, Pancake Volcanoes, and 50 Years of the European Space Agency

In this exciting episode of Space Nuts , host Heidi Campo and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson explore a range of fascinating topics that stretch the imagination. From the discovery of a perfectly spherical cosmic bubble to the intriguing pancake volcanoes of Venus, and a celebration of the European Space Agency's 50th anniversary, this episode is a must-listen for all space enthusiasts.

Episode Highlights:

- The Cosmic Bubble Telios: Fred shares insights into a newly discovered cosmic bubble, dubbed Telios, that is captivating astronomers with its geometric perfection. The duo discusses the significance of this discovery and the technology behind the radio imaging that revealed this stunning celestial object.

- Pancake Volcanoes on Venus: The conversation shifts to Venus, where unique pancake-shaped volcanic formations have sparked curiosity among scientists. Fred explains the geological processes that may lead to the formation of these unusual structures and how they differ from typical volcanoes on Earth.

- Celebrating 50 Years of ESA: The episode wraps up with a look at the European Space Agency's 50th anniversary and the release of commemorative coins. Heidi and Fred discuss the significance of ESA's contributions to space exploration and the design elements of the newly minted coins, inviting listeners to engage in a scavenger hunt to decode their mysteries.

For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.

If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about)

Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

(00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson

(01:20) Discussion on the discovery of the cosmic bubble Telios

(15:00) Exploring pancake volcanoes on Venus

(25:30) Celebrating 50 years of the European Space Agency

For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27507268?utm_source=youtube

Highlights:

- Ispace's Lunar Landing Setback: Join us as we delve into the unfortunate news surrounding Ispace's Resilience lander, which failed to achieve a successful landing on the Moon. After launching aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, the mission suffered a hard landing, resulting in lost communication. We discuss the implications of this setback and the company's plans for future missions, including their contract with NASA for a 2027 lunar delivery.

- Musk vs. Trump: A Space Tiff: Explore the escalating tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump following Musk's criticism of Trump's policies. With Musk threatening to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, we examine the potential consequences for American spaceflight and NASA's operations, particularly in light of SpaceX's crucial contracts.

- Mars Rover's Mysterious Maze: Uncover the fascinating purpose behind the maze captured in images by NASA's Perseverance rover. This calibration target for the rover's Sherlock instrument plays a vital role in detecting organic compounds on Mars, while also testing materials for future human exploration.

- Discovery of Extreme Nuclear Transients: Get ready for a mind-blowing revelation as astronomers unveil extreme nuclear transients (ENTs), the largest explosions observed since the Big Bang. These colossal events, linked to the destruction of massive stars by black holes, offer new insights into black hole growth and cosmic history.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily

01:10 - Ispace's lunar landing setback

10:00 - Musk vs. Trump: A space tiff

15:30 - Mars rover's mysterious maze

20:00 - Discovery of extreme nuclear transients

✍️ Episode References

Ispace Resilience Mission Details

[ISPACE]( https://ispace-inc.com/ (https://ispace-inc.com/) )

Elon Musk and Donald Trump Dispute

[CNN]( https://www.cnn.com (https://www.cnn.com/) )

NASA Perseverance Rover Information

[NASA Perseverance]( https://mars.nasa.gov/perseverance/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/perseverance/) )

Extreme Nuclear Transients Research

[Astrophysical Journal]( https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )

For Commercial-Free versions become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27506741?utm_source=youtube