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SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

By: Stuart Gary
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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.Copyright bitesz.com
Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • MOND vs. Dark Matter: A New Perspective on Cosmic Mysteries
    Jun 6 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the leaders in 360-degree video technology. To explore their innovative range and claim your special SpaceTime bonus, visit store.insta360.com 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
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astrophysical Journal
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
    Nature
    https://www.nature.com/nature/
    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 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
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    24 mins
  • SpaceX's Starship 9: A Journey Through Triumph and Turmoil
    Jun 4 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    Incogni: When your data privacy matters, you need Incogni. To get your special SpaceTime deal and bonuses, visit www.incogni.com/stuartgary and let them do all the heavy lifting for you
    Insta360
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the innovators in 360-degree camera technology. Capture your adventures with the Insta360 X5, designed for extreme conditions. To claim a free invisible selfie stick with your purchase, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SpaceTime!

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest developments in space exploration, lunar geology, and solar phenomena.
    SpaceX's Fiery Ninth Starship Test Flight
    The latest test flight of SpaceX's Starship ended dramatically as both the orbiter and the booster were destroyed during reentry. Despite the fiery conclusion, SpaceX officials noted that the test was designed to push the limits of the spacecraft. The flight featured numerous milestones, including a successful hot staging and the first reflight of a booster. However, issues arose during the landing burn, resulting in a spectacular explosion. We discuss the implications of this test and what it means for future missions, including NASA's Artemis 3.
    Lunar Rocks and Their Magnetic Mystery
    A new study proposes that a significant asteroid impact may explain the presence of highly magnetic rocks on the Moon. Researchers suggest that a brief amplification of the Moon's weak magnetic field, caused by a large plasma-generated impact event, could account for the magnetism observed in some lunar samples. This hypothesis sheds light on the Moon's geological history and its magnetic properties, particularly in regions near the lunar south pole, where future missions are planned.
    Revealing the Sun's Corona
    Astronomers have captured unprecedented details of the Sun's corona using a new adaptive optics system. This groundbreaking technology has allowed scientists to produce the clearest images of the corona yet, enhancing our understanding of coronal heating and solar eruptions. The new observations reveal dynamic features and turbulent flows within the corona, providing insights into the mechanisms driving space weather and its effects on Earth.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Astronomy
    https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    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 67 for broadcast on 4 June 2025
    01:00 SpaceX's ninth Starship test flight
    12:15 Lunar rocks and their magnetic mystery
    22:30 Revealing the Sun's corona
    30:00 Science report: New methods for green hydrogen production
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Unraveling the Hubble Constant: A New Era of Cosmic Understanding
    Jun 2 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360 - the pioneers in 360-degree video technology. To explore their innovative range and claim your special offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the coupon code SpaceTime at checkout.

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we tackle some of the universe's most pressing mysteries, including new insights into the Hubble constant, the surprising geology of Venus, and the building blocks of stellar formation.
    Resolving the Hubble Constant Debate
    New data from the James Webb Space Telescope may have finally reconciled the long-standing discrepancy in the measurement of the Hubble constant, the rate at which the universe expands. For years, scientists have grappled with differing values derived from cosmic microwave background radiation and supernova observations. Lead author Wendy Friedman discusses how recent findings suggest that the standard model of cosmology holds up, with the Hubble constant now estimated at 70.4 kilometres per second per megaparsec, aligning more closely with earlier measurements. This breakthrough could reshape our understanding of the universe’s expansion and evolution.
    Venus's Thin Crust
    New research indicates that Venus's crust is unexpectedly thin, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's geology. A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Venus lacks the tectonic activity seen on Earth, resulting in a crust that is about 40 to 65 kilometres thick. This research proposes a model of crust metamorphism that could explain how volcanic activity persists on Venus, despite the absence of plate tectonics. Upcoming missions, including NASA's Davinci and Veritas, aim to gather more data that could confirm these findings and enhance our understanding of Venus's geological processes.
    Building Blocks of Stellar Formation
    A recent study highlights that the formation of stars is influenced not only by the amount of gas in a galaxy but also by its distribution. Observations from the Philip Survey, conducted using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Telescope, reveal that star formation is concentrated in areas with higher gas density. Lead author Siona Lee explains how this research sheds light on the intricate processes that govern star formation, suggesting that gas location is critical for the birth of new stars across various galaxy types.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astrophysical Journal
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
    Nature Communications
    https://www.nature.com/naturecommunications/
    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 66 for broadcast on 2 June 2025
    01:00 Resolving the Hubble constant debate
    12:15 Venus's surprisingly thin crust
    22:30 Building blocks of stellar formation
    30:00 Science report: New links between autism and Parkinson's disease
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
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