NASA's New Interim Administrator: In a surprising turn of events, President Trump has appointed Sean Duffy as NASA’s interim administrator. With a background in transportation and a stint on reality television, Duffy's unconventional path raises questions about the future direction of the agency amidst significant budget cuts proposed by the administration.

- Discovery of Comet 3i Atlas: Astronomers have traced the origin of the newly discovered interstellar comet 3i Atlas back to the Milky Way's thick disc, revealing it to be between 7.6 and 14 billion years old. This groundbreaking finding offers invaluable insights into the history of our galaxy and the processes of planetesimal formation.

- Insights from NASA's DART Mission: We delve into the complexities revealed by NASA’s DART mission, which successfully altered the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos. The aftermath of the impact has unveiled new physics regarding asteroid composition and debris movement, crucial for future planetary defence strategies.

- Saturn's Return to the Night Sky: Stargazers rejoice! Saturn is making its return to the late night sky, providing an excellent opportunity for observation. With tips on timing and viewing conditions, we encourage listeners to grab their telescopes and enjoy the stunning sight of this magnificent gas giant.

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.

✍️ Episode References

NASA Interim Administrator

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Comet 3i Atlas Discovery

[University of Oxford]( https://www.ox.ac.uk/ (https://www.ox.ac.uk/) )

DART Mission Insights

[NASA DART]( https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/dart/main/index.html (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/dart/main/index.html) )

Saturn Viewing Tips

[In The Sky]( https://www.inthesky.org/ (https://www.inthesky.org/) )

Astronomy Daily

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/28030192?utm_source=youtube

Challenges for Mars Sample Return Mission: We dive into the hurdles facing NASA's Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) as costs soar to an estimated $11 billion. Discover Lockheed Martin's innovative proposal to streamline the mission for under $3 billion, potentially saving this crucial scientific endeavour.

- Revolutionary AI Satellite Technology: Learn about a groundbreaking satellite being developed by researchers at UC Davis, featuring a digital brain that monitors its own condition in real-time. This cutting-edge technology aims to transform satellite operations and reduce the burden on ground teams.

- Unintentional Signals to Alien Civilisations: Explore new research suggesting that our military and civilian radar signals could be broadcasting our presence to intelligent life up to 200 light years away. This study raises intriguing questions about the potential for contact with extraterrestrial beings.

- Hubble's Insights into Dark Matter: Marvel at Hubble's latest image of the Abell 209 galaxy cluster, revealing over 100 galaxies and the elusive dark matter that shapes our universe. Learn how gravitational lensing helps astronomers map the distribution of this mysterious substance.

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.

✍️ Episode References

Mars Sample Return Mission

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

AI Satellite Development

[UC Davis]( https://www.ucdavis.edu/ (https://www.ucdavis.edu/) )

Extraterrestrial Signals Research

[University of Manchester]( https://www.manchester.ac.uk/ (https://www.manchester.ac.uk/) )

Hubble Space Telescope

[NASA Hubble]( https://hubblesite.org/ (https://hubblesite.org/) )

Astronomy Daily

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/28009491?utm_source=youtube

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.

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

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357 (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357)

NASA Perseverance Rover

https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/)

Nature Journal

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) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/28005219?utm_source=youtube

A Massive Ancient Impact and Life on Earth: Discover how a colossal impact shaped Earth's ability to support life, with insights from new research on carbonaceous chondrites and the role of Theia in delivering essential materials to our planet.

- The Hidden Structure of Space Ice: Prepare to have your perceptions of ice in space transformed! We delve into a groundbreaking study revealing that space ice contains tiny crystal structures, challenging long-held beliefs and impacting theories about the origins of life.

- Ambitious Space Missions Ahead: Get the latest on exciting space missions, including China's proposed ice giant mission to Neptune and SpaceX's remarkable 500th Falcon 9 launch, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

- Observing the Buck Moon: Learn about July's Buck Moon, its unique characteristics, and how to best observe this stunning celestial event, which coincides with the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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.

✍️ Episode References

Earth's Habitability Research

[Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences]( https://www.iastro.pt/ (https://www.iastro.pt/) )

Space Ice Study

[University College London]( https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/) )

Falcon 9 Milestone

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) )

Buck Moon Information

[Time and Date]( https://www.timeanddate.com/ (https://www.timeanddate.com/) )

Apollo 11 Anniversary

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Astronomy Daily

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27992271?utm_source=youtube

Today in Space History: Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, celebrating significant events that occurred on July 7th. Discover how NASA's Opportunity Rover launched in 2003, exceeding its mission expectations, and learn about the simultaneous meteor event and historic space shuttle mission in 1999, which was notably commanded by a woman for the first time.

- The Interstellar Comet 3i Atlas: We explore the fascinating details of comet 3i Atlas, currently making its way through our solar system. Learn about its size, speed, and the unique opportunity it presents for astronomers to study interstellar visitors, providing insights into the formation of worlds beyond our own.

- Double Detonation Supernova Discovery: Delve into the intriguing findings regarding type 1A supernovae, where researchers have identified a double detonation event in an ancient supernova remnant. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind stellar explosions and their role in the cosmos.

- Rare Snowfall at ALMA: A rare snowfall in the Atacama Desert has temporarily halted operations at the ALMA Radio Telescope Array. We discuss the implications of this weather event, its rarity in the region, and how climate change may influence future operations of this powerful observatory.

- Space Shuttle Discovery's Future: We cover the recent legislation aimed at relocating the Space Shuttle Discovery to Space Center Houston. Learn about the significance of this move and what it means for the legacy of human spaceflight in America.

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 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 Steve signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

Opportunity Rover Launch

[NASA Opportunity]( https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/) )

Comet 3i Atlas Information

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Double Detonation Study

[Nature Astronomy]( https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/ (https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/) )

ALMA Radio Telescope Updates

[ALMA]( https://www.almaobservatory.org/ (https://www.almaobservatory.org/) )

Space Shuttle Discovery Legislation

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Astronomy Daily

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27973892?utm_source=youtube

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.

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

✍️ Episode References

NASA ATLAS

https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/)

China's Tianwen 3 Mission

https://www.space.com/china-mars-sample-return-tianwen-3 (https://www.space.com/china-mars-sample-return-tianwen-3)

Vera C Rubin Observatory

https://www.lsst.org/ (https://www.lsst.org/)

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) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27969451?utm_source=youtube

In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions that delve into the realms of astrophysics and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. From the complexities of time dilation to the potential for extraterrestrial communication, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic knowledge.

Episode Highlights:

- Time Dilation and Space Travel: The episode kicks off with a fascinating question from listener Peter about the implications of time dilation as depicted in Queen's song "39." Fred explains the calculations needed to understand how a journey at 99.995% the speed of light could allow travelers to experience just one year while 100 years pass on Earth, revealing the mind-bending effects of Einstein's theory of relativity.

- Observing Gravitational Waves: Trent from North Georgia poses a compelling question about how observatories can detect light from events that have already emitted gravitational waves. Fred clarifies the relationship between different types of radiation and their detection, using gamma-ray bursts as a prime example of how various signals can provide insight into cosmic events.

- Limits of Biological Detection: Listener Chris wonders why organisms on Earth can only sense a limited part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Fred discusses the potential for extraterrestrial life to communicate using different frequencies, exploring the limits of biology and the intriguing possibilities of non-verbal communication in the cosmos.

- Earth-Sized Moons Around Gas Giants: Martin raises an interesting question about the possibility of Earth-sized moons orbiting gas giants in other solar systems. Fred elaborates on the feasibility of such moons and their potential to harbor life, while also considering the dynamic challenges posed by their environments.

For more Space Nuts, including our continuously 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.

Become a supporter of this podcast: 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/27967283?utm_source=youtube

New Insights into Mars' Habitability: We delve into a groundbreaking study from NASA's Curiosity rover that challenges the notion of Mars as a once habitable planet. Discover why scientists believe Mars may have always been destined to be a cold, lifeless desert, despite evidence of ancient water and warmth.

- The Mysteries of Massive Stars: Explore the dramatic lives of massive stars that, before collapsing into black holes, expel vast amounts of matter through powerful stellar winds. Learn how these cosmic giants influence the formation of elements essential for life and contribute to the creation of gravitational waves.

- A Richie Planet Unveiled: Join us as we uncover the exciting discovery of a potential rogue planet, using decades-old Hubble images to trace its elusive path. This remarkable find highlights the value of archival data in modern astronomy and sheds light on the mysterious worlds drifting through space.

- The Strangest Objects in Orbit: From human pee crystals to a Tesla Roadster floating through space, we take a whimsical look at some of the oddest man-made objects in Earth's orbit. Discover the stories behind these items and the implications of space debris on future exploration.

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.

✍️ Episode References

Mars Habitability Study

[NASA Curiosity]( https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/ (https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/) )

Massive Stars Research

[Institute for Advanced Study]( https://www.ias.edu/ (https://www.ias.edu/) )

Richie Planet Discovery

[Hubble Space Telescope]( https://hubblesite.org/ (https://hubblesite.org/) )

Space Debris Information

[European Space Agency]( https://www.esa.int/ (https://www.esa.int/) )

Astronomy Daily

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/27955383?utm_source=youtube