Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

In this episode, we explore a remarkable array of developments in space exploration and astronomy that are making headlines. We begin with a historic moment as NASA orders its first controlled medical evacuation from the International Space Station, bringing home the entire Crew 11 team due to a medical issue affecting one astronaut. This unprecedented decision underscores the importance of crew safety and the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.Next, we look forward to the upcoming February full moon, known as the Snow Moon, which promises a stunning display in the night sky. With peak illumination set for February 1st, we provide...

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the latest astronomical discoveries and cosmic phenomena that are captivating enthusiasts around the globe. We begin with a groundbreaking revelation about Betelgeuse, the iconic red supergiant star. Astronomers have uncovered the cause behind its perplexing brightness fluctuations and the dramatic dimming event of 2020, attributing it to a hidden companion star, affectionately named Siwarha, which disrupts Betelgeuse's atmosphere and light.Next, we present a stunning decades-long time-lapse video of Kepler's supernova remnant, showcasing the evolution of this cosmic explosion as observed by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. This visual journey through time...

In this episode, we delve into a thrilling array of space news and discoveries that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We start with a sobering update on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, where new research suggests its vast subsurface ocean may lack the necessary energy to support life as we know it. Despite its potential, the study highlights the importance of geological activity for habitability, leaving us with more questions than answers.Shifting gears, we turn our attention to the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, set to mark the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years. With a...

In this episode, we journey through the latest cosmic developments that are capturing our imaginations and shaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a concerning update about Spain's Spainsat NG2 satellite, which encountered a space particle during its ascent to orbit, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space travel. Fortunately, contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted communications for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.Next, we delve into a busy launch schedule, featuring SpaceX's Falcon 9 missions that will deploy new Starlink satellites and a variety of rideshare missions, including NASA's Pandora project aimed at observing exoplanet transits...

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of the cosmos, uncovering groundbreaking advancements and intriguing discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with an exciting look at very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, which operate at altitudes between 100 and 400 kilometres, offering sharper images for Earth observation and enhanced communication capabilities. The benefits of these closer orbits could revolutionise agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response, despite the challenges posed by atmospheric drag.Next, we delve into the BepiColombo mission, which is on the verge of entering orbit around Mercury after an arduous journey since...

In this episode, we traverse the cosmos, unveiling the latest developments in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. We kick off with exciting news from Denmark, as the European Space Agency has greenlit its first lunar mission, named Mani, aimed at high-resolution mapping of the Moon's surface. This marks a significant milestone for Denmark, showcasing its commitment to lunar exploration alongside ESA's push for cost-effective missions.Next, we celebrate SpaceX's impressive start to 2026, with the successful launch of the Cosmoskymet satellite, enhancing Earth observation capabilities for various applications. As we shift our focus to exoplanets, we unravel the mystery of Fomalhaut...

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos, uncovering the latest developments that are shaping our understanding of the universe. We begin with a significant update from low Earth orbit, where Starlink plans to lower its satellite constellation altitude to enhance space safety. This proactive measure aims to mitigate risks associated with space debris, showcasing responsibility in managing our crowded orbital environment. Next, we turn our attention to the Gaia Space Telescope, which has provided unprecedented insights into the formation of planets, detecting compelling evidence of planetary birth in 31 young stellar systems. This groundbreaking observation marks...

In this episode, we delve into the latest astronomical marvels and groundbreaking developments that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We kick off with an astonishing achievement by SpaceX, which has shattered its own launch record with 165 orbital flights in 2025, averaging a launch every 2.2 days. The Falcon 9 rocket has been the backbone of this success, while the next-generation Starship is also making strides towards becoming a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle.Next, we explore an innovative solution for cleaning up space junk, inspired by science fiction. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam that uses...

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos, exploring groundbreaking discoveries and developments that could reshape our understanding of the universe. We begin with a revelation about red giant stars, challenging long-held beliefs about how they spread life's essential elements across galaxies. New research on the star R Doradus suggests that powerful forces, rather than simple starlight pressure, are responsible for driving stellar winds, prompting a reconsideration of how galaxies are enriched.Next, we delve into the enigmatic world of hot Jupiters—gas giants that orbit perilously close to their stars. Recent studies indicate that many of...

In this episode, we explore a diverse array of captivating stories from the far reaches of our solar system to pressing challenges in Earth's orbit. We kick off with a critical discussion on satellite disposal, weighing the merits of designing for demise versus non-demise as mega constellations like Starlink proliferate. The environmental implications of each approach are examined, highlighting the need for a sustainable solution.Next, we journey to the Kuiper Belt, where astronomers from Princeton University have uncovered a new structure known as the "inner kernel" of objects. This discovery challenges our understanding of the solar system's formation and...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the cosmic events and scientific discoveries that await us in 2026. We kick off with an exciting preview of lunar exploration, as NASA's Artemis program prepares to send astronauts on a historic flyby of the Moon, alongside a fleet of robotic landers from various commercial companies, including Jeff Bezos's Blue Moon. Next, we highlight the total solar eclipse on August 12, which will cross the Arctic, as well as a ring of fire eclipse in Antarctica, making 2026 a year for eclipse chasers.Shifting our focus to the edge of our solar system, we...

In this episode, we dive into a myriad of exciting developments in the space industry and cosmology. We kick things off with a major shake-up as Blue Origin hires Tory Bruno, the former president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, to lead their new national security group. This strategic move signals Blue Origin's serious intent to compete for lucrative national security launch contracts, especially with their upcoming Glenn Heavy Lift rocket. Next, we explore a new and intriguing theory regarding dark matter, proposing that it may be composed of giant, star-sized objects, referred to as exotic astrophysical dark objects (IADs...

In this episode, we delve into the latest advancements in UAP research and explore a groundbreaking discovery that suggests our universe might not be as symmetrical as once thought. We begin with the ongoing investigation into unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), where experts emphasize the need for rigorous scientific study and funding to uncover the truth behind these mysterious sightings. As momentum builds, institutions like the University of Wurtzburg and the Galileo Project are stepping up to collect high-quality data on UAPs, with potential national security implications highlighted by former Navy pilot Ryan Graves.Next, we shift our focus to a...

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking developments in lunar colonization and the intriguing behaviors of interstellar visitors. We kick off with a bold announcement from Russia, revealing plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon in collaboration with China, aiming for completion by 2036. This ambitious project signifies a shift towards sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. Next, we dive into a sci-fi-inspired innovation as Russia's Energia rocket company patents a spacecraft design featuring artificial gravity, a game-changer for long-duration space missions, potentially mitigating the adverse effects of zero gravity on astronauts.Shifting gears, we celebrate a significant...

In this episode, we navigate through a range of significant stories impacting the space industry today. We begin with a setback for South Korea's Innospace, as their Hanbit Nano rocket tragically crashes just 30 seconds after liftoff from Brazil's Alcantara Space Center. While the company cited a vehicle abnormality, the incident raises questions about the challenges faced by emerging private space firms. Next, we take a fascinating journey back in time to explore a period when Earth's day lasted only 19 hours. New research reveals a unique balance between lunar and solar forces that maintained this rhythm for a billion years, potentially...

In this episode, we celebrate remarkable advancements in space exploration and the intriguing discoveries that challenge our understanding of the universe. We kick off with the inspiring story of Michaela Benthaus, who has made history as the first paraplegic and wheelchair user to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, showcasing the importance of accessibility in space travel. Next, we delve into NASA's groundbreaking PUNCH mission, which is set to provide an unprecedented view of the solar wind, allowing us to track solar phenomena and improve space weather forecasting like never before.Shifting our focus to lunar exploration...

In this episode, we bid farewell to the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas as it completes its closest approach to Earth, offering a glimpse into a cosmic journey that spans billions of years. We discuss the Parker Solar Probe's remarkable 26th close approach to the Sun, where it continues to gather critical data about solar activity at a staggering speed of 430,000 miles per hour. In a more whimsical turn, we share the exciting news of a public contest to design a mascot for NASA's Artemis 2 mission, highlighting the incredible engagement from around the globe.Shifting gears, we delve into the enigma...

In this episode, we journey through a captivating array of discoveries and cosmic events that challenge our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a surprising revelation about Titan, Saturn's largest moon, where new analysis suggests its interior may be a thick, warm slush rather than a vast ocean, complicating the search for extraterrestrial life. Next, we discuss a recent anomaly involving SpaceX's Starlink satellites that resulted in a satellite breaking apart, raising concerns about space debris and its implications for future missions.Shifting gears, we delve into the implications of President Trump's executive order on national space policy...

In this episode, we explore a series of groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomy. We start with the monumental announcement of Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur and astronaut, as the new head of NASA, signaling a potential shift towards more commercially driven missions. Next, we delve into the astonishing discovery of a supermassive black hole racing through intergalactic space, leaving a trail of newborn stars in its wake—an incredible testament to the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope. We then turn our attention to Mars, where the Perseverance Rover has traveled nearly 25 miles, uncovering geological treasures that ma...

In this episode, we dive into some thought-provoking topics that could reshape our understanding of the universe. A groundbreaking study introduces the immersion theory, suggesting that Earth-like planets may be far more common than previously believed, thanks to the explosive influence of nearby supernovae. We also explore the Eschtachian hypothesis, which proposes that our first contact with extraterrestrial life might come in the form of a powerful signal from a civilization in distress. Additionally, we highlight an exciting week of record space launches, including China's Long March 12A rocket and South Korea's Hanbit Nano. We celebrate a significant milestone for...

In today's episode, we cover a wide array of intriguing updates from the cosmos, including a concerning communication loss with NASA's MAVEN spacecraft at Mars and the implications of its potential silence for ongoing research. We also highlight a successful rendezvous between two private spacecraft, showcasing advancements in autonomous orbital technologies. Additionally, we discuss the upcoming close approach of interstellar comet 3I Atlas, the fascinating discovery of primordial "dinosaur stars" by the James Webb Space Telescope, and the stunning visuals from the recent Gemin meteor shower. Finally, we explore the future of asteroid mining and its potential to revolutionize space...

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...

Episode Summary  
In today's episode, we explore a myriad of fascinating developments in space science, ranging from a groundbreaking new galactic map created by NASA's Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope to innovative color-changing spacesuits designed to protect astronauts from radiation. We also discuss how Earth's magnetosphere may be enriching the Moon's soil with vital resources, a busy month for the International Space Station, and SpaceX's potential plans for an IPO. Finally, we take a closer look at Comet 3i ATLAS, which has been observed glowing in X-ray light, providing new insights into its composition and origins.
### Ti...

### Episode Summary  
Today’s episode features groundbreaking developments in space exploration, including the historic journey of Michaela Benthouse, the first wheelchair user set to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's NS37 mission. We also delve into a major survey of the Magellanic Clouds, revealing insights into their interaction with our Milky Way. Additionally, we discuss surprising findings from NASA's Parker Solar Probe regarding solar recycling, the new race for lunar resources, and the upcoming celestial fireworks from the binary star system V Sagittae. Finally, we explore the innovative Ristretto instrument aimed at studying Proxima B, our nearest exop...

Episode Summary  
Today’s episode dives into a whirlwind of cosmic news, featuring a communications hiccup with NASA's MAVEN orbiter at Mars, the astonishing discovery of Earth's magnetic tail, and the unveiling of NASA's new Rover Operations Center. We also explore the intriguing hints of a methane-rich atmosphere on an exoplanet detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, a groundbreaking dual-mode drone from China, and Rocket Lab's innovative "Hungry Hippo" fairing design for their upcoming neutron rocket.
### Timestamps & Stories  
01:05 – **Story 1: MAVEN Orbiter Loses Contact with Earth**
**Key Facts**  
- NASA's MAVEN orbiter h...

### Episode Summary  
A thrilling spacewalk at the Tiangong Space Station, the discovery of the oldest supernova witnessed by the James Webb Telescope, and new insights into the chaotic nature of Super Jupiters highlight today's episode. We also explore the powerful winds generated by a supermassive black hole, showcasing the dynamic interactions in our universe.
### Timestamps & Stories  
01:05 – **Story 1: Marathon Spacewalk at Tiangong Space Station**
**Key Facts**  
- Two astronauts from the Shenshou 21 mission conducted an 8-hour spacewalk to inspect damage on the Shenshou 20 return capsule, struck by space debris.  
- Installation of new...

### Episode Summary  
Real-time images of exploding stars, a surprisingly “gentle” supermassive black hole, the return of a long-duration Soyuz crew, a packed week of launches, Subaru’s first new exoplanet and brown-dwarf finds, and a controversial plan to light up the night sky with orbital mirrors.
### Timestamps & Stories  
00:00 – Cold Open  
00:35 – Intro  
01:05 – **Story 1: Astronomers watch novae explode in real time**  
**Key Facts**  
- First-ever direct imaging of two novae as they erupted using the CHARA optical interferometer  
- V1674 Herculis: fastest nova on record; brightened & faded in days; showed two pe...

Mysterious Interstellar Object 3i Atlas: The interstellar object 3i Atlas is back in the spotlight, exhibiting strange behavior that has scientists puzzled. With non-gravitational acceleration and focused jets forming an anti-tail, its upcoming close approach to Earth on December 19th has prompted coordinated space defense drills among various nations, raising intriguing questions about its true nature.SOHO's 30th Anniversary: Celebrating 30 years of operation, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has not only revolutionized solar science but has also discovered over 5000 comets, making it the most prolific comet hunter in history. Its resilience and contributions to understanding sp...

Discovery of a Cosmic Filament: Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable string of 14 galaxies spinning in unison within a colossal cosmic filament, a structure that is about 50 million light years long and rotates at an astounding 110 kilometers per second. This discovery reveals the profound influence of cosmic structures on galaxy formation.China's Earth 2.0 Initiative: The China National Space Agency has unveiled ambitious plans for their upcoming missions aimed at exploring Earth-like planets. These missions include a radio astronomy experiment on the Moon's far side, a solar observatory, a space telescope for studying black holes, and an exoplanet-hunting sa...

Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope Assembly Complete: NASA has successfully assembled the Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, a major milestone that brings us closer to its anticipated launch in May 2027. This powerful telescope, equipped with a 288-megapixel camera, promises to gather data hundreds of times faster than Hubble, potentially unveiling over 100,000 new exoplanets and billions of galaxies.Russian Soyuz Rocket Launch Damage: Following a successful launch to the International Space Station, damage was discovered at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, attributed to vibrations and heat from the launch. Repairs are expected to take around three months, but there’s no...

China's Zhuqi 3 Rocket Launch: Landspace has successfully launched its Zhuqi 3 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the reusable rocket race. Although the first stage booster experienced a mishap during its landing attempt, the successful reach of orbit demonstrates the progress in China's commercial space industry.WASP 107B's Atmospheric Loss: The James Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning images of the gas giant WASP 107B, which is actively losing its atmosphere due to intense stellar radiation. This phenomenon provides valuable insights into planetary evolution and the life cycles of exoplanets.Asteroid Bennu's Life Ingredients: NASA's Osi...

Threat to the Atacama Desert: Scientists are raising alarms over a massive renewable energy project near Chile’s Atacama Desert, home to the Paranal Observatory. Concerns include potential light pollution, dust interference, and atmospheric heating that could compromise the region's exceptional astronomical conditions. The scientific community is advocating for solutions to minimize these impacts while balancing sustainable energy needs.Blue Origin's New Innovations: Blue Origin has unveiled exciting new hardware, including the Blue Moon Mark One robotic lander set to fly by 2026, a more powerful version of the New Glenn rocket, and Blue Ring, a space tug...

Emergency Return of Shenzhou 20: China's Shenzhou 20 spacecraft is making an uncrewed emergency return to Earth after sustaining damage from a micrometeoroid, which caused a crack in its window. The crew safely returned on a different vessel, marking a significant first for China's space program.Galactic Neighborhoods Matter: The Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey (DEVELS) reveals that a galaxy's local environment significantly influences its evolution. Galaxies in crowded clusters exhibit slower star formation rates compared to isolated ones, providing crucial insights into cosmic evolution.Launch Week Extravaganza: This week sees 10 scheduled orbital launches, including five Sta...

ESA's European Launcher Challenge: The European Space Agency is taking significant steps towards enhancing its commercial launch market, with member states committing over 900 million euros to the European Launcher Challenge. This initiative will see ESA acting as an anchor client, co-funding upgrades for private companies and stimulating competition and innovation in space launch services.Starquakes and Black Holes: Scientists are uncovering the mysteries of dormant black holes through the study of starquakes, or asteroseismology. Two systems, Gaia BH2 and Gaia BH3, reveal intriguing contradictions in the ages and compositions of their red giant stars, prompting a re...

Launch of the Mauve Telescope: A groundbreaking new space telescope named Mauve, about the size of a mini fridge, has successfully launched aboard a SpaceX transporter mission. Owned by Blue Skies Space, this private telescope will operate on a subscription model, offering unique ultraviolet data that could revolutionize astronomical research by providing dedicated access to space-based observations.Roscosmos Launch Pad Trouble: Following the successful launch of the Soyuz MS.28 crew to the ISS, Roscosmos has reported significant damage to its only active crewed launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome. A maintenance cabin collapsed during a post-launch inspection, po...

Lightning on Mars: NASA's Perseverance rover has potentially captured the first direct evidence of lightning on Mars. Using its super-sensitive microphone, the rover recorded distinct crackling sounds, suggesting that electrical discharges may be caused by the planet's notorious dust storms. This discovery indicates that Mars has a more dynamic atmosphere than previously thought, raising excitement for future crewed missions.Thanksgiving Crew Launch: A crew of three, including one NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts, successfully launched to the International Space Station aboard a Soyuz rocket. Their eight-month mission will involve overseeing a variety of scientific experiments an...

(00:00:00) Astronomy Daily podcast features the latest news from across the cosmos
(00:00:35) SpaceX scrubbed the launch of their Transporter 15 mission on Wednesday
(00:02:45) SpaceX scrubbed its B1062 booster due to unspecified issue
(00:04:26) Scientists used data from a spacecraft orbiting Mars to predict comet's path
(00:05:42) Improved trajectory means telescopes and other spacecraft can track comet with greater accuracy
(00:07:57) NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch in 2027
(00:10:14) NASA astronaut Chris Williams and two cosmonauts set for Thanksgiving mission
(00:11:09) South Korea's homegrown Nuri rocket successfully launched on November 26th
(00:12:13) Astronomy Daily features the best...

Breakthrough in Dark Matter Research: A potential game-changing discovery has emerged in the search for dark matter. An astronomer from the University of Tokyo has detected high-energy gamma rays that align with theoretical predictions for dark matter particle collisions. This intriguing signal could provide the first direct evidence of dark matter, specifically linked to the hypothesized WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles), marking a monumental step in understanding one of the universe's greatest mysteries.Busy Week for Rocket Launches: This week is set to be a thrilling one for space enthusiasts, with a total of seven launches fr...

Boeing's Starliner Mission Shift: A significant change has been announced for Boeing's Starliner 1 mission, now transitioning to a cargo-only mission to the ISS, scheduled for no earlier than April 2026. This decision follows a challenging crew flight test earlier this year, emphasizing safety and the need for further analysis and fixes related to thruster issues. The number of required flights for Boeing has also been reduced from six to four, reflecting the success of SpaceX's Crew Dragon.China's Shenzhou 22 Lifeboat Launch: In a remarkable display of operational maturity, China successfully launched the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 mission to its Ti...

Hawking and Einstein Confirmed: In a groundbreaking cosmic event, the collision of two black holes has validated predictions made by both Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. Observations from gravitational wave observatories confirmed Hawking's area theorem, showing that the surface area of the resulting black hole increased, and matched Einstein's predictions regarding the black hole's ring down, revealing a new Kerr black hole.Moss Survives in Space: Astonishingly, moss spores exposed to the harsh conditions of space on the International Space Station for nine months were able to germinate upon their return to Earth. This remarkable resilience of...

SpaceX's Starship Booster Anomaly: SpaceX faces a significant setback as Booster 18 of its next-generation Starship program suffers a catastrophic rupture during a routine gas system pressure test. The failure of a composite overwrapped pressure vessel has left the company with no completed flight-ready boosters, prompting a shift in focus to Booster 19. Fortunately, this incident occurred during ground testing, allowing for necessary improvements before future flights.Stealth Solar Storm Strikes Earth: On November 20, a stealth solar storm arrived unexpectedly, creating stunning auroras at lower latitudes. Unlike typical coronal mass ejections, this event was difficult to predict, highlighting ch...

Historic Launch Milestone at Cape Canaveral: This week, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is set to achieve a remarkable milestone as it becomes the 100th launch from the Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center area in a single year. This achievement highlights the incredible advancements in reusable rocket technology, which has transformed the economics of spaceflight.China's Senzhou Spacecraft Drama: A replacement uncrewed Senzhou spacecraft is launching soon to replace the damaged module that caused the crew of Shenzhou 20 to return to Earth in a different spacecraft. This highlights the challenges of space travel while ensuring the safety of...

Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: NASA has unveiled new images and data of the interstellar comet 3I Atlas, the third confirmed visitor from beyond our solar system. This comet, rich in carbon dioxide and water ice, offers a unique opportunity to study ancient material from a distant solar system, challenging previous assumptions about interstellar objects.Enceladus' Organic Compounds: Exciting findings from NASA's Cassini mission reveal previously undetected organic compounds in the plumes of Saturn's moon Enceladus. These complex molecules suggest potential for life, as they may serve as precursors to amino acids, highlighting Enceladus as a prime ca...

Euclid Space Telescope's Groundbreaking Findings: The European Space Agency's Euclid mission is revolutionizing our understanding of galaxy evolution just a year into its operations. With the capability to observe over 1.2 million galaxies, Euclid is addressing fundamental questions about galaxy shapes and their formation history, paving the way for a modern galactic tuning fork diagram.The Spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower: The Geminid meteor shower is set to peak on December 13th and 14th, promising a dazzling display of bright and colorful meteors. With a waning crescent moon providing optimal viewing conditions, it's the perfect opportunity to witness th...

NASA's Artemis 3 Mission Delays: A new report indicates that NASA's Artemis 3 mission, aimed at landing astronauts on the moon, is now projected to occur in 2028 instead of the previously planned 2026. This delay is primarily due to the ongoing development challenges faced by SpaceX's Starship, which is key to the mission's success.Launch Week Extravaganza: It's a busy week for space launches, with SpaceX planning five Falcon 9 missions, including four for their Starlink Internet Constellation and a rideshare mission. China is also active, with three launches, including the critical Shenzhou 22 spacecraft heading to the Tiangong Space Station....