SpaceTime: Space & Astronomy

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 33
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
World's Oldest Meteor Impact Crater, Water Ice on the Moon, and the Secretive X37B Shuttle Returns
In this episode of SpaceTime, we unveil the discovery of the world's oldest known meteor impact crater located in Western Australia. This ancient structure, dating back 3.5 billion years, was identified in the Pilbara region and challenges previous notions about Earth's geological history and the origins of life. We discuss the implications of this significant find, including its potential to reshape our understanding of crust formation and...

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 32
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Martian Minerals Indicating Ancient Life, World's Most Powerful Gamma Ray Observatory, and Ariane 6 Rocket Operations Begin
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking findings from NASA's Perseverance rover, which has discovered unusual rocks on Mars' Jezero crater rim, hinting at the possibility of ancient life. The rocks, rich in kaolinite, typically form in warm, wet environments, suggesting that Mars may have once hosted conditions suitable for life. We delve into the implications of these findings and what they reveal about the planet's...

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 31
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Beaches on Mars, Water's Early Emergence in the Universe, and Voyager's Power Conservation
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the groundbreaking confirmation by China's Zhurong Mars rover, which has revealed that ancient ocean beaches once graced Mars' northern hemisphere. Using advanced ground-penetrating radar, scientists have discovered sedimentary structures resembling Earth's coastal deposits, suggesting that the Red Planet once harbored a significant body of water, potentially creating habitable environments for microbial life.
Water's Early Role in the Universe
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SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 30
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Earth's Jessica Cycles, Starship's Latest Failure, and Lunar Landings in Trouble
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking discovery linking Earth's ice age cycles to its orbital shifts. Recent research indicates a predictable pattern for glacial and interglacial periods, suggesting the onset of the next ice age could occur in approximately 10,000 years. This insight stems from a million-year climate record that matches changes in Earth's orbit with significant climate shifts.
Starship's Crash and Burn
We also discuss...

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 29
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Exploring Callisto's Ocean Potential, Laser Fossil Detection on Mars, and ISS Cleanliness Concerns
In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into exciting new research suggesting that Jupiter's moon Callisto may harbor a subsurface ocean, potentially making it another ocean world in our solar system. This revelation builds on data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft, which hinted at the presence of a salty liquid water ocean beneath Callisto's icy crust. Advanced modeling techniques have strengthened these claims, setting the stage for further exploration by NASA's...

The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Earth's Climate Shaped by Orion, New Insights into Mars' Red Color, and NASA's Europa Clipper Mission Update
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a groundbreaking study suggesting that Earth's climate may have undergone significant changes around 14 million years ago due to our solar system's journey through the Orion star-forming region. Researchers propose that this passage may have compressed the heliosphere, increasing interstellar dust influx and potentially impacting Earth's climate and geological records.
Revisiting Mars' Iconic Hue
We also discuss new findings that challenge previous...

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 27
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Risk Reduced, Insights into Mars' Core, and NASA's Lunar Mission Update
In this episode of SpaceTime, we bring you encouraging news about asteroid 2024 YR4, with new observations indicating that the chances of it impacting Earth have plummeted to just 0.001%. Initially flagged as a potential threat, this asteroid has been closely monitored, and the latest data from the Very Large Telescope has allowed astronomers to refine its orbit and rule out any collision risk for 2032.
Exploring the Martian Core<...