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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.

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Episodes
  • Interstellar Discoveries: The Arrival of Comet 3I Atlas and the Mars Sample Race

    Interstellar Discoveries: The Arrival of Comet 3I Atlas and the Mars Sample Race
    Jul 7 2025
    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
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA ATLAS
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    China's Tianwen 3 Mission
    https://www.space.com/china-mars-sample-return-tianwen-3
    Vera C Rubin Observatory
    https://www.lsst.org/
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    26 mins
  • Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet

    Martian Volcanoes: Uncovering Jezero Mons and the Secrets of the Red Planet
    Jul 4 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover remarkable insights into Mars, Mercury, and the latest developments in space exploration.
    Hidden Martian Volcano: Jezero Mons
    Scientists have identified a previously overlooked volcano, Jezero Mons, located on the rim of Jezero Crater, where NASA's Perseverance rover is actively collecting samples. This discovery could provide vital clues about Mars' volcanic history and habitability, suggesting that the region may have supported life due to the interplay of volcanic heat and water. The findings, published in Communications Earth and Environment, highlight the need for further exploration of Mars' geology, as volcanism plays a crucial role in understanding the planet's past.
    Tidal Forces Shaping Mercury's Cliffs
    A new study published in Geophysical Research Planets proposes that tidal forces from the Sun may have contributed to the deformation of Mercury's towering cliffs. Traditionally attributed to cooling and contraction, this research indicates that the planet's unique orbital dynamics could also influence its geological features. The BepiColombo mission, scheduled to arrive at Mercury next year, aims to gather data that could validate these findings and enhance our understanding of the planet's evolution over billions of years.
    Axiom Space's AX4 Mission Arrives at the ISS
    The Axiom Space AX4 mission has successfully docked at the International Space Station for a 14-day stay. This mission, featuring a diverse international crew, aims to conduct over 60 scientific and commercial experiments, furthering Axiom's goal of establishing a private space station in low Earth orbit. Despite facing multiple delays, the mission underscores the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Communications Earth and Environment
    https://www.nature.com/commsenv/
    Geophysical Research Planets
    https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/24701343
    Axiom Space
    https://www.axiomspace.com/
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    Show More Show Less
    36 mins

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