Episodes

  • Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe

    Dark Stars and Cosmic Origins: Unraveling the Early Universe
    Oct 10 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest revelations in astrophysics, including the intriguing prospect of supermassive dark stars, Australia's ambitious lunar rover mission, and fresh insights into the formation of our solar system.
    Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery
    Astronomers have identified potential candidates for a new type of star in the early universe, known as supermassive dark stars. Recent observations from the Webb Space Telescope suggest that these stars, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, are supported against gravitational collapse by dark matter. This episode delves into how these dark stars could help explain the existence of supermassive black holes and the unexpectedly bright distant galaxies observed by Webb. With the possibility of a smoking gun signature in their spectra, the implications of this discovery could reshape our understanding of dark matter and stellar evolution.
    Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon
    Work is underway on Australia's first lunar rover, set to launch as part of NASA's Artemis programme. This 20-kilogram robotic vehicle, developed by the Queensland University of Technology, will explore lunar geology and contribute to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The episode covers the rover's design, mission objectives, and the collaborative efforts between Australian institutions and NASA to advance lunar exploration.
    Piecing Together the Early Solar System
    New research published in Science Advances reveals that the early solar system was more chaotic than previously thought, with planets forming from recycled fragments of shattered bodies rather than pristine materials. This episode discusses the violent origins of our solar system and how high-energy collisions influenced the development of planetary cores, ultimately shaping the celestial bodies we know today.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Journal of Physical Review Letters
    https://journals.aps.org/prl/
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Supermassive Dark Stars: A New Cosmic Discovery
    Australia's Lunar Rover Mission: A Step Towards the Moon
    Piecing Together the Early Solar System
    (00:00) The potential discovery of supermassive dark stars
    (10:15) Australia's new lunar rover mission details
    (18:45) New findings on the chaotic origins of the solar system
    (25:30) Skywatch for October: Meteor showers and celestial highlights
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    30 mins
  • Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice

    Enceladus Unveiled: Fresh Discoveries of Organic Chemistry Beneath the Ice
    Oct 8 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the fascinating findings from Saturn's icy moon Enceladus, discuss delays in the Dream Chaser spaceplane's launch schedule, and celebrate NASA's breakthroughs in laser communications for deep space missions.
    Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry
    Recent discoveries reported in the journal Nature Astronomy reveal that Saturn's moon Enceladus is spewing complex organic molecules from its subsurface ocean. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission has unveiled fresh insights into the chemical reactions occurring in this hidden ocean. The presence of organic molecules, including precursors for amino acids, raises the possibility that Enceladus may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. This episode explores how these findings could inform future missions aimed at further investigating Enceladus and its potential habitability.
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch
    Sierra Space has announced that their Dream Chaser spaceplane's first free flight demonstration has been pushed back to late 2026. Originally designed as a manned spacecraft, Dream Chaser will now serve as a cargo transport for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services, delivering supplies to the International Space Station. The episode discusses the spaceplane's unique design, its cargo capabilities, and the future of its missions, including plans for a fully operational crewed version.
    Nasa's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success
    NASA's new Optical Deep Space Laser Communications project has surpassed all technical goals, paving the way for high-speed communications for future crewed missions to Mars. The technology, which successfully transmitted data over vast distances, demonstrated data rates comparable to broadband Internet services. This breakthrough enables faster communication for astronauts and could revolutionise data transmission in deep space. Tune in to learn more about the technology behind this ambitious project and its implications for future space exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Nature Astronomy
    https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy
    NASA Dream Chaser
    https://www.nasa.gov/dreamchaser
    NASA Optical Deep Space Laser Communications
    https://www.nasa.gov/lasercom
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Enceladus: Unveiling Complex Chemistry
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A Delay in Launch
    NASA's Optical Deep Space Laser Communications Success
    (00:00) The Dream Chaser spaceplane set for another delay
    (00:48) Scientists have discovered new complex organic molecules spewing from Saturn's Enceladus
    (09:41) NASA says new optical Deep Space Laser communications project has exceeded all technical goals
    (17:29) Around a quarter of all press releases in the United States are probably AI generated
    (19:23) Companies failing to secure AI agents is causing security risks, warns expert
    (20:27) Gary Stuart says AI agents can be hacked and should be treated like humans
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    25 mins
  • The Universe's Countdown: New Insights into Cosmic Fate and Fungal Origins

    The Universe's Countdown: New Insights into Cosmic Fate and Fungal Origins
    Oct 6 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the future of our universe, the latest advancements in mapping our Milky Way, and the pivotal role fungi played in the evolution of life on land.
    The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion Years
    A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that the universe is approaching the midpoint of its 33 billion-year lifespan and may end in approximately 20 billion years. Lead author Henry Tighe from Cornell University presents new data suggesting that the universe's cosmological constant may be negative, leading to a contraction and eventual collapse—a phenomenon referred to as the "big crunch." This research, based on observations from the Dark Energy Survey and the dark energy spectroscopic instrument DESI, challenges long-held beliefs about the universe's eternal expansion and opens new avenues for understanding cosmic evolution.
    Mapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D View
    The European Space Agency's Gaia Space Telescope has unveiled the most precise three-dimensional map of star-forming regions within our Milky Way galaxy. By analysing data from 44 million stars, Gaia has provided insights into the obscured molecular clouds where new stars are born. This innovative mapping technique allows astronomers to understand the distribution of ionised gas and the dynamics of star formation, offering a fresh perspective on our galaxy's structure and the processes that shape it.
    Fungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial Life
    A recent study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution has identified that fungi played a crucial role in preparing Earth for life on land between 900 million and 1.4 billion years ago—much earlier than previously thought. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology utilised a novel gene swap method to trace the evolution of fungi, suggesting that these organisms were instrumental in creating the first ecosystems and nutrient recycling processes that facilitated the emergence of terrestrial life. This discovery reframes our understanding of the timeline for life on Earth and highlights the importance of fungi in shaping our planet's biosphere.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
    https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia
    Nature Ecology and Evolution
    https://www.nature.com/newe
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    The Universe's Fate: A Big Crunch in 20 Billion Years
    Mapping the Milky Way: Gaia's 3D View
    Fungi: The Pioneers of Terrestrial Life
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    26 mins
  • Ceres: The Dwarf Planet That Might Have Hosted Life?

    Ceres: The Dwarf Planet That Might Have Hosted Life?
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the intriguing potential for life on the dwarf planet Ceres, explore NASA's latest mission to study the heliosphere, and celebrate the achievements of the University of Melbourne's Spirit Nanosat.
    Ceres: A Potentially Habitable World?
    Recent research published in Science Advances suggests that Ceres, currently a frigid and frozen world, may have once harboured conditions suitable for life. By modelling the planet's thermal and chemical history, scientists propose that Ceres could have sustained a long-lasting energy source, allowing for microbial metabolism. While there's no direct evidence of life, the findings indicate that Ceres had the necessary ingredients—water, carbon, and chemical energy—that could have supported single-celled organisms in its ancient past.
    Nasa's New Heliospheric Mission
    NASA has launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) to investigate the heliosphere, the magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of solar wind and its interactions with interstellar particles, which are crucial for assessing space weather impacts on Earth. IMAP will operate alongside the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA's Swifo L1 spacecraft, contributing to a comprehensive study of our solar environment.
    Spirit Nanosat's Milestone Achievement
    The University of Melbourne's Spirit nanosatellite has successfully completed its initial mission phase, deploying its thermal management system and taking a selfie in space. Launched in December 2023, Spirit is equipped with a miniaturised gamma-ray detector to search for gamma-ray bursts, marking a significant advancement in small satellite technology and scientific exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Science Advances
    https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
    NASA IMAP Mission
    https://www.nasa.gov/imap
    University of Melbourne Spirit Nanosatellite
    https://www.unimelb.edu.au/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Ceres: A Potentially Habitable World?
    NASA's New Heliospheric Mission
    Spirit Nanosat's Milestone Achievement
    (00:00) New study claims the dwarf planet Ceres could once have been habitable enough for life
    (05:14) The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will study the heliosphere
    (15:58) New study finds tropical fish are colonising new habitats because of ocean warming
    (18:07) Khloe Kardashian reportedly claims she's seen UFOs and experienced paranormal activity
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    21 mins
  • Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet

    Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet
    Oct 1 2025
    (00:00:00) Mercury's Shrinking Secrets: Insights into the Solar System's Smallest Planet
    (00:00:43) Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    (00:03:11) NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    (00:11:52) Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
    (00:14:23) Tech News

    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing dynamics of Mercury's shrinking size, embark on a mission to unveil Earth's elusive exosphere, and uncover the secrets of ancient volcanic activity on Mars.
    Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    Recent research published in AGU Advances reveals that Mercury continues to shrink as it cools, a process that has been ongoing since its formation 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists have estimated that the planet's radius has contracted by between 2.7 to 5.6 kilometres due to cooling-induced faulting. This study employs new methods to provide a more accurate understanding of Mercury's long-term thermal history, which could also be applied to other planetary bodies, including Mars.
    NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    NASA has launched the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory to study Earth's invisible halo, the exosphere. This mission aims to capture the first continuous observations of the Geocorona, revealing the dynamics of hydrogen atoms escaping into space. Understanding the exosphere's response to solar activity is crucial for predicting space weather events that could affect astronauts on missions to the Moon and beyond. The observatory will provide insights into how Earth retains water and may even aid in the search for exoplanets with similar atmospheric conditions.
    Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
    A meteorite discovered in the Zaharov Desert is shedding light on Mars's ancient volcanic systems. The rock, classified as NWA 16254, offers unprecedented insights into the planet's magmatic processes, indicating a two-stage crystallisation process that occurred under varying pressure conditions. This discovery could help scientists understand Mars's thermal history and its volcanic evolution over billions of years, raising questions about the planet's past and its potential for hosting life.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    AGU Advances
    https://agu.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/23337380
    NASA Geocorona Observatory
    https://www.nasa.gov/
    Planetary Science Journal
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2632-3338
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Mercury's Ongoing Shrinkage
    NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory
    Insights from Martian Meteorite NWA 16254
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    23 mins
  • Stardust from Beyond: Unveiling the Secrets of Asteroid Bennu and Saturn's Mysteries

    Stardust from Beyond: Unveiling the Secrets of Asteroid Bennu and Saturn's Mysteries
    Oct 1 2025
    (00:00:00) Stardust from Beyond: Unveiling the Secrets of Asteroid Bennu and Saturn's Mysteries
    (00:00:47) Scientists have discovered minerals older than our solar system embedded in asteroid Bennu
    (00:10:22) Scientists using NASA's Webb telescope have uncovered mysterious features in Saturn's atmosphere
    (00:14:58) NASA's Parker Solar Probe completes 25th close approach to the sun
    (00:17:27) The Science Report

    In this episode of Space Time, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries that challenge our understanding of the cosmos. Join Stuart Gary as he discusses the astonishing findings from the asteroid Bennu, revealing minerals older than our solar system itself. Delve into the unexpected features observed in Saturn's atmosphere and learn about the Parker Solar Probe's close flyby of the Sun. This episode is packed with insights that could reshape our knowledge of planetary formation and cosmic history.

    Chapters:
    (00:00) This is space time series 28 episode 117 for broadcast on 29 September 2025
    (00:47) Scientists have discovered minerals older than our solar system embedded in asteroid Bennu
    (10:13) Scientists using NASA's Webb telescope have uncovered mysterious features in Saturn's atmosphere
    (14:59) NASA's Parker Solar Probe completes 25th close approach to the sun
    (17:41) A widely reported study on apple cider vinegar and weight loss has been retracted

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
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    24 mins
  • Red Dots and Black Hole Stars: Unraveling Cosmic Secrets

    Red Dots and Black Hole Stars: Unraveling Cosmic Secrets
    Sep 26 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the cosmos to uncover the secrets of the early universe, explore the potential for black hole atmospheres, and examine the intriguing history of habitability on Mars, alongside the launch of a new deep space antenna by the European Space Agency.
    Mysterious Red Dots in the Early Universe
    Astronomers have identified a population of enigmatic red dots in the early universe, potentially representing exotic stellar atmospheres around ancient black holes. These findings, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, could bridge the gap in understanding the rapid growth of supermassive black holes. The Webb Space Telescope's observations suggest these objects might be a new class of celestial body, challenging existing models of galaxy formation and offering insights into the origins of galaxies.
    Multiple Episodes of Habitability on Mars
    NASA's Perseverance rover has provided compelling evidence that Mars's Jezero Crater experienced multiple episodes of liquid water flooding, each capable of supporting life. By analysing geochemical data, scientists have identified various minerals that reveal a dynamic history of volcanic activity and water interactions, suggesting a complex aqueous past that could have fostered life on the Red Planet.
    European Space Agency's New Deep Space Dish
    The European Space Agency is set to inaugurate its latest Australian deep space antenna at the Norcia tracking station in Western Australia. This 35-metre parabolic dish will enhance ESA's deep space communications capabilities, supporting missions and ensuring robust data transmission from spacecraft exploring our solar system. The new facility complements ESA's existing network of antennas worldwide, reinforcing their commitment to deep space exploration.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astronomy and Astrophysics
    https://www.aanda.org/
    Journal of Geophysical Research Planets
    https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21699356
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Mysterious Red Dots in the Early Universe
    Multiple Episodes of Habitability on Mars
    European Space Agency's New Deep Space Dish
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    27 mins
  • Exoplanets Galore: Celebrating 6,000 Discoveries and Exploring Venus

    Exoplanets Galore: Celebrating 6,000 Discoveries and Exploring Venus
    Sep 24 2025
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we celebrate a major milestone in exoplanet discoveries, unravel the enigmatic surface of Venus, and delve into the intriguing tale of interstellar comet 3I ATLAS.
    Exoplanet Count Surpasses 6,000
    Astronomers have reached an impressive milestone, confirming their 6,000th exoplanet, a testament to the rapid pace of discoveries since the first detection of an exoplanet in 1995. This milestone not only highlights the evolving understanding of our galaxy but also raises questions about the myriad of planetary types discovered, from rocky planets to gas giants. While the hunt for Earth-like planets continues, the methods employed to discover these distant worlds remain a challenge, with fewer than 100 exoplanets directly imaged to date. The future holds promise with upcoming missions, including NASA's Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, which aims to further uncover the secrets of our cosmic neighbourhood.
    Decoding Venus's Mysterious Surface
    Scientists are making strides in understanding the peculiar features of Venus, particularly the crown-like structures known as coronae. A new study suggests these features may be the result of magma plumes attempting to break through the planet's crust. By mapping the paths of these magmatic bursts, researchers are shedding light on Venus's geological history and its stark contrast to Earth, despite their similarities in size and formation. The findings could help explain why Venus has become a hellish environment, devoid of life, while Earth thrives.
    Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS
    Astronomers have captured stunning new images of interstellar comet 3I ATLAS, revealing a prominent tail and glowing coma as it journeys through the inner solar system. These observations provide valuable insights into the comet's composition and behaviour, suggesting that it shares similarities with comets originating from our own solar system. As 3I ATLAS approaches the Sun, its increasing activity offers a unique opportunity for scientists to study material that formed around distant stars. The comet is expected to re-emerge in November, promising further observations and discoveries.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA Exoplanet Science Institute
    https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    https://www.pnas.org/
    Gemini Observatory
    https://www.gemini.edu/
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    Exoplanet Count Surpasses 6,000
    Decoding Venus's Mysterious Surface
    Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS
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    23 mins