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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

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.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.Copyright bitesz.com
Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Galactic Mysteries: Unveiling Supermassive Black Holes and the Secrets of Comet 3I Atlas
    Jan 9 2026
    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 4
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest revelations about supermassive black holes, the enigmatic interstellar comet 3I Atlas, and NASA's innovative tests on lunar surface interactions.
    Do All Galaxies Host Supermassive Black Holes?
    A groundbreaking study utilizing NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory challenges the long-held belief that all galaxies harbor supermassive black holes at their centers. Analyzing data from over 1,600 galaxies, researchers discovered that only about 30% of dwarf galaxies contain these cosmic giants. The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provide crucial insights into the formation of supermassive black holes and suggest that smaller galaxies may have significantly fewer black holes than their massive counterparts.
    No Evidence of Alien Intelligence from Comet 3I Atlas
    Despite sensational claims, a thorough investigation into the interstellar comet 3I Atlas has yielded no signs of extraterrestrial technology. Observations from the Green Bank Radio Telescope during the comet's closest approach revealed only radio frequency interference, dismissing earlier speculations of alien signals. The analysis reinforces the understanding that the comet's behavior aligns with natural phenomena, rather than advanced civilizations.
    NASA's Rocket Plume Studies on Lunar Regolith
    NASA is conducting new experiments to understand how rocket plumes interact with the lunar surface, crucial for future lunar landings. Using a sophisticated camera system, scientists are simulating rocket engine behavior in a vacuum chamber to analyze the impact of exhaust on lunar dust and rocks. The data collected will inform the design of landing systems for the Artemis missions and future Mars explorations, ensuring crew safety and mission success.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astrophysical Journal
    NASA Reports
    Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    (00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 4 for broadcast on 9 January 2026
    (00:00:47) Study reveals fewer supermassive black holes in smaller galaxies
    (00:12:30) No signs of alien technology from comet 3I Atlas
    (00:20:10) NASA's lunar regolith plume interaction tests
    (00:25:00) Science report: Microplastics and neurodegenerative diseases, dog ownership and community ties
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    20 mins
  • Cosmic Clues: Unlocking Dark Matter Secrets from a Distant Supernova
    Jan 8 2026
    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 3
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the latest discoveries in astrophysics and the challenges faced by space agencies worldwide.
    Ancient Supernova Offers Clues to Dark Energy
    Astronomers have made significant strides in understanding dark energy, the enigmatic force driving the universe's accelerated expansion. A newly observed supernova, located 10 billion light years away, has been gravitationally lensed by a foreground galaxy, allowing scientists to analyze multiple images of the same explosion. This phenomenon could help determine the Hubble constant, shedding light on the universe's expansion rate and its ultimate fate, which ranges from a Big Crunch to a Big Rip.
    Sterile Neutrino Hypothesis Nearly Ruled Out
    After over a decade of research, scientists have come close to ruling out the existence of the sterile neutrino, a proposed particle that could explain anomalous neutrino behavior. Data from the Micro BooNE experiment at Fermilab has shown no signs of sterile neutrinos, providing a pivotal moment in particle physics that narrows the search for new theories beyond the standard model.
    China's Reusable Rocket Setback
    China's efforts to develop a reusable rocket faced a significant blow as its Long March 12A failed on its maiden flight. Although the rocket's first and second stages performed as expected, the first stage failed to return successfully, highlighting the challenges in achieving reusability akin to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This setback underscores the competitive nature of the global space industry as China strives to enhance its capabilities.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Astrophysical Letters
    Nature
    Fermilab Reports
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    (00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 3 for broadcast on 7 January 2026
    (00:00:47) Discovering dark energy through a unique supernova
    (00:12:30) Ruling out the sterile neutrino hypothesis
    (00:20:10) China's reusable rocket faces a major setback
    (00:25:00) Science report: Climate change impacts, endangered species, and digital privacy concerns
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    21 mins
  • Galactic Secrets: Unravelling the Milky Way's Chemical Bimodality
    Jan 6 2026
    SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 2
    In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing history of our galaxy and the secrets of Earth's early water retention.
    Unraveling the Milky Way's Chemical Bimodality
    A groundbreaking study suggests that the Milky Way's stellar formation and its unique chemical bimodality may stem from intergalactic gas rather than traditional star formation or galactic collisions. Researchers utilized advanced computer simulations to analyze the formation of 30 simulated galaxies, revealing that the Milky Way's distinct groups of stars, defined by their iron and magnesium content, can emerge through various mechanisms. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Milky Way's evolution but also challenges previous assumptions about the role of smaller galaxies in shaping its chemical structure.
    Earth's Mantle: A Reservoir of Ancient Water
    New findings indicate that Earth's mantle may have locked away vast amounts of water during the planet's formative magma ocean phase. Researchers discovered that bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in the mantle, could store significant quantities of water, potentially equating to the volume of all today's oceans. This study reshapes our understanding of how water was retained during Earth's extreme early conditions and its role in the transition to a habitable planet. The implications of this research may provide insights into the geological processes that sustain Earth's dynamic environment.
    The Astronomy of Standing Stones
    Reflecting on archaeological astronomy, we revisit a pivotal study that revealed how ancient standing stones in Britain were constructed with astronomical alignments in mind. This research confirms that the earliest stone monuments, including the Great Circles of Scotland, were intentionally oriented to mark the movements of the sun and moon. By examining the patterns of alignment, researchers established a connection between these ancient structures and the cultural significance of celestial events, illustrating the sophisticated understanding early Britons had of their environment and the cosmos.
    www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
    ✍️ Episode References
    Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
    Journal of Science
    Journal of Archaeological Science Reports
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
    (00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 2 for broadcast on 5 January 2026
    (00:00:47) New study on the Milky Way's chemical bimodality
    (00:12:30) How bridgmanite in Earth's mantle may have stored ancient water
    (00:20:10) The astronomical significance of ancient standing stones in Britain
    (00:25:00) Science Robert: Sleep apnea linked to Parkinson's disease and more news in science
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    30 mins
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