Source:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/draconid-meteor-shower-iss-crew-changes-and-mars-brain-studies--62228857
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E171
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the most recent space and Astronomy news. I'm Anna, your host for today's cosmic journey, where we'll embark on an action-packed exploration of our solar system and beyond. From celestial spectacles to cutting-edge research, we've got a stellar lineup of stories.
Highlights:
- Draconid Meteor Shower Delight: Get ready for a celestial spectacle as the Draconid meteor shower lights up the night sky. Known for its potential meteor storms, this year's peak on October 7 promises a treat for stargazers. With meteors visible across the sky, it's a cosmic dance you won't want to miss.
- International Space Station Update: Aboard the ISS, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare for their return journey on the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft. This mission highlights the collaboration between NASA and commercial partners, ensuring continuous human presence in low Earth orbit.
- Long-term Space Travel and the Human Brain: New research reveals the effects of galactic cosmic radiation on the brain, crucial for future Mars missions. Findings from mice studies underscore the importance of protective measures for astronauts on extended space journeys.
- James Webb Space Telescope's Latest Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope captures a distant supernova, potentially solving the Hubble tension in cosmology. This discovery offers hope for understanding the universe's expansion rate.
- Earth's New Mini Moon: Meet Earth's temporary celestial companion, a small asteroid named 2024 PT5. Captured by Earth's gravity, this mini moon offers a fascinating glimpse into our dynamic cosmic neighborhood.
- Curiosity Rover's Mars Mission Update: Despite significant wear and tear on its wheels, NASA's Curiosity rover continues its mission on Mars. Lessons learned from Curiosity's journey have informed the design of newer rovers, showcasing NASA's ingenuity in planetary exploration.
For more space news, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on the latest space news with our constantly updating newsfeed, and listen to all our back episodes.
Don't forget to follow us on social media. Find us under #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love interacting with our listeners and sharing even more celestial content.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies and your mind in the stars. Keep looking up.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily your go-to
00:00:02 --> 00:00:03 source for the most recent space in
00:00:03 --> 00:00:06 astronomy news I'm Anna and I'll be your
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 host for today's Cosmic Journey we've
00:00:08 --> 00:00:09 got an action-packed episode lined up
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 for you covering a wide range of
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 fascinating topics from our solar system
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 and beyond we'll start by exploring the
00:00:15 --> 00:00:18 upcoming draconid meteor shower known
00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 for its potential to produce spectacular
00:00:20 --> 00:00:22 displays in the night sky then we'll
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 zoom out to the International Space
00:00:24 --> 00:00:25 Station for an update on crew changes
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 and Mission developments from there
00:00:27 --> 00:00:30 we'll Venture even further into space
00:00:30 --> 00:00:31 discussing new research on the effects
00:00:31 --> 00:00:34 of long-term space travel on the human
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 brain crucial information for future
00:00:36 --> 00:00:39 Mars missions we'll also delve into some
00:00:39 --> 00:00:41 Cutting Edge astronomy looking at how
00:00:41 --> 00:00:43 the James web Space Telescope is helping
00:00:43 --> 00:00:45 to solve one of cosmology's biggest
00:00:45 --> 00:00:47 puzzles plus we'll talk about Earth's
00:00:47 --> 00:00:49 temporary new Mini Moon and check in on
00:00:49 --> 00:00:52 the Curiosity Rover's ongoing mission on
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 Mars so buckle up and get ready for an
00:00:54 --> 00:00:57 exciting tour of the latest astronomical
00:00:57 --> 00:01:00 discoveries and space exploration news
00:01:00 --> 00:01:01 get ready for a Celestial spectacle
00:01:01 --> 00:01:04 stargazers the draconid meteor shower is
00:01:04 --> 00:01:05 set to light up our night skies in the
00:01:05 --> 00:01:08 coming days this annual event is famous
00:01:08 --> 00:01:09 for its potential to produce
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 breathtaking meteor storms and this
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 year's show promises to be a treat for
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 Sky Watchers the draconids are expected
00:01:15 --> 00:01:18 to Peak on October 7th with the best
00:01:18 --> 00:01:20 viewing time right after Nightfall
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 unlike other meteor showers that require
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 you to stay up late the draids are
00:01:24 --> 00:01:25 considerate enough to perform their
00:01:25 --> 00:01:28 Cosmic dance in the early evening hours
00:01:28 --> 00:01:29 these meteors get their name from the
00:01:29 --> 00:01:32 constellation Draco the dragon as they
00:01:32 --> 00:01:35 appear to radiate from that point in the
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 sky but don't worry about finding Draco
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 meteors will be visible across the night
00:01:39 --> 00:01:41 sky the draconids are caused by debris
00:01:41 --> 00:01:44 left behind by Comet 21 p/ jaakobin
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 inner as Earth passes through this trail
00:01:47 --> 00:01:49 of cosmic dust we're treated to a
00:01:49 --> 00:01:50 beautiful light show as the particles
00:01:50 --> 00:01:53 burn up in our atmosphere While most
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 years see a modest display of around 10
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 meters hour the draconids are known for
00:01:57 --> 00:02:01 occasional outbursts in 19 33 and 1946
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 observers witnessed thousands of meteors
00:02:03 --> 00:02:06 per hour a true meteor storm to maximize
00:02:06 --> 00:02:08 your chances of seeing the draconids
00:02:09 --> 00:02:10 find a dark location away from City
00:02:10 --> 00:02:13 Lights no special equipment is needed
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 just your eyes and a comfortable place
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 to relax patience is key as it can take
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 up to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 adjust to the darkness while this year's
00:02:22 --> 00:02:24 shower is expected to be relatively mild
00:02:24 --> 00:02:27 astronomers are already looking ahead to
00:02:27 --> 00:02:30 2025 that's when comet 21p jacobini Zer
00:02:30 --> 00:02:33 will make its closest approach to Earth
00:02:33 --> 00:02:34 potentially setting the stage for
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 another spectacular Outburst so mark
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 your calendars bundle up and prepare for
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 a cosmic light show courtesy of the
00:02:40 --> 00:02:42 draconids it's a reminder of the Wonders
00:02:43 --> 00:02:44 that await us when we take the time to
00:02:44 --> 00:02:46 look up and Marvel at the night
00:02:46 --> 00:02:50 sky next up an update from the ISS in a
00:02:50 --> 00:02:51 significant development at the
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 International Space Station astronauts
00:02:54 --> 00:02:56 Butch Wilmore and Sunni Williams are
00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 gearing up for their return Journey
00:02:58 --> 00:03:00 aboard the SpaceX crew n Dragon
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 spacecraft this marks a notable
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 transition as the duo initially arrived
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 at the station via the Boeing Starliner
00:03:06 --> 00:03:07 the astronauts have been busy
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 integrating with the newly arrived crew
00:03:09 --> 00:03:12 9 spacecraft they've completed crucial
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 tasks such as trying on their SpaceX
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 intra vehicular activity space suits and
00:03:16 --> 00:03:19 conducting pressurized suit leak checks
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 the team also tested the suits audio
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 configurations and performed seat fit
00:03:23 --> 00:03:25 checks inside the dragon spacecraft
00:03:25 --> 00:03:27 these preparations are essential as
00:03:27 --> 00:03:29 Wilmore and Williams will now use the
00:03:29 --> 00:03:31 crew n wagon as their primary and
00:03:31 --> 00:03:33 emergency return vehicle they're set to
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 remain on the space station as part of
00:03:35 --> 00:03:38 expedition 72 continuing their science
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 Mission until February
00:03:40 --> 00:03:42 2025 joining Wilmore and Williams for
00:03:42 --> 00:03:44 the return Journey will be NASA
00:03:44 --> 00:03:47 astronaut Nick ha and roscosmos
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 Cosmonaut Alexander gorbunov who arrived
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 at the station on September 29th
00:03:52 --> 00:03:55 meanwhile the crew8 spacecraft which had
00:03:55 --> 00:03:56 been serving as the emergency return
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 vehicle for Wilmore and Williams is
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 preparing for its departure the
00:04:01 --> 00:04:03 temporary seats inside Crew 8 will be
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 dismantled before it leaves the station
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 Crew 8 consisting of NASA astronauts
00:04:07 --> 00:04:09 Matthew Dominic Michael Barrett and
00:04:09 --> 00:04:12 Janette EPS along with roscosmos
00:04:12 --> 00:04:14 Cosmonaut Alexander grankin is scheduled
00:04:14 --> 00:04:16 to return to Earth in about a week
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 weather permitting This Crew rotation
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 highlights the ongoing collaboration
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 between NASA and Commercial Partners in
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 maintaining a continuous human presence
00:04:24 --> 00:04:26 in low earth orbit furthering our
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 understanding of space and Paving the
00:04:28 --> 00:04:30 way for future explor
00:04:30 --> 00:04:32 exporation as we look towards future
00:04:32 --> 00:04:35 Mars missions scientists are uncovering
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 some concerning effects that deep space
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 travel might have on the human brain
00:04:39 --> 00:04:40 recent studies on mice have shed light
00:04:40 --> 00:04:43 on the long lasting impact of Galactic
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 Cosmic radiation on cognitive abilities
00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 when we venture beyond Earth's
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 protective magnetic field astronauts are
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 exposed to high energy particles from
00:04:51 --> 00:04:54 sources like Supernova explosions this
00:04:54 --> 00:04:56 Galactic Cosmic radiation can penetrate
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 spacecraft shielding posing a real
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 threat to human health during extended
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 missions in a groundbreaking experiment
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 researchers simulated the space
00:05:04 --> 00:05:05 radiation environment using a
00:05:05 --> 00:05:08 specialized ion beam they exposed both
00:05:08 --> 00:05:10 male and female mice to radiation levels
00:05:10 --> 00:05:12 similar to what astronauts would
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 experience on a deep space mission the
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 results were eye opening the radiation
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 impaired numerous central nervous system
00:05:18 --> 00:05:21 functions in the mice including memory
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 pattern separation anxiety levels
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 vigilance social behavior and motor
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 controls surprisingly female mice seem
00:05:29 --> 00:05:32 to be more affected than males but it's
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 not all doom and gloom the study also
00:05:34 --> 00:05:37 revealed a potential protective measure
00:05:37 --> 00:05:38 mice that were given antioxidant and
00:05:38 --> 00:05:41 anti-inflammatory drugs showed less
00:05:41 --> 00:05:42 severe cognitive effects from the
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 radiation exposure these findings are
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 crucial for planning long duration space
00:05:46 --> 00:05:49 missions especially to Mars as we
00:05:49 --> 00:05:50 prepare to send humans farther into
00:05:50 --> 00:05:53 space than ever before understanding and
00:05:53 --> 00:05:55 mitigating these risks will be essential
00:05:55 --> 00:05:57 for the health and safety of our
00:05:57 --> 00:05:59 astronauts next the space teles scope
00:05:59 --> 00:06:02 that just keeps on giving the James web
00:06:02 --> 00:06:04 Space Telescope has once again wowed
00:06:04 --> 00:06:06 astronomers with a stunning image this
00:06:06 --> 00:06:09 time capturing a distant Supernova in a
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 galaxy that appears stretched like warm
00:06:11 --> 00:06:14 Taffy but this golden smear isn't just
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 visually striking it could help solve
00:06:17 --> 00:06:18 one of the biggest mysteries in
00:06:18 --> 00:06:20 cosmology the Supernova nicknamed
00:06:20 --> 00:06:22 Supernova hope exploded when the
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 universe was just 3.5 billion years old
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 what makes it special is that it's a
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 type IAA Supernova which astronomers use
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 as standard candles to measure Cosmic
00:06:32 --> 00:06:35 distances this ties into a major problem
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 in cosmology called the Hubble tension
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 essentially scientists can't agree on
00:06:39 --> 00:06:41 the exact rate at which the universe is
00:06:41 --> 00:06:43 expanding measurements from the early
00:06:43 --> 00:06:44 Universe don't match up with those from
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 the more recent Universe Supernova hope
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 could provide a bridge between these two
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 methods by observing how its light is
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 bent by the gravitational lensing effect
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 of a galaxy cluster astronomers can
00:06:55 --> 00:06:57 calculate a new value for the Hubble
00:06:57 --> 00:07:00 constant interestingly the initial
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 results from Supernova hope seem to
00:07:02 --> 00:07:03 align more closely with measurements
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 from the local Universe while this is
00:07:05 --> 00:07:08 just one data point it gives astronomers
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 hope that the James web telescope could
00:07:10 --> 00:07:12 help resolve this Cosmic conundrum as we
00:07:12 --> 00:07:13 continue to peer deeper into the
00:07:14 --> 00:07:16 universe each Discovery brings us closer
00:07:16 --> 00:07:18 to understanding the fundamental nature
00:07:18 --> 00:07:21 of our Cosmos the Hubble tension May
00:07:21 --> 00:07:23 soon become a thing of the past thanks
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 to the incredible capabilities of our
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 newest space
00:07:27 --> 00:07:29 Observatory now let's answer a question
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 question being asked around the globe at
00:07:31 --> 00:07:33 the moment Earth has recently gained a
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 temporary Celestial companion a small
00:07:35 --> 00:07:37 asteroid that's been dubbed our new
00:07:37 --> 00:07:39 minyoon this Cosmic hitchhiker
00:07:39 --> 00:07:43 officially named 2024 pt5 was captured
00:07:43 --> 00:07:45 by Earth's gravity on September 29th and
00:07:45 --> 00:07:47 is expected to stick around for about 2
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 months before resuming its solo Journey
00:07:49 --> 00:07:52 around the Sun now before you get too
00:07:52 --> 00:07:53 excited about spotting a second moon in
00:07:53 --> 00:07:56 the night sky I should mention that this
00:07:56 --> 00:07:59 mini moon is incredibly small at just 33
00:07:59 --> 00:08:01 ft wide or about the length of a school
00:08:01 --> 00:08:04 bus it's roughly 300 times smaller
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 than our familiar Moon that means it's
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 far too tiny to be seen with the naked
00:08:08 --> 00:08:10 eye or even with most amateur telescopes
00:08:10 --> 00:08:12 this space rock is actually classed as a
00:08:12 --> 00:08:14 near Earth asteroid likely originating
00:08:14 --> 00:08:16 from the Arjuna asteroid belt it's
00:08:16 --> 00:08:18 predicted to orbit our planet for 57
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 days before Breaking Free on November
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 25th but don't worry if you miss it this
00:08:22 --> 00:08:25 time astronomers Say it'll make another
00:08:25 --> 00:08:28 close pass by Earth in January 2025 and
00:08:28 --> 00:08:30 again in 2055
00:08:30 --> 00:08:32 so while we won't be able to see our
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 temporary Mini Moon it's a fascinating
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 reminder of the dynamic nature of our
00:08:36 --> 00:08:37 Cosmic neighborhood and Earth's
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 gravitational
00:08:39 --> 00:08:41 influence finally today how about an
00:08:41 --> 00:08:44 update from Mars NASA's Curiosity Rover
00:08:44 --> 00:08:45 has been trekking across the Marian
00:08:45 --> 00:08:48 landscape for over a decade now and its
00:08:48 --> 00:08:49 wheels are really starting to show their
00:08:49 --> 00:08:52 age recent images from the Rover's Mars
00:08:52 --> 00:08:54 handland imager reveal significant wear
00:08:54 --> 00:08:56 and tear with dents punctures and even
00:08:56 --> 00:08:59 major gashes in the aluminum wheels but
00:08:59 --> 00:09:01 don't don't worry space fans curiosity
00:09:01 --> 00:09:03 is still rolling along just fine The
00:09:03 --> 00:09:04 Rovers team has been monitoring this
00:09:04 --> 00:09:07 damage since 2013 and has taken steps to
00:09:07 --> 00:09:09 prolong wheel life like steering
00:09:09 --> 00:09:11 curiosity towards smoother terrain when
00:09:11 --> 00:09:13 possible they've even uploaded new
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 software to adjust wheel speeds and
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 reduce pressure from rocks while wheel
00:09:17 --> 00:09:19 damage continues to occur it's not all
00:09:19 --> 00:09:21 bad news NASA has used this information
00:09:21 --> 00:09:23 to improve the design of newer Mars
00:09:23 --> 00:09:25 rovers the perseverance Rover for
00:09:25 --> 00:09:27 instance Now Sports more durable Wheels
00:09:27 --> 00:09:30 thanks to Lessons Learned From Cur ios's
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 Journey as curiosity continues its
00:09:32 --> 00:09:34 mission to search for signs of ancient
00:09:34 --> 00:09:37 microbial Life on Mars its battleworn
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 Wheels serve as a testament to the harsh
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 realities of Planetary Exploration but
00:09:42 --> 00:09:44 they also showcase the Ingenuity of NASA
00:09:44 --> 00:09:46 engineers in keeping this Intrepid
00:09:46 --> 00:09:49 Explorer rolling across the red
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 planet and that wraps up today's episode
00:09:51 --> 00:09:54 of astronomy daily I hope you've enjoyed
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 our Cosmic Journey Through the latest
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 space and astronomy news from the
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 upcoming draconid meteor shower to the
00:10:00 --> 00:10:01 potential resolution of the Hubble
00:10:01 --> 00:10:03 tension we've covered quite a bit of
00:10:03 --> 00:10:07 ground or should I say space remember if
00:10:07 --> 00:10:09 you want to stay up toate with all
00:10:09 --> 00:10:11 things astronomy be sure to visit our
00:10:11 --> 00:10:12 website at astronomy
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 daily. there you can sign up for our
00:10:15 --> 00:10:17 free daily newsletter catch up on all
00:10:17 --> 00:10:18 the latest space news with our
00:10:18 --> 00:10:21 constantly updating Newsfeed and listen
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 to all our back episodes and don't
00:10:23 --> 00:10:25 forget to follow us on social media you
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 can find us as Astro daily pod on
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00:10:29 --> 00:10:31 interacting with our listeners and
00:10:31 --> 00:10:33 sharing even more Celestial content this
00:10:34 --> 00:10:35 is Anna thanking you for tuning in to
00:10:35 --> 00:10:38 astronomy daily until next time keep
00:10:38 --> 00:10:39 your eyes on the skies and your mind in
00:10:39 --> 00:10:46 the Stars keep looking up
00:10:46 --> 00:11:00 [Music]
00:11:00 --> 00:11:04 stories told