Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E16
Welcome to another captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, your trusted source for the latest in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and today we have a packed lineup of stories that delve into the challenges and triumphs of the space industry.
Highlights:
- Launch Troubles for SpaceX and Blue Origin : The Federal Aviation Administration has launched investigations into mishaps during recent test flights of SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. Discover the details behind these incidents and the implications for future launches.
- Preserving Lunar Heritage : In a groundbreaking move, the moon has been added to the World Monuments Fund Global Watch List, recognizing the need to protect its historic sites. Explore the significance of this designation as we enter a new era of lunar exploration.
- China's Lunar Ambitions: China's Chang'e 7 mission aims to plant the first fluttering flag on the moon. Learn about the innovative technology behind this achievement and China's plans for lunar exploration.
- JPL's Recovery from Wildfires : NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is set to resume operations after being threatened by the Los Angeles wildfires. Get an update on the facility's status and the impact on its workforce.
- Disintegrating Planet Discovery : Astronomers have identified the fastest disintegrating planet ever observed, offering a rare glimpse into the interior of a terrestrial world. Uncover the details of this remarkable find and its implications for our understanding of planetary evolution.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (https://www.spacex.com/
Blue Origin
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
World Monuments Fund Global Watch List
NASA TV Satellite
James Webb Space Telescope
NASA Artemis Program
https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/
International Lunar Research Station
Astronomy Daily
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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25143857?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 welcome to astronomy daily your
00:00:01 --> 00:00:03 comprehensive source for the latest
00:00:03 --> 00:00:05 developments in space and astronomy
00:00:05 --> 00:00:07 today we have a packed show covering
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 some major stories from across the space
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 industry we'll be diving into recent
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 launch mishaps affecting both SpaceX and
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 blue origin exploring new developments
00:00:15 --> 00:00:17 in lunar preservation efforts and
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 examining a fascinating discovery of a
00:00:20 --> 00:00:21 planet that's literally falling apart
00:00:21 --> 00:00:24 before our eyes we'll also look at
00:00:24 --> 00:00:26 China's ambitious plans for the moon get
00:00:26 --> 00:00:28 an update on NASA's jet propulsion
00:00:28 --> 00:00:31 laboratory as it recovers from the LA
00:00:31 --> 00:00:33 fires and discuss some significant
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 changes coming to space industry
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 regulation stay with me as we explore
00:00:37 --> 00:00:39 these fascinating developments that are
00:00:39 --> 00:00:42 shaping the future of space exploration
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 and our understanding of the cosmos
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 let's get started with today's news in a
00:00:47 --> 00:00:48 significant development for the
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 commercial space industry the Federal
00:00:50 --> 00:00:53 Aviation Administration has opened dual
00:00:53 --> 00:00:55 mishap investigations into both Space X
00:00:56 --> 00:00:58 and blue origin following partial
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 failures of their respective Rockets
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 the incidents occurred during this
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 week's test flights of spacex's Starship
00:01:04 --> 00:01:07 and blue origins new Glenn Vehicles
00:01:07 --> 00:01:09 starting with SpaceX their latest
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 Starship test flight ended dramatically
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 when the upper stage lost Communications
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 and subsequently exploded during its
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 seventh test flight the incident
00:01:17 --> 00:01:19 occurred approximately 8 and 1 half
00:01:19 --> 00:01:21 minutes after launch from their Starbase
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 facility in Texas SpaceX has reported
00:01:25 --> 00:01:27 that preliminary data suggests a fire
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 developed in the AFT section of the ship
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 leading to what they diplomatically
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 termed a rapid unscheduled
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 disassembly Elon Musk later provided
00:01:36 --> 00:01:38 additional details indicating that an
00:01:38 --> 00:01:40 oxygen and fuel leak in the cavity above
00:01:40 --> 00:01:43 the ship's engine firewall may have been
00:01:43 --> 00:01:45 the root cause while the explosion
00:01:45 --> 00:01:47 created quite a spectacle visible as far
00:01:47 --> 00:01:50 as Turks and Kos fortunately there have
00:01:50 --> 00:01:52 been no reported injuries however the
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 FAA is still investigating potential
00:01:55 --> 00:01:56 property damage and flight disruptions
00:01:56 --> 00:01:59 to commercial aircraft as for blue
00:01:59 --> 00:02:01 origin their Maiden launch of the new
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 Glenn rocket encountered problems during
00:02:03 --> 00:02:04 the attempted recovery of its first
00:02:04 --> 00:02:07 stage booster while the initial launch
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 from Cape Canaveral space force station
00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 went according to plan the booster
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 failed to successfully land on Blue
00:02:13 --> 00:02:16 Origins cargo ship as intended in
00:02:16 --> 00:02:18 response to these incidents the FAA has
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 effectively grounded both vehicles until
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 the companies can demonstrate their
00:02:22 --> 00:02:24 safety for future flights this means
00:02:25 --> 00:02:27 both SpaceX and blue origin must
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 complete thorough investigations
00:02:29 --> 00:02:31 Implement any necessary corrective
00:02:31 --> 00:02:33 actions and receive FAA approval before
00:02:33 --> 00:02:35 returning to flight operations it's
00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 worth noting that this isn't the first
00:02:37 --> 00:02:40 time SpaceX has faced such scrutiny
00:02:40 --> 00:02:41 following starship's first launch
00:02:41 --> 00:02:45 attempt in April 2023 the FAA mandated
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 63 corrective actions before allowing
00:02:48 --> 00:02:50 subsequent launches despite these
00:02:50 --> 00:02:54 setbacks Space X remains optimistic with
00:02:54 --> 00:02:56 musk suggesting they could be ready for
00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 another launch attempt as early as next
00:02:58 --> 00:03:01 month the silver over lining for SpaceX
00:03:01 --> 00:03:03 was the successful capture of the super
00:03:03 --> 00:03:04 heavy booster by the launch toow
00:03:04 --> 00:03:07 catching arms demonstrating that at
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 least some aspects of their Innovative
00:03:09 --> 00:03:12 recovery system are working as intended
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 this partial success amid the overall
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 mission failure highlights the
00:03:16 --> 00:03:18 inherently challenging nature of
00:03:18 --> 00:03:20 developing new space launch
00:03:20 --> 00:03:22 systems in a significant development for
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 commercial space flight regulation
00:03:24 --> 00:03:26 president-elect Trump's nominee for
00:03:26 --> 00:03:29 Secretary of Transportation Shawn Duffy
00:03:29 --> 00:03:31 has committed to reviewing the faa's
00:03:31 --> 00:03:33 recent fines against SpaceX for launch
00:03:33 --> 00:03:36 license violations the fines totaling
00:03:36 --> 00:03:39 over $633 were issued for violations
00:03:39 --> 00:03:42 during two separate missions in
00:03:42 --> 00:03:44 2023 the specific violations included
00:03:44 --> 00:03:47 using an unauthorized control center
00:03:47 --> 00:03:49 failing to conduct required pre-launch
00:03:49 --> 00:03:51 procedures and utilizing an unapproved
00:03:51 --> 00:03:54 propellent tank farm Space X has pushed
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 back against these penalties arguing
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 that the violations didn't compromise
00:03:58 --> 00:04:01 Public Safety and pointing to delays in
00:04:01 --> 00:04:04 the faa's license modification process
00:04:04 --> 00:04:06 during his confirmation hearing before
00:04:06 --> 00:04:08 the Senate Commerce Committee Duffy
00:04:08 --> 00:04:10 faced pointed questions about these
00:04:10 --> 00:04:12 fines committee chairman Ted Cruz
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 expressed particular concern arguing
00:04:15 --> 00:04:17 that such penalties work against us
00:04:17 --> 00:04:19 Law's mandate to encourage and
00:04:19 --> 00:04:21 facilitate commercial space activities
00:04:21 --> 00:04:24 Cruz characterized the fines as not just
00:04:24 --> 00:04:25 corrosive but potentially counter to
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 legislative
00:04:26 --> 00:04:29 intent looking Beyond just the SpaceX
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 situ situation there's growing
00:04:31 --> 00:04:32 discussion about potential restructuring
00:04:32 --> 00:04:35 of space launch oversight some industry
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 observers are speculating about the
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 possibility of moving the office of
00:04:39 --> 00:04:40 commercial space transportation out of
00:04:40 --> 00:04:43 the FAA making it a standalone entity
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 directly under the Department of
00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 Transportation such a move could
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 potentially streamline the regulatory
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 process and provide the office with
00:04:51 --> 00:04:52 additional
00:04:52 --> 00:04:55 resources the debate highlights the
00:04:55 --> 00:04:56 ongoing challenge of balancing safety
00:04:57 --> 00:04:59 oversight with the need to Foster
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 innovation in the commercial space
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 sector with the rapid growth of private
00:05:03 --> 00:05:06 space companies and increasingly
00:05:06 --> 00:05:08 ambitious Mission profiles the
00:05:08 --> 00:05:09 regulatory framework governing these
00:05:10 --> 00:05:12 activities has become a crucial factor
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 in the industry's development this
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 review could have far-reaching
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 implications for how commercial space
00:05:18 --> 00:05:20 activities are regulated in the coming
00:05:20 --> 00:05:22 years potentially reshaping the
00:05:22 --> 00:05:24 relationship between private space
00:05:24 --> 00:05:26 companies and their government
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 overseers let's move on to a couple news
00:05:28 --> 00:05:30 stories surrounding our moon in a
00:05:30 --> 00:05:32 groundbreaking move that underscores
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 growing concerns about preserving space
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 Heritage the moon has been added to the
00:05:36 --> 00:05:39 World Monuments fund Global watch list
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 this marks the first time in history
00:05:42 --> 00:05:43 that an extraterrestrial body has been
00:05:43 --> 00:05:45 included on this prestigious list of
00:05:45 --> 00:05:48 Heritage sites requiring protection and
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 preservation while the initial
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 nomination focused solely on Tranquility
00:05:52 --> 00:05:56 base the historic Apollo 11 Landing site
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 the final designation was expanded to
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 Encompass the entire Moon
00:06:00 --> 00:06:02 this comprehensive approach acknowledges
00:06:02 --> 00:06:05 over 90 distinct sites that represent
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 Humanity's presence on the lunar surface
00:06:08 --> 00:06:09 from the first Russian probe that made
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 contact in
00:06:11 --> 00:06:14 1959 to the footprints left by Apollo
00:06:15 --> 00:06:16 Astronauts the timing of this
00:06:16 --> 00:06:19 designation is particularly crucial as
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 we enter a new era of lunar
00:06:22 --> 00:06:24 Exploration with multiple commercial
00:06:24 --> 00:06:26 missions planned and NASA's Artemis
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 program on the horizon there's mounting
00:06:28 --> 00:06:30 concern about potential damage to these
00:06:30 --> 00:06:33 Irreplaceable historic sites the threats
00:06:33 --> 00:06:35 range from lunar dust displacement
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 caused by nearby Landings to the
00:06:37 --> 00:06:38 possibility of looting valuable
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 artifacts from sites like the Apollo
00:06:40 --> 00:06:41 Landing
00:06:41 --> 00:06:44 areas space archaeologist Dr Alice
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 Gorman emphasizes that the increased
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 traffic to the Moon poses significant
00:06:48 --> 00:06:51 risks the sharp abrasive lunar dust can
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 gradually wear away at these cultural
00:06:53 --> 00:06:56 heritage sites even from activities
00:06:56 --> 00:06:58 conducted at a considerable distance
00:06:58 --> 00:06:59 there's also growing concern about the
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 commercial space tourism industry and
00:07:02 --> 00:07:03 future lunar mining operations
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 potentially impacting these historic
00:07:05 --> 00:07:07 locations the designation serves
00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 multiple purposes Beyond mere
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 recognition it puts the International
00:07:11 --> 00:07:13 Space community on notice and highlights
00:07:13 --> 00:07:16 the urgent need for protective measures
00:07:16 --> 00:07:17 experts are now calling for the
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 implementation of environmental impact
00:07:19 --> 00:07:22 assessment processes similar to those we
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 use on Earth to ensure commercial
00:07:24 --> 00:07:25 operators are held accountable for
00:07:25 --> 00:07:28 preserving these sites this move comes
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 at a critical juncture
00:07:30 --> 00:07:31 with several commercial lunar missions
00:07:31 --> 00:07:34 already underway or planned for the near
00:07:34 --> 00:07:37 future companies like Firefly iace
00:07:37 --> 00:07:40 intuitive machines and others are all
00:07:40 --> 00:07:41 preparing to make their mark on the
00:07:41 --> 00:07:44 lunar surface the challenge Now lies in
00:07:44 --> 00:07:47 balancing this new wave of Exploration
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 with the preservation of Humanity's
00:07:49 --> 00:07:51 existing lunar Heritage as space
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 archaeologists and preservation experts
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 work to establish robust International
00:07:55 --> 00:07:58 regulations the message is clear the
00:07:58 --> 00:08:00 moon's historic sites belong to all of
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 humanity and deserve protection for
00:08:02 --> 00:08:05 future Generations this isn't just about
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 preserving physical artifacts it's about
00:08:07 --> 00:08:09 safeguarding Humanity's first steps into
00:08:09 --> 00:08:11 space
00:08:11 --> 00:08:14 exploration and in other moon news China
00:08:14 --> 00:08:16 is taking lunar exploration to new
00:08:16 --> 00:08:18 heights with an Innovative plan to plant
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 what could be the first ever fluttering
00:08:20 --> 00:08:23 flag on the moon surface as part of
00:08:23 --> 00:08:25 their upcoming chang7 Mission planned
00:08:25 --> 00:08:28 for 2026 Chinese scientists have
00:08:28 --> 00:08:29 developed a groundbreaking Sol solution
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 to make a flag wave in the moon's
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 airless environment the team at China's
00:08:33 --> 00:08:36 deep space exploration laboratory has
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 engineered a clever work around to the
00:08:38 --> 00:08:39 challenge of creating movement without
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 wind their design incorporates closed
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 loop wires embedded within the flag
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 surface that can carry two-way
00:08:46 --> 00:08:49 electrical current through the careful
00:08:49 --> 00:08:52 manipulation of electromagnetic fields
00:08:52 --> 00:08:53 these wires will create a fluttering
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 effect bringing the flag to life in the
00:08:55 --> 00:08:58 lunar vacuum this technological
00:08:58 --> 00:09:00 achievement is just one component of the
00:09:00 --> 00:09:03 broader Chang 7 Mission which aims to
00:09:03 --> 00:09:05 explore the Moon South polar region in
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 search of water ice the mission
00:09:07 --> 00:09:09 represents another significant step in
00:09:09 --> 00:09:11 China's ambitious lunar exploration
00:09:11 --> 00:09:13 program which includes plans for the
00:09:14 --> 00:09:16 international lunar research station a
00:09:16 --> 00:09:18 collaborative project with Russia and
00:09:18 --> 00:09:21 other International Partners looking
00:09:21 --> 00:09:23 further ahead the Chinese space program
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 envisions establishing a comprehensive
00:09:26 --> 00:09:29 scientific facility on the lunar Surface
00:09:29 --> 00:09:30 by
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 2035 this facility is being designed for
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 long-term autonomous operation with the
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 capability to support periodic human
00:09:37 --> 00:09:40 presence marking a significant milestone
00:09:40 --> 00:09:42 in China's expanding space
00:09:42 --> 00:09:46 capabilities Jang tanju Deputy head of
00:09:46 --> 00:09:48 the Institute of future technology at
00:09:48 --> 00:09:51 the deep space exploration laboratory
00:09:51 --> 00:09:53 and his team are working diligently to
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 complete the development of this unique
00:09:55 --> 00:09:57 payload by February demonstrating
00:09:57 --> 00:09:59 China's commitment to pushing the bound
00:09:59 --> 00:10:01 of space technology while creating
00:10:02 --> 00:10:03 visually striking demonstrations of
00:10:03 --> 00:10:05 their lunar
00:10:05 --> 00:10:07 presence now A little update to a story
00:10:07 --> 00:10:10 we covered earlier this week NASA's jet
00:10:10 --> 00:10:12 propulsion laboratory is set to resume
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 normal operations next week following a
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 tense period of closure due to the
00:10:16 --> 00:10:19 devastating Los Angeles wildfires the
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 facility nestled at the base of the San
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 Gabriel mountains had been under threat
00:10:23 --> 00:10:26 from the eaten fire which has caused
00:10:26 --> 00:10:27 widespread destruction in neighboring
00:10:27 --> 00:10:30 communities particularly in
00:10:30 --> 00:10:33 Altadena since January 8th JPL has
00:10:33 --> 00:10:36 maintained only essential operations
00:10:36 --> 00:10:37 ensuring the continued function of
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 critical missions like the perseverance
00:10:39 --> 00:10:42 and curiosity Mars rovers with the
00:10:42 --> 00:10:44 immediate danger now passed the
00:10:44 --> 00:10:46 laboratory will begin a phased reopening
00:10:46 --> 00:10:49 starting Tuesday January 21st while the
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 facility is reopening its doors to all
00:10:51 --> 00:10:54 Personnel who need to work on site
00:10:54 --> 00:10:55 officials are encouraging those who can
00:10:55 --> 00:10:58 work remotely to continue doing so while
00:10:58 --> 00:11:01 final cleanup effort are completed while
00:11:01 --> 00:11:03 the laboratory itself emerged unscathed
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 from the fires the impact on jpl's
00:11:05 --> 00:11:07 Workforce has been severe over a
00:11:07 --> 00:11:09 thousand employees remain evacuated from
00:11:09 --> 00:11:13 their homes with more than 150 families
00:11:13 --> 00:11:16 having lost their houses completely JPL
00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 director Lori lushen has initiated
00:11:18 --> 00:11:20 disaster relief efforts to support
00:11:20 --> 00:11:22 affected workers including those from
00:11:22 --> 00:11:24 both JPL and the California Institute of
00:11:24 --> 00:11:27 Technology which manages the facility
00:11:27 --> 00:11:29 for NASA the broader fire situation in
00:11:29 --> 00:11:31 Los Angeles remains challenging the
00:11:31 --> 00:11:34 eaten fire has consumed over 14
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 Acres but is now 65% contained however
00:11:37 --> 00:11:39 the larger Palisades fire continues to
00:11:39 --> 00:11:41 pose significant challenges having
00:11:41 --> 00:11:46 burned nearly 24 Acres with only 31%
00:11:46 --> 00:11:48 containment despite these ongoing
00:11:48 --> 00:11:50 challenges jpl's return to operations
00:11:50 --> 00:11:53 marks a positive step forward in the
00:11:53 --> 00:11:55 recovery process for this crucial space
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 exploration
00:11:57 --> 00:12:00 facility next up in a groundbreaking
00:12:00 --> 00:12:02 discovery astronomers have identified
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 what they're calling the fastest
00:12:03 --> 00:12:05 disintegrating planet ever observed
00:12:06 --> 00:12:08 using NASA's test satellite scientists
00:12:08 --> 00:12:10 have found a world that's literally
00:12:10 --> 00:12:12 falling apart at an astronomical rate
00:12:12 --> 00:12:14 losing the equivalent of a moon's worth
00:12:14 --> 00:12:17 of material every million years located
00:12:18 --> 00:12:21 just 141 light years away this makes it
00:12:21 --> 00:12:24 the closest crumbling Planet we've ever
00:12:24 --> 00:12:27 discovered the planet designated BD Plus
00:12:27 --> 00:12:29
00:12:29 --> 00:12:32 868 AB is giving astronomers an
00:12:32 --> 00:12:35 unprecedented opportunity to Peak inside
00:12:35 --> 00:12:37 the normally hidden interior of a
00:12:37 --> 00:12:39 terrestrial world it's as if the planet
00:12:39 --> 00:12:41 is performing an autopsy on itself
00:12:41 --> 00:12:44 spilling its guts into space for us to
00:12:44 --> 00:12:47 study this remarkable find has caught
00:12:47 --> 00:12:49 the attention of two research teams who
00:12:49 --> 00:12:51 are now planning to use the James web
00:12:51 --> 00:12:54 Space Telescope to investigate further
00:12:54 --> 00:12:56 what makes this planet particularly
00:12:56 --> 00:12:59 special is its proximity to its star and
00:12:59 --> 00:13:01 the dramatic way it's disintegrating the
00:13:01 --> 00:13:03 planet orbits so close to its star that
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 it completes a full orbit in just over
00:13:06 --> 00:13:09 30 hours this creates an enormous dust
00:13:09 --> 00:13:11 tail stretching an incredible 5.6
00:13:11 --> 00:13:14 million miles which actually blocks
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 about 1% of its Stars light when it
00:13:16 --> 00:13:18 passes in front of it the dust trail
00:13:18 --> 00:13:20 itself tells an fascinating story
00:13:20 --> 00:13:23 splitting into two distinct sections
00:13:23 --> 00:13:24 leading the planet is a trail of larger
00:13:25 --> 00:13:27 particles similar to desert sand while
00:13:27 --> 00:13:29 following behind is a finer dust more
00:13:29 --> 00:13:32 like soot this Cosmic light show lasts
00:13:32 --> 00:13:35 for an impressive 15 hours during each
00:13:35 --> 00:13:37 Transit the planet's future however is
00:13:37 --> 00:13:39 rather Grim with only about a moon's
00:13:39 --> 00:13:41 worth of mass remaining and losing
00:13:41 --> 00:13:43 material at such a catastrophic rate
00:13:43 --> 00:13:45 we're literally witnessing the final
00:13:45 --> 00:13:47 chapter in this world's existence
00:13:47 --> 00:13:49 scientists consider us incredibly
00:13:49 --> 00:13:51 fortunate to catch this Cosmic event as
00:13:51 --> 00:13:53 it represents one of only four known
00:13:53 --> 00:13:55 disintegrating planets among the more
00:13:55 --> 00:13:58 than 6 confirmed exoplanets in
00:13:58 --> 00:14:00 NASA's catalog
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 what makes this discovery even more
00:14:01 --> 00:14:03 valuable for researchers is that the
00:14:03 --> 00:14:06 host star is approximately 100 times
00:14:06 --> 00:14:08 brighter than similar systems we've
00:14:08 --> 00:14:10 studied before this unprecedented
00:14:10 --> 00:14:12 brightness will allow scientists to
00:14:12 --> 00:14:14 gather extremely detailed data about the
00:14:14 --> 00:14:16 planet's composition and destruction
00:14:16 --> 00:14:18 process potentially revealing new
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 insights about planetary formation and
00:14:20 --> 00:14:23 evolution throughout our
00:14:23 --> 00:14:25 galaxy and that's all for today's
00:14:25 --> 00:14:28 episode of astronomy daily I'm Anna and
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 I want to thank you for joining me on
00:14:29 --> 00:14:31 this journey through the latest
00:14:31 --> 00:14:33 developments in space exploration and
00:14:33 --> 00:14:36 astronomical discoveries if you'd like
00:14:36 --> 00:14:38 to stay up to dat with all things space
00:14:38 --> 00:14:40 and astronomy visit us at astronomy
00:14:40 --> 00:14:42 daily. there you can sign up for our
00:14:42 --> 00:14:44 free daily newsletter and access our
00:14:44 --> 00:14:47 constantly updating Newsfeed you'll also
00:14:47 --> 00:14:49 find all our previous episodes available
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00:15:09 --> 00:15:10 and wondering about the mysteries of our
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00:15:13 --> 00:15:32 Asom
00:15:32 --> 00:15:35 St