Source:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e166-dazzling-comet-alert-moon-mission-prep-and-china-s-ocean-rocket-success--62141354
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E166
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your source for the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and we've got an exciting episode lined up for you today. We'll be exploring some fascinating developments in the world of space and Astronomy that are sure to captivate your imagination.
Highlights:
- Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas): Astronomers are eagerly tracking this comet, which could shine as brightly as the North Star this fall. Discovered in early C/2023.A3, it's captured the attention of both professional astronomers and space enthusiasts. If it survives its close encounter with the sun on September 27, it could rival the spectacular Comet McNaught of 2007.
- ESA's Luna Facility: The European Space Agency and German Aerospace Center have unveiled Luna, a lunar analog facility near Cologne, Germany. This 700-square-meter hall filled with simulated lunar regolith will provide crucial training for future astronauts, including those in NASA's Artemis program.
- NASA Artemis II Crew in Iceland: NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen have been undergoing geology field training in Iceland. This unique landscape closely resembles the lunar surface, helping the crew prepare for the challenges of lunar exploration.
- China's Sea Launch of Smart Dragon-3: China successfully launched the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from a floating platform, carrying eight remote sensing satellites into sun-synchronous orbit. This sea-based launch demonstrates flexibility and could open up new possibilities for future missions.
- Potential for Life on Venus: Recent research suggests that some of life's fundamental building blocks might survive in Venus's harsh environment. Scientists discovered that certain lipids can withstand exposure to concentrated sulfuric acid, challenging our assumptions about the solvents necessary for life.
- Revolutionary Space Propulsion: Scientists are testing a new propulsion system known as Super Mag Drive, which could use any type of metal as fuel. This technology could allow spacecraft to refuel by harvesting minerals from asteroids or distant moons, opening up new frontiers in space exploration.
For more space news, be sure to visit our website at ahttps://www.astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed, and listen to all our back episodes.
Don't forget to follow us on social media. Just search for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
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00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily your source
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 for the latest space in astronomy news
00:00:04 --> 00:00:05 I'm your host Anna and we've got an
00:00:05 --> 00:00:07 exciting episode lined up for you today
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 we'll be exploring some fascinating
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 developments in the world of space and
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 astronomy that are sure to Captivate
00:00:13 --> 00:00:16 your imagination from a potentially
00:00:16 --> 00:00:17 dazzling Comet that could light up our
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 night sky to Innovative facilities
00:00:20 --> 00:00:22 preparing astronauts for lunar missions
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 we've got it all covered we'll also dive
00:00:24 --> 00:00:26 into groundbreaking research that's
00:00:26 --> 00:00:27 pushing the boundaries of our
00:00:27 --> 00:00:29 understanding of life in the cosmos and
00:00:29 --> 00:00:31 re evolutionary propulsion technology
00:00:31 --> 00:00:33 that could take us further into space
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 than ever before so strap in and get
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 ready for a cosmic Journey Through the
00:00:37 --> 00:00:39 latest and most intriguing stories from
00:00:39 --> 00:00:41 the final frontier let's blast off into
00:00:41 --> 00:00:43 today's episode of astronomy
00:00:43 --> 00:00:46 daily get ready for a Celestial
00:00:46 --> 00:00:47 spectacle that could light up our night
00:00:47 --> 00:00:50 sky this fall in the northern hemisphere
00:00:50 --> 00:00:52 astronomers are eagerly tracking Comet
00:00:52 --> 00:00:56 c2023 A3 also known as Comet suchin Shan
00:00:56 --> 00:00:58 Atlas which has the potential to shine
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 as brightly as the North Star
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 this Cosmic visitor hails from the
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 distant ort Cloud a region at the outer
00:01:04 --> 00:01:06 edges of our solar system discovered in
00:01:06 --> 00:01:08 early 2023 by observatories in South
00:01:08 --> 00:01:11 Africa and China Comet A3 has captured
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 the attention of both professional
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 astronomers and space enthusiasts
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 worldwide what makes this Comet so
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 special well according to models
00:01:20 --> 00:01:21 developed by researchers at The seti
00:01:21 --> 00:01:24 Institute Comet A3 could become one of
00:01:24 --> 00:01:26 the brightest objects visible in the
00:01:26 --> 00:01:28 northern hemisphere this Autumn if it
00:01:28 --> 00:01:30 survives its close en encounter with the
00:01:30 --> 00:01:33 sun on September 27th we might be in for
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 a treat rivaling the spectacular Comet
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 MCN of
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 2007 but there's still much to learn
00:01:39 --> 00:01:42 about this Celestial Wanderer after an
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 unexpected period of dimming the comet
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 appears to be regaining its brightness
00:01:47 --> 00:01:48 scientists are considering various
00:01:48 --> 00:01:50 explanations including possible
00:01:50 --> 00:01:52 fragmentation of the Comet or effects
00:01:52 --> 00:01:54 related to its viewing angle from Earth
00:01:54 --> 00:01:56 the unistellar community a network of
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 Citizen scientists is actively
00:01:58 --> 00:01:59 contributing to our understanding of
00:01:59 --> 00:02:02 Comet A3 over 25 users are tracking
00:02:03 --> 00:02:04 its progress helping to refine
00:02:05 --> 00:02:06 predictions about Its Behavior as it
00:02:06 --> 00:02:08 approaches the inner solar system
00:02:08 --> 00:02:10 whether Comet A3 puts on the show of the
00:02:10 --> 00:02:13 decade or Fizzles out its approach
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 offers a unique opportunity for both
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 professional and amateur astronomers to
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 study the Dynamics of these fascinating
00:02:20 --> 00:02:23 objects from the outer reaches of our
00:02:23 --> 00:02:26 solar system next let's take a look at a
00:02:26 --> 00:02:27 similar problem in how two different
00:02:27 --> 00:02:30 agencies around the globe are solving it
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 Astronaut training in situ the European
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 space agency and German Aerospace Center
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 have taken a giant leap in lunar Mission
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 preparation with their new facility
00:02:38 --> 00:02:42 called Luna located near Cologne Germany
00:02:42 --> 00:02:44 this Innovative lunar analog aims to
00:02:44 --> 00:02:45 recreate the moon's surface right here
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 on Earth providing a crucial training
00:02:48 --> 00:02:50 ground for future astronauts Luna's main
00:02:50 --> 00:02:53 feature is a massive 700 square meter
00:02:53 --> 00:02:56 Hall filled with about 900 tons of
00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 simulated lunar regolith this material
00:02:58 --> 00:03:01 known as eac1 is derived from volcanic
00:03:01 --> 00:03:03 powder found in Germany's Eiffel region
00:03:03 --> 00:03:06 it closely mimics the fine Dusty surface
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 astronauts will encounter on the moon
00:03:08 --> 00:03:09 allowing them to practice moving and
00:03:09 --> 00:03:12 working in these challenging conditions
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 but Luna isn't just a giant sandbox the
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 facility also includes a specialized
00:03:16 --> 00:03:18 illumination system that can recreate
00:03:18 --> 00:03:21 lunar day and night cycles each lasting
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 14 Earth days this feature will help
00:03:23 --> 00:03:25 astronauts adapt to the unique lighting
00:03:25 --> 00:03:27 conditions they'll face during lunar
00:03:27 --> 00:03:30 missions future plans for Luna include
00:03:30 --> 00:03:32 the addition of gravity offloading
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 systems to simulate the moon's reduced
00:03:34 --> 00:03:37 gravity which is about 1 16th of Earth's
00:03:37 --> 00:03:38 this will allow astronauts to experience
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 and train for the physical challenges of
00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 working in a low gravity environment
00:03:43 --> 00:03:45 Luna will also serve as a test bed for
00:03:45 --> 00:03:47 robotic systems Rovers and other tools
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 crucial for lunar exploration scientists
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 will use the facility to study the
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 effects of moondust on equipment helping
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 to develop solutions for the wear and
00:03:56 --> 00:03:59 tear that lunar missions will inevitably
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 face by providing this realistic lunar
00:04:01 --> 00:04:04 environment Luna is set to play a vital
00:04:04 --> 00:04:05 role in preparing astronauts and
00:04:06 --> 00:04:07 equipment for the challenges of future
00:04:07 --> 00:04:10 Moon missions including NASA's Artemis
00:04:10 --> 00:04:13 program and Beyond meanwhile NASA's
00:04:13 --> 00:04:14 Artemis 2 crew has been getting their
00:04:14 --> 00:04:16 hands dirty in Iceland quite literally
00:04:16 --> 00:04:19 the team consisting of NASA astronauts
00:04:19 --> 00:04:21 Reed wisman Victor Glover Christina
00:04:21 --> 00:04:23 kooch and Canadian space agency
00:04:23 --> 00:04:25 astronaut Jeremy Hansen recently
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 traveled to the Nordic Island for some
00:04:26 --> 00:04:29 intense geology field training now you
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 might be wondering wondering why Iceland
00:04:31 --> 00:04:32 well it turns out that Iceland's unique
00:04:33 --> 00:04:34 landscape Bears a striking resemblance
00:04:34 --> 00:04:36 to the lunar surface with its vast
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 expanses of black and gray sediment
00:04:39 --> 00:04:40 Boulder strewn grounds devoid of
00:04:40 --> 00:04:43 vegetation and looming shadowy mountains
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 it's about as close to a moonlike
00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 environment as you can get on Earth this
00:04:47 --> 00:04:50 isn't a New Concept for NASA in fact
00:04:50 --> 00:04:51 Iceland has been serving as a lunar
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 standin since the Apollo era the
00:04:53 --> 00:04:55 similarities in geology are remarkable
00:04:55 --> 00:04:57 both Iceland and the moon feature
00:04:57 --> 00:04:59 basalts and breas types of rocks form
00:04:59 --> 00:05:02 through volcanic activity and impacts
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 during their training the astronauts
00:05:04 --> 00:05:06 practiced using tools similar to those
00:05:06 --> 00:05:08 used in the Apollo missions they learned
00:05:08 --> 00:05:10 to navigate the terrain honed their
00:05:10 --> 00:05:12 expeditionary skills and even gave
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 feedback to their instructors it's all
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 about preparing them for the challenges
00:05:16 --> 00:05:19 they'll face during lunar exploration
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 while the emis 2 mission won't actually
00:05:21 --> 00:05:23 land on the moon the geology
00:05:23 --> 00:05:24 fundamentals developed during this field
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 training are crucial the crew will be
00:05:27 --> 00:05:28 tasked with studying lunar surface
00:05:28 --> 00:05:31 features from orbit taking photos and
00:05:31 --> 00:05:33 describing what they see in scientific
00:05:33 --> 00:05:35 terms this human touch and observation
00:05:35 --> 00:05:37 could provide invaluable data for
00:05:37 --> 00:05:39 researchers back on Earth as we look
00:05:39 --> 00:05:41 towards a future of sustained lunar
00:05:41 --> 00:05:43 presence this kind of Hands-On training
00:05:44 --> 00:05:45 in Earth's lunar analogues will be
00:05:45 --> 00:05:48 essential in ensuring our astronauts are
00:05:48 --> 00:05:49 fully prepared for the challenges that
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 await them on the moon and
00:05:52 --> 00:05:55 Beyond some launch news from China this
00:05:55 --> 00:05:56 week China has achieved another
00:05:57 --> 00:05:58 milestone in its Space Program with a
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 successful sea launch launch of the
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 smart Dragon 3 rocket on September 23rd
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 the rocket lifted off from a floating
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 platform off the eastern coast of China
00:06:07 --> 00:06:10 carrying eight remote sensing satellites
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 into sun synchronous orbit this launch
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 marks the fourth flight for the smart
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 Dragon 3 a four-stage rocket standing
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 102 ft tall and capable of delivering
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 about 3 lb of payload to orbit
00:06:22 --> 00:06:24 what's particularly interesting about
00:06:24 --> 00:06:27 this launch is its location by utilizing
00:06:27 --> 00:06:29 a seab based platform China demonstrates
00:06:29 --> 00:06:31 flexibility and its launch capabilities
00:06:31 --> 00:06:33 potentially opening up new possibilities
00:06:33 --> 00:06:36 for future missions sea launches offer
00:06:36 --> 00:06:38 several advantages they allow for
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 launches closer to the Equator which can
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 be more efficient for certain orbits
00:06:42 --> 00:06:44 they also provide greater launch site
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 options and can reduce risks associated
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 with launches over populated
00:06:48 --> 00:06:50 areas this success isn't just
00:06:50 --> 00:06:52 significant for China it's part of a
00:06:52 --> 00:06:53 growing Trend in the space industry
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 towards more versatile and mobile launch
00:06:55 --> 00:06:58 options as we look to the future of
00:06:58 --> 00:06:59 space exploration and satellite
00:06:59 --> 00:07:02 deployment Innovations like sea launches
00:07:02 --> 00:07:03 could play a crucial role in making
00:07:03 --> 00:07:06 space more accessible and expanding our
00:07:06 --> 00:07:07 capabilities beyond
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 Earth now let's get an update from one
00:07:10 --> 00:07:12 of our enigmatic neighbors Venus often
00:07:12 --> 00:07:14 described as Earth's hellish twin has
00:07:15 --> 00:07:16 long been considered inhospitable to
00:07:16 --> 00:07:18 life however Recent research is
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 challenging this assumption offering a
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 glimmer of hope for potential life in
00:07:22 --> 00:07:25 the most unexpected places a new study
00:07:25 --> 00:07:26 has found that some of life's
00:07:26 --> 00:07:28 fundamental building blocks might
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 actually survive in Venus's harsh
00:07:30 --> 00:07:33 environment scientists tested lipids the
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 essential components of cell membranes
00:07:35 --> 00:07:38 under venus-like conditions surprisingly
00:07:38 --> 00:07:39 they discovered that certain lipids can
00:07:39 --> 00:07:41 withstand exposure to concentrated
00:07:41 --> 00:07:43 sulfuric acid and even form stable
00:07:43 --> 00:07:46 structures this finding is significant
00:07:46 --> 00:07:47 because Venus's atmosphere contains
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 regions with temperatures and pressures
00:07:50 --> 00:07:51 that could potentially support life
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 while the planet surface is indeed
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 sterilizing its Cloud deck might hold
00:07:55 --> 00:07:58 more promise the research suggests that
00:07:58 --> 00:08:01 stable membranes can form and persist in
00:08:01 --> 00:08:03 the presence of sulfuric acid
00:08:03 --> 00:08:05 challenging our assumptions about the
00:08:05 --> 00:08:07 solvents necessary for Life water has
00:08:07 --> 00:08:09 long been considered crucial but this
00:08:09 --> 00:08:11 study shows that some aspects of life's
00:08:11 --> 00:08:13 chemistry might tolerate and even use
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 sulfuric acid as a
00:08:15 --> 00:08:17 solvent these findings have implications
00:08:17 --> 00:08:20 Beyond Venus concentrated sulfuric acid
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 could be a common planetary solvent on
00:08:22 --> 00:08:25 exoplanets either on venus-like worlds
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 or on rocky planets affected by their
00:08:27 --> 00:08:30 host Stars activity this broaden our
00:08:30 --> 00:08:31 understanding of potential habitable
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 environments in the universe while this
00:08:33 --> 00:08:35 doesn't prove the existence of Life on
00:08:35 --> 00:08:37 Venus it opens up new avenues for
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 exploration and expands our perspective
00:08:39 --> 00:08:42 on where life might exist as we continue
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 to study our solar system and beyond
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 we're reminded that the universe may be
00:08:46 --> 00:08:48 more hospitable to life than we once
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 thought finally today something that may
00:08:51 --> 00:08:53 have been written off a sci-fi fantasy
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 only a few short years ago in a
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 groundbreaking development scientists
00:08:57 --> 00:08:58 are testing a revolutionary space
00:08:58 --> 00:09:00 propulsion system system that could
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 reshape our approach to deep space
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 exploration this Innovative technology
00:09:04 --> 00:09:07 known as Super Mag Drive promises to use
00:09:07 --> 00:09:10 any type of metal as fuel potentially
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 allowing spacecraft to travel further
00:09:12 --> 00:09:14 into the cosmos than ever before led by
00:09:14 --> 00:09:16 Dr mingan Kim from the University of
00:09:16 --> 00:09:18 Southampton the research team is
00:09:18 --> 00:09:19 collaborating with British space firm
00:09:19 --> 00:09:22 magdrive to test this new Thruster the
00:09:22 --> 00:09:24 system's versatility is its key
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 Advantage it can be powered by Common
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 metals like iron aluminum or copper this
00:09:28 --> 00:09:30 means that that future spacecraft
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 equipped with this technology could
00:09:32 --> 00:09:34 potentially refuel by harvesting
00:09:34 --> 00:09:36 minerals from asteroids or distant moons
00:09:36 --> 00:09:38 the implications of this technology are
00:09:38 --> 00:09:41 truly exciting imagine a spacecraft
00:09:41 --> 00:09:43 landing on a metalr comet replenishing
00:09:43 --> 00:09:45 its fuel supply and then continuing its
00:09:45 --> 00:09:47 Journey Through the solar system and
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 beyond this could open up vast New
00:09:49 --> 00:09:52 Frontiers in space exploration allowing
00:09:52 --> 00:09:54 us to reach regions of the universe
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 previously thought
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 inaccessible Dr Kim who has experienced
00:09:58 --> 00:10:01 designing plasma thrusters for SpaceX
00:10:01 --> 00:10:03 envisions this technology being used in
00:10:03 --> 00:10:05 future deep space missions it could
00:10:05 --> 00:10:07 revolutionize our ability to explore new
00:10:07 --> 00:10:10 planets seek out potential life and push
00:10:10 --> 00:10:12 the boundaries of human knowledge while
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 still in the testing phase the Super Mag
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 Drive represents a significant step
00:10:16 --> 00:10:19 forward in space propulsion technology
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 if successful it could usher in a new
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 era of space exploration enabling longer
00:10:23 --> 00:10:25 missions and more extensive studies of
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 our Cosmic
00:10:27 --> 00:10:28 neighborhood and that brings us to the
00:10:29 --> 00:10:30 end of of today's Cosmic Journey Through
00:10:30 --> 00:10:34 the latest in space and astronomy news
00:10:34 --> 00:10:36 I'm Anna and I hope you've enjoyed this
00:10:36 --> 00:10:38 episode of astronomy daily as much as
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 I've enjoyed bringing it to you if
00:10:40 --> 00:10:42 you're hungry for more Stellar content
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 don't forget to visit our website at
00:10:43 --> 00:10:45 astronomy
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00:10:50 --> 00:10:52 the latest space and astronomy news with
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00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 do a shout out today to Mary or as she
00:11:08 --> 00:11:11 is known contrary Mary on Tik Tok Mary
00:11:11 --> 00:11:13 is always giving us likes on our short
00:11:13 --> 00:11:14 video highlights and leaving little
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00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 Mary it's all very much appreciated and
00:11:18 --> 00:11:20 thanks to all of you for tuning in today
00:11:20 --> 00:11:22 and remember to keep looking up at the
00:11:22 --> 00:11:24 stars until next time this is Anna
00:11:24 --> 00:11:29 signing off from astronomy daily
00:11:29 --> 00:11:32 the stor is told
00:11:32 --> 00:11:46 [Music]