Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E184
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest and most exciting developments in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we are embarking on a cosmic journey that promises to expand our understanding of the universe.
Highlights:
- Giant Magellan Telescope Progress: Exciting advancements in the Giant Magellan Telescope project, set to become the world's largest telescope. The successful installation of its primary mirror into a support system prototype marks a crucial milestone. This mirror, with an area half the size of a basketball court, undergoes a six-month optical testing phase, promising 200 times the power of today's best telescopes.
- SpaceX's National Security Contract: SpaceX secures a $733.6 million contract from the US Space Force for national security launches. This deal includes seven launches for the Space Development Agency and at least one mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, reinforcing SpaceX's pivotal role in space-based defense and intelligence capabilities.
- Space Waste Management Innovation: Sierra Space plans to launch a trash compactor to the International Space Station in 2026, addressing the growing challenge of garbage disposal in space. This device transforms waste into compact tiles, potentially serving as radiation shielding, and extracts water for recycling, crucial for future moon or Mars missions. Affectionately known as Wall-E.
- Interstellar Visitors from Alpha Centauri: New research suggests material ejected from the Alpha Centauri system might be reaching our solar system. This opens up possibilities for studying interstellar material, with a model indicating that a small fraction of expelled objects could be detected near Earth, revealing their origin from our stellar neighbors.
- Skyrora's UK Launch Ambitions: Scottish space company Skyrora aims for a suborbital launch from British soil in spring 2025, overcoming regulatory delays. Using the Skylark L rocket, this mission is vital for de-risking their larger Skyrora XL rocket, highlighting the UK's growing role in the global space industry.
- Orionid Meteor Shower: Stargazers, mark your calendars for the Orionid meteor shower in 2024. Despite challenges from moonlight interference, this event offers a chance to witness cosmic debris from Halley's comet. Best viewed in pre-dawn hours with patience and dark skies.
For more space news, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. (https://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 previous episodes.
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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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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/23579173?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 hello and welcome to astronomy daily
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 your go-to source for the latest and
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 most exciting developments in the world
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 of space and astronomy I'm your host
00:00:08 --> 00:00:10 Anna and I'm thrilled to have you join
00:00:10 --> 00:00:12 me for today's Cosmic journey in this
00:00:12 --> 00:00:14 episode we'll be exploring a range of
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 fascinating topics that are shaping our
00:00:17 --> 00:00:18 understanding of the universe we'll dive
00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 into recent advancements in telescope
00:00:20 --> 00:00:21 technology that are pushing the
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 boundaries of what we can see and learn
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 about distant celestial objects we'll
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 also take a look at some intriguing
00:00:27 --> 00:00:28 space missions that are expanding our
00:00:28 --> 00:00:30 reach beyond Earth and uncover ing new
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 secrets of our solar system and beyond
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 and of course we'll delve into some
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 captivating Celestial phenomena that
00:00:36 --> 00:00:38 continue to inspire wonder and awe so
00:00:38 --> 00:00:40 strap in and get ready for a thrilling
00:00:40 --> 00:00:43 ride through the cosmos as we explore
00:00:43 --> 00:00:44 the latest news and discoveries in the
00:00:44 --> 00:00:46 world of
00:00:46 --> 00:00:48 astronomy let's kick things off today
00:00:48 --> 00:00:49 with an update to a project that's well
00:00:49 --> 00:00:52 underway exciting progress is being made
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 on the giant mellin telescope which is
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 set to become the world's largest
00:00:56 --> 00:00:58 telescope when completed the latest
00:00:58 --> 00:00:59 update from the project team reveals a
00:00:59 --> 00:01:01 significant Milestone the successful
00:01:02 --> 00:01:03 installation of the primary mirror into
00:01:03 --> 00:01:05 a support system prototype this
00:01:05 --> 00:01:07 achievement marks a crucial step forward
00:01:07 --> 00:01:09 in the telescope's development the
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 primary mirror spanning an area about
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 half the size of a basketball court is
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 now undergoing a six-month Optical
00:01:16 --> 00:01:18 testing phase to prove the capabilities
00:01:18 --> 00:01:20 of its light collecting surface what
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 makes this telescope truly remarkable is
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 its potential power according to Barbara
00:01:24 --> 00:01:26 Fischer the primary mirror subsystem
00:01:26 --> 00:01:29 manager it could deliver up to 200 times
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 the power of of today's best telescopes
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 the mirror support system operates with
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 nanometer Precision constantly adjusting
00:01:36 --> 00:01:37 the mirror's position and shape to
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 maintain Optimal
00:01:39 --> 00:01:41 Performance the giant mellin telescope
00:01:41 --> 00:01:44 is a collaborative effort involving 14
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 Research institutions worldwide
00:01:46 --> 00:01:47 including the Australian National
00:01:47 --> 00:01:49 University construction is underway on
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 the summit of Las companis mountain in
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 Chile with the telescope expected to be
00:01:54 --> 00:01:56 operational by the early 2030s this
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 ambitious project with a price tag of
00:01:58 --> 00:02:02 nearly 2.54 billion US promises to
00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 revolutionize our view of the cosmos
00:02:04 --> 00:02:06 offering unprecedented image resolution
00:02:06 --> 00:02:09 over the widest field of view ever
00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 achieved next there doesn't seem to be a
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 day go by without SpaceX being in the
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 news for one reason or another and today
00:02:15 --> 00:02:17 is no exception in a significant
00:02:17 --> 00:02:19 development for space exploration and
00:02:19 --> 00:02:21 National Security SpaceX has secured a
00:02:21 --> 00:02:24 massive contract from the US space force
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 the Aerospace company has been awarded
00:02:26 --> 00:02:30 $733 6 million for a series of National
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 Security launches this contract
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 encompasses two task orders under the
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 National Security space launch phase
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 three lane one program the deal includes
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 seven launches for the space development
00:02:40 --> 00:02:43 agency or SDA and at least one Mission
00:02:43 --> 00:02:44 set for the national reconnaissance
00:02:44 --> 00:02:47 office known as the nro these launches
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 will play a crucial role in expanding
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 the sda's transport layer a planned
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 constellation of hundreds of satellites
00:02:53 --> 00:02:56 in low earth orbit designed to provide
00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 global Military data and connectivity
00:02:58 --> 00:03:00 this contract highlights the increasing
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 Reliance on private companies like
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 SpaceX for critical National Security
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 missions it also underscores the rapid
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 growth of space-based defense and
00:03:08 --> 00:03:10 intelligence capabilities with these new
00:03:10 --> 00:03:13 launches SpaceX continues to cement its
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 position as a key player in both
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 commercial and government space
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 operations now a problem that's needed
00:03:19 --> 00:03:22 addressing for some time in an exciting
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 development for space Waste Management
00:03:24 --> 00:03:26 Sierra space has announced plans to
00:03:26 --> 00:03:27 launch a trash compactor to the
00:03:27 --> 00:03:30 International Space Station in 202 six
00:03:30 --> 00:03:32 this Innovative device aims to tackle
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 the growing problem of garbage disposal
00:03:34 --> 00:03:37 in long-term space missions unlike on
00:03:37 --> 00:03:39 Earth where we can simply toss our trash
00:03:39 --> 00:03:41 space stations face unique challenges in
00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 managing waste the crra space compactor
00:03:43 --> 00:03:45 is designed to transform garbage into
00:03:45 --> 00:03:47 compact tiles which could serve a dual
00:03:47 --> 00:03:49 purpose not only will this reduce the
00:03:49 --> 00:03:50 volume of waste but these tiles might
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 also be repurposed as additional
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 radiation shielding for spacecraft
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 what's more the system is capable of
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 extracting nearly all the water from
00:03:58 --> 00:04:00 garbage for recycling a crucial feature
00:04:00 --> 00:04:03 for conserving resources in space this
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 technology could prove invaluable for
00:04:05 --> 00:04:08 future missions to the moon or Mars
00:04:08 --> 00:04:09 where efficient waste management will be
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 essential for astronaut safety and
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 Mission success the compactor has a
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 distinctive look as well with some media
00:04:15 --> 00:04:17 Outlets already saying the machine looks
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 like Wall E it'll probably
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 stick okay moving on exciting new
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 research suggests that we might be
00:04:24 --> 00:04:26 getting closer to studying our nearest
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 Stellar neighbors without leaving Earth
00:04:29 --> 00:04:30 planetary science scientist Cole Greg
00:04:30 --> 00:04:33 from the University of Western Ontario
00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 has conducted calculations indicating
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 that material ejected from the alpha
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 centor system could be streaming past
00:04:39 --> 00:04:41 our planet using a simplified model of
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 the Milky Way Greg found that a small
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 fraction about
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 0.03% of objects expelled from alpha
00:04:49 --> 00:04:52 centor might reach our solar system
00:04:52 --> 00:04:53 what's more these objects could
00:04:53 --> 00:04:55 potentially be recognized as originating
00:04:55 --> 00:04:57 from that nearby star system this opens
00:04:57 --> 00:04:59 up fascinating possibilities for
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 studying material from beyond our solar
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 system while we've only identified two
00:05:03 --> 00:05:06 Interstellar visitors so far uua and
00:05:06 --> 00:05:08 borisoff it's been impossible to trace
00:05:08 --> 00:05:11 their Origins to specific star systems
00:05:11 --> 00:05:12 Greg's model however starts by
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 calculating how objects would behave
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 after being ejected from a known nearby
00:05:16 --> 00:05:19 system like Alpha centor the
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 gravitational interactions between Alpha
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 Cent's three stars could potentially
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 eject material ranging from Tiny grains
00:05:27 --> 00:05:30 to kilometer sized comets and asteroids
00:05:30 --> 00:05:31 these objects would continue orbiting
00:05:31 --> 00:05:34 the Galaxy potentially forming a stream
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 with similar orbital properties if
00:05:36 --> 00:05:37 detected near Earth these shared
00:05:38 --> 00:05:39 characteristics could reveal their Alpha
00:05:39 --> 00:05:41 centory origin while more detailed
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 modeling is needed this research opens
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 up the tantalizing possibility of
00:05:46 --> 00:05:47 studying material from our Cosmic
00:05:47 --> 00:05:50 neighbors right in our own
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 backyard some news from the United
00:05:52 --> 00:05:56 Kingdom now Sky a Scottish space company
00:05:56 --> 00:05:57 is setting its sights on a suborbital
00:05:57 --> 00:06:00 launch from British soil in Spring 2025
00:06:00 --> 00:06:02 this ambitious goal comes after facing a
00:06:02 --> 00:06:04 year of regulatory delays in the UK's
00:06:04 --> 00:06:06 nent space launch industry the company
00:06:06 --> 00:06:08 had initially hoped to conduct this
00:06:08 --> 00:06:10 Mission much sooner but the complexities
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 of navigating a new regulatory landscape
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 have pushed their timeline back the
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 planned launch will use Sky's Skylark L
00:06:17 --> 00:06:20 rocket an 11m long single stage vehicle
00:06:20 --> 00:06:22 this mission is crucial for sky as it
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 will help drisk their larger Sky XL
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 rocket designed for orbital launches the
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 company is working closely with the UK's
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 civil aviation Authority and other
00:06:32 --> 00:06:33 regulatory bodies to secure the
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 necessary licenses and approvals these
00:06:36 --> 00:06:38 regulatory hurdles highlight the
00:06:38 --> 00:06:39 challenges faced by private space
00:06:39 --> 00:06:42 companies as the UK Works to establish
00:06:42 --> 00:06:44 itself as a competitive player in the
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 global space industry despite the
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 setbacks Sky remains committed to its
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 goals and continues to make progress on
00:06:51 --> 00:06:54 both its suborbital and orbital launch
00:06:54 --> 00:06:57 systems and finally today as we look
00:06:57 --> 00:06:59 ahead to next year's celestial events
00:06:59 --> 00:07:00 stargazers might want to mark their
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 calendars for the orionid meteor shower
00:07:02 --> 00:07:03 in
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 2024 unfortunately it's not all good
00:07:06 --> 00:07:08 news for meteor enthusiasts the peak of
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 the orionids expected this coming Monday
00:07:10 --> 00:07:13 October 21st will face significant
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 challenges due to Moonlight interference
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 a bright waning gibbous moon will be
00:07:17 --> 00:07:18 present for most of the night
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 potentially washing out many of the
00:07:20 --> 00:07:23 fainter meteors despite this setback the
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 orionids remain a fascinating event
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 closely tied to one of astronomy's most
00:07:27 --> 00:07:30 famous objects Hal's com Comet these
00:07:30 --> 00:07:32 meteors are actually tiny fragments left
00:07:32 --> 00:07:35 behind by hi as it orbits the Sun so
00:07:35 --> 00:07:36 while we won't see the comet itself
00:07:36 --> 00:07:39 until 20161 the orionids offer us a
00:07:39 --> 00:07:42 chance to witness its Cosmic debris for
00:07:42 --> 00:07:44 those determined to catch a glimpse your
00:07:44 --> 00:07:46 best bet will be in the early pre-dawn
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 hours when Orion is highest in the
00:07:48 --> 00:07:51 southern Sky just remember patience and
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 dark skies are key and you might still
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 spot a few of the brighter meteors
00:07:55 --> 00:07:57 streaking across the
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 night and that wraps up our journey
00:07:59 --> 00:08:01 through the cosmos for today we've
00:08:01 --> 00:08:03 explored the progress of the giant
00:08:03 --> 00:08:06 mellin telescope spacex's new contracts
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 with the space force Innovative Waste
00:08:08 --> 00:08:10 Management Solutions for the ISS
00:08:11 --> 00:08:12 potential Interstellar visitors from
00:08:12 --> 00:08:16 alpha centor Sky's launch Ambitions and
00:08:16 --> 00:08:19 the upcoming orionid meteor shower for
00:08:19 --> 00:08:20 more details on these stories and other
00:08:20 --> 00:08:23 fascinating space and astronomy news
00:08:23 --> 00:08:25 head over to our website at astronomy
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 daily. there you can sign up for our
00:08:27 --> 00:08:29 free daily newsletter and catch up on
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 all the latest developments with our
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 constantly updating news feed you can
00:08:33 --> 00:08:35 also listen to all our back episodes
00:08:35 --> 00:08:37 don't forget to follow us on social
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 media search for Astro daily pod on
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00:08:41 --> 00:08:43 connected with us between episodes this
00:08:43 --> 00:08:45 is Anna and I'll be back on Tuesday with
00:08:46 --> 00:08:47 Steve and hi bringing you all the latest
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 space news on Monday thank you for
00:08:49 --> 00:08:51 tuning in to astronomy daily and don't
00:08:51 --> 00:08:52 forget to help spread the word by
00:08:52 --> 00:08:55 telling all your friends about us keep
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 looking up and we'll see you next time
00:08:57 --> 00:09:01 Among the Stars bye now time
00:09:01 --> 00:09:05 Day stories told
00:09:05 --> 00:09:19 [Music]