Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E52
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into the latest challenges and exciting developments in space exploration. From NASA's lunar missions facing technical difficulties to the thrilling prospects of new commercial space stations, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you informed and engaged with the cosmos.
Highlights:
- NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin Spacecraft Challenges: Join us as we discuss the recent communication issues faced by NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and the Astroforge's Odin spacecraft following their launch. Learn about the critical maneuvers ahead for Lunar Trailblazer and the potential hurdles Odin must overcome to reach its target asteroid.
- SpaceX's Starship Test Flight Update: Get the latest on SpaceX's upcoming eighth Starship test flight, now approved by the FAA. We explore the objectives of this mission, including the deployment of Mach Starlink satellites and the ambitious plans for Earth orbit.
- Health Insights from the International Space Station: Discover surprising findings about the health implications of the ultra-clean environment aboard the ISS. We discuss how microbial diversity may play a crucial role in astronaut health and the potential for future space habitats.
- Axiom Space's Independent Space Station Plans: Hear about Axiom Space's revised timeline to establish its own commercial space station, potentially breaking free from the ISS by 2028. We examine the implications of this shift for the future of low Earth orbit operations and commercial space activities.
- Alpha Centauri's Cosmic Visitors: Uncover new research suggesting that our closest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, may be sending comets and asteroids into our solar system. This fascinating insight highlights the interconnectedness of our cosmic environment.
- March Skywatching Guide: Prepare for an exciting month of celestial events! We provide tips on spotting Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and the highly anticipated total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, along with other notable astronomical occurrences.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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.
00:00 - Welcome back to Astronomy Daily
01:05 - NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin challenges
12:15 - SpaceX's Starship test flight update
18:00 - Health insights from the ISS
22:30 - Axiom Space's independent station plans
27:00 - Alpha Centauri's cosmic visitors
32:00 - March skywatching guide
✍️ Episode References
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer
[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov (https://www.nasa.gov/) )
SpaceX Starship Updates
[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com (https://www.spacex.com/) )
International Space Station Research
[NASA ISS]( https://www.nasa.gov/iss (https://www.nasa.gov/iss) )
Axiom Space Information
[Axiom Space]( https://www.axiomspace.com (https://www.axiomspace.com/) )
Alpha Centauri Research
[University of Western Ontario]( https://www.uwo.ca (https://www.uwo.ca/) )
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/25848369?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily I'm your host
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 Anna and we've got a busy show today
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 exploring the latest developments in
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 space exploration and astronomy from
00:00:08 --> 00:00:10 technical challenges facing newly
00:00:10 --> 00:00:12 launched spacecraft to groundbreaking
00:00:12 --> 00:00:14 plans for the future of space stations
00:00:14 --> 00:00:17 we're covering it all today we'll dive
00:00:17 --> 00:00:18 into the recent troubles faced by NASA's
00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 lunar Trailblazer and the Odin
00:00:20 --> 00:00:22 spacecraft following their launch and
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 we'll get you up to speed on spacex's
00:00:24 --> 00:00:26 latest approval for their next Starship
00:00:26 --> 00:00:29 test flight we've also got fascinating
00:00:29 --> 00:00:30 new research about life aboard the
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 International Space Station that might
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 surprise you and some exciting updates
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 about Axiom space's ambitious plans to
00:00:36 --> 00:00:38 create their own commercial space
00:00:38 --> 00:00:41 station but that's not all we've got
00:00:41 --> 00:00:42 some truly Cosmic news about our closest
00:00:43 --> 00:00:46 Stellar neighbor Alpha centori and how
00:00:46 --> 00:00:47 it might be sending us some Interstellar
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 visitors and for all you Sky Watchers
00:00:50 --> 00:00:52 out there we'll wrap up with a guide to
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 what you can spot in the March night sky
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 including some spectacular celestial
00:00:56 --> 00:00:59 events you won't want to miss so stick
00:00:59 --> 00:01:01 around as we explore these stories and
00:01:01 --> 00:01:03 more right here on astronomy daily let's
00:01:03 --> 00:01:06 get started two spacecraft launched as
00:01:06 --> 00:01:09 part of the recent im2 lunar Mission are
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 experiencing significant challenges
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 NASA's lunar Trailblazer and the startup
00:01:13 --> 00:01:15 AST forge's Odin spacecraft are both
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 facing communication issues after their
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 deployment from the Falcon 9 rocket the
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 lunar Trailblazer initially powered up
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 and started transmitting as planned but
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 about 12 hours after launch NASA lost
00:01:27 --> 00:01:30 all communication with the spacecraft
00:01:30 --> 00:01:32 while contact was eventually restored
00:01:32 --> 00:01:34 the team has detected concerning
00:01:34 --> 00:01:36 intermittent power system issues
00:01:36 --> 00:01:38 controllers are now working to fully
00:01:38 --> 00:01:40 restore commanding capabilities and
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 develop solutions for these power
00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 problems this is particularly crucial as
00:01:45 --> 00:01:46 the lunar Trailblazer has some
00:01:46 --> 00:01:49 time-sensitive Maneuvers ahead the
00:01:49 --> 00:01:50 spacecraft needs to perform two
00:01:50 --> 00:01:52 trajectory Corrections before a lunar
00:01:52 --> 00:01:55 flyby scheduled for March 3rd followed
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 by another flyby in May if all goes
00:01:57 --> 00:02:00 according to plan it should enter lunar
00:02:00 --> 00:02:02 orbit in July where it will begin its
00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 2-year Mission mapping water on the
00:02:04 --> 00:02:07 moon's surface meanwhile astrof forge's
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 Odin spacecraft designed to investigate
00:02:09 --> 00:02:12 metallic asteroids is facing its own set
00:02:12 --> 00:02:14 of challenges while the team is
00:02:14 --> 00:02:15 receiving carrier signals from the
00:02:15 --> 00:02:17 spacecraft they haven't been able to get
00:02:17 --> 00:02:20 any Telemetry data this has left them in
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 a difficult position they know the
00:02:22 --> 00:02:24 spacecraft is alive but they can't get
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 detailed information about its status
00:02:27 --> 00:02:28 the company is exploring several
00:02:28 --> 00:02:30 possible explanations including ground
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 Network Hardware problems and potential
00:02:33 --> 00:02:35 interference issues there's also a
00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 possibility that Odin might be in an
00:02:37 --> 00:02:39 uncontrolled tumble though recent data
00:02:39 --> 00:02:42 suggests this is unlikely time is of the
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 essence for Odin as well without
00:02:45 --> 00:02:47 intervention from the ground the
00:02:47 --> 00:02:48 spacecraft is programmed to perform an
00:02:48 --> 00:02:51 automatic burn about 6 and a half days
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 after launch to set it on course for its
00:02:53 --> 00:02:56 Target asteroid however even slight
00:02:56 --> 00:02:57 position errors could make tracking the
00:02:57 --> 00:03:00 spacecraft extremely challenging on a
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 more positive note the third ride share
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 spacecraft from the launch epic
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 aerospace's Chimera orbital transfer
00:03:06 --> 00:03:09 vehicle is reported to be healthy and
00:03:09 --> 00:03:11 operating normally the primary Mission
00:03:11 --> 00:03:14 vehicle intuitive machines im2 lunar
00:03:14 --> 00:03:17 lander is also in excellent condition as
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 it continues its journey toward a
00:03:19 --> 00:03:22 planned March 6th moon
00:03:22 --> 00:03:25 landing next up a Starship launch update
00:03:25 --> 00:03:27 SpaceX has just received the green light
00:03:27 --> 00:03:29 from the Federal Aviation Administration
00:03:29 --> 00:03:31 for their e8th Starship test flight
00:03:31 --> 00:03:34 scheduled for Monday evening March 3rd
00:03:34 --> 00:03:37 the launch window opens at 6:30 p.m.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:38 eastern time from their Starbase
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 facility in south Texas this approval
00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 comes as SpaceX is still investigating
00:03:43 --> 00:03:45 what went wrong during flight 7 back in
00:03:45 --> 00:03:48 January while that mission achieved a
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 significant Milestone by successfully
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 catching the super heavy booster using
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 the launch Tower's mechanical arms it
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 ended prematurely when the upper stage
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 experienced a propellant leak and
00:03:58 --> 00:04:02 exploded over the Atlantic Ocean the FAA
00:04:02 --> 00:04:05 has determined that space X can proceed
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 with flight 8 while the investigation
00:04:07 --> 00:04:09 into January's mishap
00:04:09 --> 00:04:12 continues they've confirmed that the
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 company has met all the necessary safety
00:04:15 --> 00:04:17 environmental and licensing requirements
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 for this suborbital test flight for
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 flight 8 SpaceX is aiming to replicate
00:04:23 --> 00:04:25 the successful booster catch while
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 pushing the envelope further with the
00:04:26 --> 00:04:29 upper stage the spacecraft will attempt
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 a nearly complete orbit around Earth
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 before splashing down in the Indian
00:04:33 --> 00:04:36 Ocean off the coast of Western Australia
00:04:36 --> 00:04:37 one of the interesting aspects of this
00:04:37 --> 00:04:40 upcoming flight is the payload test the
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 upper stage will carry four mock
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 starlink satellites which it will
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 attempt to deploy during its suborbital
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 Journey this is fewer than the 10 dummy
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 satellites carried during flight 7 which
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 never got the chance to be deployed due
00:04:53 --> 00:04:56 to the premature end of that mission
00:04:56 --> 00:04:57 this test flight represents another
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 crucial step in space X's ambitious
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 development of the Starship system which
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 they Envision as the future Workhorse
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 for both deep space exploration and
00:05:07 --> 00:05:09 point topoint travel on Earth each
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 flight provides valuable data and
00:05:11 --> 00:05:14 experience helping to refine and improve
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 the world's largest and most powerful
00:05:16 --> 00:05:17 rocket
00:05:17 --> 00:05:19 system here's some fascinating news
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 about life aboard the International
00:05:21 --> 00:05:23 Space Station and it turns out that
00:05:23 --> 00:05:26 being too clean might actually be a
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 problem a new study suggests that the
00:05:28 --> 00:05:31 ultra sterile environment of the ISS
00:05:31 --> 00:05:33 could be contributing to various health
00:05:33 --> 00:05:35 issues astronauts experience from
00:05:35 --> 00:05:38 persistent skin rashes to allergies and
00:05:38 --> 00:05:41 immune system problems scientists from
00:05:41 --> 00:05:43 the University of California San Diego
00:05:43 --> 00:05:46 have been analyzing over 800 surface
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 samples from different areas of the
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 space station what they found was that
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 the extensive use of cleaning products
00:05:52 --> 00:05:54 and disinfectants might be creating an
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 environment that's actually too clean
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 for optimal human health the research
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 revealed that most most of the microbes
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 present on the ISS come from human skin
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 with different areas showing distinct
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 microbial communities based on their
00:06:07 --> 00:06:10 function the dining areas had more food
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 related microbes while the bathroom
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 unsurprisingly had its own unique
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 bacterial signature what's notably
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 missing are the kind of beneficial
00:06:19 --> 00:06:21 microbes we normally encounter on Earth
00:06:21 --> 00:06:23 from Soil and Water this sterile
00:06:23 --> 00:06:25 environment more closely resembles what
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 we see in highly industrialized spaces
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 like hospitals rather than the diverse
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 microbial environment humans evolved
00:06:32 --> 00:06:34 alongside the scientists suggest that
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 future space habitats might benefit from
00:06:36 --> 00:06:38 intentionally cultivating a more diverse
00:06:38 --> 00:06:41 microbial ecosystem essentially making
00:06:41 --> 00:06:44 them a bit dirtier in a controlled way
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 they're even proposing some interesting
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 Solutions like using probiotic based
00:06:48 --> 00:06:50 cleaning methods instead of harsh
00:06:50 --> 00:06:50 chemical
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 disinfectants this could help create a
00:06:53 --> 00:06:54 healthier balance while still
00:06:54 --> 00:06:56 maintaining necessary cleanliness
00:06:56 --> 00:06:58 standards it's a crucial consideration
00:06:58 --> 00:07:00 as we plan for long longer duration
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 space missions and eventual permanent
00:07:02 --> 00:07:05 settlements beyond Earth the findings
00:07:05 --> 00:07:06 highlight an important point about human
00:07:06 --> 00:07:09 space exploration we can't just take a
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 small slice of Earth's ecosystem with us
00:07:11 --> 00:07:13 into space we need to think carefully
00:07:13 --> 00:07:14 about recreating the complete
00:07:15 --> 00:07:16 environmental conditions that help
00:07:16 --> 00:07:18 humans Thrive right down to the
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 microscopic
00:07:20 --> 00:07:23 level next up in some exciting news
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 about the future of commercial space
00:07:25 --> 00:07:28 stations axium space is revising its
00:07:28 --> 00:07:29 timeline to establish an independent
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 space station and it's happening sooner
00:07:31 --> 00:07:34 than initially planned the company
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 working closely with NASA has announced
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 they could have their station break free
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 from the International Space Station as
00:07:40 --> 00:07:42 early as
00:07:42 --> 00:07:45 2028 this accelerated timeline comes
00:07:45 --> 00:07:46 with a significant change to their
00:07:46 --> 00:07:49 assembly sequence instead of starting
00:07:49 --> 00:07:51 with their habitat 1 module as
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 originally planned axium will first
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 launch what they're calling the payload
00:07:55 --> 00:07:58 power and thermal module this strategic
00:07:58 --> 00:08:00 shift will allow to establish
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 independent operations more quickly once
00:08:03 --> 00:08:04 the station achieves its free flying
00:08:04 --> 00:08:07 status axium will continue building out
00:08:07 --> 00:08:09 the facility adding their planned
00:08:09 --> 00:08:12 habitat modules an airlock and a
00:08:12 --> 00:08:14 dedicated research and Manufacturing
00:08:14 --> 00:08:16 facility this methodical approach
00:08:16 --> 00:08:18 ensures they can maintain continuous
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 operations while expanding their
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 capabilities the revised plan has been
00:08:22 --> 00:08:24 carefully coordinated with NASA to
00:08:24 --> 00:08:26 ensure a smooth transition in low earth
00:08:26 --> 00:08:29 orbit operations it's particular LLY
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 important as we approach the planned
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 retirement of the International Space
00:08:33 --> 00:08:34 Station around
00:08:34 --> 00:08:37 2030 NASA sees this as a crucial step in
00:08:38 --> 00:08:39 maintaining their continuous presence in
00:08:39 --> 00:08:42 low earth orbit this development is part
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 of a broader strategy by NASA to support
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 multiple commercial space stations
00:08:46 --> 00:08:48 through various Partnerships the agency
00:08:48 --> 00:08:50 is essentially fostering a new economic
00:08:50 --> 00:08:53 ecosystem in low earth orbit where
00:08:53 --> 00:08:54 commercial operators can provide
00:08:54 --> 00:08:57 services to both government and private
00:08:57 --> 00:08:59 customers looking at the bigger picture
00:08:59 --> 00:09:01 this accelerated timeline for axium
00:09:01 --> 00:09:03 station represents a significant
00:09:03 --> 00:09:05 milestone in the commercialization of
00:09:05 --> 00:09:08 space it's not just about replacing the
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 ISS it's about expanding human presence
00:09:10 --> 00:09:13 in space and creating new opportunities
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 for scientific research manufacturing
00:09:16 --> 00:09:18 and Commercial activities in
00:09:18 --> 00:09:20 microgravity don't you just hate it when
00:09:20 --> 00:09:23 your neighbors turn out to be well not
00:09:23 --> 00:09:25 quite as they seemed our nearest Stellar
00:09:25 --> 00:09:27 neighbor Alpha centor appears to be
00:09:27 --> 00:09:29 sharing more with us than just it
00:09:29 --> 00:09:32 distant twinkle new research suggests
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 this triple star system located just 4.3
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 light years away is likely sending a
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 steady stream of comets and asteroids
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 into our solar system and might even be
00:09:42 --> 00:09:43 responsible for some of the meteors we
00:09:43 --> 00:09:46 see in our night sky according to
00:09:46 --> 00:09:48 calculations by astronomers Cole Greg
00:09:48 --> 00:09:50 and Paul weert from the University of
00:09:50 --> 00:09:53 Western Ontario if Alpha centor has an
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 or Cloud similar to our Suns
00:09:55 --> 00:09:58 approximately 1 million objects larger
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 than a football field from that system
00:10:00 --> 00:10:01 could currently be traveling through our
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 solar system most of these objects would
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 be lurking in the outer reaches well
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 beyond Pluto's orbit mixing with our own
00:10:08 --> 00:10:11 ort Cloud objects the mechanism behind
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 this Cosmic exchange is similar to how
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 Jupiter's gravity helped launch our
00:10:15 --> 00:10:17 Voyager spacecraft into Interstellar
00:10:17 --> 00:10:20 space the stars of Alpha centor and
00:10:20 --> 00:10:22 their planets act like Cosmic slingshots
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 occasionally throwing their comets and
00:10:24 --> 00:10:26 asteroids onto trajectories that bring
00:10:26 --> 00:10:28 them into our neighborhood While most of
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 these visit visitors stay in the distant
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 parts of our solar system some of the
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 smaller particles make it all the way to
00:10:34 --> 00:10:37 Earth the researchers estimate that up
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 to 10 meteors worldwide each year might
00:10:40 --> 00:10:42 originate from alpha centor this number
00:10:42 --> 00:10:45 could increase tfold when Alpha centor
00:10:45 --> 00:10:47 makes its closest approach to our solar
00:10:47 --> 00:10:50 system about 28 years from now when
00:10:50 --> 00:10:52 it will come within 3.2 light years of
00:10:52 --> 00:10:55 Earth This research reminds us that our
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 solar system isn't an isolated island in
00:10:57 --> 00:11:00 space we're connect Ed to our Stellar
00:11:00 --> 00:11:02 neighbors through a constant exchange of
00:11:02 --> 00:11:03 material that's been ongoing for
00:11:03 --> 00:11:06 billions of years even though we've only
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 officially detected two Interstellar
00:11:08 --> 00:11:10 visitors so far this study suggests
00:11:10 --> 00:11:12 there might be many more out there
00:11:12 --> 00:11:15 silently passing through our Cosmic
00:11:15 --> 00:11:17 backyard now for those of you who like
00:11:17 --> 00:11:20 to look up into the sky March promises
00:11:20 --> 00:11:22 to be an exciting month for Sky Watchers
00:11:22 --> 00:11:23 with several captivating celestial
00:11:23 --> 00:11:26 events on display early in the month
00:11:26 --> 00:11:28 Venus will be visible low in the Western
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 sky after sun sunet though it will
00:11:30 --> 00:11:32 gradually sink lower as the days
00:11:32 --> 00:11:34 progress eventually becoming difficult
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 to spot by mid Monon in the glow of
00:11:37 --> 00:11:39 Twilight Jupiter will command attention
00:11:39 --> 00:11:42 high in the Western sky after dark
00:11:42 --> 00:11:44 staying visible until about 1: a.m.
00:11:44 --> 00:11:46 while Mars takes the Eastern stage after
00:11:46 --> 00:11:49 Sunset and remains visible until the
00:11:49 --> 00:11:52 early morning hours for those eager to
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 spot the elusive Mercury the first week
00:11:54 --> 00:11:57 and a half of March offers an excellent
00:11:57 --> 00:11:59 opportunity particularly for Observers
00:11:59 --> 00:12:01 in the northern hemisphere look for it
00:12:01 --> 00:12:04 beneath Venus for about 30 minutes each
00:12:04 --> 00:12:07 evening as Sunset Fades the best viewing
00:12:07 --> 00:12:08 window will be from March 7th through
00:12:08 --> 00:12:11 9th approximately 30 minutes after
00:12:11 --> 00:12:13 Sunset you'll want to find a clear view
00:12:13 --> 00:12:15 of the western Horizon away from
00:12:15 --> 00:12:18 buildings and trees a large open field
00:12:18 --> 00:12:20 or Shoreline can provide ideal viewing
00:12:20 --> 00:12:21 conditions for catching this
00:12:21 --> 00:12:24 fleet-footed planet the month's headline
00:12:24 --> 00:12:26 event is undoubtedly the total lunar
00:12:26 --> 00:12:28 eclipse occurring overnight on March
00:12:28 --> 00:12:31 13th into the 14th during this
00:12:31 --> 00:12:33 spectacular show we'll watch as our moon
00:12:33 --> 00:12:36 transforms into a deep Crimson orb over
00:12:36 --> 00:12:39 several hours this Celestial phenomenon
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 occurs as the moon passes through
00:12:40 --> 00:12:43 Earth's Shadow first appearing to have a
00:12:43 --> 00:12:45 bite taken from one side before being
00:12:45 --> 00:12:46 completely enveloped in that
00:12:46 --> 00:12:49 characteristic red glow this reddish
00:12:49 --> 00:12:51 color comes from all of Earth's sunrises
00:12:51 --> 00:12:52 and sunsets being projected onto the
00:12:52 --> 00:12:55 lunar surface at once for those
00:12:55 --> 00:12:57 interested in lunar phases March 14th
00:12:57 --> 00:12:59 brings us a full moon
00:12:59 --> 00:13:01 while the month concludes with a new
00:13:01 --> 00:13:04 moon on the 29th this new moon phase
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 when the moon is positioned between
00:13:06 --> 00:13:08 Earth and the Sun offers excellent
00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 opportunities for observing faint
00:13:10 --> 00:13:12 celestial objects typically washed out
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 by Moonlight making it an ideal time for
00:13:14 --> 00:13:17 stargazing and
00:13:17 --> 00:13:18 astrophotography and that wraps up
00:13:19 --> 00:13:20 another fascinating day of space
00:13:20 --> 00:13:23 exploration and astronomical discoveries
00:13:23 --> 00:13:24 I'm Anna and I want to thank you for
00:13:24 --> 00:13:27 joining me here on astronomy daily from
00:13:27 --> 00:13:29 spacecraft challenges to groundbreaking
00:13:29 --> 00:13:31 research about the ISS microbiome and
00:13:31 --> 00:13:33 from axiom's ambitious space station
00:13:33 --> 00:13:35 plans to the exciting skywatching
00:13:35 --> 00:13:37 opportunities ahead we've covered quite
00:13:37 --> 00:13:40 a bit of cosmic territory today if
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 you've enjoyed today's episode I
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00:14:30 --> 00:14:33 stories told
00:14:33 --> 00:14:48 [Music]