Source:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/sun-s-fury-spacex-s-safety-leap-and-a-celestial-visitor--62328885
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E177
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your trusted source for the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm Anna, your host, and today we have a captivating lineup of cosmic stories that will take us from solar storms to the discovery of potential exomoons.
Highlights:
- Severe Solar Storm Alert: A powerful solar storm has hit Earth, raising concerns over potential disruptions to power grids, GPS systems, and radio communications. However, this event also offers a rare opportunity to witness stunning aurora displays, potentially visible as far south as Alabama and northern California.
- US Space Force's X-37B Maneuvers: The enigmatic X-37B space plane is set to perform a series of orbital maneuvers using aero-braking techniques. This mission not only showcases the craft's advanced engineering but also emphasizes responsible space practices by adhering to space debris mitigation guidelines.
- James Webb Space Telescope's Breakthrough: In a groundbreaking discovery, the JWST has captured detailed images of winds blowing from gaseous disks around young stars, providing crucial insights into planet formation processes and the evolution of planetary systems.
- NASA and Minecraft Collaboration: NASA has partnered with Minecraft to create an immersive experience based on the James Webb Space Telescope, allowing players to explore space science in a virtual realm, aiming to inspire future generations in STEM fields.
- Comet C/2023 P1 Observation: A newly discovered sungrazer comet, C/2023 P1, is making its way through our cosmic neighborhood and could become visible to the naked eye, offering a thrilling celestial show for stargazers.
- SpaceX Dragon's New Safety Feature: SpaceX has unveiled a new capability for their Dragon spacecraft, enabling propulsive landings using SuperDraco thrusters, adding an extra layer of safety for astronauts and cargo.
- Potential Exomoon Discovery: Researchers may have found the first evidence of an exomoon, a volcanic moon orbiting a gas giant exoplanet, 635 light-years away. This discovery could provide valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution beyond our solar system.
For more space news, visit our website at https://www.spacenutspodcast.com. 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.
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 --> 00:00:01 welcome to astronomy daily your source
00:00:01 --> 00:00:04 for the latest space in astronomy news
00:00:04 --> 00:00:05 I'm your host Anna and in today's
00:00:05 --> 00:00:07 episode we'll be covering a range of
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 exciting stories from solar storms to
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 exoplanets get ready for a cosmic
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 journey through some of the most
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 fascinating developments in the world of
00:00:15 --> 00:00:17 Space Science and
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 exploration as you probably know a
00:00:19 --> 00:00:21 severe solar storm has slammed into
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 Earth sparking concerns about potential
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 widespread impacts the US National
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
00:00:27 --> 00:00:29 space weather prediction center has
00:00:29 --> 00:00:31 issued a warning about this extreme
00:00:31 --> 00:00:34 geomagnetic event the storm triggered by
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 a massive coronal mass ejection from the
00:00:36 --> 00:00:38 Sun could significantly affect our
00:00:38 --> 00:00:40 planet's infrastructure power grids are
00:00:41 --> 00:00:42 particularly vulnerable with the
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 possibility of fluctuations or even
00:00:44 --> 00:00:48 widespread blackouts in some areas GPS
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 systems and radio communications may
00:00:50 --> 00:00:52 also experience disruptions potentially
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 affecting navigation and communication
00:00:54 --> 00:00:57 networks but it's not all doom and gloom
00:00:57 --> 00:00:59 this solar storm brings with it a silver
00:00:59 --> 00:01:00 lining the chance to witness
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 breathtaking Aurora displays the
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 Northern Lights typically confined to
00:01:04 --> 00:01:06 high latitude regions could be visible
00:01:06 --> 00:01:08 much further south than usual
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 skywatchers in areas that rarely see
00:01:10 --> 00:01:12 these Celestial light shows might be in
00:01:12 --> 00:01:14 for a treat with the possibility of
00:01:14 --> 00:01:16 auroras appearing as far south as
00:01:16 --> 00:01:18 Alabama and Northern California in the
00:01:18 --> 00:01:21 US for instance as we monitor the
00:01:21 --> 00:01:23 situation it's a stark reminder of our
00:01:23 --> 00:01:25 Sun's powerful influence on earth and
00:01:25 --> 00:01:26 the delicate balance of our
00:01:26 --> 00:01:28 technological systems in the face of
00:01:28 --> 00:01:31 space weather events
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 now an update from one fairly secretive
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 agency the US space force has announced
00:01:35 --> 00:01:38 that its enigmatic X-37B space plane is
00:01:38 --> 00:01:40 gearing up for an exciting series of
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 orbital Maneuvers this reusable
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 spacecraft which has been silently
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 orbiting Earth since late December 20123
00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 is about to demonstrate its impressive
00:01:48 --> 00:01:51 capabilities the X-37B will execute
00:01:51 --> 00:01:54 Arrow braing Maneuvers a technique that
00:01:54 --> 00:01:56 involves multiple passes through Earth's
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 upper atmosphere this method cleverly
00:01:58 --> 00:02:00 uses atmospheric drag to modify the
00:02:00 --> 00:02:01 vehicle's orbit while conserving
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 precious fuel it's a testament to the
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 advanced engineering behind this
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 mysterious craft but there's more to
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 these Maneuvers than just showing off
00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 the space force emphasizes that this
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 operation is also about promoting
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 responsible space practices as part of
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 the mission the X 37b will safely
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 discard its service module adhering to
00:02:20 --> 00:02:23 space debris mitigation guidelines this
00:02:23 --> 00:02:25 Mission marks the seventh flight for the
00:02:25 --> 00:02:28 X-37B and it's taking on increased
00:02:28 --> 00:02:29 significance given recent development
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 and space capabilities by other nations
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 the space plan's ability to operate for
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 extended periods at various altitudes
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 makes it a unique and flexible platform
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 for conducting experiments and testing
00:02:40 --> 00:02:43 new technologies in the space
00:02:43 --> 00:02:45 environment it seems we have an update
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 from the jwst just about every episode
00:02:48 --> 00:02:49 and today is no exception in a
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 groundbreaking discovery the James web
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 Space Telescope has captured the first
00:02:53 --> 00:02:55 sharp images of winds blowing from
00:02:55 --> 00:02:57 gaseous discs around young Stars this
00:02:57 --> 00:02:59 remarkable achievement provides
00:02:59 --> 00:03:00 astronomers with crucial insights into
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 the complex processes of Planet
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 formation these images reveal structured
00:03:05 --> 00:03:06 streams of gas flowing away from
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 protoplanetary discs which are the
00:03:08 --> 00:03:11 birthplaces of planets the observations
00:03:11 --> 00:03:14 strongly support existing theories and
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 Mark a significant step forward in our
00:03:16 --> 00:03:18 understanding of how planetary systems
00:03:18 --> 00:03:21 like our own come into existence the
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 study focused on four young stars in the
00:03:23 --> 00:03:26 Taurus molecular cloud about 450 light
00:03:26 --> 00:03:29 years away using webs near infrared
00:03:29 --> 00:03:30 spectrometer
00:03:30 --> 00:03:32 researchers were able to detect and
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 analyze the signatures of various
00:03:34 --> 00:03:36 molecules and atoms in the winds
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 reconstructing detailed images of these
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 Cosmic outflows what's particularly
00:03:41 --> 00:03:42 exciting is that these winds originate
00:03:43 --> 00:03:45 from within 10 astronomical units of the
00:03:45 --> 00:03:47 Stars right in the heart of the planet
00:03:47 --> 00:03:50 forming region this proximity means that
00:03:50 --> 00:03:51 these winds play a crucial role in
00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 shaping the environment where planets
00:03:53 --> 00:03:56 are born affecting everything from the
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 amount of material available for Planet
00:03:58 --> 00:04:01 formation to the chemistry of the diss
00:04:01 --> 00:04:03 these findings open up new avenues for
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 research and will undoubtedly lead to
00:04:05 --> 00:04:08 more detailed models of how discs evolve
00:04:08 --> 00:04:10 and planets form it's yet another
00:04:10 --> 00:04:11 example of how the web telescope is
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 revolutionizing our view of the universe
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 and deepening our understanding of our
00:04:15 --> 00:04:16 Cosmic
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 Origins here's one for the gamers
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 amongst our listeners NASA is taking
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 space exploration to a whole new level
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 by partnering with the popular game
00:04:24 --> 00:04:26 Minecraft they've created an exciting
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 New World based on the James web Space
00:04:28 --> 00:04:31 Telescope giving Gamers students and
00:04:31 --> 00:04:34 space enthusiasts a unique opportunity
00:04:34 --> 00:04:36 to explore the wonders of the cosmos
00:04:36 --> 00:04:38 this collaboration brings real space
00:04:38 --> 00:04:39 science into the virtual realm of
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 Minecraft players can now interact with
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 authentic web telescope images and dive
00:04:44 --> 00:04:47 into interactive modules covering topics
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 like Star formation planets and
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 different types of galaxies it's not
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 just about fun and games though NASA's
00:04:53 --> 00:04:55 goal is to inspire the next generation
00:04:55 --> 00:04:57 of scientists engineers and Space
00:04:57 --> 00:05:00 Explorers by integrating actual web data
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 and imagery into the game they're making
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 complex space Concepts more accessible
00:05:04 --> 00:05:06 and engaging for young minds this
00:05:06 --> 00:05:09 Innovative approach to science education
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 allows players to immerse themselves in
00:05:11 --> 00:05:12 the technology and discoveries of the
00:05:12 --> 00:05:15 web telescope it's a fantastic way to
00:05:15 --> 00:05:16 spark interest in stem fields and
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 potentially Inspire future careers in
00:05:18 --> 00:05:19 space
00:05:19 --> 00:05:22 exploration so whether you're a hardcore
00:05:22 --> 00:05:25 gamer or just curious about space this
00:05:25 --> 00:05:27 NASA Minecraft collaboration offers an
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 outof This World Experience right at
00:05:29 --> 00:05:31 your finger tips its education meets
00:05:31 --> 00:05:33 entertainment in the best possible way
00:05:33 --> 00:05:35 bringing the awe inspiring realm of
00:05:35 --> 00:05:38 Space Science into the creative world of
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 Minecraft stargazers get ready for an
00:05:40 --> 00:05:42 exciting Celestial show a newly
00:05:42 --> 00:05:46 discovered Comet designated c224 S1 is
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 making its way through our Cosmic
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 neighborhood this intriguing visitor
00:05:50 --> 00:05:53 classified as a sungrazer comet is
00:05:53 --> 00:05:54 expected to make a close approach to
00:05:54 --> 00:05:57 both Earth and the Sun this month what
00:05:57 --> 00:05:59 makes this event particularly thrilling
00:05:59 --> 00:06:02 is the potential for c224 S1 to become
00:06:02 --> 00:06:05 visible to the naked eye astronomers
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 predict that between October 24th and
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 28th the comet could shine brighter than
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 Venus in the night sky however there's a
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 catch it'll be most visible from the
00:06:14 --> 00:06:16 southern hemisphere just before sunrise
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 for those of us in the northern
00:06:18 --> 00:06:19 hemisphere don't lose hope there's a
00:06:20 --> 00:06:21 chance we might catch a glimpse of the
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 Comet between October 29th and 31st
00:06:24 --> 00:06:26 although it will be significantly dimmer
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 by then the comet's visibility depends
00:06:28 --> 00:06:29 on whether it survives its close
00:06:29 --> 00:06:32 encounter with the sun on October 28th
00:06:32 --> 00:06:34 if you're keen on spotting this Cosmic
00:06:34 --> 00:06:36 Wanderer grab a pair of binoculars or a
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 small telescope to enhance your view and
00:06:39 --> 00:06:40 remember the thrill of comet watching
00:06:41 --> 00:06:43 often lies in the unpredictability so
00:06:43 --> 00:06:45 keep your eyes on the
00:06:45 --> 00:06:48 skies SpaceX has recently unveiled an
00:06:48 --> 00:06:49 exciting new capability for their dragon
00:06:49 --> 00:06:52 spacecraft adding an extra layer of
00:06:52 --> 00:06:54 safety for astronauts and Cargo in the
00:06:54 --> 00:06:55 unlikely event of a parachute failure
00:06:55 --> 00:06:58 during re-entry the dragon now has the
00:06:58 --> 00:07:00 ability to perform a propuls Ive Landing
00:07:00 --> 00:07:02 using its super Draco thrusters this
00:07:02 --> 00:07:04 Innovative backup system allows the
00:07:04 --> 00:07:06 spacecraft to ignite its eight powerful
00:07:06 --> 00:07:09 super Draco engines slowing its descent
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 and enabling a controlled splash down
00:07:11 --> 00:07:13 while not as gentle as a parachute
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 assisted Landing NASA officials have
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 stated that this method would provide a
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 tolerable Landing for the crew what's
00:07:19 --> 00:07:20 particularly interesting is that this
00:07:21 --> 00:07:23 capability isn't entirely new SpaceX has
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 been quietly testing and refining this
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 feature on previous missions including
00:07:27 --> 00:07:29 the recent crew 7 and Polaris Dawn
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 flights however it's only now being
00:07:31 --> 00:07:33 officially announced and implemented on
00:07:33 --> 00:07:36 NASA missions this development hearkens
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 back to spacex's original vision for the
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 dragon which included plans for
00:07:40 --> 00:07:42 propulsive Landings On Solid Ground
00:07:42 --> 00:07:44 while those ambitious plans were shelv
00:07:44 --> 00:07:46 it's fascinating to see elements of that
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 technology being repurposed to enhance
00:07:48 --> 00:07:50 the spacecraft Safety
00:07:50 --> 00:07:53 Systems finally today in an exciting
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 development researchers may have
00:07:55 --> 00:07:56 stumbled upon the first evidence of an
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 exomoon a moon orbiting a planet out
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 outside our solar system a nasal study
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 has identified a significant clue that
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 points to the possible existence of a
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 volcanic moon around a gas giant
00:08:08 --> 00:08:12 exoplanet located 635 light years away
00:08:12 --> 00:08:14 the key to this potential Discovery is a
00:08:14 --> 00:08:16 sodium Cloud observed around the planet
00:08:16 --> 00:08:17 wasp
00:08:17 --> 00:08:19 49b This Cloud behaves similarly to
00:08:20 --> 00:08:21 those formed by volcanic activity on
00:08:21 --> 00:08:23 Jupiter's moon iio in our own solar
00:08:23 --> 00:08:26 system what's particularly intriguing is
00:08:26 --> 00:08:28 the amount of sodium being produced
00:08:28 --> 00:08:31 about 220,00 pounds per second Which is
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 far more than the planet or its star
00:08:33 --> 00:08:35 could likely generate on their own
00:08:35 --> 00:08:37 computer models and observations suggest
00:08:37 --> 00:08:38 that this sodium Cloud moves
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 independently of the planet further
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 supporting the idea of a separate body
00:08:42 --> 00:08:45 as its source if confirmed this volcanic
00:08:45 --> 00:08:47 exomoon would not only be a
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 groundbreaking discovery but also
00:08:49 --> 00:08:51 provide valuable insights into planetary
00:08:51 --> 00:08:53 formation and evolution in distant star
00:08:53 --> 00:08:56 systems while more research is needed to
00:08:56 --> 00:08:57 conclusively prove the existence of this
00:08:58 --> 00:09:01 examon the evidence so far is compelling
00:09:01 --> 00:09:02 it's a reminder of how much we still
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 have to learn about the vast Cosmos
00:09:04 --> 00:09:06 beyond our solar
00:09:06 --> 00:09:08 system that's all for today's episode of
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 astronomy daily I'm Anna and I hope
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 you've enjoyed this Cosmic Journey
00:09:12 --> 00:09:13 Through the latest space in astronomy
00:09:13 --> 00:09:16 news don't forget to visit our website
00:09:16 --> 00:09:19 at astronomy daily. for more fascinating
00:09:19 --> 00:09:22 stories our free daily newsletter and
00:09:22 --> 00:09:24 access to all our back episodes you can
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 also find us on social media just search
00:09:26 --> 00:09:29 for Astro daily pod on Facebook X
00:09:29 --> 00:09:32 YouTube and Tik Tok until next time keep
00:09:32 --> 00:09:33 looking up and stay curious about the
00:09:33 --> 00:09:40 wonders of our universe
00:09:40 --> 00:09:55 [Music]