Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E243
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily dose of the most fascinating developments in space science and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and today we're exploring some incredible stories from across the cosmos.
Highlights:
- Game-Changing Telescopes : Discover the potential of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and the 30 Peter Telescope (TMT) as highlighted in a recent National Science Foundation report. These groundbreaking telescopes promise to redefine our understanding of the universe, addressing questions about galaxy formation, dark matter, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Despite their potential, these projects face financial and technical hurdles, needing $1.6 billion to progress.
- The Quest for Water on Mars : Delve into the ongoing search for liquid water on Mars. A new study challenges previous assumptions, suggesting that features like recurring slope lineae may be dry flows of sand and dust. Researchers are now focusing on brines, though their stability on Mars remains questionable. Despite setbacks, the search continues, driven by the hope that life might have adapted to Mars' extreme conditions.
- China's Space Sector Milestones : Learn about Landspace's recent achievements, including a successful launch and a $123 million funding boost for reusable methane-powered rockets. This marks a significant step in China's commercial space sector, with plans for cargo missions to the Tiangong space station by 2026.
- The Running Chicken Nebula: Marvel at the newly released image of the Running Chicken Nebula, captured by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. This emission nebula, located 6,500 light-years away, captivates with its whimsical, chicken-like shape and vibrant colors.
- Stargazing Tips for Beginners : If you've received a telescope recently, Sky & Telescope offers essential tips for getting started. Learn how to familiarize yourself with your equipment, practice during daylight hours, and choose the best celestial targets like the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn for your first observations. Link: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/stargazing-basics/get-started-with-that-new-holiday-telescope/ (https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/stargazing-basics/get-started-with-that-new-holiday-telescope/)
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. (https://www.nsf.gov/](https://www.nsf.gov/)
Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
[https://www.gmto.org/](https://www.gmto.org/)
Thirty Peter Telescope (TMT)
[https://www.tmt.org/](https://www.tmt.org/)
European Southern Observatory (ESO)
[https://www.eso.org/](https://www.eso.org/)
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[https://www.pnas.org/](https://www.pnas.org/)
Landspace
[https://www.landspace.com/](https://www.landspace.com/)
Sky & Telescope
[https://skyandtelescope.org/](https://skyandtelescope.org/)
Running Chicken Nebula (IC 2872/Gum 40)
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IC_2872](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IC_2872)
Tiangong Space Station
Vincent Chevrier
[https://www.uark.edu/research/chevrier/](https://www.uark.edu/research/chevrier/)
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/24814605?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 welcome to astronomy daily your daily
00:00:01 --> 00:00:03 dose of the most fascinating
00:00:03 --> 00:00:04 developments in space science and
00:00:04 --> 00:00:08 astronomical discoveries I'm Anna and
00:00:08 --> 00:00:09 today we're exploring some incredible
00:00:09 --> 00:00:12 stories from across the cosmos from the
00:00:12 --> 00:00:14 ongoing search for water on Mars to a
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 cosmic Cloud that looks surprisingly
00:00:16 --> 00:00:17 like a running
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 chicken stay with me as we journey
00:00:19 --> 00:00:21 through today's biggest astronomy
00:00:21 --> 00:00:22 headlines and try to make sense of our
00:00:22 --> 00:00:25 vast and wonderful
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 Universe let's kick things off today by
00:00:27 --> 00:00:29 diving into something huge I'm talking
00:00:29 --> 00:00:31 telescope so powerful they'll redefine
00:00:31 --> 00:00:33 how we see the universe let's explore
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 the findings of a recent National
00:00:35 --> 00:00:38 Science Foundation or NSF report on the
00:00:38 --> 00:00:41 US extremely large telescope program now
00:00:41 --> 00:00:42 what's this all about well two
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 telescopes are in the spotlight the
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 giant mellin telescope or GMT and the 30
00:00:47 --> 00:00:50 m telescope or TMT these aren't just any
00:00:50 --> 00:00:52 telescopes they're set to be game
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 changers in the world of astronomy so
00:00:55 --> 00:00:57 why are these telescopes such a big deal
00:00:57 --> 00:00:59 for starters they'll allow scientists to
00:01:00 --> 00:01:01 tackle some of the biggest questions out
00:01:01 --> 00:01:05 there how did galaxies form what exactly
00:01:05 --> 00:01:09 is dark matter and wait for it are we
00:01:09 --> 00:01:12 really alone in the universe the GMT and
00:01:12 --> 00:01:14 TMT are designed to work alongside other
00:01:14 --> 00:01:16 International projects like the European
00:01:16 --> 00:01:19 Southern observatories elt together
00:01:19 --> 00:01:20 they'll give us the clearest most
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 detailed views of the cosmos we've ever
00:01:22 --> 00:01:25 had now let's talk about what the NSF
00:01:25 --> 00:01:27 report revealed the good news is that
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 both projects are scientifically superb
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 they're uniquely capable of delivering
00:01:31 --> 00:01:34 insights no other telescopes can but
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 there's always a butt they need more
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 funding to keep moving forward we're
00:01:39 --> 00:01:42 talking about $1.6 billion without it
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 the projects could face some major
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 setbacks and that's not the only
00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 challenge there are also technical
00:01:48 --> 00:01:50 hurdles and the tricky task of
00:01:50 --> 00:01:53 coordinating multiple partners worldwide
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 the report says the projects need solid
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 risk management plans to make sure
00:01:57 --> 00:02:00 things stay on track here's another cool
00:02:00 --> 00:02:02 part these telescopes will do more than
00:02:02 --> 00:02:05 just look at the stars they'll also help
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 train the next generation of astronomers
00:02:07 --> 00:02:10 picture this a pipeline of early career
00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 scientists getting hands-on experience
00:02:12 --> 00:02:13 with some of the most advanced tools in
00:02:13 --> 00:02:16 the world amazing right and on top of
00:02:17 --> 00:02:20 that there are plans for public Outreach
00:02:20 --> 00:02:21 that means more educational programs to
00:02:22 --> 00:02:23 inspire all of us earthlings to look up
00:02:23 --> 00:02:25 at the night sky and dream
00:02:25 --> 00:02:28 big so what's the
00:02:28 --> 00:02:32 takeaway the NS F report makes it clear
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 these telescopes are absolutely critical
00:02:34 --> 00:02:35 for keeping the us at the Forefront of
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 astronomy but their future hinges on
00:02:38 --> 00:02:41 securing that funding will Congress and
00:02:41 --> 00:02:42 the scientific Community step up to the
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 plate only time will tell but one
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 thing's for sure if these telescopes
00:02:48 --> 00:02:49 come to life they'll take our
00:02:49 --> 00:02:50 understanding of the universe to
00:02:50 --> 00:02:52 dazzling New
00:02:52 --> 00:02:55 Heights next up let's turn our Focus to
00:02:55 --> 00:02:57 the red planet where the search for
00:02:57 --> 00:02:58 liquid water continues to challenge
00:02:59 --> 00:03:00 scientists
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 a fascinating newpaper published in the
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 proceedings of the National Academy of
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 Sciences has cast doubt on our hopes of
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 finding liquid water on Mars at least in
00:03:09 --> 00:03:12 the forms we've been looking for more
00:03:12 --> 00:03:15 than a century ago astronomer persal LOL
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 captivated the world with his theory
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 that Mars had canals built by
00:03:19 --> 00:03:22 intelligent beings to transport water
00:03:22 --> 00:03:24 from the polar ice caps while better
00:03:24 --> 00:03:26 telescopes eventually disproved this
00:03:26 --> 00:03:29 romantic notion the quest to find liquid
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 water on Mars has remained one of
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 planetary science's most compelling
00:03:34 --> 00:03:36 Pursuits the challenge lies in Mars's
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 harsh environment with its frigid
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 temperatures thin atmosphere and minimal
00:03:40 --> 00:03:43 water vapor any liquid water would
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 quickly freeze boil or
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 evaporate scientists have been
00:03:48 --> 00:03:49 particularly interested in features
00:03:49 --> 00:03:53 called recurring slope linei or rsls
00:03:53 --> 00:03:55 dark streaks that appear on Martian
00:03:55 --> 00:03:57 slopes during warmer seasons and fade in
00:03:57 --> 00:04:00 colder ones while these seemed promising
00:04:00 --> 00:04:02 new research suggests they're likely
00:04:02 --> 00:04:05 just flows of sand and dust with no
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 water needed to create them some
00:04:07 --> 00:04:08 researchers have turned their attention
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 to brins Solutions with high salt
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 concentrations as potential sources of
00:04:13 --> 00:04:16 liquid water Mars has plenty of salts
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 and some like perchlorates can remain
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 liquid at incredibly low temperatures
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 for instance calcium perorate brine only
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 freezes at -75° C given that Mars's
00:04:27 --> 00:04:29 average equatorial temperature is - 50
00:04:29 --> 00:04:32 degrees this seemed promising however
00:04:32 --> 00:04:34 the new study led by Vincent chevrier
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 who has spent two decades studying Mars
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 concludes that even these brins face
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 significant challenges the relatively
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 low amounts of promising salts combined
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 with water vapor pressure and Ice
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 location severely limit the possibility
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 of stable brins on or near the surface
00:04:51 --> 00:04:54 and even if such brins did form they
00:04:54 --> 00:04:56 would be extremely inhospitable by Earth
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 standards despite these sobering
00:04:58 --> 00:05:01 findings the continues scientists are
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 now focusing on developing better
00:05:03 --> 00:05:05 instruments to detect small amounts of
00:05:05 --> 00:05:08 brins and identifying more promising
00:05:08 --> 00:05:11 locations to look for them as chevier
00:05:11 --> 00:05:13 notes while Mars remains a cold dry
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 desert the possibility that some form of
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 life could have adapted to these extreme
00:05:18 --> 00:05:20 conditions keeps the search for water
00:05:20 --> 00:05:22 alive and
00:05:22 --> 00:05:25 relevant now a quick China update in
00:05:25 --> 00:05:27 major developments from China's
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 commercial space sector launch startup
00:05:29 --> 00:05:32 land space has secured an impressive 900
00:05:32 --> 00:05:36 million yen that's about $123 million in
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 funding from China's national
00:05:38 --> 00:05:39 manufacturing transformation and
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 upgrading fund this substantial
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 investment is earmarked specifically for
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 developing and testing their new line of
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 reusable methane powered
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 Rockets this funding comes at a crucial
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 time for landspace which recently
00:05:52 --> 00:05:54 achieved a significant Milestone with
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 the successful launch of their enhanced
00:05:56 --> 00:05:59 juk 2 rocket they've also completed
00:05:59 --> 00:06:01 completed a promising test of their more
00:06:01 --> 00:06:04 ambitious Jay 3 launcher managing a 10
00:06:04 --> 00:06:06 km vertical takeoff and landing at the
00:06:06 --> 00:06:09 Jan Spaceport the jukie 3 is
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 particularly interesting we're looking
00:06:11 --> 00:06:13 at a massive stainless steel rocket that
00:06:13 --> 00:06:16 stands nearly 77 M tall when it's ready
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 it should be able to lift an impressive
00:06:18 --> 00:06:22 21 kg to low earth orbit in its
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 Expendable configuration or up to 18
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 kg when recovering the first stage
00:06:28 --> 00:06:30 downrange land space is aiming for its
00:06:31 --> 00:06:34 first orbital launch in 2025 with plans
00:06:34 --> 00:06:35 to achieve first stage recovery and
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 reuse by
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 2026 this development is part of a
00:06:39 --> 00:06:42 broader Trend in China's space sector
00:06:42 --> 00:06:44 since 2014 when the government opened
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 space activities to private investment
00:06:46 --> 00:06:49 we've seen numerous startups emerge
00:06:49 --> 00:06:50 other companies like space Pioneer and
00:06:50 --> 00:06:52 orian space have also secured
00:06:52 --> 00:06:54 substantial funding this year
00:06:54 --> 00:06:55 highlighting China's growing commitment
00:06:55 --> 00:06:58 to commercial space development what's
00:06:58 --> 00:06:59 particularly noteworthy is that
00:06:59 --> 00:07:01 landspace has also announced plans to
00:07:01 --> 00:07:03 begin launching cargo missions to the
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 tiangong space station by
00:07:05 --> 00:07:08 2026 this represents a significant step
00:07:08 --> 00:07:09 forward in China's efforts to
00:07:09 --> 00:07:12 commercialize its space operations and
00:07:12 --> 00:07:13 potentially compete with established
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 players in the global launch
00:07:15 --> 00:07:18 market a fascinating New Image has just
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 been released from the European Southern
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 observatory's very large telescope in
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 Chile giving us an incredible view of
00:07:24 --> 00:07:26 what's known as the running chicken
00:07:26 --> 00:07:29 nebula now I know what you're thinking a
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 Cosmic chicken but wait until you hear
00:07:31 --> 00:07:33 about this remarkable Celestial
00:07:33 --> 00:07:37 formation located about 6 light
00:07:37 --> 00:07:38 years away in the constellation
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 Centaurus this emission nebula
00:07:41 --> 00:07:42 officially goes by the rather less
00:07:42 --> 00:07:46 colorful name of IC 2872 or gum 40 but
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 once you see it you can't help but
00:07:48 --> 00:07:50 notice its uncanny resemblance to a
00:07:50 --> 00:07:52 chicken with its head tilted upward as
00:07:52 --> 00:07:54 if wondering about its place in the
00:07:54 --> 00:07:56 cosmos what makes this image
00:07:56 --> 00:07:59 particularly striking is how the nebulus
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 feat align to create this Whimsical
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 shape in the lower right you can see
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 what appears to be the chicken's head
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 complete with a bright region of star
00:08:08 --> 00:08:10 formation that looks just like a glowing
00:08:10 --> 00:08:13 beak dark clouds extend upward from this
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 area forming what looks like a PEC comb
00:08:15 --> 00:08:18 on top of the chicken's head the science
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 behind this Celestial spectacle is just
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 as fascinating as its appearance as an
00:08:22 --> 00:08:25 emission nebula it's essentially a vast
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 cloud of ionized gas that produces its
00:08:27 --> 00:08:29 own light the intense radiation from
00:08:29 --> 00:08:32 nearby Stars energizes the gas causing
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 it to Glow in various colors depending
00:08:34 --> 00:08:37 on its composition we can spot numerous
00:08:37 --> 00:08:39 young bright blue stars scattered
00:08:39 --> 00:08:41 throughout the image including one that
00:08:41 --> 00:08:43 perfectly marks what appears to be the
00:08:43 --> 00:08:46 chicken's eye this Cosmic bird has quite
00:08:46 --> 00:08:48 a history in astronomical cataloges it
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 was first documented back in 1888 by
00:08:51 --> 00:08:54 Danish astronomer John Lewis EML dryer
00:08:54 --> 00:08:56 and later included in Colin Stanley
00:08:56 --> 00:08:58 gum's 1955 catalog of a mission nebula
00:08:58 --> 00:09:01 in the southern Sky it's a remarkable
00:09:01 --> 00:09:03 reminder that even in the vastness of
00:09:03 --> 00:09:06 space we can find shapes that feel
00:09:06 --> 00:09:08 somehow familiar and even
00:09:08 --> 00:09:10 playful for those of you who received a
00:09:10 --> 00:09:13 telescope this holiday season sky and
00:09:13 --> 00:09:14 Telescope have published a list of
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 useful tips for getting the most out of
00:09:17 --> 00:09:19 your shiny new toy so let me share some
00:09:19 --> 00:09:21 of their essential tips to help you
00:09:21 --> 00:09:22 start your stargazing Journey on the
00:09:22 --> 00:09:26 right foot first and foremost resist the
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 urge to rush outside immediately take
00:09:28 --> 00:09:30 time to familiarize yourself with your
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 telescope indoors where you can
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 comfortably learn how everything works
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 from adjusting the mount to changing ey
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 pieces once you're comfortable with the
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 basics try your telescope during
00:09:42 --> 00:09:45 daylight hours practice focusing on
00:09:45 --> 00:09:47 distant objects like Treetops or
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 buildings this is also the perfect time
00:09:49 --> 00:09:52 to align your finder scope which will be
00:09:52 --> 00:09:53 crucial for locating objects in the
00:09:53 --> 00:09:56 night sky remember your lowest
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 magnification eyepiece will give you the
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 brightest sharpest views and the widest
00:10:00 --> 00:10:03 field of view making it easier to find
00:10:03 --> 00:10:06 your targets now what should you look at
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 first the Moon is an absolutely
00:10:08 --> 00:10:11 spectacular Target for new observers
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 even in a modest telescope you'll see
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 incredible detail in its craters
00:10:15 --> 00:10:16 mountains and
00:10:16 --> 00:10:19 valleys the best views come when you
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 observe areas near the Terminator that's
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 the line between the Moon's day and
00:10:23 --> 00:10:25 night sides where Shadows really bring
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 out the surface features the planets are
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 also excellent targets right now Jupiter
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 is particularly impressive showing its
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 Cloud bands and four brightest moons
00:10:34 --> 00:10:38 even in small telescopes Saturn despite
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 its rings being nearly Edge on this year
00:10:40 --> 00:10:43 still offers an unforgettable sight
00:10:43 --> 00:10:44 Venus is currently visible as a bright
00:10:44 --> 00:10:47 Evening Star showing phases similar to
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 the moon when viewed through a telescope
00:10:49 --> 00:10:52 one crucial piece of advice be patient
00:10:52 --> 00:10:55 many newcomers expect Hubble like views
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 but remember that most astronomical
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 objects appear subtle and gray to the
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 human eye the longer you spend observing
00:11:01 --> 00:11:03 an object the more detail you'll begin
00:11:03 --> 00:11:06 to notice also don't feel disappointed
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 if things look a bit blurry at first
00:11:08 --> 00:11:10 atmospheric conditions play a huge role
00:11:10 --> 00:11:12 in telescope viewing and some nights
00:11:12 --> 00:11:15 will be better than others keep in mind
00:11:15 --> 00:11:17 that astronomy is a journey of Discovery
00:11:17 --> 00:11:20 not a Sprint take your time learning the
00:11:20 --> 00:11:22 basics and you'll be rewarded with views
00:11:22 --> 00:11:24 of some of the most amazing objects in
00:11:24 --> 00:11:27 our universe for these and more tips
00:11:28 --> 00:11:29 I'll include a link in the show notes to
00:11:29 --> 00:11:31 the original
00:11:31 --> 00:11:34 article and that brings us to the end of
00:11:34 --> 00:11:36 today's Journey Through the cosmos I'm
00:11:36 --> 00:11:38 Anna and thank you for joining me here
00:11:38 --> 00:11:41 on astronomy daily if you'd like to
00:11:41 --> 00:11:42 learn more about any of our stories or
00:11:42 --> 00:11:45 get the latest updates in astronomy head
00:11:45 --> 00:11:47 over to our website at astronomy
00:11:47 --> 00:11:50 daily. you can also be part of our
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 growing community of space enthusiasts
00:11:52 --> 00:11:55 on social media find us as Astro daily
00:11:55 --> 00:11:59 pod on Facebook X Tumblr YouTube and Tik
00:11:59 --> 00:12:02 Tok there's always something fascinating
00:12:02 --> 00:12:04 happening in the universe and we'll be
00:12:04 --> 00:12:06 here to share those stories with you
00:12:06 --> 00:12:08 until next time keep looking up and
00:12:08 --> 00:12:10 wondering about the Mysteries above us
00:12:10 --> 00:12:13 this has been astronomy daily I'm Anna
00:12:13 --> 00:12:20 signing off as
00:12:20 --> 00:12:34 [Music]
00:12:34 --> 00:12:37 told