Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E58
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on an exhilarating journey through the latest advancements and discoveries in the cosmos. From classified space missions to lunar eclipses, this episode is packed with stories that highlight the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration.
Highlights:
- X37B Spaceplane's Latest Mission: Discover the impressive achievements of the US Space Force's X37B spaceplane, which recently completed a 434-day mission. We discuss its innovative aerobraking maneuver and the significance of its experiments in space domain awareness.
- International Space Station Crew Rotation: Get the latest updates on Expedition 72 as NASA astronauts prepare for a crew transition aboard the ISS. Learn about the ongoing research into human adaptation to microgravity and the exciting activities taking place in this unique orbital laboratory.
- Intuitive Machines' Lunar Mission Conclusion: We cover the dramatic end of Intuitive Machines' Nova Sea lander mission, which, despite landing on its side, managed to return valuable data. Explore the implications of this mission for future lunar exploration efforts.
- NASA's Search for Artemis Mascot: Join us as we explore NASA's call for designers to create a zero gravity indicator for the Artemis 2 mission. This initiative connects creativity with space exploration, offering a unique opportunity for the global community. Details here: https://www.freelancer.com/contest/Moon-Mascot-NASA-Artemis-II-ZGI-Design-Challenge-2527909/details (https://www.freelancer.com/contest/Moon-Mascot-NASA-Artemis-II-ZGI-Design-Challenge-2527909/details)
- Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for March 14 as we prepare for the first total lunar eclipse of 2025. We'll provide essential viewing information and discuss the significance of this celestial event.
- Discovery of a Supermassive Black Hole: In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have found evidence of a supermassive black hole in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Learn about the implications of this discovery and how it reshapes our understanding of our galactic neighborhood.
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 - X37B spaceplane mission update
07:30 - ISS crew rotation news
12:15 - Intuitive Machines' lunar mission update
18:00 - NASA's Artemis mascot design contest
22:30 - Upcoming total lunar eclipse details
27:00 - Discovery of a supermassive black hole
32:00 - Conclusion and upcoming content
✍️ Episode References
X37B Spaceplane Information
[US Space Force]( https://www.spaceforce.mil/ (https://www.spaceforce.mil/) )
International Space Station Updates
[NASA ISS]( https://www.nasa.gov/iss (https://www.nasa.gov/iss) )
Intuitive Machines Mission Overview
[Intuitive Machines]( https://www.intuitivemachines.com/ (https://www.intuitivemachines.com/) )
NASA's Artemis Campaign
[NASA Artemis]( https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/ (https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/) )
Lunar Eclipse Viewing Information
[NASA Eclipse]( https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/ (https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/) )
Supermassive Black Hole Research
[ESA Gaia]( https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia (https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia) )
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/25965252?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to Astronomy Daily your daily
00:00:02 --> 00:00:05 source for space and astronomy news We
00:00:05 --> 00:00:07 have another great lineup of stories for
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 you today packed with groundbreaking
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 developments from across the cosmos
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 We'll be diving into the mysterious
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 world of classified space missions as we
00:00:15 --> 00:00:17 explore the latest achievements of the
00:00:17 --> 00:00:20 X37B space plane Then we'll head to the
00:00:20 --> 00:00:21 International Space Station for updates
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 on crew transitions and cutting edge
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 research happening right now in Earth's
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 orbit We'll also update and examine the
00:00:27 --> 00:00:29 dramatic conclusion of Intuitive
00:00:29 --> 00:00:31 Machines lunar mission and get the
00:00:31 --> 00:00:33 details on NASA's search for a new
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 mascot for their upcoming Artemis
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 missions For skygazers we have essential
00:00:38 --> 00:00:39 information about an upcoming total
00:00:39 --> 00:00:41 lunar eclipse that you won't want to
00:00:41 --> 00:00:44 miss And to cap it all off we have a
00:00:44 --> 00:00:46 truly mind-bending discovery Evidence of
00:00:46 --> 00:00:48 a monster black hole hiding in our
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 cosmic backyard So get ready for an
00:00:51 --> 00:00:52 exciting journey through the latest
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 space and astronomy news Let's get
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 started
00:00:56 --> 00:00:59 The US Space Force's secretive X37B
00:00:59 --> 00:01:01 space plane has just completed another
00:01:01 --> 00:01:04 remarkable mission touching down at
00:01:04 --> 00:01:05 Vandenberg Space Force Base in
00:01:05 --> 00:01:09 California after spending 434 days in
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 orbit While this wasn't its longest
00:01:11 --> 00:01:13 flight this mission broke new ground in
00:01:13 --> 00:01:17 several exciting ways For the first time
00:01:17 --> 00:01:19 the robotic space plane launched aboard
00:01:19 --> 00:01:21 a Space X Falcon Heavy rocket which
00:01:21 --> 00:01:24 placed it into a highly elliptical orbit
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 From this unique vantage point the X37B
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 conducted what Space Force describes as
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 space domain awareness experiments
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 helping to improve our understanding of
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 the space environment Perhaps the most
00:01:36 --> 00:01:38 significant achievement of this mission
00:01:38 --> 00:01:40 was the successful demonstration of an
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 innovative arrowing maneuver This
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 technique used Earth's atmosphere as a
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 natural break allowing the spacecraft to
00:01:47 --> 00:01:49 change its orbit more efficiently while
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 conserving precious fuel
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 Space Force Chief of Operations Chance
00:01:53 --> 00:01:56 Saltzman called this a demonstration of
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 the X37B's ability to flexibly
00:01:58 --> 00:02:01 accomplish its test objectives across
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 different orbital regimes The Boeing
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 built spacecraft has now proven itself
00:02:05 --> 00:02:08 capable of operating in various orbital
00:02:08 --> 00:02:10 configurations showcasing impressive
00:02:10 --> 00:02:13 maneuverability and adaptability
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 While much of its mission remains
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 classified this latest flight adds to an
00:02:18 --> 00:02:19 impressive track record that includes
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 the previous record holding flight of 98
00:02:22 --> 00:02:25 days The Space Force currently operates
00:02:25 --> 00:02:29 two of these remarkable X37B vehicles
00:02:29 --> 00:02:31 which continue to push the boundaries of
00:02:31 --> 00:02:33 autonomous space operations This latest
00:02:33 --> 00:02:35 mission while shorter than some previous
00:02:35 --> 00:02:38 flights represents a significant step
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 forward in space plane technology and
00:02:40 --> 00:02:42 orbital operations capabilities
00:02:42 --> 00:02:44 demonstrating new techniques that could
00:02:44 --> 00:02:47 prove valuable for future space
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 missions The International Space Station
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 is currently buzzing with activity as
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 Expedition 72 prepares for an upcoming
00:02:53 --> 00:02:57 crew rotation Four crew members NASA
00:02:57 --> 00:03:00 astronauts Nick Hey Sunni Williams Butch
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 Wilmore and Ruscosmos cosminaut
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 Alexander Gorbinov are getting ready to
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 bid farewell to their orbital home in
00:03:06 --> 00:03:09 mid-March The departing crew has been
00:03:09 --> 00:03:11 busy practicing their return procedures
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 using SpaceX Dragon computer tablets
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 reviewing every step from undocking to
00:03:16 --> 00:03:19 splashdown off the Florida coast Nick
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 Hey will command the Dragon spacecraft
00:03:21 --> 00:03:24 for their journey home bringing to close
00:03:24 --> 00:03:25 a mission that began last September for
00:03:25 --> 00:03:27 him and Gorbunov while Williams and
00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 Wilmore have been aboard since June
00:03:30 --> 00:03:32 Their replacements are already preparing
00:03:32 --> 00:03:33 for
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 launch The SpaceX Crew 10 mission is
00:03:35 --> 00:03:37 targeted for March 12th carrying
00:03:37 --> 00:03:40 commander Anne Mlan and pilot Nicole
00:03:40 --> 00:03:43 Ayes from NASA along with JAXA astronaut
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 Takuya Onishi and Rosscosmos cosminaut
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 Kierill Pescov This new quartet will
00:03:48 --> 00:03:51 initially join expedition 72 before
00:03:51 --> 00:03:54 transitioning to expedition 73 in
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 midappril Meanwhile crucial research
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 continues aboard the station The crew
00:03:58 --> 00:04:00 has been conducting studies on how
00:04:00 --> 00:04:02 weightlessness affects the human body
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 with particular focus on exercise
00:04:04 --> 00:04:06 research Using specialized equipment
00:04:06 --> 00:04:09 that mimics free weights in space along
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 with sensor equipped vests and headbands
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 they're gathering valuable data on human
00:04:13 --> 00:04:16 adaptation to microgravity The station's
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 laboratories are also hosting research
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 into how cells sense gravity Work that
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 could lead to treatments for space
00:04:22 --> 00:04:23 related muscle loss and bone
00:04:23 --> 00:04:26 deterioration This combines with ongoing
00:04:26 --> 00:04:29 maintenance tasks cargo operations and
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 the unloading of nearly three tons of
00:04:31 --> 00:04:32 supplies that recently arrived aboard
00:04:32 --> 00:04:35 the Progress 91 cargo spacecraft All of
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 this activity demonstrates how the
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 International Space Station continues to
00:04:39 --> 00:04:41 serve as humanity's premier orbital
00:04:41 --> 00:04:44 laboratory advancing our understanding
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 of living and working in space while
00:04:46 --> 00:04:48 maintaining its role as a symbol of
00:04:48 --> 00:04:50 international cooperation in space
00:04:50 --> 00:04:52 exploration
00:04:52 --> 00:04:54 Next an update to yesterday's
00:04:54 --> 00:04:56 disappointing news from the moon
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 Intuitive Machines recent moon landing
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 marked a significant milestone in
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 commercial lunar exploration Though the
00:05:02 --> 00:05:05 mission ended earlier than planned as we
00:05:05 --> 00:05:07 reported yesterday after successfully
00:05:07 --> 00:05:09 touching down near the lunar south pole
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 on March 6th the company's Nova Sea
00:05:11 --> 00:05:13 lander Athena found itself in an
00:05:13 --> 00:05:16 unexpected position resting on its side
00:05:16 --> 00:05:19 about 1 ft away from its intended
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 landing site Despite attempts to salvage
00:05:22 --> 00:05:23 the mission the company has now declared
00:05:24 --> 00:05:26 the mission dead The company confirmed
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 that the mission was dead in an official
00:05:28 --> 00:05:30 statement Despite the challenging
00:05:30 --> 00:05:32 situation the mission wasn't without its
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 achievements Before its batteries were
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 depleted the lander managed to collect
00:05:36 --> 00:05:39 and transmit valuable data back to Earth
00:05:39 --> 00:05:41 NASA's Prime 1 experiment suite
00:05:41 --> 00:05:43 including the Trident Lunar drill
00:05:43 --> 00:05:45 successfully demonstrated its full range
00:05:45 --> 00:05:48 of motion in the harsh space environment
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 The mission's mass spectrometer also
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 detected various elements though these
00:05:52 --> 00:05:53 were likely from the lander's own
00:05:53 --> 00:05:56 propulsion system The landing site
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 itself is particularly noteworthy as it
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 represents the closest any spacecraft
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 has ever landed to the lunar south pole
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 This region is of special interest to
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 scientists and future explorers due to
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 its potential resources and unique
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 environmental conditions While the
00:06:11 --> 00:06:13 lander's position prevented it from
00:06:13 --> 00:06:15 fully operating its drill and other
00:06:15 --> 00:06:17 instruments as intended the mission
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 still managed to transmit about 250
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 megabytes of data before operations
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 concluded This mission is part of NASA's
00:06:25 --> 00:06:26 commercial lunar payload services
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 initiative demonstrating both the
00:06:28 --> 00:06:30 progress and challenges in commercial
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 lunar exploration While not all
00:06:32 --> 00:06:35 objectives were met the experience
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 gained is already informing future
00:06:37 --> 00:06:38 missions
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 Intuitive Machines isn't done with lunar
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 exploration either They have two more
00:06:42 --> 00:06:44 deliveries planned for NASA with
00:06:44 --> 00:06:47 missions scheduled for 2026 and
00:06:47 --> 00:06:50 2027 The early conclusion of the mission
00:06:50 --> 00:06:52 while disappointing represents the
00:06:52 --> 00:06:55 reality of lunar exploration It's
00:06:55 --> 00:06:57 incredibly challenging and even partial
00:06:57 --> 00:06:59 success can provide valuable lessons for
00:06:59 --> 00:07:02 future missions As we continue to push
00:07:02 --> 00:07:05 the boundaries of lunar exploration each
00:07:05 --> 00:07:07 attempt whether fully successful or not
00:07:07 --> 00:07:08 adds to our understanding and
00:07:08 --> 00:07:11 capabilities for future lunar
00:07:11 --> 00:07:13 operations All right let's move on to a
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 story that's a bit more fun and
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 something you might like to contribute
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 to NASA is reaching out to the global
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 creative community with an exciting
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 opportunity They're looking for
00:07:24 --> 00:07:25 designers to create a zeroravity
00:07:26 --> 00:07:28 indicator for the historic Artemis 2
00:07:28 --> 00:07:31 mission These small plush items serve an
00:07:31 --> 00:07:34 important role in space flight providing
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 astronauts and viewers on Earth with a
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 visual indication of when spacecraft
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 reach the weightless environment of
00:07:40 --> 00:07:44 space The contest which runs until May
00:07:44 --> 00:07:46 27th asks participants to submit
00:07:46 --> 00:07:48 original designs that capture the spirit
00:07:48 --> 00:07:51 of NASA's Aremis campaign the mission
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 itself or the broader themes of
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 exploration and discovery The winning
00:07:55 --> 00:07:57 design will need to meet specific
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 requirements for materials and size to
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 ensure it's suitable for space flight
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 Artemis 2 commander Reed Wisman and his
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 fellow crew members Victor Glover
00:08:06 --> 00:08:09 Christina Ko and Jeremy Hansen will
00:08:09 --> 00:08:10 personally select the winning design
00:08:10 --> 00:08:13 from up to 25 finalists including
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 entries from a special K12 student
00:08:15 --> 00:08:18 division NASA's thermal blanket lab will
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 then bring the chosen design to life
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 creating a unique piece of space history
00:08:22 --> 00:08:24 that will float alongside the astronauts
00:08:24 --> 00:08:27 as they journey around the moon This
00:08:27 --> 00:08:28 initiative continues NASA's
00:08:28 --> 00:08:30 long-standing tradition of carrying zero
00:08:30 --> 00:08:32 gravity indicators on human spaceflight
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 missions The International Space Station
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 has hosted numerous plush companions
00:08:36 --> 00:08:39 over the years and during the uncrrewed
00:08:39 --> 00:08:41 Artemis Orans mission a plush Snoopy
00:08:41 --> 00:08:44 made the journey around the moon These
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 seemingly simple items help connect
00:08:46 --> 00:08:47 people on Earth to the wonder of space
00:08:47 --> 00:08:50 exploration while serving a practical
00:08:50 --> 00:08:52 purpose in demonstrating the onset of
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 microgravity The selected mascot will
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 witness history as part of the first
00:08:57 --> 00:08:59 crude flight under NASA's Aremis
00:08:59 --> 00:09:01 campaign traveling aboard the Orion
00:09:01 --> 00:09:03 spacecraft as it carries humans around
00:09:03 --> 00:09:04 the moon for the first time since the
00:09:04 --> 00:09:07 Apollo era This mission represents a
00:09:07 --> 00:09:09 crucial step in NASA's broader goals of
00:09:09 --> 00:09:11 establishing a sustainable presence on
00:09:11 --> 00:09:14 the moon and preparing for future human
00:09:14 --> 00:09:16 missions to Mars If you'd like to find
00:09:16 --> 00:09:17 out more and take part in this unique
00:09:17 --> 00:09:19 competition I'll include a link in the
00:09:19 --> 00:09:20 show
00:09:20 --> 00:09:23 notes After a long wait sky watchers
00:09:23 --> 00:09:24 across the Americas are in for a
00:09:24 --> 00:09:27 spectacular treat on Friday March 14th
00:09:27 --> 00:09:30 as the first total lunar eclipse of 2025
00:09:30 --> 00:09:33 graces our skies This celestial event
00:09:33 --> 00:09:35 marks the end of what astronomers have
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 called an eclipse drought with the last
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 total lunar eclipse visible from the
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 Americas occurring back in November
00:09:42 --> 00:09:44 2022 The show begins in the early hours
00:09:44 --> 00:09:47 of Friday morning with the first subtle
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 changes becoming visible around 30
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 minutes after the initial penumbal phase
00:09:52 --> 00:09:55 starts at 3:57 universal time The real
00:09:55 --> 00:09:58 drama kicks off at 5:09 UT or 109 a.m
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 Eastern Daylight Time when the moon
00:10:00 --> 00:10:02 first encounters Earth's dark umbrell
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 shadow From there we'll witness a
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 gradually unfolding spectacle as our
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 natural satellite is slowly engulfed by
00:10:08 --> 00:10:11 Earth's shadow During totality which
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 lasts just over 65 minutes and reaches
00:10:13 --> 00:10:17 its peak at 659 UT observers will have
00:10:17 --> 00:10:18 the chance to see the moon take on its
00:10:18 --> 00:10:20 characteristic reddish hue the famous
00:10:20 --> 00:10:23 blood moon effect This coloration varies
00:10:23 --> 00:10:25 from eclipse to eclipse ranging from
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 bright cherry red to a darker more
00:10:27 --> 00:10:29 subdued tone depending on the amount of
00:10:29 --> 00:10:31 dust and aerosols present in Earth's
00:10:31 --> 00:10:33 atmosphere at the time The Americas are
00:10:33 --> 00:10:35 perfectly positioned to witness the
00:10:35 --> 00:10:37 entire eclipse from start to finish
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 while observers in Europe and Western
00:10:39 --> 00:10:41 Africa will see the eclipse as the moon
00:10:41 --> 00:10:44 sets at sunrise For those in Australia
00:10:44 --> 00:10:47 New Zealand and northeastern Asia the
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 moon will rise already eclipsed creating
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 unique photography opportunities with
00:10:51 --> 00:10:54 the darkened moon against the sunset sky
00:10:54 --> 00:10:56 Unlike a solar eclipse this lunar
00:10:56 --> 00:10:58 spectacle requires no special equipment
00:10:58 --> 00:11:01 to observe just clear skies and an
00:11:01 --> 00:11:03 unobstructed view of the moon It's also
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 a much more leisurely event giving
00:11:05 --> 00:11:07 observers plenty of time to take in the
00:11:07 --> 00:11:09 changing appearance of our celestial
00:11:09 --> 00:11:11 companion as Earth's shadow gradually
00:11:11 --> 00:11:13 makes its way across the lunar surface
00:11:14 --> 00:11:16 Interestingly this eclipse is part of a
00:11:16 --> 00:11:17 larger series that includes an almost
00:11:18 --> 00:11:21 tetrad of total lunar eclipses spanning
00:11:21 --> 00:11:25 2025 and 2026 It also kicks off the
00:11:25 --> 00:11:28 first eclipse season of 2025 which will
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 conclude with a deep partial solar
00:11:30 --> 00:11:32 eclipse visible from the North Atlantic
00:11:32 --> 00:11:34 on March
00:11:34 --> 00:11:37 29th Finally today in an astounding
00:11:37 --> 00:11:40 astronomical revelation scientists have
00:11:40 --> 00:11:42 uncovered evidence suggesting the
00:11:42 --> 00:11:43 presence of a super massive black hole
00:11:44 --> 00:11:47 in our cosmic backyard The large melanic
00:11:47 --> 00:11:50 cloud our galaxy's closest neighboring
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 galaxy appears to be harboring this
00:11:52 --> 00:11:55 cosmic giant And the evidence comes from
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 an unexpected source Stars that are
00:11:57 --> 00:12:00 literally running away from home Using
00:12:00 --> 00:12:03 data from the European Space Ay's Gaia
00:12:03 --> 00:12:06 satellite researchers investigated 21
00:12:06 --> 00:12:09 hypervelocity stars Celestial bodies
00:12:09 --> 00:12:10 moving so rapidly they're actually
00:12:10 --> 00:12:13 escaping our galaxy's gravitational pull
00:12:14 --> 00:12:16 What they found was fascinating While
00:12:16 --> 00:12:18 about half of these stellar speeders
00:12:18 --> 00:12:20 were launched by our own galaxy's
00:12:20 --> 00:12:23 central black hole the other half seem
00:12:23 --> 00:12:24 to have been catapulted by something
00:12:24 --> 00:12:27 else something massive lurking in the
00:12:27 --> 00:12:30 large melanic cloud These hypervelocity
00:12:30 --> 00:12:32 stars are created through a cosmic dance
00:12:32 --> 00:12:35 of destruction When a binary star system
00:12:35 --> 00:12:37 ventures too close to a super massive
00:12:37 --> 00:12:40 black hole one star gets captured while
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 its partner is violently ejected at
00:12:42 --> 00:12:44 speeds of millions of miles hour It's
00:12:44 --> 00:12:46 like a cosmic slingshot effect And by
00:12:46 --> 00:12:48 tracking these stellar projectiles
00:12:48 --> 00:12:50 backward along their paths scientists
00:12:50 --> 00:12:53 could pinpoint their origin The team's
00:12:53 --> 00:12:54 calculations suggest this hidden
00:12:54 --> 00:12:57 behemoth weighs about 600 times the
00:12:57 --> 00:12:59 mass of our sun While that might sound
00:12:59 --> 00:13:01 enormous it's actually quite modest as
00:13:01 --> 00:13:03 super massive black holes go Our own
00:13:03 --> 00:13:05 galaxy's central black hole Sagittarius
00:13:05 --> 00:13:08 A star is about seven times more massive
00:13:08 --> 00:13:11 Still the discovery is remarkable
00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 because it's been hiding in plain sight
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 all this time in a galaxy we can
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 actually see with the naked eye from
00:13:16 --> 00:13:17 Earth's southern
00:13:17 --> 00:13:20 hemisphere This finding not only changes
00:13:20 --> 00:13:22 our understanding of our galactic
00:13:22 --> 00:13:23 neighborhood but also provides new
00:13:24 --> 00:13:25 insights into how smaller galaxies like
00:13:26 --> 00:13:28 the large melanic cloud evolve and
00:13:28 --> 00:13:30 interact with their larger neighbors
00:13:30 --> 00:13:32 It's a powerful reminder that even in
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 our cosmic backyard there are still
00:13:34 --> 00:13:37 major discoveries waiting to be
00:13:37 --> 00:13:40 made And that's it for this episode
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 Thanks for spending time with us today
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00:14:25 --> 00:14:39 [Music]