SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

byStuart Gary

ScienceAstronomyNatural

Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

Episodes(40 episodes)

Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

S28E144 - Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

(00:00:00) Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces (00:00:46) One of our nearest neighbouring galaxies being torn apart (00:08:00) A giant spider on the Jovian Ice Moon Europa (00:12:23) Mars could have been habitable for long periods (00:14:14) The Science Report (00:17:23) Skeptics guide to why some people are born suckers (00:20:24) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.The Small Magellanic Cloud: A Galaxy Under DuressAstronomers have uncovered that the Small M...
Published: Dec 8, 2025Duration: 21:37
Lightning Strikes Mars: The First Detection of Electrical Discharges and NASA's New Look at Comet 3I Atlas

S28E143 - Lightning Strikes Mars: The First Detection of Electrical Discharges and NASA's New Look at Comet 3I Atlas

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking discoveries and intriguing phenomena from Mars to the depths of space.Lightning Strikes on Mars: A Historic DiscoveryNASA's Perseverance Rover has made a remarkable find by detecting lightning in the Martian atmosphere for the first time. Recorded within two dust devils in Jezero Crater, the rover's Supercam microphone captured electromagnetic and acoustic signals indicative of electrical discharges. This discovery not only confirms long-held theories about Martian electrical activity but also reveals significant implications for the planet's atmospheric chemistry and potential hazards for future missions.<b...
Published: Dec 5, 2025Duration: 44:35
Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

S28E142 - Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans

(00:00:00) Theia Unveiled: Tracing the Origins of Earth's Moon and Lucy's Journey to Jupiter's Trojans (00:00:50) New study claims Theia and Earth were once neighbours (00:06:16) Lucy’s mission to Jupiter’s trojan asteroids (00:15:26) Starliner’s next mission to be limited to cargo only (00:17:57) The Science Report (00:23:17) Alex on Tech: Dooms Day clock countdown to Digital ID In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the intriguing origins of our Moon and the latest developments in space exploration.Theia: The Lost Planet Behind the Moon's BirthA groundbreaking study reveals that Th...
Published: Dec 3, 2025Duration: 30:17
Dark Matter Detected: A Breakthrough in Cosmic Mystery and CHEOPS' Next Milestone

S28E141 - Dark Matter Detected: A Breakthrough in Cosmic Mystery and CHEOPS' Next Milestone

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking advancements in our understanding of the universe and the challenges faced in space exploration.Detecting Dark Matter: A Major BreakthroughAfter nearly a century of speculation, scientists may have finally detected dark matter. A report in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics reveals that gamma rays emitted from dark matter particle collisions have been observed using NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope. This discovery aligns with predictions about dark matter's existence and could signify a new particle not included in the current standard model of p...
Published: Dec 1, 2025Duration: 26:54
Interstellar Insights: Tracking Comet 3I/Atlas and the Ganon Superstorm's Impact on Earth

S28E140 - Interstellar Insights: Tracking Comet 3I/Atlas and the Ganon Superstorm's Impact on Earth

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space exploration and Earth science.Tracking Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas from MarsThe European Space Agency has successfully monitored interstellar comet 3I Atlas from its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, significantly improving the accuracy of its predicted trajectory by a factor of ten. The comet, which travels at speeds of up to 250,000 km/h, was observed from a unique vantage point, allowing astronomers to refine its path through our solar system. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of multi-location observations in p...
Published: Nov 28, 2025Duration: 25:27
Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets

S28E139 - Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets

(00:00:00) Cosmic Speedsters: Unravelling Our Solar System's Surprising Velocity and Enceladus' Organic Secrets (00:00:46) Our solar system is moving faster than expected (00:04:38) Organic molecules discovered erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus (00:08:29) A new satellite launched to study Earth’s oceans (00:13:49) The Science Report (00:15:52) Alex on Tech In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues about why our planet evolved the conditions necessary for l...
Published: Nov 26, 2025Duration: 19:11
Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled

S28E138 - Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled

(00:00:00) Cosmic Clues Beneath Us: The Mantle's Role in Life and the Milky Way Unveiled (00:00:47) Mysterious structures within Earth's mantle may hold clues to life (00:05:05) A new unprecedented view of the Milky Way Galaxy (00:12:36) Stranded Chinese taikonauts return safely to Earth (00:14:21) The Science Report (00:16:58) Skeptics guide to the return of the haunted doll. In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking insights into Earth's mysteries and the cosmos beyond.Mysterious Structures in Earth's MantleA new study reveals that enigmatic structures within Earth's mantle may hold vital clues a...
Published: Nov 24, 2025Duration: 20:12
Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades

S28E137 - Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades

(00:00:00) Exploring Mars and Beyond: The Escapade Mission and the Expanding Mysteries of the Pleiades (00:00:43) NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars blasts off (00:10:00) The Pleiades prove to be far bigger than thought (00:14:05) Ending the debate over interstellar comet 3I-Atlas (00:17:05) The Science Report (00:19:39) Skeptics guide to talking to plants. In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest advancements in space exploration and cosmic discoveries that deepen our understanding of the universe.NASA's Escapade Mission Launches to MarsNASA has successfully launched its first dual satellite mission to Mars, the E...
Published: Nov 23, 2025Duration: 23:03
Ancient Rocks and Cosmic Forces: Exploring Earth's Origins and the Hunt for a Fifth Force

S28E136 - Ancient Rocks and Cosmic Forces: Exploring Earth's Origins and the Hunt for a Fifth Force

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into remarkable discoveries that illuminate the origins of our planet and the cosmos beyond.Ancient Australian Rocks Shed Light on Earth's OriginsScientists have made significant strides in understanding the formation of Earth and the Moon through the analysis of 3.7 billion-year-old feldspar crystals from the Murchison region in Western Australia. This research reveals that continental growth began relatively late in Earth's history, around three and a half billion years ago, suggesting a shared composition between Earth and the Moon following a colossal impact event. The findings challenge e...
Published: Nov 19, 2025Duration: 28:40
Auroras and Cosmic Craters: Unveiling Earth's Spectacular Space Weather and Impact Discoveries

S28E135 - Auroras and Cosmic Craters: Unveiling Earth's Spectacular Space Weather and Impact Discoveries

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the latest astronomical phenomena and significant discoveries that are shaping our understanding of Earth and space.Auroral Displays Light Up the SkiesPlanet Earth has been treated to an extraordinary display of auroras, with both the Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis lighting up the skies following three powerful X-class solar flares, including an X 5.1 event on November 11. This segment dives into the mechanics behind these solar flares, the resulting coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and how they triggered spectacular auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual, including sightings a...
Published: Nov 17, 2025Duration: 23:47
Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon

S28E134 - Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon

(00:00:00) Cosmic Beginnings and Stellar Discoveries: Unveiling the First Stars and Secrets of the Moon (00:00:47) Have astronomers finally seen the universe’s first stars (00:04:06) Hidden secrets about the Moon and the asteroid Vesta (00:10:45) Euclid peers deep into a stellar nursery full of baby stars (00:16:05) The Science Report (00:18:09) Skeptics guide to flat earthers falling flat on their face again In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking findings that could reshape our understanding of the universe's early stars, the Moon's hidden secrets, and the asteroid Vesta's internal structure.First Stars Detected<...
Published: Nov 14, 2025Duration: 22:04
Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun's Magnetic Dance

S28E133 - Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun's Magnetic Dance

(00:00:00) Decelerating Cosmos and Solar Secrets: Unravelling Dark Energy and the Sun's Magnetic Dance (00:00:45) More confirmation that the Universe's expansion is slowing (00:08:53) First glimpse of the Sun’s polar magnetic field in motion (00:14:09) Space Weather events ramping up (00:18:24) The Science Report (00:20:29) Alex on Tech NEO the humanoid housekeeper In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore significant revelations about the universe's expansion, the Sun's magnetic field, and the current surge in solar weather activity.The Universe's Expansion Rate is SlowingA new study has confirmed that the universe's rate of...
Published: Nov 13, 2025Duration: 25:51
Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials

S28E132 - Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials

(00:00:00) Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials (00:00:42) Earth's geology written in the stars (00:10:30) Taikonauts stranded in space following space junk impact (00:12:38) Biggest Supermoon of the year (00:14:59) The Science Report (00:17:20) Skeptics guide to jogging big foots In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating intersections of geology and astronomy that could reshape our understanding of Earth's history and the cosmos.Earth's Geology Written in the StarsA groundbreaking study reveals a compelling connection between the structure of our Milky Way galaxy and the evolution o...
Published: Nov 10, 2025Duration: 20:55
Phosphine Mysteries and Lunar Returns: Unveiling Secrets of Wolf 1130C and the Moon

S28E131 - Phosphine Mysteries and Lunar Returns: Unveiling Secrets of Wolf 1130C and the Moon

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore remarkable discoveries and hypotheses that could redefine our understanding of planetary atmospheres and our journey back to the Moon.Phosphine Discovery in Brian Dwarf Wolf 1130CFor the first time, astronomers have detected phosphine in the atmosphere of the brown dwarf Wolf 1130C, raising intriguing questions about its presence and the chemistry of such celestial bodies. This discovery, reported in the journal Science, highlights the significance of phosphorus as a potential biosignature for life and challenges previous theories regarding the abundance of phosphine in other brown dwarfs a...
Published: Nov 8, 2025Duration: 22:52
Stellar Giants and Cosmic Mysteries: The Most Massive Black Hole Merger Yet

S28E130 - Stellar Giants and Cosmic Mysteries: The Most Massive Black Hole Merger Yet

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking astronomical discoveries that challenge our understanding of the universe.The Most Massive Stellar Black Hole Merger Ever ObservedAstronomers have detected the most massive stellar black hole merger to date, cataloged as GW23 1123, which resulted in a black hole with a staggering mass of 225 times that of our Sun. This episode discusses the implications of this merger, observed by the LIGO Virgo Collaboration, and how it pushes the boundaries of current theories on black hole formation. The rapid spinning of the resulting black hole raises i...
Published: Nov 5, 2025Duration: 29:58
Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Hidden Ice: Unraveling Mysteries of Water and Galaxies

S28E129 - Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas and Hidden Ice: Unraveling Mysteries of Water and Galaxies

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore a trio of intriguing astronomical phenomena that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.Interstellar Comet 3I Atlas: A Close EncounterInterstellar comet 3I Atlas has reached its perihelion, passing closest to the Sun without any signs of alien life forms, despite wild media speculation. This episode discusses how the comet maintained its expected trajectory and velocity, while also revealing groundbreaking findings from NASA's Swift Space Telescope, which detected ultraviolet signatures of water from the comet, providing new insights into the chemistry of interstellar objects and their p...
Published: Nov 4, 2025Duration: 25:13
Martian Ice and Cosmic Shadows - Unveiling Life and Dark Matter Mysteries

S28E128 - Martian Ice and Cosmic Shadows - Unveiling Life and Dark Matter Mysteries

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of life on Mars and the cosmos beyond.Martian Ice: A Potential Reservoir for LifeA recent study suggests that Martian ice may be the most promising location to search for signs of ancient microbial life. Researchers found that biomolecules from dormant microbes degrade significantly slower in pure water ice compared to Martian soil mixtures. This discovery, published in the journal Astrobiology, raises hopes that future missions to Mars could uncover preserved organic materials in its icy regions, potentially r...
Published: Oct 31, 2025Duration: 31:50
Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

S28E127 - Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS

(00:00:00) Lunar Relics and Interstellar Insights: Discoveries from the Moon and Comet 3I ATLAS (00:00:46) Relics of the outer solar system discovered on the Moon (00:03:30) Insights from interstellar comet 3I ATLAS (00:07:31) SpaceX's Starship Mega rocket test flight (00:23:54) The Science report (00:31:46) Episode Wrap In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore remarkable discoveries that provide new insights into our solar system and beyond.Relics of the Outer Solar System Found on the MoonA groundbreaking study reveals that meteorites found on the Moon originated from the outer solar system. Researchers from t...
Published: Oct 29, 2025Duration: 33:06
Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit

S28E126 - Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit

(00:00:00) Near Miss and Cosmic Spectacles: Asteroids, Comets, and Space Junk in Earth's Orbit (00:00:46) Planet Earth experiences as asteroid near miss (00:02:58) Two green comets lighting up the night skies (00:07:31) Chinese space junk smashes into Western Australia (00:09:09) The Science Report (00:12:07) Skeptics guide to the magic healing Biomet (00:15:15) Show Wrap-up In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into a series of astonishing astronomical events that recently unfolded, including a near-miss asteroid and mesmerizing comets lighting up our night skies.Asteroid 2025 TF: A Close EncounterAn undetected asteroid, now designated 2025 T...
Published: Oct 28, 2025Duration: 16:24
Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History

S28E125 - Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History

In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest findings in Martian meteorology, delve into Earth's ancient tectonic activity, and prepare for humanity's return to the Moon.Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather PatternsA groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that wind speeds on Mars can reach up to 160 km/h, significantly higher than earlier estimates. Lead author Valentin U.H. Meckel from the University of Bern discusses how these powerful winds, along with dust devils, play a crucial role in shaping Mars' climate and dust distribution. This episode e...
Published: Oct 17, 2025Duration: 23:55