SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

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Barred Spiral Discoveries and Spirit's Final Mission: A Cosmic Journey Unfolds Mar 10, 2026

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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 29 *Earliest known barred spiral galaxy Our Milky Way galaxy is known as a barred spiral, and debate continues on exactly how the bar section at the heart of these types of galaxies form and evolve. Now astronomers have discovered one of the earliest barred spiral galaxies ever seen. *Australia's SpIRIT satellite mission comes to an end After more than 25 months of successful operations in space, the University of Melbourne’s SpIRIT satellite mission has come to an end. *International Space Station to remain in orbit an additional two years International Space Station is now expected to remain in orbit for an additional two years extending its operational life to 2032. *The Science Report Climate is likely to see neutral El Ni?o/La Ni?a conditions until at least the middle of the year. New research into the mating habits between Neanderthals and modern human. The diverse range of foods eaten across Europe thousands of years ago. Skeptics guide to claims smoking cures cancer.
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Uranian Auroras and Planetary Defense: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries Mar 06, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary - Series 29 Episode 28
In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the groundbreaking mapping of Uranus's upper atmosphere, the European Space Agency's innovative Planetary Defense Fly Eye Telescope, and NASA's critical findings on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.
Mapping Uranus's Upper Atmosphere
A new study has successfully created a three-dimensional map of Uranus's upper atmosphere, revealing how the ice giant's unusual magnetic field influences its auroral activity. This detailed mapping, reported in Geophysical Research Letters, shows emissions from molecules located up to 5,000 kilometers above the cloud tops, confirming a cooling trend over the past 30 years. The research highlights the complex dynamics of Uranus's magnetosphere, which is tilted and offset, leading to unique auroral patterns unlike any other planet in our solar system.
ESA's Fly Eye Telescope for Planetary Defense
The European Space Agency is developing the Fly Eye Telescope, designed to detect Near Earth Objects (NEOs) that could pose a threat to Earth. Inspired by the compound eye of insects, this innovative telescope uses a unique design to scan vast areas of the sky efficiently, identifying potential impact risks. With plans for a network of these telescopes, ESA aims to enhance our capability to monitor and mitigate the dangers posed by asteroids and comets.
Nasa's Scathing Robert on Boeing's Starliner
NASA has released a critical report detailing the failures of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, highlighting engineering vulnerabilities and internal mistakes that jeopardized crew safety. The investigation found Starliner less reliable for crew survival compared to other manned spacecraft, leading to a recommendation that no further crewed flights occur until all technical issues are resolved. The report underscores the need for stringent oversight in space missions to ensure astronaut safety.
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✍️ Episode References
Geophysical Research Letters
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Supernova Countdown and Auroral Insights: The Cosmic Show Ahead Mar 04, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 27
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the potential explosion of a massive star, NASA's innovative mission to study Earth's auroras, and the latest setbacks for the Artemis 2 lunar mission.
Supernova on the Horizon
Astronomers are buzzing with excitement as WOHG 64, one of the largest stars known, shows signs of impending supernova activity. Located 163,000 light years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, this red supergiant is shedding its outer layers and transitioning toward its explosive end. With a luminosity 282,000 times that of the sun and an estimated size 1,500 times greater, WOHG 64's dramatic evolution raises questions about the lifecycle of massive stars and the nature of supernovae.
Nasa's CINEMA Mission to Study Auroras
NASA is set to launch the CINEMA mission in 2030, aiming to unravel the mysteries of Earth's auroras and the role of the magnetotail in their formation. This innovative mission will consist of nine small satellites designed to gather data on the dynamics of auroral activity and the magnetosphere. By combining particle measurements and imaging, CINEMA will provide insights into auroral substorms and their connection to explosive magnetic events, enhancing our understanding of space weather and its impact on technology.
Artemis 2 Mission Delayed
NASA has rolled back the Artemis 2 moon rocket into the vehicle assembly building due to issues with the helium system, further delaying the mission aimed at returning humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. This rollback follows earlier delays related to the liquid hydrogen fuel system and other minor technical issues. With the crewed mission now facing additional setbacks, NASA continues to work diligently to ensure a successful launch.
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✍️ Episode References
Nature Astronomy, PLOS ONE
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Lunar Delays and Hypersonic Breakthroughs: Exploring the Depths of Space Mar 02, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 26
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into NASA's postponed return to the lunar surface, a remarkable hypersonic test flight by an Australian company, and the fascinating hidden chemistry at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy.
Nasa's Lunar Return Delayed
NASA has announced a significant delay in its plans to return humans to the lunar surface, pushing the Artemis 4 mission to 2028. The upcoming Artemis 3 mission will focus on testing systems in low Earth orbit instead of conducting a lunar landing. NASA officials emphasize the need for a methodical approach to ensure the safety and success of future missions, including critical tests of lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. This strategic shift aims to facilitate at least one major lunar landing annually starting in 2028.
Successful Hypersonic Test Flight
An Australian scramjet has achieved a successful test flight, propelling the Dart hypersonic aircraft to speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. This milestone underscores the potential of scramjet technology, which utilizes a unique engine design without moving parts to achieve hypersonic speeds. The successful mission, launched from Rocket Lab’s Wallops Island facility, marks a significant step toward developing autonomous hypersonic vehicles capable of sustained flight and could pave the way for future space travel advancements.
Revealing the Milky Justin's Chemistry
Astronomers have captured the largest and most detailed image of the central region of the Milky Way galaxy, unveiling a complex network of filaments and cosmic gas. This groundbreaking observation, made possible by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), provides unprecedented insights into the processes of star formation in the galactic center. The study reveals the intricate chemistry of the central molecular zone, detecting various molecules and enhancing our understanding of star formation in extreme environments.
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✍️ Episode References
Scientific Reports, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
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Martian Gullies and Inside-Out Planets: Discoveries from the Cosmos Feb 27, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 25
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing mysteries of Mars' gullies, uncover a unique inside-out planetary system, and witness the inaugural launch of Europe's most powerful rocket.
Mysterious Martian Gullies Explained
Scientists have made significant strides in understanding the enigmatic gullies on Mars, previously thought to be shaped by unknown forces. A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that blocks of frozen carbon dioxide are the culprits behind these formations. When the Martian winter sets in, CO2 ice accumulates and, upon warming, sublimates, creating gas pressure that carves deep gullies in the Martian surface. This groundbreaking phenomenon, likened to the sandworms of Dune, showcases a unique geological process not observed on Earth.
Inside-Out Planetary System Discovery
Astronomers have identified a remarkable new planetary system, catalogued as LHS 1903, that defies conventional models of planetary formation. Unlike our solar system, which features rocky planets close to the star and gas giants further out, LHS 1903 has a small rocky planet orbiting outside of two gas giants. This discovery, detailed in Science, suggests that this rocky world may have formed in a gas-depleted environment, challenging existing theories about how planets evolve and raising questions about the nature of planetary systems.
Europe's Powerful Rocket Launch
The European Space Agency has successfully launched the Ariane 64, its most powerful rocket to date, from the Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. This inaugural mission, VA267, carried 32 satellites into orbit for Amazon's LEO network, marking a significant milestone as the largest number of satellites ever launched by an Ariane rocket. With plans for an average of 10 launches per year, the Ariane 64 is set to play a crucial role in the future of satellite deployment.
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✍️ Episode References
Geophysical Research Letters, Science
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The Birth of a Black Hole and Mars' New Navigation Feb 26, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 24
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover astonishing discoveries about the birth of black holes, a revolutionary Martian navigation system, and the arrival of NASA's SpaceX Crew 12 at the International Space Station.
The Birth of a Black Hole: A New Perspective
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing a star in the Andromeda Galaxy collapsing into a black hole without the expected supernova explosion. The star, catalogued as M31 2014 DS1, was seen glowing brightly in infrared light before fading away, leaving behind a dust shell. This event, which had been anticipated for decades, suggests that massive stars may collapse directly into black holes, challenging long-held assumptions about stellar deaths. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide new insights into the processes that govern black hole formation and indicate that such direct collapses may be more common than previously thought.
NASA's New Martian Navigation System
NASA has introduced an innovative navigation system for its Perseverance rover, allowing it to determine its location on Mars with remarkable precision—within 25 centimeters. The new technology, called Mars Global Localization, enables the rover to autonomously compare panoramic images with orbital terrain maps, eliminating the need for Earth-based assistance. This advancement significantly enhances the rover's ability to explore the Martian surface independently, paving the way for more extensive scientific investigations.
SpaceX Crew 12 Arrives at the ISS
NASA's SpaceX Crew 12 has successfully docked with the International Space Station, restoring the crew complement to seven members. The mission includes a diverse crew of two Americans, a Russian, and a French astronaut, who will conduct approximately 250 scientific experiments in orbit. Additionally, NASA has approved a sixth private mission to the ISS, slated for next year, which aims to support new research initiatives and infrastructure development for future human spaceflight missions.
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✍️ Episode References
Journal Science, NASA Reports
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Dark Matter Galaxies and Artemis Delays: Unraveling the Secrets of the Cosmos Feb 24, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 23
In this episode of SpaceTime, we investigate the discovery of a nearly invisible galaxy dominated by dark matter, the latest delays in the Artemis 2 mission to the Moon, and the anticipated launch of Australia's new hypersonic scramjet.
A Dark Matter Galaxy Unveiled
Astronomers have identified an almost invisible galaxy, catalogued as CDG2, located in the Perseus galaxy cluster approximately 300 million light years away. This galaxy is believed to be composed of about 99% dark matter, making it one of the most dark matter-dominated galaxies ever detected. The findings, published in Astrophysical Research Letters, reveal that dark matter constitutes roughly 80% of the universe's total matter, and CDG2's faint presence was confirmed through observations of its globular clusters using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Euclid Space Observatory.
Artemis 2 Mission Delayed Again
NASA has announced another delay for the Artemis 2 mission, which aims to return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over 50 years. A helium leak discovered in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's upper stage has prompted the agency to roll back the launch vehicle to the vehicle assembly building for repairs. This setback eliminates the potential for a March launch, with the next available windows opening in early April. The Artemis 2 mission will carry a crew of four on a 10-day journey to the Moon, including critical system tests and satellite deployments.
Australia's Hypersonic Scramjet Launch Imminent
An Australian company is set to test its new hypersonic scramjet-powered aircraft, the Dart AE, before the end of the month. This innovative vehicle will utilize a 3D printed Spartan Scramjet engine, designed to operate at speeds exceeding Mach 5 with liquid hydrogen fuel. The mission, codenamed Cassowary Vex, will launch aboard a Rocket Lab electron rocket and aims to validate the scramjet propulsion system under real hypersonic flight conditions while producing zero carbon emissions.
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✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Research Letters
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Primordial Black Holes and Saturn's Ring Origins: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries Feb 20, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 22
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the formation of the universe's most enigmatic objects, explore the origins of Saturn's iconic rings, and get updates on NASA's Artemis 2 mission.
Black Holes and Exotic Cosmic Structures
A groundbreaking study suggests that some of the universe's most exotic entities, including black holes and cannibal stars, may have formed just seconds after the Big Bang. Researchers from the International School of Advanced Studies propose that subatomic particles condensed into halos of matter, which then collapsed to create these fascinating cosmic structures. Their findings, published in Physical Review D, indicate that even in the earliest moments of the universe, complex physical phenomena were already taking shape, paving the way for our understanding of cosmic evolution.
The Formation of Saturn's Rings
New research proposes that Saturn's largest moon, Titan, may have formed from the collision of two older moons, potentially linking this event to the creation of Saturn's spectacular ring system. The study, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, utilizes computer simulations to explore the dynamics of Saturn's moons and their interactions, suggesting that Titan's merger could explain its unique orbit and the age of the rings, estimated to be around 100 million years.
NASA's Artemis 2 Mission Update
Following the recent scrubbing of the Artemis 2 launch due to hydrogen leaks, NASA has made significant repairs and is preparing for another attempt. Engineers have replaced seals in the mobile launcher's umbilical area and are conducting further testing to ensure the rocket's readiness. With multiple launch windows available in March, the Artemis 2 mission aims to test key systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, setting the stage for future lunar exploration and the eventual return of humans to the Moon.
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✍️ Episode References
Physical Review D, Planetary Science Journal
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Exploring Life's Potential on the Red Planet and Saturn's Tiny Moon Feb 18, 2026

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 21
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore intriguing revelations about the search for life on Mars, the surprising effects of Saturn's moon Enceladus on its planet, and the monumental volcanic events that reshaped Earth's tectonic landscape.
Life on Mars: A New Perspective
Recent findings suggest that non-biological processes cannot fully explain the organic compounds found in Martian regolith samples collected by NASA's Curiosity rover. Published in the journal Astrobiology, the study indicates that life may have contributed to some of these compounds, challenging previous assumptions. The research involved evaluating potential non-biological sources and concluded that the abundance of organics on Mars could hint at past life, sparking renewed interest in the Red Planet's potential habitability.
Enceladus' Electromagnetic Influence
A fascinating study reveals that Saturn's icy moon Enceladus trails a wake of electromagnetic ripples extending over half a million kilometers, significantly influencing its giant host planet. Data from NASA's Cassini mission demonstrated how Enceladus' geysers contribute to energy and momentum circulation within Saturn's magnetic environment, marking a crucial discovery about the moon's role in the Saturnian system.
Earth's Volcanic History
New research highlights how Earth's largest volcanic event, associated with the Ontong Java Plateau, dramatically altered a major tectonic plate. The findings suggest that extensive volcanic activity led to significant physiochemical modifications within the oceanic plate, enhancing our understanding of plate formation processes and the environmental impacts of such massive eruptions.
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✍️ Episode References
Astrobiology, Geophysical Research Space Physics, Geophysical Research Letters
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Earth's Core Secrets and Solar Neutrinos: Unveiling the Mysteries of Our Planet and the Sun Feb 17, 2026

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In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking research revealing the true composition of the Earth's core, explore new insights into solar neutrinos, and uncover the complexities of Martian volcanoes.
Earth's Core Contains Vast Hydrogen Reservoir
A recent study published in Nature Communications indicates that Earth's core may hold up to 45 oceans' worth of hydrogen, challenging the long-held belief that water on our planet primarily came from asteroids and comets. Utilizing advanced laboratory techniques, researchers simulated the extreme conditions of the core to uncover its surprising hydrogen content, suggesting a significant internal source of water far beyond previous estimates.
Neutrinos from the Sun's Core
A new dark matter experiment has successfully detected neutrinos originating from the Sun's core, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of these elusive particles. The LZ experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Facility captured signals from Brian 8 solar neutrinos, providing valuable data on solar processes and setting new limits for dark matter research. This breakthrough highlights the potential of neutrino studies in unraveling the mysteries of both dark matter and stellar dynamics.
Complexity of Martian Volcanoes
New findings published in Geology reveal that young Martian volcanoes are far more complex than previously thought. Researchers have discovered that these volcanoes were shaped by long-lasting and evolving magma systems rather than single eruptions. By analyzing surface features and mineral compositions from orbit, scientists have reconstructed the intricate eruptive history of these volcanic systems, shedding light on the Red Planet's geological past.
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✍️ Episode References
Nature Communications, Geology
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) New study reveals Earth's core may contain vast amounts of hydrogen
(00:08:30) Breakthrough in solar neutrino detection from the Sun's core
(00:16:45) Insights into the complex eruptive history of Martian volcanoes
(00:25:00) Science report: The link between caffeine consumption and reduced dementia risk
(00:32:15) Study on the frequency of passionate love experiences in humans

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