The Daily Space

Plants Successfully Grown in Lunar Soil May 13, 2022

Using a mere twelve grams of lunar soil returned by the Apollo missions, scientists have successfully grown plants in the lab. With a wealth of genetic data on hand, they can now analyze the changes to the plants and the soil. Plus, stellar cannibalism, a black hole merger, brown dwarfs, water on Mars, and a review of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”.

Event Horizon Telescope Releases First Image of Sgr A* May 13, 2022

In an early morning announcement, the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration finally revealed their first image of Sgr A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. We have a special episode entirely about this amazing new image and the science behind it. And this week’s What’s Up is a total lunar eclipse.

Found: Metal-rich Star. Parents Being Sought. May 11, 2022

A ninth-magnitude star in our neighborhood of the Milky Way has been found to contain 65 different elements, including large proportions of heavier elements like gold. This star required either a supernova or a neutron star merger to form. Plus, another solar flare, a strong marsquake, cosmic rays, cookies, and this week in rocket history, we look back at STS-82 (84).

Active Black Hole’s Surge in Brightness Due to Magnetic Flip May 11, 2022

A luminous black hole already classified as an active galactic nucleus brightened suddenly in recent ground and space observations, and the cause may be due to a sudden flip in the magnetic poles. Plus, community science, rockets, Ingenuity, and an interview with Dr. Cathy Weitz from Planetary Science Institute.

Hubble Discovers Star Hidden by Companion’s Supernova May 06, 2022

Data from the Hubble Space Telescope has determined that the newly discovered companion of a star that went supernova had its outer hydrogen layer siphoned off before the explosion. The results support the theory that massive stars generally form and evolve as binary systems. Plus, rocks from space, Crew-4 comes home, searching for life beyond Earth, and another Canon lens review.

Newly Found ‘Black Widow’ Binary Has Third Companion May 05, 2022

The flash of a pulsar about 3,000 light-years from our solar system was caused by a ‘black widow’ binary consuming a smaller star. Intriguingly, a third companion star is orbiting the pair, which may have originated near the Milky Way’s center. Plus, the Sun is ramping up, Chandra releases more sonification videos, and this week’s What’s Up is all about occultations.

May the Fourth Be With You May 04, 2022

On this May 4th, all of us here at CosmoQuest would like to say, “May the Fourth be with you.” Today we are proud to announce our third annual CosmoQuest-a-Con: Rockin’ with Rockets and Robots, a celebration of science and creativity. This year’s virtual event is going to be October 21-23, and we are going to offer 42 hours of programming, bringing you guests, contests, cosplay, a community Minecraft build, and more. Learn more and get tickets at cosmoquest.org

Differences Fall Away Like Sand on Titan May 04, 2022

Using spherical grains called ooids, found on Earth in shallow, tropical waters, scientists have found a possible mechanism for the formation of hydrocarbon sand on Titan. Plus, rocket launches, Jupiter and Mars, space explosions, and this week in rocket history, we look back at Britain’s Ariel satellite program.

Thirty Comets Spotted Orbiting Alien Star Apr 29, 2022

Using data from TESS, a new paper presents evidence for the discovery of thirty potential comets orbiting in the Beta Pictoris system. Plus, astrobiology research, water on the Moon, solar system formation, and a review of “The Adam Project” starring Ryan Reynolds.

Martian Volcanoes Once Chose Violence Apr 28, 2022

An analysis of images taken by the Spirit rover of olivine-rich rocks in Gustev crater has revealed a much more violent volcanic origin than originally thought and one that likely occurred early in Mars’s history. Plus, balloon science, more Mars, more volcanoes, pretty Hubble images, and What’s Up (a supernova!).

Stellar Death Just Got More Lit Apr 27, 2022

Remember that new object COW, named for a strange supernova? We’ve seen four more of these Fast Blue Optical Transits, and new research may even have figured out just how and why they occur. Plus, Crew-4 launches, a bunch of planetary science news, micronovae, and this week in rocket history, we look back at the San Marco program.

New Fossil Data Shows Cascadia’s Dangers Apr 26, 2022

An analysis of sediment core samples taken at the Salmon River Estuary in Oregon provides evidence that the massive 1700 Cascadia earthquake caused 15 meters of slip along the shoreline, which lead to over a meter of coastal subsidence. Plus, all the rocket launches, a few mission updates, making Mars bricks with urea, and an interview with Maggie Thompson from UC Santa Cruz about using methane as a biosignature.

Seafloor Spreading Slowing Globally Apr 15, 2022

An analysis of the relative movements of 18 tectonic ridges over the past 19 million years finds that the rate of seafloor spreading has dropped by about 40% on average globally. Plus, stars are getting naked, climate change is heating things up, and we review “Impact: How Rocks from Space Led to Life, Culture, and Donkey Kong” by Greg Brennecka.

Earlier Bacterial Life May Have Formed Far Earlier Than Thought Apr 15, 2022

An analysis of microscopic features in rocks from the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt in Quebec, Canada, which date back between 3.75 and 4.28 billion years, finds evidence of possible microbial life. Plus, a supermassive black hole precursor, temperatures on Neptune, check-ins with various spacecraft, and our weekly What’s Up segment.

An In-Depth Look at Recent Mars Science And Exploration Apr 14, 2022

A new paper looks at marsquakes and what is causing them, which turns out to be magma moving. And Curiosity has found rocks it needs to go around. Then there is the weather on Mars. Plus, lunar formation, a giant comet, and this week in rocket history, we look back at Apollo 13.

New Analysis Reveals W Boson Particle Far Heavier Than Expected Apr 13, 2022

Despite being shut down a decade ago, the Collider Detector at Fermilab provided enormous amounts of data, some of which have recently been re-analyzed, leading to the discovery that the W boson is actually more massive than calculations and predictions expected. Plus, another JWST update, the newest most distant galaxy, gravitational waves, and an interview with Dr. Kelsi Singer about cryovolcanoes on Pluto.

Climate Change Affects the Birds and the Bees Apr 06, 2022

From plastics invading the Arctic Ocean to the changing morphology of birds in response to rising temperatures and the problems with pathogens killing off pollinators like bees, we examine some of the effects of climate change on Earth’s ecosystems. Plus, Ganymede, moonlight, solar cells, and this week in rocket history, we look back at STS-83.

Protoplanet Image Supports Alternate Formation Theory Apr 05, 2022

In a joint discovery announced by the Subaru and Hubble telescopes, researchers have captured images of a gas giant protoplanet whose distant formation supports the disk instability theory. Plus, galaxies, more galaxies, a couple of rocket launches, and updates on JWST and SLS.

Ice Mounds Abound in Martian Craters Mar 31, 2022

An analysis of the thickness and the shapes of the ice mounds of Martian craters found that the patterns matched Mars’ axial tilt and precession over the last 4 to 5 million years. Plus, Europa, faint galaxies, What’s Up, and a review of an entire camera.

Hubble Finds Farthest Star Ever Spotted Mar 30, 2022

Researchers pouring through high-resolution Hubble images of galaxy clusters have found the gravitationally magnified light of a star that was shining just four billion years after the Big Bang, making this bright star the new record holder for the farthest ever spotted. Plus, some launches, ice volcanoes on Pluto, melting Arctic ice, and this week in rocket history, we look back at INSAT.

How Atmospheric Methane Could Be a Sign of Life Mar 29, 2022

Join us as we take a deep dive into the history of atmospheric methane on Mars and Titan, how that methane could be a sign of life, and what methane means for future missions and science. Plus, a planetary nebula, a supernova, ancient helium, and a couple of rockets.

More From ESA’s Gaia: Weird White Dwarf News Mar 25, 2022

Researchers use data from ESA’s Gaia telescope to discover that white dwarf stars have two different distributions both in how they move and how bright they shine. Plus, all the International Space Station news, simulated JWST observations, and a review of a macro lens from Venus Optics.

ESA’s Gaia Observatory Dates Milky Way’s Evolution Mar 24, 2022

Stellar formation and evolution data collected from ESA’s Gaia telescope has allowed scientists to create a timeline of the evolution of our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Plus, an ancient ice age, sound on Mars, a new exoplanet, and What’s Up.

Rubble Pile Asteroids May Be Extinct Comets Mar 23, 2022

After detecting high levels of organic matter using remote sensors at the asteroid Ryugu, numerical models show that it’s possible that rubble pile asteroids are actually extinct comets. Plus, the Cosmic Optical Background, Enceladus’s tiger stripes, and this week in rocket history, we look back at STS-45.

Earth’s Climate Proves More Resilient Than Thought Mar 22, 2022

Computer models of the effects of an eruption event similar to the Columbia River Flood Basalt show that, despite massive injections of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, Earth’s climate rebounded much more quickly than expected. Plus, ORCs, lunar swirls, exoplanets, and diamonds.

Long-Awaited Rollout of the First Space Launch System Mar 19, 2022

The first SLS was rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) High Bay 3 on the Crawler Transporter on March 17, 2022, and is the first lunar rocket to emerge from the VAB since Apollo 17’s Saturn V in 1972. Plus, an asteroid impact, some climate change, ancient volcanoes, spring on Mars, and a new Deep Space Network dish.

Using the Moon to Detect Time-Space Changes Mar 17, 2022

Scientists propose using changes in the distance from the Earth to the Moon and measured by lasers as a way to detect the phenomenon of gravitational waves. Plus, JWST is working, ExoMars is at risk, and in this week’s What’s Up, we learn about looking for zodiacal light.

Several Kepler Planets Turn Out to be Small Stars Mar 16, 2022

Using updated stellar measurements based on new data from the Gaia mission, three (and possibly four) Kepler exoplanets are actually small stars, but it’s unlikely new calculations will reveal many more such issues. Plus, Ingenuity, astronauts, permafrost, and This Week in Rocket History, we look back at STS-3 and the first use of the Canadarm.

Earthquakes Can Affect Plate Tectonics in a Feedback Loop Mar 15, 2022

Researchers studying GPS data collected from the 1999 İzmit earthquake in Turkey found that the quake changed the movement of the plate, and this effect may be possible for other tectonic plates. Plus, more pretty images, starspots merging, melting Arctic sea ice, and minerals on Mars.

Magnetic Fields Help Find Ocean Worlds Mar 11, 2022

Researchers have determined how to effectively measure the magnetic fields at Neptune to determine if any of the moons are ocean worlds… in just twelve minutes. Plus, lasers recreate galaxy cluster conditions, some mind-bending new math, how the Earth’s crust developed, and a look at the long history of Daylight Saving Time.

Science of the Weird: Black Holes, Astronaut Blood, and Alligators Mar 10, 2022

Today’s science stories run the gamut of the strange and the weird, with several black holes, the effects of space on astronaut blood cells, and how alligator mating dances added to solar science. Plus, this week’s What’s Up helps you choose binoculars for sky gazing.

Happy 20th Birthday to Hubble’s ACS Instrument Mar 09, 2022

The Advanced Camera for Surveys instrument onboard the Hubble Space Telescope is celebrating twenty years of service this week. Plus, a new look at an old lunar rock, gas rings around an aging star, all the rockets from around the world, and this week in rocket history, we look back at the 1962 Orbiting Solar Observatory, led by Nancy Grace Roman.

Special Edition: Space Science and the Russia-Ukraine War Mar 05, 2022

Today we’re going to discuss the repercussions to space science of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some people may find this subject upsetting, and if you need to skip this episode, we understand. We’re going to take a look at Roscosmos and how space corporations and nations are imposing sanctions that impact how, when, and what we send to space.

Climate Change - Tsunami, Arctic Sea Ice, and Rising Temperatures Mar 03, 2022

In the latest climate change news, ancient underwater landslides could help us understand tsunami risks in the Middle East, NASA now has a ‘Vanilla’ ice drone to study the Arctic, and lake temperatures are rising. Plus, we bring you joy with this week’s What’s Up and a review of Starlight Cok

Pretty Pictures, Strange Exoplanets, and a New GOES Satellite Mar 03, 2022

To bring some joy into a fraught world, we have rounded up a few of the latest image releases of star mergers and galaxies to brighten your day. Plus, we’ll look at a few strange exoplanetary systems and their amazing science, talk about the latest GOES satellite to launch, and this week in rocket history is all about Envisat.

Black Holes, Fast Radio Bursts, Dinosaurs and Rockets Mar 02, 2022

As we return from our mini-break, we bring you some highlights of stories that happened while we were away, including black holes spiraling toward each other, the possible origin of a fast radio burst, and more information on the demise of the dinosaurs. Plus, Erik Madaus brings us updates on quite a few rocket launches.

Lasers, Life, and Looking at Cosmonaut Brains Feb 18, 2022

Do you want lasers? I want lasers! And today’s show features lots of lasers. We also have more questions than answers about Mars’ methane, misbehaving stars, and new research on how we would look for the early signs of life on other worlds. Plus, a study on how spaceflight impacts the human brain.

Science is the same, every where, every when Feb 17, 2022

The science that dictates our planet is the exact same physics that affects our entire universe. Trying to understand everything around us is just as simple as taking into account all the forces and factors that interact to make everything we see.

Theory and Observation combine to update galaxies and stars Feb 17, 2022

Today our view on the universe gets itself an update thanks to the combined efforts of theorists and observers. From new understanding of how galaxies can lose their darkmatter, to how white dwarfs can be resurrected into Helium burning stars, we have the weird, the wonderful… and in the case of a new lunar tracking system, we even have a touch of the mundane.

Space Junk Hitting the Moon is not From SpaceX Feb 15, 2022

Observers tracking a piece of space debris that is expected to impact the far side of the Moon early in March have now corrected the origin of the object, which isn’t from SpaceX but is from a Chinese Long March 3B involved in the Chang’e 5TI mission. Plus, asteroid 16 Pysche, craters in Wyoming, more launches, and an interview with Katharine Hesse from the TESS mission.

Old Falcon 9 Stage Reenters Over Mexico Feb 14, 2022

The second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket launched in 2017 re-entered the atmosphere over Mexico, breaking up and creating a show of fiery lights in the sky. Plus, dead stars with possibly living planets, more on moon formation, more launches, more launch failures, and a review of “The Apollo Murders” by Chris Hadfield.

Distant Galaxies Found Lifeless Within Ancient Cluster Feb 10, 2022

Defying expectations, an ultramassive galaxy and many of its cluster companions had already formed most of their stars and become inactive only two billion years after the beginning of the universe. Plus, the nightside of Venus, a new exoplanet for Proxima Centauri, and What’s Up.

Latest Batch of Starlink Satellites Doomed by Solar Storm Feb 09, 2022

SpaceX launched another 49 Starlink satellites last week, but a geomagnetic storm caused by solar activity kept the satellites offline, and 40 of them failed to reach their final orbits after exiting safe mode. They are now deorbiting and breaking up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Plus, asteroid systems, Eta Carina, and this week in rocket history, we look back at Mir Expedition 2.

Mars Could Have Supported Life Longer Than Thought Feb 08, 2022

A NASA-funded simulation of early Mars revealed that the climate three billion years ago on the red planet was very similar to Earth now, with a stable ocean in the northern hemisphere. This new timeline would have given life another 500 million years to develop. Plus, a dwarf galaxy, Saturn’s aurorae, a Soyuz launch, and an interview with Dr. Adam Szabo, mission scientist for the Parker Solar Probe.

Moons May Be Beneficial to Life Beyond Earth Feb 05, 2022

New simulations find that to form a moon with a similar size ratio to our own system, certain types of planets are needed. And that type of moon-planet system could then be beneficial to the rise of life on the planet. Plus, a Starlink launch, puffy planets, and training astronauts underwater for spacewalks.

Rising Oxygen Levels of Past Earth May Help in Search for Life Feb 04, 2022

Scientists analyzed iron-rich sedimentary rocks and estimated the amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere when those rocks formed, finding low levels of oxygen and giving insight into a potential biosignature for life beyond Earth. Plus, controlling robots from space, a SpaceX launch, and this week’s What’s Up.

Indigenous North American Stories Point to Comet Explosion Feb 02, 2022

By collecting and analyzing stories from a variety of indigenous cultures in North America, researchers find evidence for a mid-air explosion of a comet or asteroid, similar to the Tunguska event. Plus, a new Trojan for Earth, volcanoes and dinosaurs, ancient Mexican cacao groves, and this week in rocket history is Lunar Orbiter 3.

SpaceX Launches Italian Radar Satellite Feb 01, 2022

After several weather-related (and one cruise ship-related) delays, SpaceX finally launched the COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation Flight 2 (CSG-2) satellite for the Italian government. Plus, some beautiful images to start your week and an interview with Dr. Núria Miret-Roig about free-floating planets.

Early Mars Volcanoes Could Have Been Habitable to Microbes Jan 28, 2022

A research team studying the Poás volcano in Costa Rica, a potential analog for early Mars conditions, finds microbes surviving in extremely harsh conditions. Plus, table-top matter-antimatter experiments, an exoplanet’s complex atmosphere, and how snails and squirrels can help us understand space.

Newly Discovered Bright Transient Radio Source is a Mystery Jan 27, 2022

Scientists using the Murchison Widefield Array in Australia recently discovered an extremely bright source of radio waves, releasing bursts of energy three times an hour. That timing makes the object behave unlike anything else seen to date, leaving the research team with a new mystery to unravel. Plus, everything else is about water today, all over the solar system, and we present this week’s What’s Up segment.

Origin of Earth’s Water: A New Hypothesis Has Entered the Chat Jan 26, 2022

For decades, scientists have been trying to work out just how the Earth got all its water, and the prevailing theory was that comets and asteroids brought it, and we have evidence for that mechanic; however, a new hypothesis has provided evidence that the water was already here, locked away in hydrous minerals in a very iron-poor core. Plus, magnetic fields, subatomic particles, life on the ocean floor, a geology mystery solved, and this week in rocket history covers a space shuttle mission with some really neat science.

The Curious Case of the Brown Dwarfs at 14 Herculis Jan 26, 2022

A dynamical analysis of the 14 Herculis system has revealed the existence of two brown dwarf planets orbiting in completely misaligned, eccentric orbits. The study also uncovered the possibility of a third brown dwarf that was ejected from the system. Plus, weird ice in Chicago, the ongoing debate about liquid water on Mars, one rocket goes up while a capsule comes down, and we interview Dr. Knicole Colon from the JWST mission.

Gemini South Observes Young, Meandering Stellar Jets Jan 21, 2022

The Gemini South Observatory, using adaptive optics, has captured stunning new images of meandering stellar jets. The sidewinding appearance is likely caused by gravitational influences of nearby companion stars. Plus, exoplanet news and a review of a Canon lens.

An In-Depth Look at the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption Jan 20, 2022

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in the Kingdom of Tonga erupted on January 15, and despite communications being cut off, government officials and scientists have gathered a wealth of information about the event and its outcome so far. Plus, urban heat islands, volcanic lightning, and What’s Up.

Carbon Molecules on Mars Open New Mystery Jan 19, 2022

NASA’s Curiosity rover has discovered carbon isotopes on Mars which are usually caused by the degradation of biological methane, leading scientists to examine other potential reasons for the molecules. Plus, more Starlink satellites, their impact on observing, and This Week in Rocket History.

Milky Way’s Stellar Streams Highlight Dark Matter Jan 19, 2022

Recent observations of twelve different stellar streams around the Milky Way have revealed the effects of dark matter, similar to how lights on a Christmas Tree reveal the shape of the tree in dark. Plus, globular clusters, volcanoes, and an interview with Dr. Cathy Olkin from the Southwest Research Institute’s Lucy mission.

Another Possible Exomoon Discovered Jan 14, 2022

Researchers have potentially found a Neptune-sized exomoon orbiting a Jupiter-sized planet in a system with a Sun-like star, making it the second such potential exomoon discovered to date. Plus, rocket launches, This Week in Rocket History, and What’s Up.

China Lander Detects Water on the Moon Jan 11, 2022

China’s Chang’e-5 lunar lander has made the first in situ detection of water on the Moon, using reflectance spectroscopy from the surface of our natural satellite. Plus, all the news from the AAS virtual press conferences, including black holes and galaxies.

Over 70 Free-Floating Planets Discovered in Region of Milky Way Jan 08, 2022

Scientists examined over 80,000 images from large telescopes and their sensitive instruments and found over 70 free-floating planets with the possibility for even more. Plus, a red giant supernova, new images of the Flame Nebula, and a review of Netflix’s “Don’t Look Up”.

JWST and the 30 Days of Terror Jan 07, 2022

With the successful launch of the JWST, the focus turns to the complicated process of unfurling the sunshield and unfolding the mirror. We’ll look at just where NASA is in the process and how much farther we have to go before first light. Plus, Earth and supernovae, and in this week’s What’s Up, we look forward to 2022’s astronomy events.

Rocket Roundup for January 5, 2022 Jan 05, 2022

The Rocket Roundup team takes a look back at the rockets that launched in 2021, with a review of the statistics and some highlights (including that one telescope that could have ruined Christmas).

A Look Back at Our Favorite 2021 Stories Jan 05, 2022

Dr. Pamela and Beth each picked their three favorite stories from 2021, including news from Mars and Pluto and about distant comets and undead white dwarf stars. Plus, we interview Dr. Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History about citizen science, exoplanets, and JWST.

Rocket Roundup for December 22, 2021 Dec 22, 2021

This week on Rocket Roundup, we have all the Falcon 9 launches! And another Kuaizhou 1A launch failure to wrap up the year. Plus, we look back at the origins of NORAD’s Santa Tracker.

JWST Launch Still Scheduled for Christmas Eve Dec 21, 2021

Dr. Pamela takes a deep dive into her feelings about the JWST, its pending launch, and just what the telescope means to the astronomical community. Plus, general relativity is still true, a huge filament of gas in the Milky Way, and we interview Hamed Valizadegan, project lead for ExoMiner.

Sublimating Nitrogen Responsible for Pluto’s Icy Polygons Dec 17, 2021

New models of sublimating nitrogen show that the process creates enough heat to drive the formation and texture of the polygons in Sputnik Planitia. Plus, black holes, star formation, and an interview with Dr. Jonathan McDowell, orbital police.

Massive Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica at Risk of Collapse Dec 16, 2021

A team of scientists collected cores and modeled ice cliff failure and found that Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is melting more quickly than ever and could be at risk of collapse, threatening global coastlines with almost a meter of sea level rise. Plus, new results from Percy, and this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for December 15, 2021 Dec 15, 2021

On Rocket Roundup, launches include the latest from Rocket Lab, a Blue Origin crewed launch, several Chinese launches, and a pair of Russian communication satellites. Plus, this week in rocket history, we look back at Apollo 17.

New, Deep Images of Milky Way’s Black Hole Show Stars Moving Dec 14, 2021

Using the ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer, scientists have obtained the deepest and sharpest images of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way. They tracked the orbits of stars and were able to more precisely measure the mass of the black hole. Plus, new ways to research meteors, and a review of a Peak Design camera anchor system.

Overlooked Exoplanet Found by Citizen Scientists Dec 10, 2021

Using data provided by the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen science project, volunteers found a possible large planet or brown dwarf orbiting its star at a distance of more than 1,600 astronomical units. Plus, NASA launches the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, and we review Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

Q-balls Knock Matter Into Dominance Over Antimatter After Big Bang Dec 09, 2021

Researchers hypothesize that blobs in post-Big Bang fields of energy, known as Q-balls, could explain how matter came to dominate over antimatter in our Universe, and they plan to use gravitational waves to find their evidence. Plus, a crewed launch to the ISS features Japanese tourists, NASA selects the latest astronaut class, and What’s Up is the Geminids.

Rocket Roundup for December 8, 2021 Dec 08, 2021

In this week’s Rocket Roundup, we have more Starlink, European navigation satellites, a Chinese company launching to orbit again, a large U.S. government satellite, and a sounding rocket from Sweden. Plus, this week in rocket history, we look back at Little Joe 2.

40 Hours of Observations Finds No Dark Matter in Galaxy AGC 114905 Dec 07, 2021

Astronomers using the Very Large Array in New Mexico spent 40 hours observing galaxy AGC 114905, which seemed to have little to no dark matter in 2019 observations. The new evidence shows there is no dark matter in the galaxy at all. Plus, more Hubble and JWST updates, an eclipse over Antarctica, and an interview with Dr. Franck Marchis about citizen science.

Lightweight Mars-sized Planet Found in TESS Data Dec 04, 2021

A Mars-sized planet was found just 31 light-years away, orbiting its star every eight hours and having 55 percent the mass of the Earth, leading scientists to conclude it’s mostly made of an iron-nickel core. Plus, water on Earth, a huge comet, and a review of a Canon lens.

Earth’s Orbital Changes Possibly Influenced Biologic Evolution Dec 02, 2021

An analysis of over 9 million samples of coccoliths whose ages span several million years has led scientists to conclude that changes in Earth’s orbit may have influenced changes in the size and shape of the microscopic algae. Plus, Europe contemplates geologic threats, and a comet is in this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for December 1, 2021 Dec 01, 2021

During this jam-packed episode of Rocket Roundup, we attempt to cover several Chinese launches, a few SpaceX launches, NASA’s DART mission to hit an asteroid, and Russia’s launch of a military satellite. Plus, this week in rocket history, we look back at Pioneer 10’s encounter with Jupiter.

301 Exoplanets Added to Kepler Mission’s Total via Deep Learning Nov 30, 2021

Using a new deep neural network called ExoMiner, scientists have added 301 new exoplanets to the Kepler mission’s already enormous total of 4,569 confirmed planets. Plus, another gravitational lens, updates on Hubble and JWST, how InSight mapped Mars’ inner structure, an ultrahot Jupiter, and rockets. Yup. Rockets.

Science is part of society Nov 19, 2021

We can't ignore the world we live in, and today we have a special message that reflects on the news around us.

ALMA Data Helps Confirm Mechanism Behind Gas Stripping of Galaxies Nov 18, 2021

A new research project called the Virgo Environment Traced in Carbon Monoxide Survey (VERTICO) used data collected by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to understand just what is stripping star-forming gases out of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. Plus, calderas, a mass extinction, and this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for November 17, 2021 Nov 17, 2021

On this week’s Rocket Roundup, SpaceX launches NASA astronauts and more Starlink satellites, and Arianespace launches military satellites for France. Plus, this week in rocket history we look back at the only launch of the Soviet Space Shuttle, Buran.

Quasi-satellite of Earth has Lunar-like Material Nov 16, 2021

After five years of observations, researchers have found that the quasi-satellite Kamo’oalewa, which currently orbits the Earth, is similar to a lunar sample collected during the Apollo 14 mission. Plus, Russia blows up a satellite, TESS finds a circumbinary planet, and we interview Dr. Gail Christeson of the University of Texas, Austin, about mapping Chicxulub crater.

2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics Nov 16, 2021

The Decadal Survey was released earlier this month, and we take a look at some of the recommendations. Plus, this week’s What’s Up and a review of the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 lens.

Rocket Roundup for November 10, 2021 Nov 10, 2021

Rocket Roundup includes two long-delayed Chinese launches that finally go up along with another surprise Chinese launch and Russia launches a space station resupply. Plus, this week in rocket history, we look back at the first ISS expedition.

Hubble Working Again, Landsat 9 Releases Images, Crew 2 Returns Nov 09, 2021

After a bit of a scare, the aging Hubble Space Telescope has once again resumed its science operations with the ACS instrument brought back online. Plus, Landsat 9 released its first images and the Crew 2 Dragon splashed down safely. Then we interview Dr. Rosanne Di Stefano from the Center for Astrophysics about the potential discovery of the first extragalactic planet.

Astronomers Discover 63 Galaxies in Protocluster Oct 29, 2021

Astronomers researching the G237 protocluster find 63 galaxies within, all producing stars and more galaxies at a high rate, acting as a “shipyard” for their region of the cosmos. Plus, Juno looks inside Jupiter’s cloud bands and a review of “Invasion” on AppleTV+

Atmospheric Composition of Distant Hot Jupiter Measured Oct 28, 2021

Scientists have measured the composition of the hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-77Ab using an instrument at the Gemini South observatory as the first step in creating a catalog of exoplanetary atmospheres. Plus, looking for ocean worlds and this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for October 27, 2021 Oct 27, 2021

This week on Rocket Roundup, we cover a little bit of everything: French, Chinese, and Japanese rockets launch satellites into orbit, and South Korea attempts the first launch of their homemade Nuri rocket but fails to put its payload into orbit. This week in rocket history, we look back at the first Chinese crewed spaceflight, Shenzhou 5.

Searching for Planets: New Mission Goes Rogue; Possible Extragalactic Planet Found Oct 26, 2021

A proposed mission called the Contemporaneous LEnsing Parallax and Autonomous TRansient Assay, or CLEoPATRA, seeks to work with the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope to find rogue planets not orbiting any star. Meanwhile, a possible planet has been discovered in the Whirlpool Galaxy and could be the first planet found outside the Milky Way. Plus, an interview with Dr. Margaret Meixner, Director of Science Mission Operations for the SOFIA telescope.

Early Universe Star Formation Came in Bursts Oct 21, 2021

Researchers looked at lensed galaxy systems, searched for nearby analogs to those distant systems, and found that in general, the systems showed signs of bingeing star formation and then quiet lulls. Plus, using tree rings to track Arctic ice changes, and this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for October 20, 2021 Oct 21, 2021

This week, our Rocket Roundup includes crewed space flights from the U.S. and China, Russia launches more satellites for OneWeb, and NASA launches the Lucy spacecraft to visit asteroids near Jupiter. Plus, this week in rocket history, we look back at the launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn.

News Roundup: A Post-Hiatus Look at Stories We Missed Oct 19, 2021

Today we whirl through some of the stories that happened last week while we were on hiatus, including pretty images of two galaxies merging and a lovely supernova, as well as news about moons Europa and Titan. Plus, we interview Dr. Julie Rathbun, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute.

Perseverance Images Confirm Jezero Crater as Ancient Lake Oct 08, 2021

A newly completed analysis of Perseverance’s first images from Mars finds that the landing site, Jezero Crater, was really a lake that was fed by a river, with sedimentary layers, flash floods, and strewn boulders. Plus, Central African biomass burning, Arctic permafrost melting, and we look at jewelry that celebrates upcoming missions.

Moon Rock Samples Show Signs of Late Volcanism Oct 07, 2021

An analysis of the most recent sample taken from the Moon and returned by the Chang’e-5 mission shows that the basaltic rock is about two billions years old. This age implies a previously unknown heat source in the region. Plus, how plants and animals record climate change, and this week’s What’s Up.

Rocket Roundup for October 6, 2021 Oct 06, 2021

On this week’s Rocket Roundup: the latest crewed Soyuz launch, MS-19; a Cargo Dragon brings back science for NASA; and a JPL robot competes in a DARPA competition. Plus, this week in rocket history, we cover the grandparent of them all - Sputnik 1.

Pluto’s Atmosphere Freezing Out as Pluto Moves Away Oct 05, 2021

Scientists analyzed the results of a stellar occultation when Pluto passed in front of a distant star and found that Pluto’s atmosphere is freezing to the surface as the planet moves away from the Sun. Plus, an interview with Dr. Kat Volk regarding Transneptunian space and the possibility of Planet 9.

Climate Change: Oxygen, Dinosaurs, Ice, and Earth Oct 01, 2021

From the Great Oxidation Event to how Earth is dimming, we look at a selection of stories about how climate changes have affected the Earth in the distant past, the recent past, and the current time. Plus, we review an app called MeteorActive.

Large Comet Discovered; Won’t Get Past Jupiter Sep 30, 2021

From the Great Oxidation Event to how Earth is dimming, we look at a selection of stories about how climate changes have affected the Earth in the distant past, the recent past, and the current time. Plus, we review an app called MeteorActive.

Rocket Roundup for September 29th, 2021 Sep 29, 2021

For Rocket Roundup, we have the latest in a long series of US weather satellites, a Chinese remote sensing satellite on a small rocket’s return to flight, and another secret Chinese satellite launched into an unusual orbit. Plus, this week in rocket history we look back at the first competition flight of SpaceShipOne.

Cosmic Billiards Leads to Inner Planetary Growth Sep 28, 2021

The inner solar system was a wild and wooly place as the planets were forming, and new research shows that the collisions that formed Earth and Venus were likely of the hit-and-run variety. Plus, polar ice loss warps the planet, and a black hole eats a star.

Clouds Detected on Exoplanet WASP-127b Sep 24, 2021

Using data from the Hubble Telescope and the ESO’s Very Large Telescope in Chile, a team of scientists have successfully detected clouds on an exoplanet and even measured their altitude. Plus, fossil evidence of humans’ arrival in North America and a review of the first episode of “Foundation” on Apple TV+.

Six Early, Massive, “Dead” Galaxies Found in Hubble Data Sep 23, 2021

While searching for objects deep in the universe’s history, at about three billion years of age, researchers found six massive but “dead” galaxies in Hubble and ALMA data, a strange finding for a time period known for prolific star birth. Plus, planetary science from the EPSC2021 conference and this week’s What’s Up.

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