SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 08 Origins of Fast Radio Bursts Unveiled Astronomers have pinpointed the source of fast radio bursts, specifically linking them to magnetars, a type of highly magnetic neutron star. This breakthrough, reported in Nature, was achieved by analysing the scintillation of FRB2022 1022A, indicating its proximity to a magnetar within 10,000 kilometres. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious phenomenon, suggesting that all fast radio bursts might originate from similarly extreme environments. Lunar Water's Terrestrial Origins A groundbreaking study reveals that much o ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 07 Dark Matter's Role in Milky Way's Stellar Streams New research suggests that dark matter may have influenced the formation of the GD-1 stellar stream in the Milky Way. A study in the Astrophysical Journal Letters proposes that a core-collapsing, self-interacting dark matter subhalo could explain the unusual spur and gap features observed in the stream. This finding could deepen our understanding of dark matter's properties and its influence on the universe. Sun's Triple Solar Flare Eruption The Sun has unleashed three significant X-class solar flares in a single ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 06 Formation of Pluto-Charon Binary System A new study reveals that the formation of the Pluto-Charon dwarf planet binary system may mirror that of the Earth-Moon system. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that both systems feature a secondary body significantly large in comparison to the primary, unlike other moons in our solar system. The findings could explain Pluto's active geology and potential subsurface ocean, highlighting the significance of giant impacts in shaping planetary bodies. BepiColombo's Final Mercury Flyby The BepiColombo space ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 05 Volcanic Activity on Mars New research suggests recent volcanic activity on Mars, with eruptions possibly occurring within the last 50,000 years. This discovery, based on satellite observations, highlights a mysterious dark deposit in Elysium Planitia, indicating explosive volcanism. The findings could mean Mars is still volcanically active, raising possibilities of habitable conditions due to interactions between magma and icy substrates. Mysteries of Supernova 1987A Astronomers using the Murchison Wide Field Array have been delving into the enigmatic Supernova ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 04 Challenging the Existence of Dark Energy A groundbreaking study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand is challenging the long-held belief in dark energy, suggesting that the universe's expansion might not require this enigmatic force. The research proposes the "timescape" model, which accounts for variations in cosmic expansion rates by considering differences in gravitational time dilation. This model could potentially resolve some of the universe's biggest mysteries, including the Hubble tension, by suggesting that dark energy is simply a misinterpre ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 03 Parker Solar Probe's Historic Journey NASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the fastest man-made object, surviving a record-breaking close approach to the Sun's surface. The probe, travelling at an unprecedented speed of 155,520 kilometres per hour, flew just 6.1 million kilometres above the Sun, providing invaluable data to help scientists understand the Sun's impacts on the solar system, including Earth. This mission marks a significant achievement in space exploration, shedding light on the Sun's mysterious processes and aiding in the search f ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 02 Liquid Water on Mars: A Mirage? A new study casts doubt on the existence of liquid water on Mars, challenging previous assumptions about recurring slope lineae and the potential for brine pools. Researchers argue that the Martian environment's low temperature and pressure make it unlikely for liquid water to exist, even in the form of salty brines. The findings question the habitability of the Red Planet by Earth standards. New Asteroids Discovered NASA's Webb Space Telescope has identified a new population of small main belt asteroids between Mars and Jupiter. T ..read more

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 01 Webb Telescope Confirms Hubble Tension The James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the Hubble Tension, challenging the current understanding of cosmic theory. New observations reveal that the Universe is expanding faster now than during its early years, suggesting gaps in our understanding of cosmic physics. The study, led by Adam Rees and Thomas Barber, confirms the accuracy of Hubble's measurements, pointing to unknown factors in the Universe's expansion. Liquid Erosion on Asteroid Vesta A new hypothesis proposes that liquids could have carved out gullies on t ..read more

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 157 NASA's Parker Solar Probe Touches the Sun NASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history by becoming the first spacecraft to touch the Sun. The probe, weighing 685 kilogrammes, flew within 6.1 million kilometres of the solar surface, achieving unprecedented speeds of over 692 kilometres per hour. This milestone marks a significant step in understanding solar phenomena and space weather, with implications for forecasting geomagnetic storms. Moon's Volcanic Past Unveiled New samples from China's Chang'e 6 mission to the Moon's far side reveal volcanic activity as rece ..read more

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 156 Superflares: A Century-Long Threat? A new study warns of the potential for our Sun to unleash superflares, with the threat estimated at once per century. These massive eruptions could engulf the Earth, challenging our understanding of solar behaviour. Evidence from other sun-like stars suggests that such violent solar events may be more common than previously thought, urging caution as we continue to study these phenomena. Binary Star Discovery Near Galactic Core Astronomers have identified the first binary star system near Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black ..read more