SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 16
In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into groundbreaking revelations about Europa's ice shell, explore new evidence for the existence of a potential Planet Nine, and discuss a significant advancement in quantum physics that challenges the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
Europa's Ice Shell Thickness Revealed
Data from NASA's Juno mission has provided the first insights into the thickness of Europa's icy crust, estimating it to be around 29 kilometers. This measurement comes from Juno's 2022 flyby, where the spacecraft utilized its microwave radiometer to analyze the moon's surface temperature and characteristics. The findings suggest that beneath this thick ice lies a global ocean of liquid water, potentially harboring the ingredients necessary for life. Understanding the ice shell's structure is crucial for future missions, including NASA's Europa Clipper, set to arrive in 2030.
The Case for Planet Nine
A new study published in Nature Astronomy presents fresh simulations suggesting that wide-orbit planets, like the hypothesized Planet Nine, could be a natural outcome of chaotic early planetary systems. Researchers found that during turbulent phases of stellar formation, planets can be flung into distant orbits rather than being ejected entirely. This work offers a 40% chance that a Planet Nine-like object exists, providing a promising avenue for future exploration as telescopes become more capable of surveying the distant solar system.
Advancements in Quantum Physics
In a remarkable breakthrough, physicists have demonstrated a method to sidestep the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, allowing for simultaneous precise measurements of a particle's position and momentum. This innovative approach, detailed in Science Advances, could pave the way for ultra-precise sensor technologies across various fields, including navigation and astronomy. The study redefines the boundaries of quantum measurement, offering new possibilities for scientific exploration.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Astronomy
Science Advances
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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 15
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover intriguing discoveries about Mercury's geological activity, NASA's innovative Dragonfly mission to Titan, and the environmental impacts of rocket fuel pollution.
Mercury's Surprising Streaks
A new study reveals bright streaks, or lineae, on Mercury's surface, suggesting the planet is not as geologically inactive as previously thought. Researchers from the University of Bern utilized machine learning to analyze over 100,000 images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, discovering that these streaks are likely caused by the outgassing of volatile materials from beneath Mercury's crust. This finding indicates ongoing geological processes and will be further explored by the BepiColombo mission, set to reach Mercury later this year.
NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan
NASA is developing the Dragonfly, a car-sized rotocopter designed to explore Saturn's moon Titan, which features methane and ethane lakes. Scheduled for launch in 2028, Dragonfly will utilize Titan's dense atmosphere to fly to various locations, examining environments that may harbor organic materials essential for life. The mission builds on the success of the Ingenuity rotocopter on Mars, with extensive testing underway to ensure optimal performance in Titan's unique conditions.
Rocket Fuel Pollution and the Ozone Layer
A recent study highlights the damaging effects of burning rocket fuels, such as kerosene, on Earth's ozone layer. The report indicates that the rapid growth of the rocket launch industry is exacerbating this issue, particularly affecting regions like Antarctica and parts of Australia. Researchers are calling for restrictions on the use of these fuels to mitigate environmental harm.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Nature Communications, Earth and Environment
Climate and Atmospheric Science
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Streaks on the surface of Mercury suggesting it's not quite dead yet
(00:11:13) Burning rocket fuel damages Earth's ozone layer, study finds
(00:12:28) A new study claims cyber attacks can spark intense social media discussions
(00:14:53) Apple bans anti woke Holly Valent song from iTunes in Australia
(00:16:39) Apple has now had hypertension notifications authorized by the TGN
(00:18:04) Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through bitesz. com

In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore new insights into the origins of Earth's water, groundbreaking discoveries beneath the surface of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, and how tectonic plate movements may have influenced Earth's climate throughout history.
New Clues on Earth's Water Origins
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that asteroid and comet impacts could only account for a small fraction of Earth's water supply. By analyzing oxygen isotopes in lunar regolith collected during the Apollo missions, researchers found that the early Earth likely retained little to no water during its formative years. This challenges long-held beliefs and suggests that the majority of Earth's water must have originated from other sources, rather than being delivered by celestial bodies.
Unprecedented Volcanic Activity on Io
NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured remarkable data on Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system. Observations from a December flyby revealed the most energetic eruption ever detected on Io, affecting a vast area of 65,000 square kilometers. The findings indicate that interconnected magma reservoirs beneath Io's surface are responsible for this extraordinary volcanic activity, providing new insights into the moon's geological dynamics and evolution.
Tectonic Plates and Earth's Climate
A new study suggests that carbon released from shifting tectonic plates may have played a significant role in Earth's climatic transitions, rather than volcanic activity as previously thought. Researchers reconstructed carbon movements over the last 540 million years, providing evidence that carbon emissions from mid-ocean ridges were the primary drivers of climate shifts between ice ages and warmer periods. This research reshapes our understanding of past climate dynamics and offers valuable insights for future climate models.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Journal of Geophysical Research Planets
Communications Earth and Environment
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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 13
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the hidden violent past of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, delve into the origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons, and explore how meteor impacts are triggering dust avalanches on Mars.
The Violent History of Sagittarius A
For years, Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, has been perceived as a quiet entity. However, new research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters indicates that it may have experienced dramatic flares in the past. Observations from the CRISM Space Telescope reveal X-ray emissions from a gas cloud near Sagittarius A, suggesting a history of explosive activity that alters our understanding of supermassive black hole evolution and the history of our galaxy.
Water Origins of Jupiter's Galilean Moons
A groundbreaking study has determined that the contrasting water content of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons was established during their formation rather than evolving later. This research sheds light on the stark differences between Io, which is dry and volcanically active, and Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that the primordial environment around Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping these moons' compositions.
Meteor Impacts Trigger Dust Avalanches on Mars
New evidence indicates that meteor impacts on Mars are causing dust avalanches, creating dark streaks on the planet's surface. An analysis of images from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals that these avalanches occur primarily due to dry processes, driven by seasonal dust and wind activity, rather than water-related phenomena. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian surface dynamics and the impact of meteor activity.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal Letters
Nature Communications
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Sagittarius A's hidden violent past revealed
(00:12:45) Origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons
(00:25:30) Meteor impacts causing dust avalanches on Mars
(00:35:00) February night sky highlights and celestial events.
(00:00:00) This is space time series 29, episode 13 for broadcast on 30 January 2026
(00:00:47) X ray emissions from the Crism Space Telescope suggest Sagittarius A flared
(00:07:59) A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts are creating Martian streaks
(00:10:22) February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars
(00:12:03) February's Orion meteor showers usually peak around February 8th
(00:22:18) Blue supergiant Rigel is the second brightest star in the constellation Orion
(00:31:08) Rygel: Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky
(00:35:09) February is a great time to look for bright stars in the night sky
(00:38:04) The night sky is sparse with the old planets at the moment

Sponsor Link:
This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 12
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries about Earth's mantle, the watery past of Mars, and the rapid growth of galaxies through cool gas filaments.
Distinct Histories of Earth’s Mantle Provinces
Recent research reveals that the two massive continent-sized regions deep within the Earth's mantle have unique chemical compositions and histories. This study challenges long-held assumptions and uses seismic wave data to illustrate how these large low velocity provinces differ in density and material, impacting the planet's heat extraction from the core and potentially affecting the stability of Earth's magnetic field.
Confirmation of Mars as a Blue Planet
New evidence from ancient Martian river deltas suggests that Mars was once covered by a vast ocean. High-resolution images reveal delta-like structures, indicating that water once flowed into an ocean approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery supports the notion of a once habitable environment on Mars, offering insights into its geological history and the potential for life.
Galaxies Growing Through Cool Gas Filaments
A fascinating new study has demonstrated how galaxies can rapidly grow by drawing in filaments of cool gas. Observations from the Keck Telescope's Cosmic Webb Imager provide direct evidence of these gas streams spiraling into galaxies, fueling star formation at unprecedented rates. This research offers significant insights into the processes of galaxy formation and the role of the cosmic web in shaping the universe.
www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
✍️ Episode References
Scientific Reports
MPJ Space Exploration
Nature Astronomy
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
(00:00:00) Distinct histories of Earth's mantle provinces
(00:12:15) Mars confirmed as a blue planet with ancient ocean
(00:25:30) Galaxies grow rapidly through cool gas filaments
(00:35:00) Discovery of the oldest known rock art in the world.