Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

In this episode, we embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos, uncovering the latest developments that are shaping our understanding of the universe. We begin with a significant update from low Earth orbit, where Starlink plans to lower its satellite constellation altitude to enhance space safety. This proactive measure aims to mitigate risks associated with space debris, showcasing responsibility in managing our crowded orbital environment. Next, we turn our attention to the Gaia Space Telescope, which has provided unprecedented insights into the formation of planets, detecting compelling evidence of planetary birth in 31 young stellar systems. This groundbreaking observation marks a shift from theoretical models to direct evidence of how solar systems like ours may have formed. We also discuss a remarkable achievement in the study of rogue planets, as astronomers successfully weighed one for the first time using microlensing techniques. This innovative approach not only measures the mass of the rogue planet but also reveals its distance from us, opening new avenues for understanding these elusive celestial bodies. Moving on to interstellar visitors, we explore the fascinating behavior of Comet 3I ATLAS, which has been releasing substantial amounts of water as it moves through space. This discovery indicates that the building blocks of planetary systems might be more common across the galaxy than previously thought. Looking ahead, we highlight the exciting prospects for 2026, with NASA's Artemis 2 mission set to return astronauts to the Moon, alongside advancements from the commercial sector, including new space stations and lunar landers. The upcoming Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope and China's Soontian telescope promise to revolutionize our view of the universe. Finally, we celebrate a major upgrade to the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, which will enhance its sensitivity and allow for clearer observations of the cold universe, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in cosmic history. Join us as we navigate these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest happenings from across the cosmos00:33 – **Starlink plans to adjust its satellite constellation in 2026 for space safety reasons02:49 – **Astronomers have successfully weighed a rogue planet for the first time03:52 – **Comet 3I ATLs is behaving similar to comets from our solar system05:03 – **2026 is shaping up to be an absolutely massive year for space exploration06:08 – **The Atacama Large Millimeter Submillimeter Array in Chile recently upgraded07:25 – **Astronomy Daily thanks you for listening to today's show### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA2. European Space Agency3. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: [email protected]: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we delve into the latest astronomical marvels and groundbreaking developments that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We kick off with an astonishing achievement by SpaceX, which has shattered its own launch record with 165 orbital flights in 2025, averaging a launch every 2.2 days. The Falcon 9 rocket has been the backbone of this success, while the next-generation Starship is also making strides towards becoming a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle.Next, we explore an innovative solution for cleaning up space junk, inspired by science fiction. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam that uses a focused electrostatic beam to attract and maneuver debris without physical contact, promising a safer method of orbital debris removal.Shifting our gaze beyond Earth, we discuss a recent search for alien signals from the interstellar object 3i Atlas. Despite initial excitement over potential technosignatures, the search yielded no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial technology, but it set a new standard for future investigations.We then dive into the burgeoning lunar resource race, where countries and companies are vying to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3. However, outdated international laws complicate this endeavor, prompting calls for a clearer framework to ensure responsible mining practices.As we look to the night sky, we highlight celestial events to watch for, including the brightest star, Sirius, and an upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 3rd. Jupiter will also be at opposition, shining brightly throughout the night, while Venus returns as the evening star.Finally, we unravel a cosmic mystery nearly a thousand years in the making regarding the supernova remnant PA30. Recent findings reveal it to be a failed type 1ax supernova, with a surviving white dwarf at its center emitting powerful winds that shape the nebula's unique structure.Join us for these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **This podcast features the latest in astronomy news from around the world00:32 – **In 2025, SpaceX successfully completed 165 orbital flights01:39 – **Researchers at Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam to clean up space junk02:54 – **Astronomers conducted a highly sensitive radio search on an interstellar visitor04:09 – **There's a growing and increasingly urgent international race to mine the moon05:36 – **There's plenty to see in the night sky as we head into 201906:43 – **Astronomers finally solve puzzle of supernova remnant known as PA3008:42 – **Until tomorrow, this has been Avery and Anna telling stories### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX2. University of Colorado Boulder3. NASA4. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: [email protected]: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos, exploring groundbreaking discoveries and developments that could reshape our understanding of the universe. We begin with a revelation about red giant stars, challenging long-held beliefs about how they spread life's essential elements across galaxies. New research on the star R Doradus suggests that powerful forces, rather than simple starlight pressure, are responsible for driving stellar winds, prompting a reconsideration of how galaxies are enriched.Next, we delve into the enigmatic world of hot Jupiters—gas giants that orbit perilously close to their stars. Recent studies indicate that many of these planets may have formed through a calmer process known as disk migration, providing insight into the evolution of planetary systems.Transitioning back to Earth, we provide a roundup of recent rocket launches, highlighting China's active role in space exploration and SpaceX's successful deployment of the CSG 3 satellite. As we shift our focus to Mars, we uncover the discovery of potential karst caves, which could harbor signs of ancient life, preserved from the planet's harsh surface conditions.We also celebrate the fourth anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing a stunning new video that offers an immersive tour of the cosmos, highlighting its remarkable contributions to astronomy. (https://youtu.be/lFiOZqyymUY?si=lOCkdIoMU5aRKuIB) Finally, we report on Iran's significant advancements in its space program, with the successful launch of three domestically built Earth observation satellites, marking a strategic collaboration with Russia.Join us as we traverse these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **This week's podcast features a look at how giant stars might spread life00:38 – **New study could rewrite our understanding of how stars seed the cosmos02:04 – **New research suggests 30 hot Jupiters likely formed through disk migration03:23 – **China has been particularly active with two recent launches04:12 – **Chinese researchers have identified eight potential karst caves on Mars05:27 – **The James Webb Space Telescope recently celebrated its fourth anniversary06:20 – **Iran successfully launched three of its domestically built earth observation satellites07:11 – **This is the last Astronomy Daily podcast of 2017### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA2. European Space Agency3. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: [email protected]: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we explore a diverse array of captivating stories from the far reaches of our solar system to pressing challenges in Earth's orbit. We kick off with a critical discussion on satellite disposal, weighing the merits of designing for demise versus non-demise as mega constellations like Starlink proliferate. The environmental implications of each approach are examined, highlighting the need for a sustainable solution.Next, we journey to the Kuiper Belt, where astronomers from Princeton University have uncovered a new structure known as the "inner kernel" of objects. This discovery challenges our understanding of the solar system's formation and reignites the search for the elusive Planet Nine.We then celebrate Rocket Lab's remarkable achievements over the past year, including 21 successful launches of their Electron rocket and the introduction of their innovative Neutron rocket, designed to compete with industry giants.As we mark the end of an era, we pay tribute to NASA's Terra satellite, which has provided invaluable data on Earth's climate and environment for 26 years.The James Webb Space Telescope surprises us with findings on the super Earth TOI561b, revealing it to be a dynamic volcanic world with a rich atmosphere, defying previous assumptions about such close proximity to its star.Finally, we delve into the unique business of space memorials with Celestis, which is set to launch its most ambitious mission yet—a permanent orbit around the sun for cremated remains and DNA, creating a man-made comet that will journey through the cosmos indefinitely.Join us as we unravel these intriguing stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Give us 10 minutes to give you the universe00:37 – **With mega constellations launching thousands of satellites, disposal of satellites is critical02:24 – **Scientists at Princeton University have found something new in the Kuiper Belt05:18 – **NASA's Terra satellite has been retired after 26 years of service06:12 – **The James Webb Telescope has turned its gaze to an exoplanet08:19 – **This week's Astronomy Daily features a variety of topics### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA2. Princeton University3. Rocket Lab4. Celestis5. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: [email protected]: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the cosmic events and scientific discoveries that await us in 2026. We kick off with an exciting preview of lunar exploration, as NASA's Artemis program prepares to send astronauts on a historic flyby of the Moon, alongside a fleet of robotic landers from various commercial companies, including Jeff Bezos's Blue Moon. Next, we highlight the total solar eclipse on August 12, which will cross the Arctic, as well as a ring of fire eclipse in Antarctica, making 2026 a year for eclipse chasers.Shifting our focus to the edge of our solar system, we discuss the latest findings from the Voyager probes, which have uncovered a "wall of fire" at the boundary of the heliosphere, challenging our understanding of solar and interstellar interactions. We also explore Russia's recent launch of the Abzor R1, a radar Earth observation satellite that enhances their surveillance capabilities, marking a significant step in their sovereign space program.In a discovery that feels like science fiction, scientists have detected interstellar tunnels—narrow structures of hot plasma extending from our solar bubble into the galaxy, possibly formed by ancient supernovae. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to our understanding of galactic structure.Finally, we examine the rapidly evolving commercial space race, with updates on China's reusable rocket initiatives and how companies like Stokespace and Relativity Space are transforming Florida's historic Space Coast into a hub for future launches. Join us as we explore these captivating stories and much more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news from across the cosmos00:43 – **2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for lunar exploration01:41 – **A total solar eclipse will cross over the Arctic on August 12th02:36 – **NASA's Voyager probes have detected a searingly hot region of space04:16 – **Russia launches new radar Earth observation satellite with huge strategic importance05:24 – **Scientists have detected narrow structures of hot plasma extending into the wider galaxy06:58 – **The reusable rocket race is heating up, and it's not just SpaceX08:22 – **Stokespace and Relativity Space are building out launch sites at Cape Canaveral09:40 – **This is the end of today's Astronomy Daily show### Sources & Further Reading1. NASA2. Roscosmos3. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: [email protected]: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.