1
00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:03,040
Speaker 1: Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm your host Anna. Today we're

2
00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:06,519
diving into some exciting space and astronomy news. We'll explore

3
00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:10,320
a newly discovered planet orbiting our nearest stellar neighbor, investigate

4
00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:13,800
a SpaceX launch anomaly, examine lunar samples from the far

5
00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:17,239
side of the Moon, and unveil China's ambitious plans for

6
00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:20,280
future Moon missions. Stay tuned for these stories and more

7
00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:24,440
on today's episode of Astronomy Daily. Kicking things off today,

8
00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:28,640
some exciting news from the world of exoplanet discovery. Astronomers

9
00:00:28,719 --> 00:00:31,920
using the European Southern Observatory's very large telescope have made

10
00:00:31,920 --> 00:00:35,600
a groundbreaking find right in our cosmic backyard. They've detected

11
00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:38,759
a new planet orbiting Barnard Star, which is the closest

12
00:00:38,759 --> 00:00:41,600
single star to our Sun, just six light years away.

13
00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:45,799
This newly discovered exoplanet, dubbed Barnard B, is truly remarkable.

14
00:00:46,119 --> 00:00:48,799
It's one of the lowest mass exoplanets we've ever found,

15
00:00:49,079 --> 00:00:51,679
with at least half the mass of Venus. What's even

16
00:00:51,679 --> 00:00:55,280
more fascinating is its incredibly short orbital period. Barnard B

17
00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:57,439
whips around at star in just three point one five

18
00:00:57,479 --> 00:01:00,759
Earth days. To put that in perspective, a year on

19
00:01:00,799 --> 00:01:02,799
this planet is shorter than a week here on Earth.

20
00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:06,560
The planet's proximity to Barnard's Star means it's far too

21
00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:09,560
hot for liquid water to exist on its surface, with

22
00:01:09,680 --> 00:01:13,040
temperatures reaching around one hundred and twenty five degrees celsius.

23
00:01:13,519 --> 00:01:15,959
While this rules out the possibility of life as we

24
00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:19,200
know it, the discovery is still incredibly valuable for our

25
00:01:19,280 --> 00:01:23,000
understanding of planetary formation and the diversity of worlds in

26
00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:27,000
our galaxy. But the excitement doesn't stop there. The research

27
00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:30,200
team has also uncovered tantalizing hints of three more exoplanet

28
00:01:30,239 --> 00:01:33,959
candidates orbiting Barnard's Star. While these potential planets still need

29
00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:37,799
to be confirmed with additional observations, the discovery suggests that

30
00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:41,159
our cosmic backyard might be teeming with low mass planets

31
00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:44,719
we've yet to detect. This finding aligns with other recent

32
00:01:44,760 --> 00:01:49,000
discoveries like the planets around Proxima Centauri, painting a picture

33
00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:52,879
of a local galactic neighborhood bustling with planetary activity. It's

34
00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:56,359
a thrilling prospect that challenges our understanding of planetary formation

35
00:01:56,480 --> 00:02:00,000
and distribution in the universe. Let's move on to an

36
00:02:00,079 --> 00:02:01,840
update to a story we brought you a couple of

37
00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:06,239
days ago. In a recent development, the US Federal Aviation Administration,

38
00:02:06,519 --> 00:02:10,840
or FAA, has mandated an investigation into an anomaly that

39
00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:15,120
occurred during the SpaceX Crew nine mission launch. The issue

40
00:02:15,159 --> 00:02:18,439
arose after the Falcon nine rocket successfully deployed the Crew

41
00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:22,479
Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronaut Nick Haig and Russian cosmonaut

42
00:02:22,520 --> 00:02:26,879
Alexander Gorbanov towards the International Space Station. According to SpaceX,

43
00:02:26,919 --> 00:02:29,800
the Falcon nine's upper stage experienced what they termed an

44
00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:33,520
off nominal deorbit burn. This unexpected event resulted in the

45
00:02:33,560 --> 00:02:36,400
upper stage landing in the ocean outside of its designated

46
00:02:36,439 --> 00:02:40,159
disposal area. While the primary mission objective of delivering the

47
00:02:40,199 --> 00:02:44,080
astronauts to orbit was achieved, this deviation from the planned

48
00:02:44,120 --> 00:02:48,400
disposal procedure has raised concerns. The FAA has made it

49
00:02:48,439 --> 00:02:52,560
clear that this investigation is not optional, emphasizing the importance

50
00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:57,439
of understanding and addressing any irregularities in spaceflight operations. As

51
00:02:57,479 --> 00:03:01,000
space missions become more frequent, ensuring the safety and precision

52
00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:05,039
of every aspect of these launches is paramount. This pause

53
00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:08,199
in SpaceX launches could have significant ripple effects across their

54
00:03:08,199 --> 00:03:11,840
busy schedule. While the company investigates the upper stage anomaly,

55
00:03:12,319 --> 00:03:15,159
several high profile missions are now in a holding pattern,

56
00:03:15,639 --> 00:03:19,439
most notably NASA's Europa Clipper mission may face delays. This

57
00:03:19,520 --> 00:03:23,479
crucial mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa is currently slated

58
00:03:23,479 --> 00:03:26,639
for an October launch aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. Given

59
00:03:26,639 --> 00:03:29,719
that the Falcon Heavy uses the same upper stage as

60
00:03:29,719 --> 00:03:33,120
the Falcon nine, it's unclear if this launch will proceed

61
00:03:33,159 --> 00:03:37,080
as planned. SpaceX's typically rapid launch cadence means even a

62
00:03:37,080 --> 00:03:40,000
short delay could impact multiple missions. The length of this

63
00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:43,840
hiatus remains uncertain, leaving many in the space community eagerly

64
00:03:43,879 --> 00:03:48,199
awaiting updates on when launches might resume. Time now to

65
00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:51,000
visit our old friend, the Moon. Chinese scientists have made

66
00:03:51,000 --> 00:03:54,439
a significant breakthrough in lunar research with their analysis of

67
00:03:54,479 --> 00:03:56,960
the first ever samples collected from the far side of

68
00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:00,719
the Moon. These samples, brought back by the Changai six mission,

69
00:04:01,039 --> 00:04:03,840
are shedding new light on the Moon's evolution and the

70
00:04:03,879 --> 00:04:07,560
differences in volcanic activity between its near and far sides.

71
00:04:08,159 --> 00:04:12,159
The study, published in the National Science Review, reveals that

72
00:04:12,199 --> 00:04:15,560
the samples are a mixture of local basaltic material and

73
00:04:15,719 --> 00:04:18,600
non mare material from other parts of the Moon. This

74
00:04:18,639 --> 00:04:22,720
composition offers valuable insights into the lunar farsides's volcanic history

75
00:04:22,959 --> 00:04:26,600
and the composition of the lunar Highland crust. These findings

76
00:04:26,639 --> 00:04:30,000
are particularly exciting because they provide a unique perspective on

77
00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:34,199
the Moon's geological diversity. Until now, all lunar samples had

78
00:04:34,199 --> 00:04:37,560
come from the near side, leaving scientists with an incomplete

79
00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:41,680
picture of our celestial neighbour's history and composition. The Changai

80
00:04:41,759 --> 00:04:45,120
six samples are helping to fill in these gaps, potentially

81
00:04:45,199 --> 00:04:48,040
leading to new theories about the Moon's origin and evolution.

82
00:04:48,879 --> 00:04:51,720
They may even refine our understanding of how terrestrial planets

83
00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:55,560
in our Solar system developed. Now more exciting news to

84
00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:58,920
report today. First up, NASA's web Space Telescope has made

85
00:04:58,920 --> 00:05:02,879
an exciting discovery Karen, Pluto's largest moon. For the first time,

86
00:05:02,959 --> 00:05:06,240
scientists have detected traces of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide

87
00:05:06,279 --> 00:05:09,279
on its surface. This finding is significant because it gives

88
00:05:09,319 --> 00:05:11,920
us new insights into Karen's composition and how it may

89
00:05:11,920 --> 00:05:15,000
have formed. Previously, we knew that Karen's surface was covered

90
00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:18,279
in water ice thanks to observations from NASA's New Horizon

91
00:05:18,319 --> 00:05:22,759
spacecraft in twenty fifteen, but the Web telescope's advance capabilities

92
00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:25,480
have allowed us to see chemicals that were previously hidden

93
00:05:25,480 --> 00:05:28,920
from view. Scientists believe the hydrogen peroxide might have formed

94
00:05:28,959 --> 00:05:33,079
when radiation interacted with water molecules on Karen's surface. As

95
00:05:33,079 --> 00:05:35,279
for the carbon dioxide, it's thought that it could be

96
00:05:35,279 --> 00:05:39,279
emerging from beneath the surface, possibly due to impacts. This

97
00:05:39,319 --> 00:05:43,000
discovery is not just important for understanding Karen itself, it

98
00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:46,480
could also help scientists learn more about the formation and

99
00:05:46,560 --> 00:05:51,199
makeup of other distant moons and planets in our Solar system. Next,

100
00:05:51,319 --> 00:05:55,199
in a groundbreaking achievement, esay's Juice mission has captured the

101
00:05:55,199 --> 00:05:59,240
sharpest ever image of Earth's radiation belts. This remarkable feat

102
00:05:59,279 --> 00:06:03,160
occurred during the spacecraft's recent lunar earth flyby a crucial

103
00:06:03,160 --> 00:06:06,000
maneuver in its journey to Jupiter. The image was taken

104
00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:09,720
by NASA's Jenny instrument on board Juice, showcasing the power

105
00:06:09,759 --> 00:06:13,759
of international collaboration in space exploration. What makes this image

106
00:06:13,759 --> 00:06:17,720
truly special is its unparalleled clarity, revealing the vast ring

107
00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:21,360
of hot plasma encircling our planet in unprecedented detail. This

108
00:06:21,399 --> 00:06:24,480
accomplishment isn't just a pretty picture. It's a vital dry

109
00:06:24,560 --> 00:06:28,079
run for Juice's future observations of Jupiter. The data gathered

110
00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:31,199
during this flyby will help scientists fine tune their instruments

111
00:06:31,199 --> 00:06:35,000
and strategies for studying the complex magnetosphere of the gas giant.

112
00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:39,199
The success of this imaging test has sparked excitement among researchers,

113
00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:41,959
who are now even more eager to see what Juice

114
00:06:41,959 --> 00:06:45,040
will reveal when it reaches Jupiter in twenty thirty one.

115
00:06:45,319 --> 00:06:47,600
It's a promising sign that we're on track to uncover

116
00:06:47,680 --> 00:06:51,759
new secrets about our Solar System's largest planet. Finally, today,

117
00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:54,639
China has taken a significant step forward in its lunar

118
00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:58,279
exploration ambitions by unveiling its new moon landing space suit.

119
00:06:58,800 --> 00:07:02,639
The design, which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese armour, was

120
00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:06,240
showcased in a recent ceremony in Chongqing. This cutting edge

121
00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:10,000
suit is tailored specifically for China's planned lunar missions, set

122
00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:13,759
to commence by twenty thirty. The spacesuit's design beautifully merges

123
00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:18,439
functionality with cultural heritage. It features a rugged and resolute appearance,

124
00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:23,680
reminiscent of ancient Chinese armour, while incorporating modern elements like ribbons,

125
00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:27,800
a staple in Chinese spacesuit design. During the demonstration, a

126
00:07:27,839 --> 00:07:31,800
technician put the suit through its paces showcasing its flexibility

127
00:07:31,800 --> 00:07:34,639
and range of motion, even climbing ladder rungs with ease.

128
00:07:35,199 --> 00:07:37,720
This new lunar suit is an evolution of China's Facian

129
00:07:37,759 --> 00:07:41,920
spacesuit used for low Earth orbit missions. Unlike its predecessor,

130
00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:44,839
the moon landing suit is designed to be lightweight and flexible,

131
00:07:45,240 --> 00:07:47,839
catering to the unique demands of a low gravity environment.

132
00:07:48,279 --> 00:07:50,959
It allows for a wider range of movements, including squatting

133
00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:55,279
and bending, crucial for lunar surface activities. The suit's advanced

134
00:07:55,319 --> 00:07:59,120
features include a protective fabric to shield against extreme temperatures

135
00:07:59,120 --> 00:08:03,439
and lunar dust, a panoramic glareproof visor, and side mounted

136
00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:07,120
cameras for video recording. A multifunctional control console on the

137
00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:11,199
chest enhances operational efficiency. As China races to join the

138
00:08:11,240 --> 00:08:14,839
select group of nations capable of crude lunar missions, this

139
00:08:14,959 --> 00:08:20,120
spacesuit unveiling marks a significant milestone in their space exploration journey.

140
00:08:21,240 --> 00:08:24,240
And that wraps up our cosmic journey for today. I'm Anna,

141
00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:27,519
your host for Astronomy Daily. If you're hungry for more

142
00:08:27,519 --> 00:08:30,480
space and astronomy news, head over to our website at

143
00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:34,039
Astronomy Daily dot io. There you can sign up for

144
00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:36,440
our free daily newsletter and catch up on all the

145
00:08:36,519 --> 00:08:40,360
latest stories with our constantly updating newsfeed. You'll also find

146
00:08:40,399 --> 00:08:43,480
all our past episodes available for listening. Don't forget to

147
00:08:43,480 --> 00:08:45,960
connect with us on social media too, Just search for

148
00:08:46,000 --> 00:08:49,279
astro Daily Pod on Facebook, x, YouTube, and TikTok. Thanks

149
00:08:49,320 --> 00:09:02,440
for tuning in and keep looking upday Star. The story

150
00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:11,120
is the Soul. Store is the Soul.