March 1, 2025 • 14 mins
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E52
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into the latest challenges and exciting developments in space exploration. From NASA's lunar missions facing technical difficulties to the thrilling prospects of new commercial space stations, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you informed and engaged with the cosmos.
Highlights:
- NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin Spacecraft Challenges: Join us as we discuss the recent communication issues faced by NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and the Astroforge's Odin spacecraft following their launch. Learn about the critical maneuvers ahead for Lunar Trailblazer and the potential hurdles Odin must overcome to reach its target asteroid.
- SpaceX's Starship Test Flight Update: Get the latest on SpaceX's upcoming eighth Starship test flight, now approved by the FAA. We explore the objectives of this mission, including the deployment of Mach Starlink satellites and the ambitious plans for Earth orbit.
- Health Insights from the International Space Station: Discover surprising findings about the health implications of the ultra-clean environment aboard the ISS. We discuss how microbial diversity may play a crucial role in astronaut health and the potential for future space habitats.
- Axiom Space's Independent Space Station Plans: Hear about Axiom Space's revised timeline to establish its own commercial space station, potentially breaking free from the ISS by 2028. We examine the implications of this shift for the future of low Earth orbit operations and commercial space activities.
- Alpha Centauri's Cosmic Visitors: Uncover new research suggesting that our closest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, may be sending comets and asteroids into our solar system. This fascinating insight highlights the interconnectedness of our cosmic environment.
- March Skywatching Guide: Prepare for an exciting month of celestial events! We provide tips on spotting Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and the highly anticipated total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, along with other notable astronomical occurrences.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
00:00 - Welcome back to Astronomy Daily
01:05 - NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin challenges
12:15 - SpaceX's Starship test flight update
18:00 - Health insights from the ISS
22:30 - Axiom Space's independent station plans
27:00 - Alpha Centauri's cosmic visitors
32:00 - March skywatching guide
✍️ Episode References
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)
SpaceX Starship Updates
[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)
International Space Station Research
[NASA ISS](https://www.nasa.gov/iss)
Axiom Space Information
[Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com)
Alpha Centauri Research
[University of Western Ontario](https://www.uwo.ca)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io)
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into the latest challenges and exciting developments in space exploration. From NASA's lunar missions facing technical difficulties to the thrilling prospects of new commercial space stations, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you informed and engaged with the cosmos.
Highlights:
- NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin Spacecraft Challenges: Join us as we discuss the recent communication issues faced by NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and the Astroforge's Odin spacecraft following their launch. Learn about the critical maneuvers ahead for Lunar Trailblazer and the potential hurdles Odin must overcome to reach its target asteroid.
- SpaceX's Starship Test Flight Update: Get the latest on SpaceX's upcoming eighth Starship test flight, now approved by the FAA. We explore the objectives of this mission, including the deployment of Mach Starlink satellites and the ambitious plans for Earth orbit.
- Health Insights from the International Space Station: Discover surprising findings about the health implications of the ultra-clean environment aboard the ISS. We discuss how microbial diversity may play a crucial role in astronaut health and the potential for future space habitats.
- Axiom Space's Independent Space Station Plans: Hear about Axiom Space's revised timeline to establish its own commercial space station, potentially breaking free from the ISS by 2028. We examine the implications of this shift for the future of low Earth orbit operations and commercial space activities.
- Alpha Centauri's Cosmic Visitors: Uncover new research suggesting that our closest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, may be sending comets and asteroids into our solar system. This fascinating insight highlights the interconnectedness of our cosmic environment.
- March Skywatching Guide: Prepare for an exciting month of celestial events! We provide tips on spotting Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and the highly anticipated total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, along with other notable astronomical occurrences.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
00:00 - Welcome back to Astronomy Daily
01:05 - NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and Odin challenges
12:15 - SpaceX's Starship test flight update
18:00 - Health insights from the ISS
22:30 - Axiom Space's independent station plans
27:00 - Alpha Centauri's cosmic visitors
32:00 - March skywatching guide
✍️ Episode References
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)
SpaceX Starship Updates
[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)
International Space Station Research
[NASA ISS](https://www.nasa.gov/iss)
Axiom Space Information
[Axiom Space](https://www.axiomspace.com)
Alpha Centauri Research
[University of Western Ontario](https://www.uwo.ca)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io)
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm your host, Anna, and we've
got a busy show today, exploring the latest developments in
space exploration and astronomy. From technical challenges facing newly launched
spacecraft to groundbreaking plans for the future of space stations,
We're covering it all today. We'll dive into the recent
troubles faced by NASA's lunar Trailblazer and the Odin spacecraft
(00:21):
following their launch, and we'll get you up to speed
on SpaceX's latest approval for their next Starship test flight.
We've also got fascinating new research about life aboard the
International Space Station that might surprise you, and some exciting
updates about Axiom Space's ambitious plans to create their own
commercial space station. But that's not all. We've got some
truly cosmic news about our closest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri,
(00:45):
and how it might be sending us some interstellar visitors.
And for all you skywatchers out there, we'll wrap up
with a guide to what you can spot in the
March night sky, including some spectacular celestial events you won't
want to miss, So stick around as we explore these
stories and more. Right here on Astronomy Daily, let's get started.
Two spacecraft launched as part of the recent IM two
(01:07):
lunar mission are experiencing significant challenges. NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and
the startup Astroforge's Odin spacecraft are both facing communication issues
after their deployment from the Falcon nine rocket. The Lunar
Trailblazer initially powered up and started transmitting as planned, but
about twelve hours after launch, NASA lost all communication with
(01:28):
the spacecraft. While contact was eventually restored, the team has
detected concerning intermittent power system issues. Controllers are now working
to fully restore commanding capabilities and develop solutions for these
power problems. This is particularly crucial as the Lunar Trailblazer
has some time sensitive maneuvers ahead. The spacecraft needs to
(01:50):
perform two trajectory corrections before a lunarflyby scheduled for March third,
followed by another fly by in May. If all goes
according to plan, it should enter orbit in July, where
it will begin its two year mission mapping water on
the Moon's surface. Meanwhile, Astroforge's Odin spacecraft, designed to investigate
metallic asteroids, is facing its own set of challenges. While
(02:13):
the team is receiving carrier signals from the spacecraft, they
haven't been able to get any telemetry data. This has
left them in a difficult position. They know the spacecraft
is alive, but they can't get detailed information about its status.
The company is exploring several possible explanations, including ground network,
hardware problems, and potential interference issues. There's also a possibility
(02:36):
that ODIN might be in an uncontrolled tumble, though recent
data suggests this is unlikely. Time is of the essence
for ODIN as well, without intervention from the ground. The
spacecraft is programmed to perform an automatic burn about six
and a half days after launch to set it on
course for its target asteroid. However, even slight position errors
(02:57):
could make tracking the spacecraft extremely challenging. On a more
positive note, the third ride share spacecraft from the launch,
Epic Aerospace's Chimera orbital transfer vehicle, is reported to be
healthy and operating normally. The primary mission vehicle, Intuitive Machines
IM two Lunar Lander, is also an excellent condition as
(03:17):
it continues its journey toward a planned March sixth moon landing.
Next up, a Starship launch update. SpaceX has just received
the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration for their
eighth Starship test flight, scheduled for Monday evening, March third.
The launch window opens at six thirty pm Eastern Time
(03:37):
from their Starbase facility in South Texas. This approval comes
as SpaceX is still investigating what went wrong during Flight
seven back in January. While that mission achieved a significant
milestone by successfully catching the super heavy booster using the
launch tower's mechanical arms, it ended prematurely when the upper
stage experienced a propellant leak and exploded over the La
(04:00):
Atlantic Ocean. The FAA has determined that SpaceX can proceed
with Flight eight while the investigation into January's mishap continues.
They've confirmed that the company has met all the necessary safety, environmental,
and licensing requirements for this suborbital test flight. For flight eight,
(04:21):
SpaceX is aiming to replicate the successful booster catch while
pushing the envelope further with the upper stage. The spacecraft
will attempt a nearly complete orbit around Earth before splashing
down in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia.
One of the interesting aspects of this upcoming flight is
the payload test. The upper stage will carry four mock
(04:42):
Starlink satellites, which it will attempt to deploy during its
suborbital journey. This is fewer than the ten dummy satellites
carried during Flight seven, which never got the chance to
be deployed due to the premature end of that mission.
This test flight represents another crucial step in SpaceX's AMBITI
development of the Starship system, which they envision as the
(05:04):
future workhorse for both deep space exploration and point to
point travel on Earth. Each flight provides valuable data and experience,
helping to refine and improve the world's largest and most
powerful rocket system. Here's some fascinating news about life aboard
the International Space Station, and it turns out that being
(05:24):
too clean might actually be a problem. A new study
suggests that the ultrasterile environment of the ISS could be
contributing to various health issues astronauts experience, from persistent skin
rashes to allergies and immune system problems. Scientists from the
University of California, San Diego have been analyzing over eight
(05:45):
hundred surface samples from different areas of the space station.
What they found was that the extensive use of cleaning
products and disinfectants might be creating an environment that's actually
too clean for optimal human health. The research revealed that
most of the microbes present on the iss come from
human skin, with different areas showing distinct microbial communities based
(06:07):
on their function. The dining areas had more food related microbes,
while the bathroom unsurprisingly had its own unique bacterial signature.
What's notably missing are the kind of beneficial microbes we
normally encounter on Earth from soil and water. This sterile
environment more closely resembles what we see in highly industrialized
(06:27):
spaces like hospitals, rather than the diverse microbial environment humans
evolved alongside. The scientists suggest that future space habitats might
benefit from intentionally cultivating a more diverse microbial ecosystem, essentially
making them a bit dirtier in a controlled way. They're
even proposing some interesting solutions, like using probiotic based cleaning
(06:48):
methods instead of harsh chemical disinfectants. This could help create
a healthier balance while still maintaining necessary cleanliness standards. It's
a crucial consideration as we plan for longer duration space
missions and eventual permanent settlements beyond Earth. The findings highlight
an important point about human space exploration. We can't just
take a small slice of Earth's ecosystem with us into space.
(07:12):
We need to think carefully about recreating the complete environmental
conditions that help humans thrive, right down to the microscopic level.
Next up, in some exciting news about the future of
commercial space stations, Axiom Space is revising its timeline to
establish an independent space station, and it's happening sooner than
initially planned. The company, working closely with NASA, has announced
(07:36):
they could have their station break free from the International
Space Station as early as twenty twenty eight. This accelerated
timeline comes with a significant change to their assembly sequence.
Instead of starting with their habitat one module as originally planned,
Axiom will first launch what they're calling the payload, Power
and Thermal module. This strategic shift will allow them to
(07:59):
a stat lablish independent operations more quickly. Once the station
achieves its free flying status, Axiom will continue building out
the facility, adding their planned habitat modules, an airlock, and
a dedicated research and manufacturing facility. This methodical approach ensures
they can maintain continuous operations while expanding their capabilities. The
(08:21):
revised plan has been carefully coordinated with NASA to ensure
a smooth transition in low Earth orbit operations. It's particularly
important as we approach the planned retirement of the International
Space Station around twenty thirty. NASA sees this as a
crucial step in maintaining their continuous presence in low Earth orbit.
This development is part of a broader strategy by NASA
(08:44):
to support multiple commercial space stations through various partnerships. The
agency is essentially fostering a new economic ecosystem in low
Earth orbit where commercial operators can provide services to both
government and private customers. Looking at the bigger picture, accelerated
timeline for Axiom Station represents a significant milestone in the
(09:04):
commercialization of space. It's not just about replacing the ISS,
It's about expanding human presence in space and creating new
opportunities for scientific research, manufacturing, and commercial activities in microgravity.
Don't you just hate it when your neighbors turn out
to be well, not quite as they seemed. Our nearest
(09:25):
stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, appears to be sharing more with
us than just its distant twinkle. New research suggests this
triple star system, located just four point three light years away,
is likely sending a steady stream of comets and asteroids
into our Solar System, and might even be responsible for
some of the meteors we see in our night sky.
(09:45):
According to calculations by astronomers Cole greg and Paul Wiegert
from the University of Western Ontario, if Alpha Centauri has
an ort cloud similar to our suns, approximately one million
objects larger than a football field from that system could
currently be traveling through our Solar System. Most of these
objects would be lurking in the outer reaches, well beyond
(10:06):
Pluto's orbit, mixing with our own ort cloud objects. The
mechanism behind this cosmic exchange is similar to how Jupiter's
gravity helped launch our Voyager spacecraft into interstellar space. The
stars of Alpha Centauri and their planets act like cosmic slingshots,
occasionally throwing their comets and asteroids onto trajectories that bring
(10:26):
them into our neighborhood. While most of these visitors stay
in the distant parts of our Solar System, some of
the smaller particles make it all the way to Earth.
The researchers estimate that up to ten meteors worldwide each
year might originate from Alpha Centauri. This number could increase
tenfold when Alpha Centauri makes its closest approach to our
Solar System about twenty eight thousand years from now, when
(10:50):
it will come within three point two light years of Earth.
This research reminds us that our Solar System isn't an
isolated island in space. We're connected to our stelef neighbors
through a constant exchange of material that's been ongoing for
billions of years. Even though we've only officially detected two
interstellar visitors so far, this study suggests there might be
(11:11):
many more out there silently passing through our cosmic backyard. Now,
for those of you who like to look up into
the sky, March promises to be an exciting month for skywatchers,
with several captivating celestial events on display. Early in the month,
Venus will be visible low in the western sky after sunset,
though it will gradually sink lower as the days progress,
(11:33):
eventually becoming difficult to spot by mid month in the
glow of twilight. Jupiter will command attention high in the
western sky after dark, staying visible until about one am
while Mars takes the eastern stage after sunset and remains
visible until the early morning hours. For those eager to
spot the elusive mercury, the first week and a half
(11:55):
of March offers an excellent opportunity, particularly for observers in
the northern hemisphere. Look for it beneath Venus for about
thirty minutes each evening as sunset fades. The best viewing
window will be from March seventh through ninth, approximately thirty
minutes after sunset. You'll want to find a clear view
of the western horizon away from buildings in trees. A
(12:17):
large open field or shoreline can provide ideal viewing conditions
for catching this fleet footed planet. The month's headline event
is undoubtedly the total lunar eclipse, occurring overnight on March
thirteenth into the fourteenth. During this spectacular show, we'll watch
as our moon transforms into a deep crimson orb over
several hours. This celestial phenomenon occurs as the Moon passes
(12:40):
through Earth's shadow, first appearing to have a bite taken
from one side before being completely enveloped in that characteristic
red glow. This reddish color comes from all of Earth's
sunrises and sunsets being projected onto the lunar surface at once.
For those interested in lunar phases, March fourteenth brings us
a full moon all the month concludes with a new
(13:01):
moon on the twenty ninth. This new moon phase, when
the moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, offers
excellent opportunities for observing faint celestial objects typically washed out
by moonlight, making it an ideal time for stargazing and astrophotography.
And that wraps up another fascinating day of space exploration
and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and I want to thank
(13:24):
you for joining me here on Astronomy Daily. From spacecraft
challenges to groundbreaking research about the ISS microbiome, and from
Axiom's ambitious space station plans to the exciting skywatching opportunities ahead,
we've covered quite a bit of cosmic territory today. If
you've enjoyed today's episode, I encourage you to visit our
website at Astronomy Daily dot io, where you can find
(13:46):
all our past episodes and subscribe to the podcast on
your preferred platform, whether that's Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube music.
We've made it easy to never miss an episode and
stay up to date with all the late developments in
space exploration and astronomy, and don't forget to join our
growing community on social media. You can find us as
(14:07):
Astro Daily Pod on Facebook, x YouTube, YouTube, music, Tumblr,
and TikTok, where we share additional content, breaking news, and
engage with our wonderful community of space enthusiasts. Until next time,
keep looking up and wondering about our magnificent universe. This
has been Astronomy Daily and I'm anna signing off Star
(14:38):
Star
Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm your host, Anna, and we've
got a busy show today, exploring the latest developments in
space exploration and astronomy. From technical challenges facing newly launched
spacecraft to groundbreaking plans for the future of space stations,
We're covering it all today. We'll dive into the recent
troubles faced by NASA's lunar Trailblazer and the Odin spacecraft
(00:21):
following their launch, and we'll get you up to speed
on SpaceX's latest approval for their next Starship test flight.
We've also got fascinating new research about life aboard the
International Space Station that might surprise you, and some exciting
updates about Axiom Space's ambitious plans to create their own
commercial space station. But that's not all. We've got some
truly cosmic news about our closest stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri,
(00:45):
and how it might be sending us some interstellar visitors.
And for all you skywatchers out there, we'll wrap up
with a guide to what you can spot in the
March night sky, including some spectacular celestial events you won't
want to miss, So stick around as we explore these
stories and more. Right here on Astronomy Daily, let's get started.
Two spacecraft launched as part of the recent IM two
(01:07):
lunar mission are experiencing significant challenges. NASA's Lunar Trailblazer and
the startup Astroforge's Odin spacecraft are both facing communication issues
after their deployment from the Falcon nine rocket. The Lunar
Trailblazer initially powered up and started transmitting as planned, but
about twelve hours after launch, NASA lost all communication with
(01:28):
the spacecraft. While contact was eventually restored, the team has
detected concerning intermittent power system issues. Controllers are now working
to fully restore commanding capabilities and develop solutions for these
power problems. This is particularly crucial as the Lunar Trailblazer
has some time sensitive maneuvers ahead. The spacecraft needs to
(01:50):
perform two trajectory corrections before a lunarflyby scheduled for March third,
followed by another fly by in May. If all goes
according to plan, it should enter orbit in July, where
it will begin its two year mission mapping water on
the Moon's surface. Meanwhile, Astroforge's Odin spacecraft, designed to investigate
metallic asteroids, is facing its own set of challenges. While
(02:13):
the team is receiving carrier signals from the spacecraft, they
haven't been able to get any telemetry data. This has
left them in a difficult position. They know the spacecraft
is alive, but they can't get detailed information about its status.
The company is exploring several possible explanations, including ground network,
hardware problems, and potential interference issues. There's also a possibility
(02:36):
that ODIN might be in an uncontrolled tumble, though recent
data suggests this is unlikely. Time is of the essence
for ODIN as well, without intervention from the ground. The
spacecraft is programmed to perform an automatic burn about six
and a half days after launch to set it on
course for its target asteroid. However, even slight position errors
(02:57):
could make tracking the spacecraft extremely challenging. On a more
positive note, the third ride share spacecraft from the launch,
Epic Aerospace's Chimera orbital transfer vehicle, is reported to be
healthy and operating normally. The primary mission vehicle, Intuitive Machines
IM two Lunar Lander, is also an excellent condition as
(03:17):
it continues its journey toward a planned March sixth moon landing.
Next up, a Starship launch update. SpaceX has just received
the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration for their
eighth Starship test flight, scheduled for Monday evening, March third.
The launch window opens at six thirty pm Eastern Time
(03:37):
from their Starbase facility in South Texas. This approval comes
as SpaceX is still investigating what went wrong during Flight
seven back in January. While that mission achieved a significant
milestone by successfully catching the super heavy booster using the
launch tower's mechanical arms, it ended prematurely when the upper
stage experienced a propellant leak and exploded over the La
(04:00):
Atlantic Ocean. The FAA has determined that SpaceX can proceed
with Flight eight while the investigation into January's mishap continues.
They've confirmed that the company has met all the necessary safety, environmental,
and licensing requirements for this suborbital test flight. For flight eight,
(04:21):
SpaceX is aiming to replicate the successful booster catch while
pushing the envelope further with the upper stage. The spacecraft
will attempt a nearly complete orbit around Earth before splashing
down in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia.
One of the interesting aspects of this upcoming flight is
the payload test. The upper stage will carry four mock
(04:42):
Starlink satellites, which it will attempt to deploy during its
suborbital journey. This is fewer than the ten dummy satellites
carried during Flight seven, which never got the chance to
be deployed due to the premature end of that mission.
This test flight represents another crucial step in SpaceX's AMBITI
development of the Starship system, which they envision as the
(05:04):
future workhorse for both deep space exploration and point to
point travel on Earth. Each flight provides valuable data and experience,
helping to refine and improve the world's largest and most
powerful rocket system. Here's some fascinating news about life aboard
the International Space Station, and it turns out that being
(05:24):
too clean might actually be a problem. A new study
suggests that the ultrasterile environment of the ISS could be
contributing to various health issues astronauts experience, from persistent skin
rashes to allergies and immune system problems. Scientists from the
University of California, San Diego have been analyzing over eight
(05:45):
hundred surface samples from different areas of the space station.
What they found was that the extensive use of cleaning
products and disinfectants might be creating an environment that's actually
too clean for optimal human health. The research revealed that
most of the microbes present on the iss come from
human skin, with different areas showing distinct microbial communities based
(06:07):
on their function. The dining areas had more food related microbes,
while the bathroom unsurprisingly had its own unique bacterial signature.
What's notably missing are the kind of beneficial microbes we
normally encounter on Earth from soil and water. This sterile
environment more closely resembles what we see in highly industrialized
(06:27):
spaces like hospitals, rather than the diverse microbial environment humans
evolved alongside. The scientists suggest that future space habitats might
benefit from intentionally cultivating a more diverse microbial ecosystem, essentially
making them a bit dirtier in a controlled way. They're
even proposing some interesting solutions, like using probiotic based cleaning
(06:48):
methods instead of harsh chemical disinfectants. This could help create
a healthier balance while still maintaining necessary cleanliness standards. It's
a crucial consideration as we plan for longer duration space
missions and eventual permanent settlements beyond Earth. The findings highlight
an important point about human space exploration. We can't just
take a small slice of Earth's ecosystem with us into space.
(07:12):
We need to think carefully about recreating the complete environmental
conditions that help humans thrive, right down to the microscopic level.
Next up, in some exciting news about the future of
commercial space stations, Axiom Space is revising its timeline to
establish an independent space station, and it's happening sooner than
initially planned. The company, working closely with NASA, has announced
(07:36):
they could have their station break free from the International
Space Station as early as twenty twenty eight. This accelerated
timeline comes with a significant change to their assembly sequence.
Instead of starting with their habitat one module as originally planned,
Axiom will first launch what they're calling the payload, Power
and Thermal module. This strategic shift will allow them to
(07:59):
a stat lablish independent operations more quickly. Once the station
achieves its free flying status, Axiom will continue building out
the facility, adding their planned habitat modules, an airlock, and
a dedicated research and manufacturing facility. This methodical approach ensures
they can maintain continuous operations while expanding their capabilities. The
(08:21):
revised plan has been carefully coordinated with NASA to ensure
a smooth transition in low Earth orbit operations. It's particularly
important as we approach the planned retirement of the International
Space Station around twenty thirty. NASA sees this as a
crucial step in maintaining their continuous presence in low Earth orbit.
This development is part of a broader strategy by NASA
(08:44):
to support multiple commercial space stations through various partnerships. The
agency is essentially fostering a new economic ecosystem in low
Earth orbit where commercial operators can provide services to both
government and private customers. Looking at the bigger picture, accelerated
timeline for Axiom Station represents a significant milestone in the
(09:04):
commercialization of space. It's not just about replacing the ISS,
It's about expanding human presence in space and creating new
opportunities for scientific research, manufacturing, and commercial activities in microgravity.
Don't you just hate it when your neighbors turn out
to be well, not quite as they seemed. Our nearest
(09:25):
stellar neighbor, Alpha Centauri, appears to be sharing more with
us than just its distant twinkle. New research suggests this
triple star system, located just four point three light years away,
is likely sending a steady stream of comets and asteroids
into our Solar System, and might even be responsible for
some of the meteors we see in our night sky.
(09:45):
According to calculations by astronomers Cole greg and Paul Wiegert
from the University of Western Ontario, if Alpha Centauri has
an ort cloud similar to our suns, approximately one million
objects larger than a football field from that system could
currently be traveling through our Solar System. Most of these
objects would be lurking in the outer reaches, well beyond
(10:06):
Pluto's orbit, mixing with our own ort cloud objects. The
mechanism behind this cosmic exchange is similar to how Jupiter's
gravity helped launch our Voyager spacecraft into interstellar space. The
stars of Alpha Centauri and their planets act like cosmic slingshots,
occasionally throwing their comets and asteroids onto trajectories that bring
(10:26):
them into our neighborhood. While most of these visitors stay
in the distant parts of our Solar System, some of
the smaller particles make it all the way to Earth.
The researchers estimate that up to ten meteors worldwide each
year might originate from Alpha Centauri. This number could increase
tenfold when Alpha Centauri makes its closest approach to our
Solar System about twenty eight thousand years from now, when
(10:50):
it will come within three point two light years of Earth.
This research reminds us that our Solar System isn't an
isolated island in space. We're connected to our stelef neighbors
through a constant exchange of material that's been ongoing for
billions of years. Even though we've only officially detected two
interstellar visitors so far, this study suggests there might be
(11:11):
many more out there silently passing through our cosmic backyard. Now,
for those of you who like to look up into
the sky, March promises to be an exciting month for skywatchers,
with several captivating celestial events on display. Early in the month,
Venus will be visible low in the western sky after sunset,
though it will gradually sink lower as the days progress,
(11:33):
eventually becoming difficult to spot by mid month in the
glow of twilight. Jupiter will command attention high in the
western sky after dark, staying visible until about one am
while Mars takes the eastern stage after sunset and remains
visible until the early morning hours. For those eager to
spot the elusive mercury, the first week and a half
(11:55):
of March offers an excellent opportunity, particularly for observers in
the northern hemisphere. Look for it beneath Venus for about
thirty minutes each evening as sunset fades. The best viewing
window will be from March seventh through ninth, approximately thirty
minutes after sunset. You'll want to find a clear view
of the western horizon away from buildings in trees. A
(12:17):
large open field or shoreline can provide ideal viewing conditions
for catching this fleet footed planet. The month's headline event
is undoubtedly the total lunar eclipse, occurring overnight on March
thirteenth into the fourteenth. During this spectacular show, we'll watch
as our moon transforms into a deep crimson orb over
several hours. This celestial phenomenon occurs as the Moon passes
(12:40):
through Earth's shadow, first appearing to have a bite taken
from one side before being completely enveloped in that characteristic
red glow. This reddish color comes from all of Earth's
sunrises and sunsets being projected onto the lunar surface at once.
For those interested in lunar phases, March fourteenth brings us
a full moon all the month concludes with a new
(13:01):
moon on the twenty ninth. This new moon phase, when
the moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, offers
excellent opportunities for observing faint celestial objects typically washed out
by moonlight, making it an ideal time for stargazing and astrophotography.
And that wraps up another fascinating day of space exploration
and astronomical discoveries. I'm Anna, and I want to thank
(13:24):
you for joining me here on Astronomy Daily. From spacecraft
challenges to groundbreaking research about the ISS microbiome, and from
Axiom's ambitious space station plans to the exciting skywatching opportunities ahead,
we've covered quite a bit of cosmic territory today. If
you've enjoyed today's episode, I encourage you to visit our
website at Astronomy Daily dot io, where you can find
(13:46):
all our past episodes and subscribe to the podcast on
your preferred platform, whether that's Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube music.
We've made it easy to never miss an episode and
stay up to date with all the late developments in
space exploration and astronomy, and don't forget to join our
growing community on social media. You can find us as
(14:07):
Astro Daily Pod on Facebook, x YouTube, YouTube, music, Tumblr,
and TikTok, where we share additional content, breaking news, and
engage with our wonderful community of space enthusiasts. Until next time,
keep looking up and wondering about our magnificent universe. This
has been Astronomy Daily and I'm anna signing off Star
(14:38):
Star
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