Mars' Liquid Water Woes, Asteroid Discoveries, and Australia's Lunar Ambitions: S28E02

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. These 138 newly discovered celestial bodies range in size from a bus to a football stadium, offering insights into asteroid formation and the potential risks of asteroid impacts on Earth.
Australia's Lunar Rover Project Advances
Australia's first Lunar Rover project is moving forward with the development of prototype rovers and essential technology to tackle lunar dust challenges. Supported by the Australian Space Agency, this $42 million initiative aims to enhance Australia's role in lunar exploration.
January Skywatch
00:00 New study claims we're unlikely to ever find liquid water on Mars
04:50 NASA's Webb Space Telescope has discovered 138 new asteroids in the main asteroid belt
07:53 January marks Earth's closest orbital position to the sun perihelion
09:59 Sirius is the fifth closest star to the sun and it's gradually moving closer
16:37 Looking due north just above the horizon this time of year you'll see Capella
22:28 January also plays host to one primary meteor shower, the Quadrantids
24:26 There's plenty to see in the night sky during January, as long as
28:36 The Orion Nebula looks magnificent through a telescope and even better on photos
31:59 Just beyond Orion we've got Taurus constellation Taurus
33:05 On 15 January, planet Mars reaches its closest point in its orbitwww.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
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✍️ Episode References
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[https://www.pnas.org/](https://www.pnas.org/)
NASA Ames Research Center
[https://www.nasa.gov/ames](https://www.nasa.gov/ames)
Australian Space Agency
[https://www.industry.gov.au/space](https://www.industry.gov.au/space)
Sky & Telescope Magazine
[https://skyandtelescope.org/](https://skyandtelescope.org/)

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