NASA's Lucy Spacecraft Zooms Past Asteroid Donaldjohanson, Neutrino Mass Limit Set

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NASA's Lucy Mission, Neutrino Mass Breakthrough, and Martian Rock Discoveries
In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into NASA's Lucy spacecraft as it prepares for a close flyby of the asteroid Donaldjohanson, located in the main asteroid belt. The spacecraft will autonomously track and observe this 3km wide space rock, gathering crucial data that could shed light on its peculiar formation and geological history. This encounter serves as a vital rehearsal for Lucy's upcoming mission to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, promising insights into the early solar system.
A New Upper Limit for Neutrino Mass
Next, we discuss a groundbreaking study that has established a new upper limit for the mass of the elusive neutrino, now determined to be less than 0.45 electron volts. This significant finding not only narrows the particle's mass range but also challenges existing theories in particle physics, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe's fundamental forces.
Intriguing Martian Richie Outcrops
Additionally, we explore the fascinating discoveries made by NASA's Mars Perseverance rover on the rim of Jezero Crater. The rover has uncovered a diverse array of rock types, providing a unique glimpse into Martian history and the planet's potential for past habitability. With multiple rock samples collected and analyzed, Perseverance continues to unveil the geological secrets of the Red Planet.
00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 49 for broadcast on 23 April 2025
00:49 Lucy spacecraft's close encounter with asteroid Donaldjohanson
06:30 Insights into the asteroid's formation and geology
12:15 New upper limit established for neutrino mass
18:00 Implications for particle physics and the standard model
22:45 Mars Perseverance rover's discoveries on Jezero Crater
27:00 Summary of recent planetary exploration findings
30:15 Science report: Weather extremes and lab-grown chicken nuggets
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✍️ Episode References
Science Journal
https://www.science.org
Planetary Science Journal
https://www.planetarysciencereview.com
NASA
https://www.