S03E07: Thunderous Skies and Celestial Surprises: A Galactic Gathering with Steve & Hallie

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt a sense of wonder? If so, the latest episode of the Astronomy Daily podcast is a must-listen for you. Host Steve Dunkley and his trusty sidekick Hallie, the 'Dick Tracy of space science,' delve into the latest and greatest from the cosmos, and it's an adventure you don't want to miss.

In this episode, you'll be taken on a journey from the stormy weather of Newcastle to the dark and distant universe. They kick things off with a chat about the surprising summer storms in Australia, setting the stage for a discussion about the unpredictable and awe-inspiring nature of our planet and beyond.

The main dish of the day is the IM one mission to the moon, which is not just another lunar mission but a leap towards understanding our celestial neighbor in greater detail. Steve and Hallie's banter brings this topic to life, with Hallie teasing Steve about his love for asteroids and the potential threats they pose to our world.

But it's not just about the threats from space; it's also about the mysteries within it. Enter the Euclid spacecraft and its six-year mission to map the dark universe. With a wide field imaging system and a 70-minute exposure time, Euclid is set to capture more than 50,000 galaxies in one go. The implications are huge, from understanding dark matter to the nature of dark energy and the expansion of the universe.

For those who dream of walking on Mars, the podcast covers NASA's simulated Mars surface mission, giving you the scoop on how to apply and what the mission entails. It's as close as you can get to the Red Planet without leaving Earth.

And just when you think it can't get any more exciting, Steve brings up the Intuitive Machines' first robotic lunar lander mission to the moon's surface. With NASA's CLPS initiative, this mission is part of a grander scheme to establish a crew base near the lunar South Pole.

The episode wraps up with a reminder to unplug from the stormy weather and plug into the vastness of space through the Astronomy Daily newsletter and the parent podcast, Space Nuts.

Every minute of the episode is filled with the thrill of discovery and the passion for space that Steve and Hallie share. So, if you're ready to embark on a cosmic voyage without leaving your home, tune in to the Astronomy Daily podcast. It's an interstellar trip you won't forget!

Listen now and join the ranks of those who dare to dream of the stars.