Jan. 27, 2025

Stellar Measurements, Icy Moon Missions, and Meteorite Ownership Dilemmas: S04E23

Stellar Measurements, Icy Moon Missions, and Meteorite Ownership Dilemmas: S04E23

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E23
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into a series of remarkable advancements in space science, covering everything from the universe's expansion rate to innovative concepts for lunar habitats....

Season 4
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E23
In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into a series of remarkable advancements in space science, covering everything from the universe's expansion rate to innovative concepts for lunar habitats. Join us as we explore the latest findings that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.
Highlights:
- Hubble and James Webb Collaboration: Discover how combined observations from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have refined the measurement of the universe's expansion rate, known as the Hubble constant, to approximately 72.6 kilometers per second per megaparsec.
- Arctic Ocean as an Enceladus Testbed: Learn about scientists using Earth's Arctic Ocean to simulate conditions on Saturn's moon Enceladus, searching for chemical signatures that could indicate extraterrestrial life.
- Changes in M87 Black Hole: Get insights into the evolving dynamics of the M87 black hole, including the movement of its luminous ring, which reveals critical information about its orientation and surrounding environment.
- Meteorite Ownership Debate: Explore the fascinating and complex world of meteorite ownership, as recent discoveries spark discussions about the balance between private collectors and scientific research.
- NASA's PUNCH Mission: Follow the progress of NASA's PUNCH mission, which aims to study the sun's outer atmosphere using a fleet of four compact satellites, enhancing our understanding of solar wind dynamics.
- Visionary Concepts from NASA: Discover NASA's NIAC program's groundbreaking proposals for 2025, including innovative ideas for lunar habitats made from lunar glass and advanced propulsion systems for deep space exploration.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. 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 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news
00:50 - Hubble and James Webb refine the Hubble constant
03:20 - Arctic Ocean used to simulate Enceladus conditions
06:15 - M87 black hole shows signs of change
09:30 - Meteorite ownership and the debate over scientific access
12:20 - NASA's PUNCH mission prepares for launch
15:00 - Innovative concepts from NASA's NIAC program for 2025
✍️ Episode References
NASA
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)
Hubble Space Telescope
[HST](https://hubblesite.org)
James Webb Space Telescope
[JWST](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov)
Event Horizon Telescope
[EHT](https://eventhorizontelescope.org)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://www.astronomydaily.io)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:03.120
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your daily dose of space and

2
00:00:03.160 --> 00:00:06.799
astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we'll explore

3
00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:11.480
some fascinating developments in space science. From black holes to meteorites,

4
00:00:11.800 --> 00:00:16.320
and from lunar glass homes to groundbreaking NASA missions. A

5
00:00:16.359 --> 00:00:19.879
lot to cover, so let's get started. In an exciting

6
00:00:19.879 --> 00:00:23.719
development for our understanding of the cosmos, scientists have made

7
00:00:23.760 --> 00:00:27.960
significant progress in measuring the universe's expansion rate thanks to

8
00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.679
combined observations from both the Hubble and James Webb Space telescopes.

9
00:00:33.520 --> 00:00:36.119
These latest findings are helping to fine tune one of

10
00:00:36.159 --> 00:00:41.320
astronomy's most crucial measurements, the Hubble constant. The Hubble constant

11
00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:44.000
tells us how fast galaxies are moving away from each

12
00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:47.399
other as the universe expans. Think of it as the

13
00:00:47.479 --> 00:00:52.119
cosmic speedometer of our universe. Recent analysis from the James

14
00:00:52.119 --> 00:00:56.280
Webb Space Telescope has validated earlier calculations made by Hubble,

15
00:00:56.679 --> 00:01:01.439
providing even more precise measurements. When the research team combined

16
00:01:01.479 --> 00:01:04.920
all measurements from both telescopes, they found the Hubble constant

17
00:01:04.959 --> 00:01:08.359
to be approximately seventy two point six kilometers per second

18
00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:13.480
per megaparsec. This means that for every megaparsec, roughly three

19
00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:17.000
point two six million light years, galaxies are moving away

20
00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:19.599
from each other at about seventy two point six kilometers

21
00:01:19.640 --> 00:01:23.519
per second. This conformation is particularly significant because it helps

22
00:01:23.560 --> 00:01:27.480
address what scientists call the Hubble tension, a long standing

23
00:01:27.519 --> 00:01:31.239
disagreement between different methods of measuring the universe's expansion rate.

24
00:01:31.959 --> 00:01:35.120
The new data from James Web provides independent verification of

25
00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:39.560
Hubble's observations, giving astronomers more confidence in their understanding of

26
00:01:39.560 --> 00:01:43.599
this fundamental cosmic property. The team used several techniques to

27
00:01:43.640 --> 00:01:47.239
reach these conclusions, including studying special types of stars called

28
00:01:47.239 --> 00:01:52.480
Cepheid variables and explosive events known as type one A supernovae.

29
00:01:52.519 --> 00:01:56.760
These cosmic phenomena act like standard candles, allowing astronomers to

30
00:01:56.799 --> 00:02:02.200
measure vast distances across space with remarkable precision. Next up today,

31
00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:05.879
in one of the most intriguing quests for extraterrestrial life,

32
00:02:06.040 --> 00:02:09.120
scientists are turning to Earth's Arctic Ocean as a testing

33
00:02:09.159 --> 00:02:13.439
ground for future missions to Saturn's moon, Enceladus. This icy

34
00:02:13.479 --> 00:02:17.599
moon has captured the imagination of astrobiologists worldwide since the

35
00:02:17.599 --> 00:02:21.919
Cassini mission discovered its subsurface ocean and active geysers erupting

36
00:02:21.960 --> 00:02:25.280
from its south pole. The Arctic ocean serves as an

37
00:02:25.319 --> 00:02:29.759
excellent analog for Ensilatus's conditions, with its ice covered surface

38
00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:34.080
and underwater hydrothermal vents. Scientists are collecting water and ice

39
00:02:34.120 --> 00:02:37.800
samples searching for telltale chemical signatures like methane and hydrogen

40
00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.960
that could indicate biological activity. These same chemical markers could

41
00:02:41.960 --> 00:02:46.800
potentially reveal life on Enceladus. When Cassini sampled Enceladus's plumes

42
00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:50.000
back in two thousand and four, it detected water, ice, methane,

43
00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:54.199
and various carbon based molecules. The spacecraft also found molecular

44
00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:57.560
hydrogen and nitrogen, all the basic ingredients needed for life

45
00:02:57.599 --> 00:03:00.599
as we know it. The Moon's ice crust, estimated to

46
00:03:00.639 --> 00:03:04.000
be anywhere from a few to forty kilometers thick, conceals

47
00:03:04.039 --> 00:03:07.879
a global ocean that could potentially harbor life. What makes

48
00:03:07.960 --> 00:03:12.199
Enceladus particularly promising are its hydrothermal vents, similar to those

49
00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:15.840
found in Earth's oceans. These vents could provide the energy

50
00:03:15.919 --> 00:03:20.000
necessary to support entire ecosystems, just as they do in

51
00:03:20.039 --> 00:03:24.599
our planet's deepest waters. The research team has successfully demonstrated

52
00:03:24.639 --> 00:03:27.520
that they can detect and measure various chemical compounds in

53
00:03:27.639 --> 00:03:32.000
Arctic waters using the same technology planned for future Enceladus missions.

54
00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:35.800
These Arctic trials are crucial for perfecting the techniques and

55
00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:40.439
instruments that will one day explore Enceladus's mysterious ocean. By

56
00:03:40.479 --> 00:03:44.400
practicing here on Earth, scientists can refine their methods and

57
00:03:44.560 --> 00:03:48.159
ensure they're ready to detect any potential biosignatures when we

58
00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:51.719
finally send a dedicated mission to this fascinating Saturnian moon.

59
00:03:53.240 --> 00:03:56.639
And In other news, in a groundbreaking development, the Event

60
00:03:56.719 --> 00:04:00.439
Horizon telescope team has revealed that M eighty seven in Star,

61
00:04:00.840 --> 00:04:04.479
the first black hole ever photographed, is showing remarkable signs

62
00:04:04.479 --> 00:04:08.919
of change. The latest analysis, combining data from twenty seventeen

63
00:04:09.120 --> 00:04:13.319
and twenty eighteen observations, gives us an unprecedented look at

64
00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:17.199
how these cosmic giants evolve over time. The most striking

65
00:04:17.319 --> 00:04:20.600
change is in the black hole's luminous ring. While the

66
00:04:20.680 --> 00:04:24.800
ring's diameter remains consistent at about forty three micro arc seconds,

67
00:04:25.279 --> 00:04:27.800
exactly what we'd expect from a black hole weighing six

68
00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:31.480
point five billion solar masses, its brightest region has shifted

69
00:04:31.480 --> 00:04:36.199
by thirty degrees counterclockwise. This movement isn't random, It's exactly

70
00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:39.839
what theoretical models predicted, caused by turbulence in the hot

71
00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:44.079
gas swirling around the black hole. Perhaps even more fascinating

72
00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:46.839
is what these observations tell us about M eighty seven

73
00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:51.120
stars orientation. The fact that the ring consistently appears brightest

74
00:04:51.160 --> 00:04:54.560
on its bottom side confirms that the black hole's rotational

75
00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:58.560
axis is tilted away from Earth. This persistent feature helps

76
00:04:58.600 --> 00:05:02.079
scientists better understand the three dimensional structure of the environment

77
00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:06.279
around this massive cosmic object. Think of it like watching

78
00:05:06.319 --> 00:05:09.639
clouds move around a mountain peak while the mountain itself

79
00:05:09.720 --> 00:05:12.920
stays the same. The changing patterns of clouds can tell

80
00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:18.240
us about wind directions and atmospheric conditions. Similarly, these subtle

81
00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:22.560
changes in M eighty seven stars appearance reveal crucial information

82
00:05:22.720 --> 00:05:25.839
about how matter behaves in the most extreme environments in

83
00:05:25.879 --> 00:05:30.279
our universe. The EHT team isn't stopping here. They're already

84
00:05:30.319 --> 00:05:33.240
analyzing data from twenty twenty one and twenty twenty two,

85
00:05:33.720 --> 00:05:37.000
working toward their ultimate goal creating the first ever time

86
00:05:37.079 --> 00:05:40.680
lapse video of a black hole. This ongoing monitoring of

87
00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:44.160
m eighty seven Star promises to revolutionize our understanding of

88
00:05:44.160 --> 00:05:50.120
these cosmic giants and the fundamental physics that governs our universe. Okay,

89
00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:53.600
here are some statistics that may stagger you. Every day,

90
00:05:53.720 --> 00:05:56.680
Earth receives about forty eight point five tons of visitors

91
00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:59.800
from space in the form of meteorites. While most of

92
00:05:59.800 --> 00:06:03.040
these as cosmic rocks disappear into our oceans never to

93
00:06:03.079 --> 00:06:06.079
be found, the ones that land on solid ground often

94
00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:09.399
spark fascinating debates about who has the right to keep them.

95
00:06:09.839 --> 00:06:13.800
The meteorite hunting business has evolved into a lucrative global enterprise,

96
00:06:14.199 --> 00:06:17.319
with space rocks being traded online and shipped between countries

97
00:06:17.360 --> 00:06:22.199
like precious commodities. While these celestial souvenirs captivate collectors, they're

98
00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:27.680
also invaluable to scientists studying the mysteries of our universe. Unfortunately,

99
00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:31.439
many significant specimens are being lost to private collections, potentially

100
00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:35.399
depriving researchers of crucial data. Take New Zealand's recent Tacopo

101
00:06:35.519 --> 00:06:39.920
meteorite discovery, for example. This apple sized space rock, weighing

102
00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:43.800
eight hundred and ten grams, sparked an interesting legal discussion

103
00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:47.199
about ownership rights. While it was found on public land,

104
00:06:47.560 --> 00:06:50.680
the citizen science group that discovered it became its legal

105
00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:55.079
owner under the finders keeper's principle. Fortunately, they chose to

106
00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:59.160
donate it for scientific study. Not all cases are so straightforward.

107
00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:04.639
Entries handle meteorite ownership in vastly different ways. Some nations

108
00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:09.240
allow private ownership, while others mandate state ownership without compensation.

109
00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:13.240
When meteorites land on private property, they typically belong to

110
00:07:13.279 --> 00:07:17.160
the landowner, but public land findings can get complicated, leading

111
00:07:17.160 --> 00:07:21.120
to various legal interpretations and disputes. The commercial value of

112
00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:25.360
meteorites has skyrocketed, with some specimens fetching millions of dollars.

113
00:07:25.920 --> 00:07:30.120
High profile collectors, including celebrities and tech entrepreneurs, have helped

114
00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:34.079
turn meteorite collecting into a glamorous hobby. This has led

115
00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:38.759
some countries to implement strict regulations on meteorite exports, recognizing

116
00:07:38.800 --> 00:07:43.000
these space rocks as protected objects of scientific and cultural significance.

117
00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:48.360
These regulations aim to balance private collection rights with scientific needs.

118
00:07:48.720 --> 00:07:51.680
But as the market value of meteorites continues to rise,

119
00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:55.920
the tension between collectors and researchers grows. It raises an

120
00:07:55.920 --> 00:08:00.279
important question, should we prioritize scientific study over private ownership

121
00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:04.399
when it comes to these ancient messengers from space. NASA's

122
00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:07.439
latest mission to study our Sun is making exciting progress

123
00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:11.959
as four compact satellites part of the PUNCH mission have

124
00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:16.160
arrived at their launch site in California. These specialized satellites

125
00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:18.879
will work together like pieces of a puzzle to study

126
00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:22.639
something we've never fully understood, how the Sun's outer atmosphere

127
00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:26.439
transforms into the solar wind that flows through our solar system.

128
00:08:27.399 --> 00:08:30.560
The mission, whose full name is the Polarimeter to Unify

129
00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:34.759
the Corona and Heliosphere, isn't traveling alone. It's hitching a

130
00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:38.080
ride on a SpaceX Falcon nine rocket alongside another fascinating

131
00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:42.120
piece of technology, the SPHEREx space telescope. The launch is

132
00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:45.279
scheduled for the end of February from Vandenberg Space Force Space.

133
00:08:45.799 --> 00:08:50.039
What makes PUNCH particularly interesting is its innovative approach. Instead

134
00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:53.120
of using one large satellite, it employs four smaller ones,

135
00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:56.440
each about the size of a suitcase. These satellites will

136
00:08:56.440 --> 00:08:59.600
work in perfect harmony, combining their views to create a

137
00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:03.519
comprehensive map of the region where the Sun's corona transitions

138
00:09:03.519 --> 00:09:07.799
into solar wind. Think of it like having four cameras

139
00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:11.559
positioned around a sports field, each capturing a different angle

140
00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:15.480
to give viewers the complete picture. The satellites are currently

141
00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:19.919
undergoing their final preparations at Astrotech Space Operations teams are

142
00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:24.480
meticulously testing every component, particularly the solar arrays that will

143
00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:28.320
power each satellite. These tests are crucial to ensure everything

144
00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:31.519
functions perfectly once they're in space, as there won't be

145
00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:36.120
any opportunity for repairs after launch. This mission represents a

146
00:09:36.159 --> 00:09:40.039
significant step forward in our understanding of solar physics. By

147
00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:43.840
studying how the Sun's atmosphere becomes solar wind, scientists hope

148
00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:47.000
to better predict space weather events that can affect our satellites,

149
00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:51.159
power grids, and communication systems here on Earth. It's another

150
00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:54.919
example of how studying the Cosmos isn't just about satisfying

151
00:09:54.960 --> 00:09:59.519
our curiosity. It's about protecting our technological infrastructure and better

152
00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:04.240
understand our place in the Solar System. Finally, today, let's

153
00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:08.120
take a look into NASA's Crystal Ball. NASA's NIAC program

154
00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:11.480
has just unveiled its visionary concepts for twenty twenty five,

155
00:10:11.799 --> 00:10:14.080
and they're pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible

156
00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:18.039
in space exploration with a substantial investment of two point

157
00:10:18.159 --> 00:10:21.960
six two five million dollars in grants, NASA is backing

158
00:10:22.039 --> 00:10:26.080
fifteen groundbreaking ideas that could revolutionize how we explore and

159
00:10:26.159 --> 00:10:30.080
inhabit space. One of the most intriguing concepts comes from

160
00:10:30.080 --> 00:10:33.679
Holicity Space in Pasadena, where they're developing what they call

161
00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:39.279
the Holicity Drive, a compact fusion propulsion system. Imagine spacecraft

162
00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:42.639
powered by the same process that fuels our Sun, enabling

163
00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:46.320
faster and more efficient exploration of our Solar system and beyond.

164
00:10:46.919 --> 00:10:49.720
This technology could be a game changer for future Mars

165
00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:54.639
missions and deep space exploration. Another fascinating proposal focuses on

166
00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:57.120
building homes on the Moon, but not the way you

167
00:10:57.200 --> 00:11:01.279
might expect. Scientists at Skyports have pose creating large scale

168
00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:06.919
habitats made entirely from lunar glass. This innovative approach, nicknamed lungs,

169
00:11:06.919 --> 00:11:11.120
involves melting lunar materials to create massive spherical structures. It's

170
00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:14.919
a perfect example of in situ resource utilization, using what's

171
00:11:14.919 --> 00:11:17.840
already available on the Moon rather than shipping building materials

172
00:11:17.840 --> 00:11:22.240
from Earth. For those interested in the search for extraterrestrial life,

173
00:11:22.600 --> 00:11:27.440
there's an exciting robot concept called leap designed specifically for

174
00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:31.720
exploring Saturn's moon Enceladus. These jumping robots would hop between

175
00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:36.320
the moon's famous geysers, collecting samples of ocean derived materials

176
00:11:36.320 --> 00:11:40.399
shot into space through these icy jets. Other selected projects

177
00:11:40.440 --> 00:11:44.360
include everything from new ways to explore Venus using electrolysis

178
00:11:44.840 --> 00:11:48.919
to advanced propulsion systems for sustainable aviation. There's even a

179
00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:52.759
proposal for using fungi to grow space habitats and developing

180
00:11:52.759 --> 00:11:57.600
inflatable star shades for studying distant exoplanets. These concepts might

181
00:11:57.639 --> 00:12:01.519
sound like science fiction, but they represent serious scientific endeavors

182
00:12:01.799 --> 00:12:05.440
that could shape the future of space exploration. While they're

183
00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:09.120
all still in early development stages and aren't official NASA

184
00:12:09.159 --> 00:12:14.200
missions yet, they demonstrate the incredible creativity and innovation driving

185
00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:16.879
our journey to the stars. Just remember where you heard

186
00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:20.840
about them first. Thank you for joining me today on

187
00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:24.480
Astronomy Daily. I'm Anna, and I hope you've enjoyed exploring

188
00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:28.320
these fascinating developments in space science with me. For more

189
00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:32.799
astronomical discoveries in space exploration news, visit us at Astronomy

190
00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:35.720
Daily dot io, where you can sign up for our

191
00:12:35.759 --> 00:12:38.240
free daily newsletter and catch up on all the latest

192
00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:42.320
developments with our constantly updating news feed. You'll also find

193
00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:45.639
all our previous episodes there. Connect with us on social

194
00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:50.320
media by searching for Astro Daily Pod on facebookx YouTube, YouTube, music, Tumbler,

195
00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:53.039
and TikTok. Until next time, keep looking up, See you

196
00:12:53.080 --> 00:13:13.240
tomorrowday stars. The store is the soul. Store is the

197
00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:16.639
troll m