May 6, 2025

Celestial Chronicles: Black Hole Discoveries and SpaceX’s Launch Legacy

Celestial Chronicles: Black Hole Discoveries and SpaceX’s Launch Legacy
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Celestial Chronicles: Black Hole Discoveries and SpaceX’s Launch Legacy

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she takes us on an exhilarating exploration of the latest cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking developments in space exploration. Prepare for a thrilling ride as we uncover the mysteries of the universe and its wonders. Highlights: - Black Hole Ejection: Dive into a remarkable observation of a black hole in NGC 4945, which is not just consuming matter but also violently expelling it into deep space at astonishing speeds. This discovery reshapes our understanding of black holes and their role in galactic dynamics, revealing how they regulate star formation by ejecting material from their host galaxies. - SpaceX Launch Milestones: Discover how SpaceX is setting new records with its impressive launch cadence, including its upcoming 250th mission. The company continues to revolutionize access to space while expanding its Starlink satellite constellation, showcasing the incredible pace of modern space activities. - Inauguration of the African Space Agency: Learn about the historic establishment of the African Space Agency, a significant step towards uniting the continent's space ambitions. This new agency aims to enhance collaboration among African nations and position the continent as a key player in the global space economy. - Secrets of the Moon's Ancient Crater: Venture to the South Pole Aitken Basin, where researchers believe ancient materials may hold secrets about the Moon's fiery formation. This colossal impact crater offers a unique geological time capsule that could provide insights into the Moon's history and evolution. For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! 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 to Astronomy Daily 01:10 - Black hole ejecting matter in NGC 4945 10:00 - SpaceX's launch milestones and records 15:30 - The inauguration of the African Space Agency 20:00 - Research on the South Pole Aitken Basin ✍️ Episode References Black Hole Ejection [European Southern Observatory]( https://www.eso.org/ (https://www.eso.org/) ) SpaceX Launch Records [SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ (https://www.spacex.com/) ) African Space Agency [African Union]( https://au.int/ (https://au.int/) ) South Pole Aitken Basin Research [NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ (https://www.nasa.gov/) ) Astronomy Daily [Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) ) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/26976416?utm_source=youtube

In this episode of Astronomy Daily, join host Anna as she takes us on an exhilarating exploration of the latest cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking developments in space exploration. Prepare for a thrilling ride as we uncover the mysteries of the universe and its wonders.

Highlights:

- Black Hole Ejection: Dive into a remarkable observation of a black hole in NGC 4945, which is not just consuming matter but also violently expelling it into deep space at astonishing speeds. This discovery reshapes our understanding of black holes and their role in galactic dynamics, revealing how they regulate star formation by ejecting material from their host galaxies.

- SpaceX Launch Milestones: Discover how SpaceX is setting new records with its impressive launch cadence, including its upcoming 250th mission. The company continues to revolutionize access to space while expanding its Starlink satellite constellation, showcasing the incredible pace of modern space activities.

- Inauguration of the African Space Agency: Learn about the historic establishment of the African Space Agency, a significant step towards uniting the continent's space ambitions. This new agency aims to enhance collaboration among African nations and position the continent as a key player in the global space economy.

- Secrets of the Moon's Ancient Crater: Venture to the South Pole Aitken Basin, where researchers believe ancient materials may hold secrets about the Moon's fiery formation. This colossal impact crater offers a unique geological time capsule that could provide insights into the Moon's history and evolution.

For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io ( http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! 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 to Astronomy Daily

01:10 - Black hole ejecting matter in NGC 4945

10:00 - SpaceX's launch milestones and records

15:30 - The inauguration of the African Space Agency

20:00 - Research on the South Pole Aitken Basin

✍️ Episode References

Black Hole Ejection

[European Southern Observatory]( https://www.eso.org/ ( https://www.eso.org/) )

SpaceX Launch Records

[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com/ ( https://www.spacex.com/) )

African Space Agency

[African Union]( https://au.int/ ( https://au.int/) )

South Pole Aitken Basin Research

[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/ ( https://www.nasa.gov/) )

Astronomy Daily

[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ ( http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support ( https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/26976416?utm_source=youtube

00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily

01:10 - Black hole ejecting matter in NGC 4945

10:00 - SpaceX’s launch milestones and records

15:30 - The inauguration of the African Space Agency

20:00 - Research on the South Pole Aitken Basin

WEBVTT
Kind: captions
Language: en

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[Music]


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Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your window


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to the universe, where we bring you the


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freshest discoveries and developments


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from across the cosmos. I'm Anna, and


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I'm thrilled to guide you through


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today's fascinating journey through


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space. In today's episode, we'll explore


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a remarkable observation of a black hole


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violently expelling matter at incredible


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speeds into deep space. We'll also cover


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SpaceX's impressive launch milestones


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and the global surge in space activities


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happening around the world. Plus, we'll


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discuss the historic inauguration of the


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African Space Agency and what it means


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for the continent's space ambitions. And


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finally, we'll venture to our moon,


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where a massive ancient crater may hold


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secrets about our lunar companion's


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fiery birth. So, settle in as we blast


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off into another edition of Astronomical


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Wonders and Cosmic Revelations.


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In a stunning discovery that challenges


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our understanding of these cosmic


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monsters, scientists have captured a


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black hole in the act of hurling matter


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into deep space at astonishing


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velocities. The culprit is located in


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NGC


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4,945, a beautiful spiral galaxy sitting


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over 12 million lighty years away in the


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constellation Centurus.


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While NGC


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4945 might appear serene from a


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distance, it harbors a ferocious secret


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at its core. Unlike some black holes


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that quietly consume their cosmic meals,


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such as the relatively calm one at the


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center of our own Milky Way, this super


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massive beast is both a voracious eater


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and a violent expeller. Using the


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advanced MUSE instrument on the European


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Southern Observatory's Very Large


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Telescope, astronomers have documented


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this black hole not only devouring


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surrounding material, but also


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generating powerful cone-shaped winds of


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gas and dust that blast outward with


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tremendous force. What's particularly


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fascinating is that these outflows,


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visible as striking red plumes against


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the galaxy's elegant spiral structure,


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are moving so rapidly that scientists


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expect them to completely escape the


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galaxy's gravitational pole. This matter


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will eventually drift into the vast


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emptiness of intergalactic space, a


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cosmic ejection on a truly enormous


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scale. This observation is reshaping our


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understanding of galactic dynamics.


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Black holes have long been known to pull


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matter inward with their immense


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gravity. But this dramatic example of


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matter ejection shows how these cosmic


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entities play a much more complex role


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in shaping their galactic neighborhoods.


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The expelled material which would


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otherwise be available for star


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formation is essentially being removed


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from the galaxy's inventory. This


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finding represents a pivotal moment in


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our quest to understand the intricate


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relationship between super massive black


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holes and the evolution of their host


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galaxies across cosmic time. What makes


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this discovery truly revolutionary is


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that these black hole-driven winds


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behave in ways astronomers didn't


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anticipate. The MUSE data reveal


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something counterintuitive.


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Instead of gradually slowing down as


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they travel outward through the galaxy,


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these powerful outflows actually


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accelerate as they move away from the


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galactic center. They gain momentum on


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their journey toward the edge of the


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galaxy and eventually into intergalactic


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space. This acceleration mechanism is


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particularly significant for


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understanding galactic evolution. By


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forcefully ejecting potential star


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forming material from the galaxy, these


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black holes effectively act as cosmic


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regulators, controlling the rate at


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which new stars can form within their


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host galaxies. It's a form of


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self-regulation that dampens stellar


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birth rates across the entire galactic


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structure. Even more fascinating is how


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this process creates a feedback loop


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that affects the black hole itself. By


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removing the very gas and dust they feed


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upon, more active and powerful black


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holes actually impede their own growth.


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This self-limiting behavior drives the


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whole system toward a kind of galactic


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equilibrium, a delicate balance between


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consumption and ejection. The new


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findings represent a significant step


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forward in our understanding of how


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galaxies evolve over cosmic time. These


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accelerating winds appear to be a key


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mechanism through which black holes


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shape not just their immediate


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surroundings but the fate of entire


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galaxies. By regulating both star


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formation and their own feeding


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processes, these cosmic behemoths play a


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far more sophisticated role in universal


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dynamics than previously understood.


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Scientists believe that by studying


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these acceleration patterns in detail,


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we can better comprehend the forces that


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have shaped galactic evolution


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throughout the universe's history. One


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of the fundamental questions in modern


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astrophysics. Let's move on now and take


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a look at this week's launch schedule.


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SpaceX continues to push the boundaries


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of what's possible in the commercial


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space industry, setting remarkable


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records that would have seemed


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impossible just a few years ago. The


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company is on track to achieve its 250th


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mission launch from Space Launch Complex


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40 in Florida this week, a milestone


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that highlights just how quickly SpaceX


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has transformed access to space. The


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pace of launches is nothing short of


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extraordinary. SpaceX has now surpassed


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250 dedicated Starlink launches, rapidly


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expanding its satellite internet


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constellation to provide global


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coverage. Just last week, the company


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deployed a record 29 Starlink satellites


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in a single mission, demonstrating their


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ability to maximize payload capacity on


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their workhorse, Falcon 9 rocket. This


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achievement is particularly noteworthy


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because it also marked SpaceX's 50th


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mission of 2025, maintaining a launch


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cadence that averages nearly three


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launches per week. If this pace


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continues, the company is on track to


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potentially exceed 100 launches this


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year, a figure that the entire global


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launch industry struggled to achieve


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collectively just a decade ago. Perhaps


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equally impressive is SpaceX's growing


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mastery of reusability. The same mission


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marked the 100th consecutive successful


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Falcon 9 landing since their last


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landing failure. This perfect landing


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streak highlights the maturity of


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SpaceX's recovery technology and


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operations.


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The booster used for this mission,


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designated


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B78, became the ninth in the fleet to


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reach 20 flights, demonstrating the


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durability and reliability of these


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vehicles that were initially designed


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for just a handful of missions. The


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economics of this reusability revolution


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cannot be overstated. By recovering and


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refurbishing first stage boosters,


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SpaceX has dramatically reduced launch


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costs while simultaneously increasing


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their launch capacity. What once


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required building dozens of new rockets


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annually can now be accomplished with a


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much smaller fleet of frequently flown


00:06:47.479 --> 00:06:49.749
vehicles, this unprecedented launch


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cadence is enabling SpaceX to deploy its


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Starlink constellation at a pace that


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competitors struggle to match. With each


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launch carrying dozens of satellites,


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the company is rapidly approaching the


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point where it can offer true global


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coverage for its internet service,


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including in remote and underserved


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regions where traditional internet


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infrastructure is impractical.


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While SpaceX dominates headlines with


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its impressive launch schedule, it's


00:07:14.160 --> 00:07:15.909
worth noting that they're not the only


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players in this increasingly busy


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orbital traffic pattern. Other space


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fairing nations continue to maintain


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active launch schedules with China being


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particularly noteworthy among them. In


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fact, China attempted to launch one of


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its Chang Jang 12A rockets earlier this


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week, though the mission was scrubbed


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for reasons that haven't been officially


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disclosed. This particular rocket was


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set to carry the fourth batch of Shing


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Wuang satellites for the Guawang


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network, one of two mega constellations


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China is developing to compete with


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Starlink in the global satellite


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internet market. April 2025 has now


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secured its place in the record books as


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the busiest April in spaceflight history


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with an impressive 26 rockets launching


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worldwide. This remarkable achievement


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reflects the growing commercialization


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and accessibility of space launch


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capabilities across multiple countries


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and private companies. Even more


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impressive was the flurry of activity


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that occurred at the end of the month.


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Between April 28th and 29th, a new


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global launch record was set when six


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different rockets blasted off within


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just 18 hours of each other. This


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unprecedented concentration of launches


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required careful coordination among


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various launch providers and space


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traffic management authorities to ensure


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safe


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operations. This accelerating pace of


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launches is expected to continue


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throughout May and beyond with


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additional Starlink missions, crude


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launches to space stations, and various


00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:48.230
satellite deployments already on the


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manifest.


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We're witnessing a historic


00:08:51.200 --> 00:08:52.710
transformation in how frequently


00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:54.630
humanity accesses space, and the trend


00:08:54.640 --> 00:08:57.110
shows no signs of slowing down. The


00:08:57.120 --> 00:08:58.870
space industry's rapid growth presents


00:08:58.880 --> 00:09:01.350
both opportunities and challenges. While


00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:02.870
increased launch cadence means more


00:09:02.880 --> 00:09:05.190
satellites for communications, Earth


00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:08.070
observation, and scientific research, it


00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:09.670
also creates concerns about orbital


00:09:09.680 --> 00:09:12.790
congestion, and space debris management.


00:09:12.800 --> 00:09:14.630
International cooperation on space


00:09:14.640 --> 00:09:16.070
traffic management is becoming


00:09:16.080 --> 00:09:18.790
increasingly crucial as more rockets and


00:09:18.800 --> 00:09:20.670
satellites fill the


00:09:20.680 --> 00:09:23.030
skies. And another new player has just


00:09:23.040 --> 00:09:25.350
run onto the playing field. On April


00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:28.630
20th, 2025, a significant milestone in


00:09:28.640 --> 00:09:30.870
African space exploration was achieved


00:09:30.880 --> 00:09:32.630
with the formal inauguration of the


00:09:32.640 --> 00:09:36.230
African Space Agency or AFSA in Cairo,


00:09:36.240 --> 00:09:38.949
Egypt. This development marks nearly a


00:09:38.959 --> 00:09:40.790
decade of coordinated planning since


00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:43.110
2016 when the African Union first


00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:45.110
adopted the comprehensive African space


00:09:45.120 --> 00:09:47.910
policy and strategy framework. The


00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:50.310
creation of AFSA represents a deliberate


00:09:50.320 --> 00:09:52.310
move to unite the continent's space


00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:55.389
ambitions under a single organizational


00:09:55.399 --> 00:09:58.550
umbrella. Currently, 22 African nations


00:09:58.560 --> 00:10:01.030
operate their own space agencies with


00:10:01.040 --> 00:10:03.110
varying degrees of legislative support


00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:05.829
and organizational structures. Some are


00:10:05.839 --> 00:10:07.829
fully independent agencies backed by


00:10:07.839 --> 00:10:09.990
national legislation, while others


00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:11.990
function as departments within broader


00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:12.910
research


00:10:12.920 --> 00:10:15.030
institutions. This new continental


00:10:15.040 --> 00:10:17.030
agency will serve as the coordinating


00:10:17.040 --> 00:10:18.949
body for Africa's existing space


00:10:18.959 --> 00:10:21.350
programs, streamlining cooperation


00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:23.990
between member states and creating a


00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:26.150
unified voice when engaging with


00:10:26.160 --> 00:10:28.790
international partners. Rather than


00:10:28.800 --> 00:10:31.590
replacing national agencies, AFSA will


00:10:31.600 --> 00:10:33.590
amplify their collective impact through


00:10:33.600 --> 00:10:36.710
strategic coordination. The AY's mandate


00:10:36.720 --> 00:10:38.310
includes establishing a centralized


00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:40.310
point of contact for negotiations with


00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:42.470
private launch providers, satellite


00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:44.670
manufacturers, and other space services


00:10:44.680 --> 00:10:47.030
companies. This unified approach gives


00:10:47.040 --> 00:10:48.949
African nations significantly more


00:10:48.959 --> 00:10:50.710
leverage in these discussions than they


00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:53.069
would have individually. Dr. Dr.


00:10:53.079 --> 00:10:55.430
Tidianara, president of the AFSA


00:10:55.440 --> 00:10:57.509
Council, emphasized at the launch


00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:59.910
ceremony that the agency will focus on


00:10:59.920 --> 00:11:01.910
practical applications that benefit


00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:04.389
African citizens, including improved


00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:06.590
agricultural forecasting, disaster


00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:08.590
monitoring, telecommunications


00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:10.550
infrastructure, and educational


00:11:10.560 --> 00:11:12.870
opportunities. Many African space


00:11:12.880 --> 00:11:14.790
agencies already specialize in Earth


00:11:14.800 --> 00:11:16.949
observation missions, tracking climate


00:11:16.959 --> 00:11:19.350
patterns crucial for agriculture and


00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:21.030
providing services like navigation


00:11:21.040 --> 00:11:23.150
systems and emergency response


00:11:23.160 --> 00:11:25.350
coordination. The South African National


00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:27.670
Space Agency, for example, has developed


00:11:27.680 --> 00:11:29.829
a successful satellite-based wildfire


00:11:29.839 --> 00:11:32.069
detection system that identifies remote


00:11:32.079 --> 00:11:34.190
blazes and alerts firefighting


00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:36.710
authorities through AFSA. These


00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:38.949
specialized capabilities can now be


00:11:38.959 --> 00:11:41.509
shared more effectively across borders,


00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:43.190
creating a multiplier effect that


00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:45.110
benefits all member states while


00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.910
avoiding costly duplication of efforts.


00:11:47.920 --> 00:11:49.910
The agency will also play a crucial role


00:11:49.920 --> 00:11:52.069
in standardizing regulations, protocols,


00:11:52.079 --> 00:11:53.990
and technological systems across the


00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:56.230
continent's space sector. Despite


00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:58.150
Africa's vast geographical footprint


00:11:58.160 --> 00:12:00.550
covering oneif of Earth's land surface,


00:12:00.560 --> 00:12:02.310
the continent currently contributes a


00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.230
mere


00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:06.550
0.5% to the global space budget. This


00:12:06.560 --> 00:12:08.629
stark disparity highlights the


00:12:08.639 --> 00:12:11.110
significant untapped potential within


00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:13.430
Africa's space sector. The newly


00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:16.150
established African Space Agency aims to


00:12:16.160 --> 00:12:18.550
fundamentally transform this reality,


00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:20.230
pivoting the continent from being


00:12:20.240 --> 00:12:22.550
primarily a consumer of space technology


00:12:22.560 --> 00:12:25.670
and data to becoming an active producer


00:12:25.680 --> 00:12:28.870
and innovator. As Dr. Uatara aptly


00:12:28.880 --> 00:12:31.990
described it, Africa is a sleeping giant


00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:34.870
in the space economy. With ambitious


00:12:34.880 --> 00:12:37.030
projections estimating space economy


00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:39.949
revenue reaching$22 billion by


00:12:39.959 --> 00:12:42.949
2026, the agency recognizes that current


00:12:42.959 --> 00:12:44.870
activities have only scratched the


00:12:44.880 --> 00:12:47.509
surface of what's possible. The focus


00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:49.750
now is on leveraging Africa's abundant


00:12:49.760 --> 00:12:52.230
natural resources alongside its growing


00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:54.389
pool of engineering talent to develop


00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:56.710
indigenous space capabilities rather


00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:59.670
than relying on imported solutions.


00:12:59.680 --> 00:13:01.829
Three key pillars form the foundation of


00:13:01.839 --> 00:13:04.470
AFSA's approach. Recognizing the


00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:06.230
necessity of space technologies for


00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:08.310
development, establishing robust


00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:10.550
structural frameworks to support growth,


00:13:10.560 --> 00:13:12.790
and positioning Africa advantageously


00:13:12.800 --> 00:13:14.710
within the emerging landscapes of new


00:13:14.720 --> 00:13:17.509
space and artificial intelligence.


00:13:17.519 --> 00:13:19.430
Infrastructure development stands as a


00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:21.590
critical priority with plans to both


00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:23.750
incorporate existing facilities and


00:13:23.760 --> 00:13:26.470
construct new ones across member states.


00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:28.069
This doesn't solely involve physical


00:13:28.079 --> 00:13:30.110
launch sites and satellite manufacturing


00:13:30.120 --> 00:13:32.310
capabilities, but also encompasses


00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:34.150
developing specialized educational


00:13:34.160 --> 00:13:36.389
programs and training opportunities to


00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:39.269
build a skilled workforce. The agency


00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:40.949
will emphasize educational initiatives


00:13:40.959 --> 00:13:42.949
at all levels from primary school


00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:44.949
programs that spark interest in space


00:13:44.959 --> 00:13:47.190
sciences to advanced university


00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:48.949
curricula that produce the next


00:13:48.959 --> 00:13:50.670
generation of African aerospace


00:13:50.680 --> 00:13:53.949
engineers, astrophysicists, and mission


00:13:53.959 --> 00:13:56.389
specialists. Creating this human capital


00:13:56.399 --> 00:13:58.310
pipeline is considered essential for


00:13:58.320 --> 00:14:00.550
sustainable growth in the sector.


00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:02.629
Resource coordination represents another


00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:05.509
major focus area. Given the substantial


00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:08.069
investment required for space programs,


00:14:08.079 --> 00:14:10.310
AFSA will facilitate resource sharing


00:14:10.320 --> 00:14:12.790
among member states, preventing costly


00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:14.870
duplication of efforts while maximizing


00:14:14.880 --> 00:14:17.829
the impact of available funding. This


00:14:17.839 --> 00:14:19.910
cooperative approach extends to sharing


00:14:19.920 --> 00:14:22.670
markets, technologies, and scientific


00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:24.949
outcomes. Through these coordinated


00:14:24.959 --> 00:14:27.269
efforts, Africa aims to claim its


00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.150
rightful place in the global space


00:14:29.160 --> 00:14:31.509
community, transforming from a minor


00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:33.750
player to a significant contributor in


00:14:33.760 --> 00:14:36.910
international space exploration and


00:14:36.920 --> 00:14:39.990
utilization. Let's change gears now.


00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:42.870
Approximately 4.3 billion years ago, a


00:14:42.880 --> 00:14:44.949
massive celestial body slammed into the


00:14:44.959 --> 00:14:47.430
lunar surface, creating what we now know


00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:50.389
as the South Pole Atkin Basin. This


00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:52.710
colossal impact crater spanning a


00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:54.470
significant portion of the moon's far


00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:56.069
side may hold secrets that could


00:14:56.079 --> 00:14:58.150
revolutionize our understanding of lunar


00:14:58.160 --> 00:15:01.110
formation. Recent research suggests this


00:15:01.120 --> 00:15:03.269
basin contains pristine fragments of the


00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:05.350
moon's mantle and remnants of an ancient


00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:07.509
magma ocean dating back to when our


00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:09.269
lunar companion was still cooling and


00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:12.150
solidifying after its violent birth.


00:15:12.160 --> 00:15:14.710
These materials offer a rare geological


00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:16.949
time capsule, preserving evidence from


00:15:16.959 --> 00:15:19.389
the final stages of the moon's formation


00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:21.670
process. What makes this discovery


00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:23.189
particularly intriguing is how it


00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:24.790
challenges previous scientific


00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:27.509
assumptions. Researchers studying the


00:15:27.519 --> 00:15:29.990
basin's distinctive teardrop shape have


00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:32.389
determined that the massive impactor was


00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:34.629
actually moving southward when it struck


00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:37.030
the lunar surface, not northward as


00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:39.750
previously thought. As planetary


00:15:39.760 --> 00:15:41.670
scientist Jeff Andrews Hannah from the


00:15:41.680 --> 00:15:43.750
University of Arizona noted, "We have


00:15:43.760 --> 00:15:45.430
had the data we needed to measure the


00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:47.430
shape of the basin for a long time. It


00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:48.790
just took a different perspective to


00:15:48.800 --> 00:15:51.590
view the basin this way. The impact was


00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:53.110
so powerful that it appears to have


00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:55.030
punctured through the lunar crust,


00:15:55.040 --> 00:15:56.550
allowing material from the still


00:15:56.560 --> 00:15:58.710
crystallizing magma ocean beneath to


00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:01.430
seep upward. This explains the presence


00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:03.110
of thorium and other distinctive


00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.790
elements consistent with creep


00:16:04.800 --> 00:16:07.430
materials, potassium, rare earth


00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:09.749
elements, and phosphorus found across


00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:12.389
the basin floor. This excavation


00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:14.389
provides a unique window into the moon's


00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:16.670
interior during a critical period of its


00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:19.110
evolution. When the moon first formed


00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.629
from debris following a collision


00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:23.110
between Earth and a Mars-ized object,


00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:25.829
both bodies were briefly liquefied. As


00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:28.310
the moon cooled, low density minerals


00:16:28.320 --> 00:16:30.870
floated upward to form the crust while


00:16:30.880 --> 00:16:33.350
denser materials sank inward, creating


00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:36.069
the distinct layers we observe today.


00:16:36.079 --> 00:16:38.629
The South Pole Aken Basin effectively


00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:40.470
captured a snapshot of this process in


00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:42.870
action, preserving evidence of the magma


00:16:42.880 --> 00:16:45.110
ocean's composition at a specific moment


00:16:45.120 --> 00:16:47.990
in lunar history. By analyzing these


00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:50.310
materials, scientists hope to refine our


00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:52.790
timeline of exactly when and how Earth's


00:16:52.800 --> 00:16:54.030
companion took


00:16:54.040 --> 00:16:56.550
shape. The upcoming Artemis missions


00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:58.150
represent a once- in a generation


00:16:58.160 --> 00:16:59.749
opportunity to answer fundamental


00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:02.150
questions about lunar formation. When


00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:05.270
astronauts return to the moon in 2026,


00:17:05.280 --> 00:17:07.110
they'll be able to collect and bring


00:17:07.120 --> 00:17:09.350
back samples from the South Pole Aken


00:17:09.360 --> 00:17:11.909
Basin, giving scientists direct access


00:17:11.919 --> 00:17:13.909
to materials from the moon's ancient


00:17:13.919 --> 00:17:16.949
mantle. These samples are particularly


00:17:16.959 --> 00:17:18.949
valuable because they can be compared


00:17:18.959 --> 00:17:20.909
with materials already in our


00:17:20.919 --> 00:17:23.270
possession. During the Apollo missions


00:17:23.280 --> 00:17:26.069
of the 1960s and 70s, astronauts


00:17:26.079 --> 00:17:28.390
returned with rocks from the procelarum


00:17:28.400 --> 00:17:31.029
creep terrain, another region rich in


00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:33.590
those distinctive potassium, rare earth


00:17:33.600 --> 00:17:36.630
elements, and phosphorous materials.


00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:39.190
More recently, China's Chang 5 mission


00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:43.669
in 2020 and Chang 6 in 2024 have added


00:17:43.679 --> 00:17:45.909
to our collection of lunar samples with


00:17:45.919 --> 00:17:47.430
the latter specifically returning


00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:49.710
materials from the south pole atken


00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:52.070
basin. What makes this scientific


00:17:52.080 --> 00:17:54.310
opportunity so compelling is that these


00:17:54.320 --> 00:17:56.310
different areas represent distinct


00:17:56.320 --> 00:17:59.110
snapshots in time. By analyzing


00:17:59.120 --> 00:18:01.510
materials from both regions, scientists


00:18:01.520 --> 00:18:03.590
can observe how the lunar magma ocean


00:18:03.600 --> 00:18:05.990
evolved during different periods. It's


00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:07.750
like having photographs of a developing


00:18:07.760 --> 00:18:10.230
child taken years apart. The differences


00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:12.710
tell a story of growth and change.


00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:14.549
Andrew's Hannah emphasized that this


00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:16.549
research is about more than just


00:18:16.559 --> 00:18:19.430
understanding the moon. The magma ocean


00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:21.350
is inextricably tied to the birth of


00:18:21.360 --> 00:18:23.669
Earth. He explained, "While scientists


00:18:23.679 --> 00:18:25.350
have general timelines for how long it


00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:27.909
took the lunar magma to crystallize,


00:18:27.919 --> 00:18:30.710
precise dating remains challenging. Once


00:18:30.720 --> 00:18:32.310
Artemis astronauts return with these


00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:34.549
samples, laboratory analysis can


00:18:34.559 --> 00:18:36.390
determine a precise age for the South


00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:38.950
Pole Aken basin, which will provide an


00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:41.270
exact timeline for the latestage magma


00:18:41.280 --> 00:18:43.669
ocean crystallization. This data will


00:18:43.679 --> 00:18:45.750
help scientists refine models of how


00:18:45.760 --> 00:18:47.430
both the moon and earth formed and


00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:49.909
evolved in their earliest days.


00:18:49.919 --> 00:18:51.750
The comparison between the south pole


00:18:51.760 --> 00:18:54.230
atken basin and the procelerum creep


00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:56.630
terrain holds additional significance


00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:58.710
because previous theories suggested the


00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:01.430
massive impact that created the basin


00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:03.430
might have pushed magma ocean material


00:19:03.440 --> 00:19:05.750
to the opposite side of the moon forming


00:19:05.760 --> 00:19:08.789
the pristryum region. New evidence


00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:10.669
indicates these areas formed


00:19:10.679 --> 00:19:13.190
independently with the south pole aten


00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:16.190
impact occurring earlier in lunar


00:19:16.200 --> 00:19:19.270
history. And with that, we wrap up our


00:19:19.280 --> 00:19:21.750
cosmic journey for today. From black


00:19:21.760 --> 00:19:23.990
holes hurling matter into deep space to


00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.909
new revelations about the moon's ancient


00:19:25.919 --> 00:19:28.549
magma oceans, we've traveled across our


00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:31.430
solar system and beyond. The universe


00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:33.510
continues to reveal its secrets to those


00:19:33.520 --> 00:19:36.950
patient enough to look and listen. As we


00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:39.110
observe Africa, taking bold new steps


00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:41.350
into the space arena and anticipate what


00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:43.350
Artemis astronauts might discover on the


00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:45.750
lunar surface. It's clear that space


00:19:45.760 --> 00:19:47.909
exploration remains one of humanity's


00:19:47.919 --> 00:19:51.110
greatest adventures. I'm Anna and I want


00:19:51.120 --> 00:19:52.789
to thank you for spending this time


00:19:52.799 --> 00:19:55.110
exploring the cosmos with me. If you


00:19:55.120 --> 00:19:56.950
enjoyed today's episode, please visit


00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:58.830
our website at


00:19:58.840 --> 00:20:00.789
astronomyaily.io where you can sign up


00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:02.950
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00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:05.669
our complete archive of past episodes.


00:20:05.679 --> 00:20:07.590
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00:20:07.600 --> 00:20:09.270
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00:20:09.280 --> 00:20:11.830
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00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:14.390
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00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:16.310
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00:20:16.320 --> 00:20:17.990
fascinating stories of space and


00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.710
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00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.310
Until our next journey together through


00:20:22.320 --> 00:20:34.870
the stars, keep looking up.


00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:37.180
Stories told.


00:20:37.190 --> 00:20:44.779
[Music]