S03E149: Mars's Lost Water, Roman's Galactic Fossils, and Solar Wind Insights

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 9th September 2024
Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Steve Dunkley. Today, we're diving into some of the most intriguing stories from the cosmos. From the mystery of Mars's lost water to the latest updates on NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter, we've got a stellar lineup for you. We'll also discuss the Roman Space Telescope's quest to uncover ancient galaxies, the fascinating journey of the Sinchengjung Atlas comet, and ESA's unique mission to bring down the Salsa satellite. Plus, we'll cover Boeing Starliner's successful return and what it means for future crewed missions. Stay tuned for a cosmic adventure!
Highlights:
- Mars's Lost Water: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Maven mission are on a quest to solve the mystery of where Mars's water went. By analyzing hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere, scientists are uncovering the planet's watery past.
- Solar Wind Mystery: NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter are investigating the mechanisms behind solar wind acceleration. New evidence points to magnetic switchbacks as a key factor.
- Roman Space Telescope: Set to launch in 2027, NASA's Roman Space Telescope aims to explore the dynamic universe and uncover the secrets of dark matter and galactic formation.
- Sinchengjung Atlas Comet: The Sinchengjung Atlas comet is making its way into our region, promising a spectacular celestial show. Despite rumors of disintegration, it remains a highly anticipated event for stargazers.
- ESA's Salsa Satellite: After 24 years of studying Earth's magnetic field, the Salsa satellite will undergo a targeted re-entry into the Pacific Ocean, marking a first for ESA in reducing space debris.
- Boeing Starliner: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft completed a successful three-month flight test to the ISS, providing crucial data for future crewed missions despite challenges like helium leaks and thruster issues.
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Until next time, keep looking up.
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