Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the universe? Do you find yourself gazing at the stars, wondering about the latest discoveries in space exploration? If so, this week's episode of Astronomy Daily is a must-listen!
Hosted by Anna, Astronomy Daily brings you the latest news and discoveries from the world of astronomy. This episode is packed with captivating stories that will keep you informed and inspired.
First up, we delve into SpaceX's latest achievement. On June 18, SpaceX successfully launched another batch of its Starlink broadband satellites from California. This mission marked the 61st orbital liftoff of the year for SpaceX, showcasing their impressive pace and commitment to space travel. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 20 satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, making them even more adaptable for broadband communication. The rocket's first stage made a pinpoint landing on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This launch adds to the ever-growing Starlink mega constellation, which now boasts over 6000 operational satellites.
Next, we explore the latest from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Despite facing technical challenges, Hubble has successfully captured stunning new images in its single-gyro operational mode. One standout image is of the galaxy NGC 1546, located in the constellation Dorado. This image offers an exceptional view of the galaxy's intricate dust lanes and luminous core, providing valuable insights into stellar formation and evolution.
We also cover an extraordinary breakthrough in the observation of black holes. Astronomers have documented what might be the first real-time observation of a massive black hole awakening. The galaxy SDSS 1335 0728, which appeared unremarkable in years past, began to shine brighter than ever starting in late 2019. This rapid and unprecedented brightening has grabbed the attention of the scientific community, offering new insights into the mechanisms and behaviors of galactic cores.
In addition, we discuss new research confirming the critical role Earth's atmosphere plays in protecting life from the harmful effects of nearby supernovae. A study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment reveals that even a nearby supernova explosion would not significantly harm Earth's biosphere, thanks to our robust atmospheric defenses.
Lastly, we highlight a fascinating collaboration between Lego, ESA, and NASA to celebrate the Artemis program. This partnership aims to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts with special space-themed Lego sets, commemorating the upcoming missions to the moon.
Tune in to this episode of Astronomy Daily for these stories and more. Visit our website at astronomydaily.io for additional news and stories. Don't forget to check out our sponsors and leave us a review or comment. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Until next time, keep looking up—you never know what you might see!
