S27E42: Martian Oasis: Gale Crater's Watery Past Revealed

The Space, Astronomy & Science Podcast.
SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 42

*Water's Persistent Presence in Mars' Gale Crater
Mars' Gale Crater may have harbored water far longer than scientists previously believed, challenging our timeline of the Red Planet's arid transformation. New evidence from NASA's Curiosity rover, detailed in the journal Geology, suggests that underground water may have been present in the crater during the latter part of the Hesperian period, 3.7 to 3 billion years ago. This discovery, marked by deformed desert sandstone, hints at a more habitable past and could reshape our search for ancient Martian life.

*The Sun's Spectacular Double Solar Flare
The Sun has unleashed its most powerful eruption since 2017 with a double solar flare event, signaling a ramp-up towards solar maximum. The X1.1-class flare, coupled with a series of M-class flares, has sparked vivid auroral displays and heightened space weather activity. This dynamic solar performance, captured by ESA's SMOS and Swarm satellites, underscores the Sun's influence on Earth's magnetosphere and the importance of real-time space weather monitoring.

*The SR-71 Blackbird's Alleged Successor: The SR-72
Rumors persist of the Pentagon's development of a hypersonic aircraft, the SR-72, potentially succeeding the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. Reports suggest that Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is behind this classified project, which could reach Mach 6 speeds and revolutionize reconnaissance with its unmanned design. If true, this aircraft could redefine the boundaries of aviation and surveillance technology.

*April Night Skies: Alpha Centauri to the Lyrids Meteor Shower
As autumn's grip tightens, the night skies of April offer a celestial tapestry rich with wonders. From the Southern Cross standing upright to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, being prominently on display, stargazers have much to explore. The annual Lyrids meteor shower promises a dazzling show, peaking on April 22-23, while the planets Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus grace the morning and evening skies with their presence.

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📋 Episode Chapters

(00:00) This is spacetime series 27, episode 42, for broadcast on 5 April 2024
(00:47) Scientists find evidence water was abundant on Mars long after the planet became dry
(05:42) The sun has become increasingly active over the past week with numerous solar flares
(14:28) SMOS can detect effects of solar flares on global navigation satellite systems
(18:20) April is prevention of cruelty to animals month in the UK
(23:45) The southern cross is considered an important constellation for navigation
(34:46) There is so much light pollution in cities that it ruins the night sky
(37:11) There are two different measures of brightness, apparent and absolute. So Sirius appears to be very bright
(41:30) As the evening sky darkens you will see Jupiter, I can tell you
(44:08) All the other planetary activity is happening in the morning sky on April 11