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SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & AstronomyThe Astronomy, Technology, and Space Science News Podcast. Author: Stuart Gary
Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support. Language: en Genres: Astronomy, Natural Sciences, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Dust Devils and Tectonic Tales: Unraveling Mars and Earth's Deep History
Episode 125
Friday, 17 October, 2025
In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the latest findings in Martian meteorology, delve into Earth's ancient tectonic activity, and prepare for humanity's return to the Moon.Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather PatternsA groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that wind speeds on Mars can reach up to 160 km/h, significantly higher than earlier estimates. Lead author Valentin U.H. Meckel from the University of Bern discusses how these powerful winds, along with dust devils, play a crucial role in shaping Mars' climate and dust distribution. This episode explores how the observations from the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter have provided unprecedented insights into Martian atmospheric dynamics, which are essential for planning future manned missions to the Red Planet.Unlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into SubductionIn a surprising twist to our understanding of early Earth, a new study published in Nature Communications suggests that subduction and continental crust formation occurred much earlier than previously believed. Researchers utilized advanced geochemical analysis of ancient olivine crystals to challenge the notion of a stagnant lid tectonic regime during the Hadean eon. This episode discusses the implications of these findings on our understanding of Earth's geological history and the processes that shaped our planet's surface.NASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar ExplorationNASA is set to send astronauts back to the Moon with the Artemis II mission, slated for launch in early 2026. This episode provides an overview of the mission's objectives, including a ten-day crewed flyby of the Moon, which will test the Orion spacecraft and gather crucial scientific data. As the crew prepares to explore the lunar far side, we discuss the significance of this mission for future lunar habitation and potential manned missions to Mars.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesScience Advanceshttps://www.science.org/journal/sciadvNature Communicationshttps://www.nature.com/ncomms/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Raging Winds on Mars: Unveiling Martian Weather PatternsUnlocking Earth's Deep Past: New Insights into SubductionNASA's Artemis II: Preparing for Lunar Exploration(00:00) Wind speeds on Mars and their implications(12:45) New findings on early Earth's tectonic activity(21:15) NASA's Artemis II mission overview(30:00) Science report: Octopus handedness and air pollution effects on sleep apnea
