ASTRO SPACE NEWS

A DIVISION OF MID NORTH COAST ASTRONOMY (NSW)

(ASTRO) DAVE RENEKE

SPACE WRITER - MEDIA PERSONALITY - SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT ABC/COMMERCIAL RADIO - LECTURER - ASTRONOMY OUTREACH PROGRAMS - ASTRONOMY TOUR GUIDE - TELESCOPE SALES/SERVICE/LESSONS - MID NORTH COAST ASTRONOMY GROUP (Est. 2002)   Enquiries: (02) 6585 2260       Mobile: 0400 636 363        Email: davereneke@gmail.com

Presented by renowned astronomer and media personality, Dave Reneke, the evening will start with a breathtaking Secrets of the Universe slideshow. After the presentation, take a break and head to the top deck for an interactive laser-guided sky tour. Dave will use a high-powered laser to highlight the major stars, constellations, and planets visible that night, As you cruise, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, adding to the magic of the experience. These unique cruises run monthly  Enquiries: Elsa 0434 393 199   WEBSITE & Booking Info : https://www.portadventurecruises.com.au/explore-cruises

The Smart Telescope Revolution Has Arrived — And It's a Game-Changer for Amateur Astronomy!

Backyard astronomy is being transformed, and the ZWO Seestar S50 is leading the way. Traditional astrophotography once required bulky gear and endless setup; now it's fast, simple, and affordable.

The Seestar isn't a conventional telescope—there's no eyepiece. Instead, this compact, thermos-sized astrograph integrates optics, camera, tracking motors, filters, Wi-Fi, and a rechargeable battery, all controlled via a mobile app. In under ten minutes, it's ready to capture and stack images of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects in real time.

Despite its size, it offers a 250mm focal length, 1080p sensor, narrowband and solar filters, real-time stacking, dew heater, and direct image saving to your device, with options for raw frames. Results are impressive even in light-polluted skies. It ships with a tabletop tripod, solar filter, and charger, though a sturdier tripod is recommended. Downsides are modest: limited battery life, occasional lunar tracking tweaks, and mild field rotation in long exposures due to its alt-az mount.

WHO ARE ZWO?  ZWOptical, is a Chinese technology company founded in 2011 that designs and manufactures astrophotography equipment, primarily its range of dedicated astronomy cameras known as ASI (Astronomical Imaging) cameras, but also includes other accessories and software. ZWO cameras are popular for planetary imaging, deep-sky imaging, and autoguiding, and the company is known for innovating in the astrophotography field and making it accessible to a wide range of users See Website  https://www.zwoastro.com/

—David Reneke, Astronomer, Mid North Coast Astronomy Group, NSW

Did You Know...?

Did you know The special silicon-based insulation serving as the primary heat shield for the Space Shuttle orbiter sheds heat so rapidly that one side can be held in bare hands while the other side is red hot.

Did you know The International Space Station loses about 25 meters of altitude per day. Every three months or so, the crew has to adjust the orbit using either its own thrusters or those of a docked Progress cargo ship. Without these boosts, the ISS would eventually fall back to Earth.

Did you know Before each launch, astronauts receive a personal wardrobe pack. It contains shirts, pants, sleep shorts, slippers, and even underwear—because "laundry day" isn't an option in orbit.

Did you know Astronauts grow taller in space. Freed from Earth's constant pull, their spines stretch, making them up to 5 cm taller—although they quickly shrink back when they return home.

Did you know Some of the technology created for the Hubble Space Telescope has found its way into medicine, computer chips, and even the prevention of electrical power failures here on Earth. Space spin-offs really do change lives.

Did you know Heat from the core of the Sun takes about a million years to reach the surface. Yet once free, the light races across space and reaches Earth in just 8.5 minutes.

Did you know Almost half of the twinkling "single stars" you see at night are really double stars—or more. Some systems contain three or even four stars locked in a cosmic dance.

Did you know A simple space pen saved Apollo 11 from disaster. A vital switch broke inside the lunar module, threatening the astronauts' return. Buzz Aldrin jammed the metal tip of a pen into the circuit, bridging the gap and allowing the engine to fire. Before that mission, they had only used pencils. Lucky doesn't even cover it.

Did you know Astronauts' taste buds go on strike in orbit. Without gravity, fluids shift to the head, causing stuffy noses and dulled senses. That's why they love hot sauce, wasabi, and curries in space meals. Bland food just won't cut it.

Did you know There are "space burials." Companies can launch tiny capsules of ashes into orbit or even towards the Moon. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke both had portions of their remains launched into space.

Did you know Space smells. Astronauts returning from spacewalks often report a scent clinging to their suits—described as "burnt steak," "welding fumes," or "ozone." It's thought to be traces of excited atoms clinging to the fabric.

Did you know If you cry in space, the tears don't fall. Instead, they form floating blobs that cling to your face until you wipe them away. Emotional breakdowns are best kept short and tidy in orbit.

Did you know A piece of astronaut poop once made headlines. Early in the Apollo program, a wayward sample floated around the cabin—causing more panic than any life-threatening malfunction.

Did you know On the Moon, astronaut Alan Shepard sneaked in a golf club head attached to a tool and hit two golf balls. One, he joked, went "miles and miles." With no air resistance, he wasn't far off.

Did you know Saturn could float in water. Its density is so low that if you had a cosmic bathtub big enough, the ringed planet would bob around like a beach ball.

The Young Woman Who Wants to Be First on Mars

Imagine being 23 years old and already training to make history—not as a pop star, not as a billionaire influencer, but as a pioneer destined for another world. Meet Alyssa Carson, the American space enthusiast who has devoted her life to one extraordinary goal: becoming one of the first humans to set foot on Mars.

From the time she was a child, Alyssa wasn't doodling fairies in her notebooks—she was drawing rockets and planets. She enrolled in space camps, programs, and academies before most kids her age were thinking about their driver's license. By her teenage years, she was already involved in serious astronaut simulations, including work with the Advanced PoSSUM Space Academy, a program focused on suborbital spaceflight research. To say she's committed would be an understatement.

Now, at 23, Alyssa is attracting global attention as she edges closer to what was once only the stuff of science fiction. NASA, alongside other space agencies and private partners, has laid the groundwork for human missions to Mars within the next two decades. And Alyssa, with her years of training, education, and pure determination, could very well be among the first to take the ride.

But here's where the story shifts from impressive to jaw-dropping. While no official mission plan requires it, Alyssa has openly said she would accept the possibility of not coming back. Yes, you read that right. Imagine stepping onto Mars with the knowledge that returning home might not be an option—not for years, maybe not at all. It's a chilling thought to most of us, but for Alyssa, it's part of the price of progress. Her vision reflects the bold, unshakable spirit of exploration that pushed humans across oceans, onto mountaintops, and eventually to the Moon.

So when will it happen? The timetable for Mars exploration is ambitious, with NASA's Artemis missions currently aiming to return humans to the Moon in the next few years as a stepping stone to Mars. Realistically, a crewed mission to the Red Planet could happen in the 2030s. That's less than two decades away—close enough for Alyssa, and maybe even for you and me, to watch live as history unfolds.

Think about it: the first human boot print in Martian dust. A new world rising on our screens. A young woman, who once dreamed of space in her bedroom, taking the first steps for humanity. It's the kind of moment that will make us all pause, cheer, and perhaps even shed a tear.

Would you go? That's the question Alyssa forces us to ask ourselves. Could you leave behind Earth, its blue skies and oceans, its familiar comforts, for a chance to live on a barren red desert under alien stars? Most of us would hesitate. But pioneers like Alyssa don't hesitate—they leap. They remind us that progress comes not from playing it safe, but from daring to take risks that redefine what it means to be human.

Alyssa Carson's story isn't just about one young woman chasing her dream. It's about all of us, standing on the edge of a new chapter in exploration. Mars is waiting. And thanks to people like Alyssa, humanity is closer than ever to knocking on its door.

NASA Hints at Ancient Life on Mars

The world stopped breathing for a moment this morning. At a packed press conference, NASA scientists revealed what many had long suspected but never dared to fully believe: strong indications suggest that Mars once harbored life.

The announcement came after years of silent whispers in the scientific community, years of cryptic clues left buried in Martian soil, etched in ancient riverbeds, and written across the planet's barren landscape. Now, for the first time, humanity stands on the brink of answering the question that has haunted us since the first telescope glimpsed the Red Planet: Were we ever alone?

The evidence is compelling. Robotic explorers—silent pioneers crawling across deserts of red dust—have uncovered chemical signatures that point to biological processes. Ancient sediments reveal carbon compounds that shouldn't exist without life's touch. Microscopic structures, astonishingly similar to fossilized microbes on Earth, have been detected in rocks dated billions of years old.

"Mars wasn't always the cold, dry wasteland we see today," declared Dr. Elena Reyes, the mission's lead astrobiologist, her voice trembling with excitement. "We are looking at a planet that once had flowing rivers, vast lakes, and possibly even an ocean. It had the right conditions. And now, the evidence tells us—it may have had life."

The revelation is not simply scientific—it is seismic. Religious leaders, philosophers, and dreamers everywhere are now grappling with the implications. If life sparked once beyond Earth, then the universe might be teeming with it. Somewhere, among the stars, other civilizations could be waiting, or watching.

The drama is heightened by a paradox: Mars may have been more Earth-like before Earth itself was ready for life. Billions of years ago, as Earth was still a violent ball of chaos, Mars basked in a gentle climate, its rivers flowing under a faint golden sun. Perhaps life began there first. Perhaps, in some unimaginable twist, Earth's own spark came from a Martian seed carried across space by meteorites. Could we, in some deep and hidden way, be children of Mars?

As the news spreads, people pour into observatories, point telescopes toward the red dot in the night sky, and whisper about what lies ahead. Some call for urgent manned missions to uncover the truth with human eyes and hands. Others warn that unearthing Martian life—past or present—may bring dangers we cannot yet imagine.

NASA, for now, remains cautious. "We do not yet have living organisms," said Dr. Reyes. "But what we do have are ancient fingerprints—traces that strongly suggest Mars was once alive. Our next missions will be to confirm, and perhaps… to meet our planetary ancestors."

The announcement will be remembered as one of the greatest turning points in human history. The day humanity learned that Earth was not the sole cradle of life. The day we realized that in the vast silence of space, another world once whispered with its own breath. And somewhere out there, in the cold dust of Mars, the echoes of that life may still linger—waiting for us to find them.

Buying a Telescope in Australia: What You Really Need to Know

So, you've decided you want a telescope. Maybe you've been out under the stars and thought, "Wouldn't it be great to see Saturn's rings or the craters of the Moon up close?" Good idea! But before you rush out and throw money at the first shiny telescope you see in a department store, let's slow down and look at the smartest way to get started.

Step One: Don't Buy From a Department Store

Here's the truth—most department store telescopes look great on the box but end up being frustrating junk. They often come with flimsy tripods, wobbly mounts, and over-hyped promises like "See galaxies millions of light years away!" You'll spend more time fighting the equipment than looking at the sky. That's why most seasoned astronomers say: avoid them altogether.

Step Two: Anything Under $300 is Trouble

Telescopes are precision instruments, not toys. In Australia, if you're spending less than about $300, you're almost guaranteed to be disappointed. You might manage a glimpse of the Moon or a fuzzy dot of Jupiter, but it won't take long before you give up. Think of it like buying a musical instrument—cheap guitars don't make you want to play; they make you want to quit. The same goes for telescopes.

Step Three: Start With Binoculars

Here's a surprise: you don't even need a telescope straight away. A good pair of binoculars—something like 10x50s—is often the best way to begin. Why? Because binoculars are portable, easy to use, and they show you a wide field of view. You'll see star clusters, the Milky Way in stunning detail, and even the larger moons of Jupiter on a steady night.

Spend a few weeks just scanning the skies with binoculars. Learn how the constellations fit together, where the Milky Way runs, and what's up there from your backyard. It's the cheapest astronomy lesson you'll ever have.

Step Four: Use Apps and Star Maps

We live in a golden age of stargazing. Free apps like SkySafari, Stellarium, or SkyView turn your phone into a personal planetarium. Point your device at the sky and it'll tell you exactly what you're looking at. Combine this with binocular viewing, and you'll be surprised how quickly you learn the night sky.

Step Five: Join an Astronomy Club

Australia has a vibrant community of astronomy clubs, big and small. Joining one is the smartest move you can make. Why? Because you'll get free tuition, honest advice, and often the chance to use big telescopes before you buy one yourself. You'll meet people who've made all the mistakes—and can stop you from repeating them. It's like having a group of friendly mentors on call.

Step Six: When You're Ready, Buy a Dobsonian

After you've had a few weeks (or months) under the stars with binoculars and apps, you'll know if this hobby is for you. If the answer is yes, then there's really only one best choice for beginners: an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope.

Why a Dobsonian?

• Ease of use: They sit on a simple swivel base. No complicated electronics, no fiddly mounts. You just push and point.

• Size of the mirror: At 8 inches, it gathers a huge amount of light compared to smaller scopes. This means you'll see galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and planets in real detail.

• Value for money: In Australia, an 8-inch Dobsonian gives you the most "bang for your buck." It's the workhorse telescope of amateur astronomy.

Expect to spend around $700–$1,000 for a good model from a reputable telescope dealer—not a chain store. It's money well spent, because this is a telescope that can keep you entertained for years.

Final Word

Astronomy is one of the most rewarding hobbies you'll ever try, but it's also one where beginners often get burned by poor advice and bad equipment. Start small with binoculars, learn the sky with apps, lean on the wisdom of your local astronomy club, and when you're ready, go for an 8-inch Dobsonian.

Do that, and the rings of Saturn, craters of the Moon, distant star clusters, and glowing nebulae will all be yours to explore—without the frustration.

Building Blocks of Life Found Around a Distant Star

Astronomers have uncovered fresh evidence that the essential ingredients for life may be far more common in the universe than previously imagined. A new study reports the discovery of complex organic molecules—the same kinds of compounds that form the chemical foundation for life on Earth—orbiting a young protostar many light-years away.

The star in question is V883 Orionis, a baby star surrounded by a vast disk of dust and gas, where planets are slowly taking shape. Using high-powered telescopes, scientists detected a variety of complex carbon-based molecules within this planet-forming disk. These compounds include precursors to amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins, and sugars, which form part of DNA.

The finding suggests that the seeds of life aren't limited to Earth, or even to our solar system. Instead, they may be a natural byproduct of star and planet formation itself. If these life-friendly molecules are forming so early, before planets even fully emerge, it raises the possibility that the universe is teeming with worlds carrying the same raw ingredients that made life possible here.

On Earth, life began once simple organic molecules came together under the right conditions—likely in warm little ponds or deep-sea vents—sparking the first primitive cells. The discovery around V883 Orionis shows that these chemical starting points can assemble in space long before a planet's surface forms. When new planets eventually solidify within such disks, they could inherit these compounds, giving them a head start toward developing life.

Scientists have long debated whether Earth was special or whether life's recipe is written into the cosmos itself. This discovery strengthens the argument for the latter. If protostars across the galaxy are mixing up the same chemical soup, then life may not be an Earth-only phenomenon but a universal trend, waiting for the right conditions to flourish.

The observation doesn't mean life exists elsewhere—at least not yet. But it does highlight that the universe appears better stocked with life's precursors than scientists once assumed. With missions like the James Webb Space Telescope already peering into distant star systems, and future probes planned to explore the icy moons of our solar system, the search for life beyond Earth has never looked more promising.

As one researcher put it, discoveries like these make it harder and harder to see Earth as a cosmic exception. Instead, we may simply be part of a much larger, universal story of life unfolding in countless places across the stars.

How Earth Got Its Spark of Life

Astrobiologists face a big problem: we only know one planet that has life—our own. Out of all the worlds in the Solar System, only Earth boasts a thick atmosphere, liquid water on its surface, and the complex chemistry that living things need. But here's the twist—when Earth was young, none of those life-friendly features existed.

Billions of years ago, the early Solar System was a hot, chaotic place. The inner planets, being close to the Sun, missed out on many of the volatile ingredients—like water and carbon—that are essential for life. Instead, those precious substances clung to icy bodies forming farther out. That leaves us with a puzzle: if early Earth was bone dry, where did the building blocks of life come from?

A new study from researchers at the University of Bern may have the answer. For the first time, scientists have pinned down just how quickly Earth took shape after the Solar System formed about 4.5 billion years ago. Using isotopes of manganese and chromium in meteorites and ancient rocks, the team showed that Earth's chemical makeup was essentially complete within three million years—a blink of an eye in cosmic terms.

That's incredibly fast. To make the calculation, lead author Pascal Maurice Kruttasch and Professor Klaus Mesger used a high-precision "cosmic clock" based on the radioactive decay of manganese-53 into chromium-53. Since this isotope has a half-life of only 3.8 million years, it's perfect for measuring the Solar System's earliest events. Their results, published in Science Advances, revealed that primordial Earth was fully formed—chemically speaking—long before it acquired the ingredients for life.

So how did Earth go from a barren rock to the blue planet we know today? The study strengthens one of the most dramatic theories in planetary science: the Giant Impact Hypothesis. According to this idea, a Mars-sized object called Theia collided with the young Earth around 4.5 billion years ago. The impact not only created the Moon but also delivered the volatile elements Earth was missing, including water. In other words, life's ingredients may have been a cosmic gift from a wandering planet.

The implications are huge. If rocky worlds that form near their stars start out dry, then life may only take hold if those planets receive a similar delivery of essentials from farther out. This could shape how we search for habitable worlds beyond our Solar System, giving astronomers new clues about where to look.

For now, Kruttasch and his team are planning the next step: detailed computer simulations of that colossal collision. By reconstructing the event, they hope to learn more about how Earth became the rare oasis it is today—a place where a dry rock was transformed into a living world.

Are We on the Brink of UFO Disclosure? 

The UFO world is buzzing. A bold new claim by Dr. Steven Greer, one of the most prominent figures in the disclosure movement, has set the stage for what could be a turning point in humanity's long-running fascination with the idea of extraterrestrial visitors. Greer, a physician turned researcher and advocate for government transparency on UFOs, says that whistleblowers are preparing to step forward within the next 72 hours with hard evidence of UFOs and, more startlingly, non-human intelligence. If true, it would be nothing short of a historic revelation—one that could rewrite textbooks, reset scientific debate, and redefine our very place in the universe.

"This could be the most significant testimony in the history of the extraterrestrial debate," Greer insists. In a recent Newsmax interview, he went further, warning that "time is running out" and predicting that within 30 days the world may see a major announcement that could shake the foundations of our collective understanding of reality. 

For decades, Greer has been at the forefront of UFO disclosure, building networks of insiders and claiming access to classified material. His latest statements suggest that government insiders are finally ready to risk careers—and possibly their safety—to reveal what they know. If credible evidence of non-human intelligence does emerge, the ramifications are staggering. Religions would be forced to re-examine core beliefs. Governments would face pressure to explain decades of secrecy. And scientists, long skeptical of anecdotal reports, would be compelled to confront evidence that humanity is not alone.

In Greer's words, the public should not fear an "alien invasion"—a narrative he believes has been cynically used to mask the truth. Instead, he suggests extraterrestrials have been quietly visiting Earth for decades, with motives yet unknown but far less hostile than Hollywood blockbusters might have us believe.

A Call for Skepticism

Of course, not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that Greer has made sweeping claims before that never materialized. UFO skeptics warn that without verifiable documents or physical evidence, such predictions risk fueling conspiracy theories rather than uncovering truth. Mainstream science remains cautious. Extraordinary claims, researchers remind us, require extraordinary evidence. With governments, including the U.S., releasing some previously classified UFO reports in recent years, the bar for credibility has risen: blurry photos and dramatic anecdotes are no longer enough.

Still, the timing of Greer's statement raises eyebrows. Governments worldwide are increasingly open about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). NASA has launched its own inquiry. The Pentagon has admitted it cannot explain some encounters recorded by military pilots. Into this climate of shifting credibility, Greer's claim lands like a thunderclap.

If the promised whistleblower testimony proves compelling, it could spark public demand for full disclosure, forcing governments to reveal long-hidden archives. On the other hand, if no substantive evidence emerges, Greer risks undermining the credibility of the movement he has championed for decades.

All eyes are now on the coming weeks. Will humanity finally receive confirmation that we are not alone—or will this be another chapter in the long, frustrating saga of UFO promises unfulfilled? For now, Greer has managed what few can: capturing the world's imagination. Whether through vindication or disappointment, his bold predictions ensure that the question—"Are we alone?"—remains as urgent and electrifying as ever.

Mars: The Next Home for Humanity

Mars has always been a world of mystery. For centuries, telescopes revealed its shifting red deserts, its icy caps, and faint traces of seasons—just enough to spark endless speculation. Could there be canals? Ancient civilizations? Signs of life? Today, we're no longer asking what's already there. Instead, we're daring to ask something far bolder: what if we live there?

At first glance, the idea seems insane. Mars is a graveyard for life. Its atmosphere is a whisper—only 1% the thickness of Earth's, and mostly carbon dioxide. Without a pressurized suit, a human would suffocate in seconds. Its cold is merciless, plunging to –125°C at night, a chill that could turn steel brittle. And then there's radiation, invisible and relentless, seeping into every cell without the protection of Earth's magnetic shield.

Yet, beneath this harsh exterior lies promise. Frozen water hides in the soil and at the poles. Where there's water, there's survival. With the right technology, we could drink it, grow crops, breathe it, even turn it into rocket fuel. Mars is dangerous, yes—but it's also resource-rich. Like any frontier, it demands courage, but it offers rewards to those bold enough to take them.

That's where visionaries step in. Elon Musk's SpaceX has declared openly what others only whispered: humanity should not remain confined to Earth. Starship, his colossal rocket, isn't just a machine. It's a lifeboat for civilization. His dream is audacious—thousands of settlers crossing the void, building cities beneath domes, raising families on a world that until now has been silent and lifeless. 

Picture it: the year is 2050. A glass dome gleams beneath the thin Martian sky, its panels fogged with the breath of hundreds of colonists. Inside, rows of crops sway gently in artificial light. Children kick a ball in reduced gravity, their laughter echoing against the habitat walls. Outside, rovers crawl across the crimson plains, their tracks the first signatures of a species claiming its second home.

But survival won't be the only challenge. Mars will test our spirit as much as our technology. The first settlers will face isolation unlike anything humans have endured. Earth will be a shimmering dot in the sky, a radio call away but never close enough. Communities will have to be strong, resilient, and united. They'll need to solve problems with ingenuity because help will be months away. And then there's the great unknown: what secrets does Mars still hold? Could frozen soil hide traces of ancient life, microbial fossils waiting to tell us that we are not alone? Imagine the thrill of that discovery—not just survival, but contact with the deep history of the universe itself.

The truth is, living on Mars will never be easy. But it was never meant to be. Frontiers are harsh, and yet, history shows us that humans thrive when faced with the impossible. From sailing across uncharted oceans to setting foot on the Moon, every leap seemed impossible—until it wasn't. Mars is the next leap. It is the great adventure of our time, a drama filled with danger, wonder, and the ultimate reward: a second chance for humanity, on a new world under a red sky

Life In Space Without Laundry

Spare a thought for the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They may float 400 kilometres above Earth at 28,000 km/h, eating their dinner out of pouches while gazing down at the swirling blue planet below—but they have one very down-to-earth problem: laundry. Or rather, the complete lack of it.

That's right. There is no laundry in space. Not a single washing machine, not even a humble clothesline flapping in the solar breeze. Water is far too precious to waste on a pair of socks, and detergent? Forget it. Every drop of water aboard the ISS is recycled—including, yes, the astronauts' own… contributions. NASA calls it "yesterday's coffee into tomorrow's coffee." It's a closed system. So, the idea of pouring a few litres into a machine to wash gym shorts is, well, laughable.

Instead, astronauts wear their clothes—T-shirts, shorts, undies—over and over until they become too smelly or stiff to tolerate. Then the clothes are bundled into waste capsules, like Northrop Grumman's Cygnus or Russia's Progress spacecraft. These trash ships eventually detach from the station and re-enter Earth's atmosphere, where they burn up in a spectacular, if slightly pungent, fireball. So, somewhere high above your head, last year's astronaut underwear probably blazed a trail of glory before disappearing forever.

Of course, this raises the obvious question: what about hygiene? If they're not washing their clothes, how do astronauts wash themselves? The answer is: very carefully. With no showers or bathtubs in orbit, crew members rely on rinse less-wipes and no-rinse body wash—basically glorified baby wipes—to stay fresh. Hair washing? A no-rinse, waterless shampoo that would make any music festival camper nod in approval.

And the laundry issue is only half the story. Astronauts also wear special nappies—politely called "Maximum Absorbency Garments"—during spacewalks. A spacewalk can last up to eight hours, and once you're zipped inside that million-dollar spacesuit, bathroom breaks are not on the agenda. These nappies are technological marvels, far removed from anything you'd buy at the local chemist, but still, the principle is the same. You go, it absorbs, you carry on fixing the solar panels.

The surprise for many is how long a single set of clothes lasts. A T-shirt might survive a week of workouts before being jettisoned to its fiery doom. Socks? Maybe a little longer. Underwear? NASA, in its infinite wisdom, leaves that decision to the wearer's… discretion.

But here's the kicker: scientists are now developing clothes that kill bacteria on contact or don't smell at all, fabrics that could be worn for months without washing. It's all part of preparing for longer missions—to Mars, for example—where you can't just toss your dirty laundry into the atmosphere. Until then, astronauts will keep re-wearing, keep wiping down, and keep tossing their used clothes into the cosmic incinerator. Space travel may be glamorous, but sometimes it stinks—literally.

You're probably wondering about number ones' and twos'? On the ISS, going to the loo is less "sit and relax" and more "strap in and aim carefully. Astronauts on the International Space Station use specially designed toilets with foot straps and thigh bars to stay in place. Urine is collected by a hose with gentle suction and processed into drinking water. Solid waste goes into a small, lined container, sealed, and stored for disposal on cargo ships. Everything relies on airflow, not gravity, to keep things tidy in microgravity conditions.

NASA at a Crossroads: Science, the Sun, and a New Space Race

NASA has a busy stretch ahead, with both scientific and political challenges shaping its future. On the science front, the agency is preparing for an important launch aimed at studying the Sun and its powerful influence across space. The mission will probe solar radiation and magnetic activity—forces that not only shape Earth's space weather but also affect spacecraft and astronauts on future missions to the Moon and Mars. Understanding the Sun better is a key step in ensuring human safety beyond Earth's protective atmosphere.

But while the science moves forward, questions are swirling in Washington about NASA's ability to meet its most ambitious goals. A recent Senate hearing raised doubts over whether the agency can land astronauts on the Moon before China does. Lawmakers voiced concerns about delays, budget shortfalls, and the sheer scale of engineering hurdles still ahead. The Artemis program—designed to return Americans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years—has already faced multiple schedule setbacks.

Despite the skepticism, NASA leaders remain confident. Speaking recently, officials pushed back against the doubts, declaring that America will win what they call the "second space race." The first race in the 1960s was about getting to the Moon before the Soviet Union. This new contest pits the U.S. against China, which has rapidly expanded its space program and announced bold plans of its own for a lunar landing.

NASA's strategy is to combine scientific discovery with human exploration, making the case that both are essential to U.S. leadership in space. The upcoming solar research mission, while not as dramatic as a Moon landing, underscores the foundation of knowledge that makes exploration possible. At the same time, Artemis is meant to inspire the world and demonstrate American capability in an era of renewed competition.

For now, the clock is ticking. China's lunar timetable is ambitious, and political pressure is growing in Washington. NASA must deliver both the science and the spectacle if it hopes to maintain its place as the global leader in space exploration.

Picture the newborn Earth: a molten, restless world spinning silently in space, its surface a hellscape of lava oceans and choking vapors. No oceans, no clouds, no hint of green or blue. It was a planet waiting for life—but with none of the ingredients needed to create it.

For all its drama, early Earth lacked the essentials: water, carbon, hydrogen—volatile elements that make oceans flow and life tick. The stage for biology was set, but the script was blank.

And then came the cosmic twist.

Recent research into Earth's earliest years suggests our planet was missing these life-giving elements simply because it formed too close to the Sun. That hot inner zone of the solar system was no place for delicate compounds. It baked them away before they could settle into the rocks and soil of the forming planet. Earth's early body, it turns out, was chemically barren—a beautiful but empty shell.

But space, as it so often does, had surprises in store.

Somewhere beyond Earth's orbit, in the colder reaches of the young solar system, small planets and asteroids were quietly hoarding the very stuff Earth lacked: water ice, carbon compounds, the raw chemistry of oceans and air. As Earth spun along in its lonely orbit, one such body—scientists believe it may have been a Mars-sized planet now known as Theia—wandered too close.

The collision was inevitable.

What happened next was both cataclysmic and miraculous. Theia slammed into Earth in a titanic impact that likely blasted our Moon into existence from the debris. But along with fire and fury came a delivery of priceless cargo: water and volatiles from Theia's distant birthplace, now mixing into Earth's mantle and atmosphere. Without this single chance event, the story of Earth might have ended as a barren rock, forever lifeless beneath a silent sky.

The irony is striking. Life on Earth may owe its existence not to gentle nurturing but to a single act of cosmic violence. Without that collision, there may have been no oceans, no atmosphere—and no us.

Scientists now see this as a turning point in planetary history. Earth formed quickly, within the first few million years of the solar system's birth, but the essential ingredients for habitability came later, in this spectacular, unlikely way. Life, it seems, owes its start to both timing and sheer celestial luck.

And that raises a tantalizing question: how many other worlds out there formed too close to their stars, missing their chance at life unless fate delivered a similar gift from the cosmos? Are habitable planets common—or as rare as this single, ancient impact?

The answers remain hidden in the stardust of deep time. But one thing seems clear: Earth as we know it exists because, long ago, a wandering planet collided with ours and left behind the spark of possibility. Sometimes, it seems, you really do need a little chaos to create life.

The "Wow!" Signal: A Cosmic Mystery That Just Got Louder

Back in August 1977, on a warm Ohio night, a radio telescope known as "Big Ear" picked up something so strange, so unexpected, that the astronomer on duty, Jerry Ehman, grabbed a pen, circled the printout, and scrawled one word in the margin: "Wow!" That single word has become legend. For nearly five decades, the Wow! signal has been held up as perhaps the most tantalizing hint that we might not be alone in the universe. 

And now, thanks to new analysis, this cosmic riddle has grown even more intriguing. A recent study has found that the mysterious signal was far stronger than anyone realized. Stronger means rarer. Stronger means more unusual. Stronger means… well, let's just say that whatever caused it wasn't your average cosmic burp.

For years, astronomers have debated the origin of this powerful blast of radio waves. Was it a natural celestial event? A long-forgotten comet? Or—cue the dramatic music—could it have been a message from somewhere out there?

The new research is breathing fresh life into this decades-old mystery. Volunteers painstakingly processed 75,000 pages of original data—yes, actual paper printouts—from the 1970s using modern scanning technology. For the first time, computers were able to dig deep into the raw signal itself, uncovering details that had been hidden for decades.

And here's where it gets interesting:

• Scientists have pinpointed the signal's location in the sky with far greater accuracy. They've corrected an old mistake in calculating the signal's frequency—revealing that the source may have been spinning rapidly as it emitted those strange waves. The data also rules out anything human-made. There were no satellites, no TV stations, no stray signals bouncing off Earth to blame this on.

This wasn't a glitch. It wasn't interference. It was real. And it came from deep space. Now, before we start packing our bags for first contact, scientists caution that "astronomical" doesn't automatically mean "alien." It could still be some weird, as-yet-unknown space phenomenon. The universe is full of mysteries, after all.

But one thing is certain: whatever happened on that August night nearly 50 years ago, it left behind a signal so unusual, so powerful, that it continues to captivate astronomers, amateur sleuths, and daydreamers alike. The universe spoke—or maybe just cleared its throat—and for 72 seconds in 1977, we heard it. And now, thanks to modern science, we know it was even louder than we thought.

Somewhere out there, 40 light-years from Earth, a planet glitters in the darkness of space like a cosmic treasure chest. Its name? 55 Cancri e. Its claim to fame? Astronomers believe it might be made largely of carbon—and under the searing heat and crushing pressure on its surface, much of that carbon could be in the form of diamond. Yes, you read that right: a real diamond planet.

This isn't science fiction. Discovered in 2004, 55 Cancri e orbits a star similar to our Sun in the constellation of Cancer. It's what astronomers call a "super-Earth"—a rocky planet far bigger than our own. Twice Earth's size and eight times heavier, it hugs its star so closely that a single year there lasts just 18 hours. No long weekends on this world. The planet's surface temperature? A toasty 2,400 degrees Celsius. Hot enough to melt metal… and most likely you, too.

But what makes 55 Cancri e sparkle in the cosmic spotlight isn't its heat or size. It's its chemistry. Astronomers studying its mass and composition concluded the planet is extremely rich in carbon, and with all that pressure and furnace-like heat, much of it could be crystallised as diamond.

Imagine that for a moment: an entire world studded with diamonds—mountains of them, perhaps an entire crust glittering like a jeweller's dream. On Earth, diamonds are precious because they're rare, born deep underground under just the right conditions. But on 55 Cancri e, diamonds might be as common as rocks in your backyard.

Of course, before you start packing your space pickaxe and planning to corner the galactic jewellery market, there are a few tiny problems. First, there's the little matter of getting there—40 light-years is no small hop. Even travelling at the speed of the fastest spacecraft ever built, it would take hundreds of thousands of years to reach 55 Cancri e.

Second, the planet isn't exactly welcoming. That blistering heat, the lack of atmosphere as we know it, and the ferocious gravity would crush and cook any would-be space prospector long before they even had a chance to say, "Mine!"

So, for now, 55 Cancri e remains a glittering cosmic curiosity, a reminder that the universe has a sense of extravagance far beyond human imagination. It also challenges how we think about planets themselves. We grew up learning about worlds like Earth, Mars, and Jupiter—but 55 Cancri e shows us that alien worlds can be stranger and more exotic than anything in science fiction.

Will we ever get there? Perhaps one day, with technologies that now exist only in the dreams of scientists and sci-fi writers. Until then, 55 Cancri e sparkles far away, a cosmic diamond locked in the velvet vault of space, teasing us with its wealth and mystery. The universe, it seems, really does like to show off.

Quantum Entanglement: The Universe's Strangest Connection

Imagine two tiny particles, each smaller than an atom, connected by an invisible thread so strong that no amount of distance can break it. Put one particle in a lab on Earth and the other on the far side of the galaxy, and they will still behave as though they are joined together. Change one instantly, and the other reacts at the same moment—no matter how far apart they are.

This is quantum entanglement—a phenomenon so strange that even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, struggled to accept it. He famously called it "spooky action at a distance," because, well… it is.

Here's the simple version. In the world of quantum physics—the science of the very, very small—particles sometimes interact in ways that link their properties together. When this happens, the two particles become "entangled." It doesn't matter how far apart they are taken after that; measuring one instantly gives you information about the other.

But there's more. It's not just that one "knows" what the other is doing. The two particles behave as if they are part of the same system, as though space itself doesn't matter. If you measure one particle's spin, the other particle's spin will be locked in a perfect relationship with it—even if they are light-years apart.

And it happens instantly. Not at the speed of light. Not even after the tiniest fraction of a second. Instantly. That's what baffled Einstein. According to everything he knew about physics, nothing could affect something else faster than the speed of light. Yet here were particles, apparently ignoring the rules.

For decades, scientists argued about whether this was real or just a strange mathematical trick. Some thought there must be "hidden variables" we couldn't see, some unknown mechanism linking the particles in a way that didn't break physics as we knew it.

Then, in the 1960s, physicist John Bell came up with a clever test. He developed mathematical inequalities—now called Bell's Theorem—that could prove whether entanglement was real or not. Experiments since then have confirmed it over and over again: there are no hidden signals, no secret wires connecting the particles. Quantum entanglement is real. It is part of the way the universe works.

So what can we do with this mind-bending phenomenon? Scientists are already exploring how to use entanglement in technology. One idea is quantum teleportation, where information about a particle's state can be transmitted instantly across space. Another is quantum communication—systems that could make unbreakable encryption possible, because any attempt to eavesdrop on the signal would destroy the entanglement and be instantly detectable. 

And then there are quantum computers, which could one day solve problems so complex that even today's fastest supercomputers would be left in the dust. It all sounds like science fiction, but much of it is already being tested in laboratories around the world. China, for instance, has launched satellites that use quantum entanglement for secure communication experiments across thousands of kilometers.

But perhaps the most intriguing part of all this is what it tells us about reality itself. Entanglement hints that the universe might be far more connected than we think. That maybe nothing is truly separate, and space and time are not as solid and absolute as they seem. Quantum entanglement isn't just a curiosity for scientists. It's a window into a universe that is stranger, deeper, and far more mysterious than we ever imagined—and it might just change the way we understand everything.

Imagine standing at the edge of a lunar crater, Earth rising like a pale marble in the black sky above, while solar panels lie useless under two weeks of pitch-dark night. This is the paradox of lunar living: dazzling sunshine followed by an unrelenting freeze that halts even the most advanced solar-powered ambitions.

Proposed spacecraft could carry up to 2,400 people on a one-way trip to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri.

Imagine a spacecraft so huge it could carry more than 2,000 people on a one-way trip to another star. That's the idea behind Chrysalis, a futuristic ship designed to travel to Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to our own.

Space Babies: Floating Births, Cosmic Radiation, and the Astonishing Future of Pregnancy Beyond Earth

The idea of having a baby in space sounds like something straight out of science fiction. But as humans push further into the cosmos, the question isn't if it will happen — it's when. And that opens up a whole universe of challenges, fears, and thrilling possibilities.

Picture it: a baby born in zero gravity. No heavy tugs from Earth's pull. Instead, a tiny newborn gently floating in the cabin of a spacecraft, free as a balloon at a birthday party. It's a breathtaking — and slightly surreal — vision of the future.

But space is no gentle nursery. One of the greatest threats to a space pregnancy is cosmic radiation. On Earth, our thick atmosphere and magnetic field act like a shield. In deep space, though, expectant mothers and their unborn children are exposed to radiation storms unleashed by the Sun and distant stars. Scientists worry this could affect development. But engineers are already working on solutions: shielded cabins, protective suits, even "safe rooms" aboard future spacecraft designed just for mums-to-be.

Then there's the wild card: zero gravity itself. On Earth, gravity plays a big role in how our bodies develop, grow, and even give birth. In space, the rules change. How would labour work when there's no "down"? Would contractions be stronger or weaker? Would the baby's first cries echo differently inside a pressurised cabin? Doctors admit — we simply don't know. And that mystery is both frightening and fascinating.

Yet, human beings are built for adaptation. Throughout history, we've crossed oceans, climbed mountains, and colonised lands that once seemed impossible. Space is just the next frontier. Experts believe that with enough preparation, technology, and care, the first generation of "space babies" could thrive. Imagine children who have never known Earth's gravity, who grow up running along the walls of a Moon base or playing ball in a Martian dome.

Far from being a nightmare, the idea of raising families beyond Earth could actually be humanity's greatest adventure. It means we're not just visiting space — we're learning to live there. And the first space birth, when it happens, will be remembered as one of history's happiest milestones.

So yes, space pregnancy comes with danger, questions, and a touch of fear. But it also holds the promise of new life in the most extraordinary place imaginable. One day, someone will be the first baby born beyond Earth — and that child will carry not just a name, but a legacy: proof that humanity's story is written in the stars.

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'ASTRO DAVE' RENEKE - A Personal Perspective

I've often been asked what I do, where I've been and what sort of activities I've engaged in throughout my 50 years involvement in astronomy and space. Here is an interview i did with Delving with Des Kennedy on Rhema 99.9 recently. 

David Reneke, a highly regarded Australian amateur astronomer and lecturer with over 50 years of experience, has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of astronomy. With affiliations to leading global astronomical institutions, 

David serves as the Editor for Australia's Astro-Space News Magazine and has previously held key editorial roles with Sky & Space Magazine and Australasian Science magazine. 

His extensive background includes teaching astronomy at the college level, being a featured speaker at astronomy conventions across Australia, and contributing as a science correspondent for both ABC and commercial radio stations. David's weekly radio interviews, reaching around 3 million listeners, cover the latest developments in astronomy and space exploration.

As a media personality, David's presence extends to regional, national, and international TV, with appearances on prominent platforms such as Good Morning America, American MSNBC news, the BBC, and Sky News in Australia. His own radio program has earned him major Australasian awards for outstanding service.

David is recognized for his engaging and unique style of presenting astronomy and space discovery, having entertained and educated large audiences throughout Australia. In addition to his presentations, he produces educational materials for beginners and runs a popular radio program in Hastings, NSW, with a substantial following and multiple awards for his radio presentations.

In 2004, David initiated the 'Astronomy Outreach' program, touring primary and secondary schools in NSW to provide an interactive astronomy and space education experience. Sponsored by Tasco Australia, Austar, and Discovery Science channel, the program donated telescopes and grants to schools during a special tour in 2009, contributing to the promotion of astronomy education in Australia. BELOW Is the recorded interview  

Heard on over 50 stations weekly