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

Currently, we are in our fourth year of offering 7-day all-inclusive stargazing tours on Norfolk Island, and I envision a similar program could be tailored for Fraser Island. These tours seamlessly blend education with hands-on experiences, ensuring memorable nights under the stars. We've filled these tours essentially via word of mouth with little or no heavy professional advertising. Email: davereneke@gmail .com

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Alright, let's dive into the realm of space movies and their wonderfully absurd defiance of astronomical laws. Buckle up, because we're about to warp into an entertaining critique of five famous space flicks that had scientists facepalming and fans grinning from ear to ear.

1. Armageddon (1998)

Ah, Armageddon. Michael Bay's explosive (literally) spectacle where Bruce Willis and his ragtag team of deep-sea oil drillers save the world from a Texas-sized asteroid. Let's start with the fact that NASA wouldn't train oil drillers to become astronauts; they'd train astronauts to use a drill. Also, the idea of landing on an asteroid, drilling into its core, and nuking it from the inside? It's like trying to split a giant M&M with a toothpick while riding a roller coaster. But hey, it's got heart, drama, and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" — and that's why we love it.

2. Gravity (2013)

Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, took us on a breathtaking, albeit scientifically challenged, journey through space. Remember that harrowing scene where Bullock's character lets go of Clooney to save herself? In the frictionless void of space, once two objects are connected, they stay connected. They would have floated off together like two mismatched socks in the dryer. Plus, the way debris orbits Earth at breakneck speeds, causing havoc? It's unlikely to have such pinpoint accuracy. But let's give it props for visual beauty and making us clutch our armrests for dear life.

3. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is a mind-bending odyssey where Matthew McConaughey travels through a black hole and ends up behind his daughter's bookshelf. Sure, they've kept the science as tight as possible, but some liberties were taken. Like the portrayal of time dilation on the water planet: one hour equals seven Earth years. Dramatic, yes, but practical? Not quite. And let's not even start on the idea of surviving a trip through a black hole. Still, it gave us stunning visuals, an unforgettable score, and existential crises galore.

4. The Martian (2015)

Ridley Scott's The Martian is a gem where Matt Damon's character, Mark Watney, survives being stranded on Mars using sheer ingenuity and a lot of potatoes. But let's talk about the storm that sets the movie's events into motion. Martian atmosphere is so thin, a storm with winds strong enough to tip over a spacecraft is about as likely as a gentle breeze flipping your car. Watney's botany skills are impressive, but nonetheless, it's a feel-good tale of human spirit and perseverance.

5. Star Wars (1977-)

Star Wars might as well be the poster child for astronomical inaccuracies, but who cares when you've got lightsabres and the Force? From the sound of TIE fighters zipping through the vacuum of space (spoiler: space is silent) to the Death Star's gravity-defying destruction, it's a smorgasbord of scientific faux pas. Yet, it's loved for its epic storytelling, iconic characters, and a universe that's endlessly fascinating, if not scientifically accurate.

In conclusion, while these space movies may play fast and loose with the laws of physics and astronomy, they captivate us with their storytelling, characters, and sheer audacity. So, let's pop some popcorn, suspend our disbelief, and enjoy these cinematic adventures for what they are: pure, exhilarating escapism. And as Yoda might say, "Entertain us, they do. Forgive them, we must."

NASA launches space mission to Jupiter moon, Europa, in search for life

NASA has launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft on an almost 10-year mission to learn whether conditions on Jupiter's moon could sustain life in what scientists believe could be a deep ocean hidden beneath its icy surface.

The spacecraft, which is supposed to travel 3 billion kilometres (1.8 billion miles), was launched on Monday on board SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket from a NASA facility on Florida's east coast

The launch, delayed by several days due to Hurricane Milton, came a day after SpaceX launched its fifth Starship test flight from Texas and returned the rocket's booster to land for the first time.

Europa's hidden ocean

Europa is one of Jupiter's 95 known moons, and scientists believe it could have an ocean up to 120km (80-mile) deep, hidden beneath a thick ice sheet covering its surface. In 2013, the Hubble Space Telescope spotted what appeared to be geysers erupting from the surface of Europa, which is the largest of the 95 moons, discovered by Italian astronomer Galileo in the early 17th century.

Now, scientists want to get a closer look at what could be thermal vents on the ocean floor. These vents could potentially support life and provide a potent energy source.

"It's a chance for us to explore not a world that might have been habitable billions of years ago, but a world that might be habitable today — right now," programme scientist Curt Niebur told The Associated Press news agency.

The Europa Clipper is equipped with massive solar panels, making it the biggest craft built by NASA to investigate another planet. It is about the size of a basketball court and has a budget of $5.2bn.

Closer look

Though it is not NASA's first mission to Jupiter, the agency says it is the first one designed to conduct a detailed study of Europa. The spacecraft will fly closer than previous missions, within about 25km (nearly 16 miles).xAfter orbiting Jupiter, it will make 49 close flybys of Europa before ending the mission in 2034 with a planned crash into Ganymede, another of Jupiter's moons.

In the 1970s, the Pioneer spacecraft and two Voyager missions provided the first detailed photos of Europa from a distance.xSince then, NASA's Galileo and Juno spacecraft have also come close enough to capture images of the moon.The spacecraft carries nine science instruments, including radar to see below the ice, and cameras that will map virtually the entire moon.

Among the challenges the Clipper faces to reach Europa is passing through Jupiter's bands of radiation, which requires special protection for its instrument controls, which are cased in thick aluminium and zinc walls.

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Juice spacecraft, launched last year, is also headed to Jupiter.

Richard Branson will co-pilot Space Perspective's 1st crewed balloon flight to edge of Earth's atmosphere

Richard Branson is going back to his balloon roots. The Virgin Galactic founder made record-breaking hot-air balloon flights across the Atlantic and the Pacific in 1987 and 1991, respectively — and he'll soon take to the winds again, serving as co-pilot on the first crewed flight by Space Perspective, a Florida-based stratospheric ballooning company. That landmark mission is expected sometime in 2025.

Japanese startup plans to vaporize space junk using ground lasers

X-Fusion, an Osaka-based startup, plans to develop a ground-based laser system to help knock out space junk from the ground. This innovative approach, if successful, could be a valuable way of clearing up the increasingly crowded space around our homeworld.

Which planet in the solar system is the richest in gold?

You mean the one that has the most gold? It's not a planet. It's an asteroid.

This is the asteroid 16 Psyche. It contains an estimated $700 quintillion worth of gold give or take a couple quadrillion. As well as gold, the mysterious object is loaded with heaps of platinum, iron and nickel. There's enough gold there to make everybody on Earth rich beyond our wildest dreams. We're talking if this was split evenly for everybody we'd all get something like 87 billion worth of gold. 

If you're imagining space miners and fleets of cargo ships hauling golden nuggets back to Earth, you're not alone. Psyche has captured imaginations not just because of its scientific value but for the potential it represents: a golden age of space mining. But don't rush to the bank just yet—the real challenge lies in how we get there and, more importantly, what we do once we strike cosmic gold.

Prada and Axiom Space unveil spacesuit designs for NASA's Artemis III moon mission

Luxury fashion house Prada and commercial space company Axiom Space have unveiled the designs for a spacesuit that will be worn for NASA's Artemis III moon mission. Unveiled during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan on Wednesday, the mostly white suits feature a cropped torso and stone-gray patches across the elbows and knees.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins Space Centre Australia

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined the Board of one of Australia's most ambitious space industry companies. Space Centre Australia, which is building Australia's first permanent spaceport at Cape York in far north Queensland, has appointed Mr Morrison non-executive chair of the company. Mr Morrison, who served as Prime Minister from 2018-2022, said he would use the appointment to elevate the country's budding space sector.

"I'm thrilled to be taking on this new role with the team at SCA as they implement their plans to become not just the premier permanent spaceport with the most comprehensive launch service offering in Australia but a leading player in the space launch sector globally," he said in a statement on Sunday.

"(CEO) James Palmer and the team at SCA have already garnered the respect of space sector leaders such as NASA and are building the commercial and international partnerships needed to realise their comprehensive, long term and detailed plans.  "I believe SCA will present a unique offering to global investors, providing both exposure to the fast growing global space sector, while providing the stability and durability associated with a traditional infrastructure investment."

Mr Morrison's appointment comes as the federal government relaxes restrictions on US companies launching rockets from Australian soil through the Technology Safeguards Agreement, which means giants like Elon Musk's SpaceX could one day shoot rockets into space from Australian launch pads.

Mr Morrison said Australia held advantages in space industry development through its alliance system with like-minded democracies, international partnerships and AUKUS pursuits. "I was passionate about the Australian space sector's potential, from a commercial, scientific and strategic perspective, especially when it comes to security and Defence," he said. "Our AUKUS, Quad and bilateral partnerships are all ideal vehicles to enable Australia to achieve this potential. 

Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute's Doctor Rebecca Allen discusses the "positive example" SpaceX is having. Mr Palmer said Mr Morrison's "vast experience" in international governance and diplomacy would help the company develop a "world-class spaceport facility".

"Scott's deep understanding of both Australia's strategic position in the global space industry and the importance of fostering strong international partnerships will be instrumental as we advance our ambitious plans to support the future of space exploration and industry," he said. SCA is headquartered in Cairns and the company plans to support low earth, medium earth and high earth orbit launches and deep space exploration services from its spaceport.

Time Travel: The Ultimate Holiday Package?

Ah, time travel—a concept so enticing that it has kept science fiction writers, armchair physicists, and late-night conspiracy theorists in endless debate. We all love the idea, don't we? Who wouldn't want to pop back to ancient Rome for a toga party, skip forward to the year to see if humanity finally gets those flying cars, or simply redo that disastrous first date? But, before you pack your bags for a trip to or , let's take a moment to consider the fine print that comes with this ultimate holiday package. Because if time travel were possible, the ramifications might be more than just missing your connecting flight through the space-time continuum.

Let's start with the science, because that's where we get to say, "Hold on a minute." According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time is relative—it can stretch and bend depending on speed and gravity. So, technically, time travel isn't ruled out. We've all heard about the "twin paradox," where one twin takes a fast trip around the universe and returns younger than the other. But that's just time dilation, not true "Back to the Future" style time hopping.

To actually move through time—past, present, or future—we'd need something like a wormhole, a cosmic shortcut that, theoretically, could connect different points in time and space. But wormholes, as science tells us, are notoriously unstable. One minute you're about to step into the Middle Ages, the next you're floating in the vacuum of space because your wormhole just decided to implode. Not exactly the reliable travel option you'd want.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, that we do crack the time travel code. We'd need to prepare for a few, shall we say, "unintended consequences." You've heard of the butterfly effect, right? The idea that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil can cause a hurricane in Texas? Now, imagine the chaos if you accidentally sneezed on a Neanderthal. That slight DNA transfer might mean your ancestors never made it out of the caves, and suddenly, you're fading out of existence like Marty McFly at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.

What if you went back to meet Shakespeare and found out he was a total hack, plagiarizing everything from a time-traveling, ghost-writing team? Or worse, what if you told Leonardo da Vinci about aerodynamics and the Wright brothers ended up never being born? The next time you book a flight, you might be taking a steam-powered Zeppelin instead of a Boeing .

Here's where things get really tricky. What if you go back in time and accidentally—or intentionally, we don't judge—prevent your grandparents from meeting? Do you pop out of existence like a bad Snapchat filter? Or does the universe create an alternate timeline where you're still around, but now you're living in a world where disco never died?

All jokes aside, most scientists agree that true time travel—particularly to the past—is impossible. The laws of physics, as we understand them, seem to have built-in protections against such paradoxes. Wormholes, if they exist, likely require exotic matter with negative energy to keep them stable, and we're not even sure that stuff exists. And even if it does, who's to say we won't open a wormhole and find it leads not to another time, but to another universe altogether? One where, perhaps, time travel has already been invented, and they've wisely decided to keep it a closely guarded secret.

So, is time travel ever possible? Science gives it a hard "maybe," with a wink and a nudge, because even if it were, the universe might have its own safety measures in place to prevent us from wreaking too much havoc. And maybe that's for the best. After all, do we really want to risk changing history and waking up in a world where "Gigli" won the Oscar for Best Picture?

But if you do happen to stumble upon a working time machine, be careful what you wish for. The past might not be as glamorous as it seems, and the future? Well, let's just say that some things are better left as a mystery.

Will China Put the First Woman on the Moon?

In the vast expanse of space, a new race is heating up, and this time, it's not just about rockets, rovers, or the glory of being first—it's about rewriting history. The world is waiting to see which nation will claim the honour of sending the first woman to the Moon. And now, it's not just the United States in the running, China is vying for the lead.

NASA, of course, has the legacy. From 1969 to 1972, twelve American men walked on the lunar surface, a feat that etched the U.S. into the annals of space exploration. But in the decades since, lunar exploration took a back seat. Now, under the Artemis program, NASA promises to send the first woman to the Moon by 2025. Yet, just as the U.S. is revving up, another player has entered the game—China.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been making quiet, but steady, progress. While NASA announces its moves openly, China operates with a sense of mystery, keeping the world on edge. In 2003, China launched its first astronaut into space, becoming only the third country to do so. Since then, their advancements have been remarkable. In 2019, they became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon's far side, a feat no one else has achieved. And now, whispers suggest that one of China's next lunar astronauts might just be a woman.

China's push toward the Moon has been fuelled by a determination to showcase its technological prowess and national pride. In 2021, they launched the Tiangong space station, sending their first female astronaut, Wang Yaping, to live aboard it. She followed in the footsteps of Liu Yang, China's first woman in space in 2012. Both are highly trained, and either could be a future candidate to walk on the Moon.

But China's approach is different. Unlike NASA, with its clear timelines and public goals, China prefers to keep its plans under wraps. We know they aim for a lunar mission in the late 2020s, but could they be further along than they're letting on? NASA's grand plans have faced delays before, and if that happens again, China could quietly step ahead, sending the first woman to leave her mark in the Moon's dust.

It's more than just a race between nations. This is a geopolitical chess match with high stakes. If China lands a woman on the Moon first, it will send shockwaves through the global space community, challenging the U.S.'s long-held dominance.

For China, this isn't just about making history—it's about showing the world that they are a force to be reckoned with, and that their vision for space includes equality. A Chinese woman on the Moon would symbolize progress, strength, and the nation's rise as a space power.

The countdown is on. Will it be NASA or China that makes history. Whoever plants the first female footprint on the Moon will change the course of space exploration forever. It would be more than a victory for space exploration—it would be a fitting tribute to the women who were once kept out of the space program, their dreams grounded by outdated norms.

We'll watch the moment unfold in vivid HD color, a historic step forward, not just for one nation, but for all women who've fought to break barriers. This long-overdue achievement will shine a spotlight on their contributions and inspire future generations to aim even higher, proving that the sky is truly no limit.

A Triple Star System, a Cosmic Dance

NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered a record-breaking triple-star system, TIC 290061484, about 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. This system is remarkably compact: twin stars orbit each other every 1.8 Earth days, with a third star orbiting the pair every 25 days—beating the previous record for the tightest triple-star system.

Citizen scientists, working alongside professional astronomers, helped identify this rare find. The stars' near-alignment allows scientists to measure their orbits, masses, and temperatures, offering valuable insights into how such systems form and evolve.

The system's stability is temporary, though; within a few million years, the twin stars will expand, merge, and trigger a supernova. Thankfully, there are no nearby planets to be affected by this explosion.

NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch in 2027, promises to reveal more systems like TIC 290061484. Roman's advanced imaging will allow astronomers to study densely packed star regions in the galaxy, likely uncovering even more compact, multi-star systems.

This discovery suggests that triple-star systems may be more common than previously thought, hinting at many more surprises yet to be found in our galaxy.

James Webb Space Telescope Captures Most Distant Known Galaxy

In a groundbreaking achievement, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the most distant galaxy ever observed, named JADES-GS-z14-0, seen as it was just 290 million years after the Big Bang. This galaxy's unexpected brightness suggests the earliest stars were either far more luminous or formed more rapidly than current theories suggest.

Launched in 2021, the $10 billion JWST is able to observe distant galaxies by detecting their infrared light, stretched by the universe's expansion in a process known as redshift. The telescope's previous record-holder was a galaxy from 325 million years after the Big Bang.

These early galaxies are shedding new light on the universe's infancy, revealing that both galaxies and black holes may have grown much faster than previously believed. According to scientists, the brightness of JADES-GS-z14-0 indicates that JWST could soon detect galaxies even further back in time—perhaps within the first 200 million years of the universe's creation. This discovery is transforming our understanding of how the universe formed and evolved in its earliest stages.

Hypersonic Jet Set to Revolutionize Air Travel: London to New York in Just One Hour!

Imagine this: boarding a flight in London, sipping your coffee, and just one hour later, landing in New York City. What seems like science fiction is quickly becoming reality as the world's first hypersonic jet prepares for testing. This groundbreaking aircraft, developed by Venus Aerospace, promises to transform air travel as we know it, reducing a journey that currently takes over seven hours to a breathtaking 60 minutes.

The Evolution of Air Travel

Airplanes have already dramatically changed how we move across the globe. Before air travel, crossing the Atlantic from London to New York meant enduring a seven to ten-day journey by sea. Even traveling across the United States from coast to coast would take around six days. But with the advent of air travel, the world suddenly became more accessible. And now, this accessibility is set to be pushed to an entirely new level.

What is Hypersonic Travel?

Hypersonic jets operate at Mach 5—that's five times the speed of sound, or roughly 3,000 miles per hour. For comparison, the distance from London to New York is around 3,461 miles, a stretch that would take just one hour on a hypersonic jet. If that sounds mind-blowing, it's because it is.

Superfast air travel isn't entirely new. The Concorde, which retired in 2003, once held the record for the fastest flight between London and New York at just under three hours. But this hypersonic jet could cover that same route in one-third of the time!

The Future of Flight

The company behind this revolutionary jet, Venus Aerospace, is working on a powerful propulsion system called the Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb Thrust Engine. Capable of speeds up to Mach 6 (3,600 mph), this engine promises to propel passengers from takeoff to touchdown in about an hour. The company is preparing to conduct test flights next year, with ambitious plans to bring hypersonic travel to both commercial and defense sectors.

According to Andrew Duggleby, co-founder of Venus Aerospace, "This engine makes the hypersonic economy a reality. We're excited to partner with Velontra to achieve this revolution in high-speed flight."

A New Era of Travel

The potential impact of hypersonic travel is awe-inspiring. A trip that used to take days or even weeks will soon be over in mere hours. Imagine flying from London to Tokyo, or Sydney to Los Angeles, in less time than it takes to binge-watch a couple of episodes of your favorite show. While the Concorde was ahead of its time but ultimately didn't last, there's optimism that this new chapter in aviation will stick around.

With Venus Aerospace leading the charge, we may soon witness the dawn of a new era of travel, where the world will feel smaller and more connected than ever before. The sky is no longer the limit—it's just the starting point for what comes next.

Martian Sand Could Help Build Space Settlements, Dublin Scientists Discover

A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin has found that Martian and lunar sand can be transformed into sturdy building blocks for future space settlements. This discovery could drastically reduce the amount of construction materials needed to be transported from Earth for space missions.

Using a process that binds regolith—loose surface rocks, sand, and dust—at low temperatures and with minimal energy, the researchers created strong, lightweight blocks. The addition of carbon nanotubes strengthens the material, allowing these blocks to have a durability close to granite, making them ideal for extraterrestrial construction.

Benefits of Using Local Materials

Professor Jonathan Coleman, the lead researcher, explained that when constructing bases on the Moon or Mars, it's essential to rely on local materials. Transporting heavy building supplies from Earth is both costly and challenging. Using regolith from the planetary surface, mixed with small amounts of additives from Earth, would minimize transportation needs.

These blocks also conduct electricity, meaning they can act as sensors to monitor the structural integrity of space buildings. Early detection of structural issues will be key to maintaining a safe environment in these pressurized structures.

Implications for Earth

Interestingly, this breakthrough could also benefit construction here on Earth. A similar nano-material, graphene, can be mixed into cement to increase the strength of concrete by 40%. Since concrete is the most widely used human-made material and accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions, strengthening it means less concrete is needed, reducing the environmental impact.

This dual-purpose research not only promises safer, more sustainable space habitats but could also lead to greener construction practices on Earth.

What's That Bright Star In The West?

Have you ever noticed that stunningly bright 'star' setting in the West and wondered what it was? Surprise—it's not a star at all! It's the planet Venus, our closest planetary neighbour and often mistaken for a UFO because of its brilliant glow and unusual movements. But don't let its beauty fool you—Venus is nothing like Earth, even though it's sometimes called our twin due to its similar size.

In mythology, Venus was named after the Goddess of Love, but in reality, this planet is far from romantic. It's a hellish world with a thick, toxic atmosphere made mostly of carbon dioxide, and its surface is covered by swirling clouds of sulphuric acid. These clouds trap heat, creating a runaway greenhouse effect that makes Venus the hottest planet in our solar system. Surface temperatures reach a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt lead!

Imagine standing on Venus—if you could survive the crushing pressures. On Venus, you'd weigh about 90 times more than on Earth, as if you were three kilometres beneath the ocean. The planet's surface is rusty and mountainous, with thousands of large volcanoes, some of which might still be active today. So, yes, Venus may be our "twin," but it's definitely the ugly one.

Another strange thing about Venus is its rotation. Unlike Earth, Venus spins backward, so the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Even more bizarre, its day is longer than its year! Venus also shows phases, just like the Moon, making it a dazzling sight through a telescope.

Throughout the year, Venus transforms from the 'Morning Star' to the 'Evening Star,' and this celestial dance has confused cultures for centuries, leading people to believe Venus was two different planets. Its breathtaking glow has sparked UFO sightings too, as its brilliance and movement make it seem otherworldly—though in some ways, it is.

The history of Venus is also tied to exploration. Captain James Cook's famous voyage to Australia in 1769 wasn't just about new lands—it was primarily to observe the Transit of Venus from Tahiti. These transits, where Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, were crucial in calculating the size of the solar system. These rare events happen in pairs, eight years apart, but then over a century passes before the next one. The last transit was in 2012, and the next one won't be until 2117.

Landing on Venus is out of the question for humans. The crushing atmosphere and scorching temperatures make survival impossible. In fact, one Russian probe did manage to land on the planet decades ago, only to be destroyed within hours by the immense heat and pressure. But you can still marvel at Venus from the comfort of Earth. With just a pair of binoculars, you can spot it easily in the night sky.

Venus is a favourite target during my home astronomy visits, and I highly recommend checking it out tonight. For more information, visit my website at www.davidreneke.com or give me a call at 0400 636 363. The wonders of the universe are just a glance away!

Space Balloon Just Completed Its First Full Test Flight

Talk about floating to the top of the world. Space Perspective made the first successful full test of its 700-foot-long space balloon and eight-person capsule on Sunday. The hydrogen-filled balloon and capsule rose 100,000 feet to the edge of space and then splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico during the six-hour test. A milestone for the space tourism company, this initial test proved the concept works. It will now need to undergo successive unpiloted and piloted tests. This first successful flight should also make its space-tourism model more attractive to investors.

"Completing Development Flight 2 is a defining moment for us," said Taber MacCallum, cofounder and chief technical officer of Space Perspective in a statement. "This uncrewed flight not only proves our pioneering technology but also brings us a giant leap closer to making space accessible for everyone."

The company, based on Florida's space coast, is charging $125,000 for a seat on its eight-person Spaceship Neptune capsule. It's promising a luxe, lounge experience that includes large windows for viewing Earth and edge of space, a bar, reclining seats, and an enclosed toilet. It has partnered with Mercedes to offer a top-end Maybach EV as official transport. The company has even announced that Michelin-star chef Rasmus Monk will host and prepare a meal during the six-hour flight.

The initial flight was more than just a test: It was also the first time its MS Voyager ship, which was only recently brought to Florida, was used. The vessel was designed for launching and retrieving the balloon and capsule at sea, rather than blasting off on land.

Robb Report visited the vessel about a week before the test, as it was readied for the voyage from Florida's east coast to the Tampa area on the Gulf Coast, where the test took place. It was an impressive setup, with massive four-roller structure on the deck that resemble giant spools and a capsule at the rear where the balloon attaches. The spools slowly pay out bits of the space balloon, which is about the size of two football fields, as it's filled with hydrogen.

The visit also came on the day before a Coast Guard inspection, so dozens of workers were on the deck, preparing the vessel for both the inspection and initial balloon tests. The launch-and-retrieval vessel is the only one of its kind in the burgeoning space-balloon business to operate on water. Its competitors will launch and land from land. Space Perspective was aided by SpaceX, whose capsules also splash down into the ocean, with the design of its waterborne retrieval system and operations.

MS Voyager is also designed as a mini-mission control center. Monitoring and control equipment up on the bridge coordinate with the company's main control center in Titusville. The company said the capsule, which was filled with computers and monitoring equipment, maintained cabin pressure and stability at peak altitude.

"Our advances in marine spaceport technology, spacecraft design and flight standards are setting new standards for space exploration," said Jane Poynter, cofounder of the company, in the statement.

Data from the flight will be used for future unpiloted and piloted test flights. The company said it has raised $100 million from investors and currently has more than 1,800 ticket holders for its flights, which should begin commercial operation in 2026.

Spring astronomy in Australia offers a bonus not many other countries enjoy– crisp clear skies! Our mid -north coast skies Spring astronomy in Australia offers a bonus not many other countries enjoy– crisp clear skies! Our mid -north coast skies are sparkling now so why not get outside tonight with me under the stars from your own backyard. You won't be disappointed with so much on offer for October.

Remember, the starlight you see coming from all those constellations tonight left there hundreds, and in most cases thousands of years ago, and it's just arriving now! Remember, when you stargaze, you're looking back in time. Your telescope is your time machine, coupled with imagination it can take you anywhere!

If you're new to astronomy the hardest part is learning all those stars. Relax! It's a lot easier than you think, but you won't do it sitting inside at your keyboard and monitor. Some people say that we spend too much time indoors and not enough time observing the things around us, like the moon, stars and planets.

But what if your screen, in this case your Smartphone or tablet, can actually help you appreciate the skies more? Well they can and they're amazingly simple to use! Here's some of my favorite free apps. 'Sky View' will identify almost everything above your head at night and it's fantastic! Try 'The Moon' for your lunar viewing, then download an accurate new Aussie app 'ISS Flyover' to catch the space station passing over for a week ahead. It's a small charge but worth it.

This one is a knockout. On your tablet or laptop download an app called 'Star Chart.' It puts a virtual planetarium right in your pocket. It uses state of the art GPS technology that will show you the current location of every star and planet visible from Earth. Cool huh?

For even more realistic night sky experiences install 'Stellarium' on your laptop or iPad. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, just do it. It's free and has so much to offer you will be surprised. An alternative is the popular program 'Celestia.' A world of creative wonder awaits you.

Planets, stars, and star patterns have shaped our lives. Remember standing out in your backyard as a kid trying to count 'em all? I did. This fascination with the stars and the night sky extends to almost all indigenous cultures throughout the world. Hey, ever wondered if you can use your phone as an Astro-camera, well you can!

With most smartphones today you can photograph your night sky without needing a connected computer or much post-processing. Plus, the images you capture can be immediately shared with family and friends and posted on social media. For the best results, you should attach your phone to a camera tripod to hold it steady. Don't laugh, I've even taped mine or used Blu-Tac!

Smartphone astrophotography lets you easily record a snapshot of what you see through your telescope as well. To take any kind of image of the night sky means a long exposure, which means stability. If you're seriously keen, I recommend buying the Celestron NexYZ adapter. You can then easily start taking photos of lunar eclipses, lunar craters, planets, the phases of the Moon.

The app 'NightCap Camera' ranks highly on the list of the best night vision camera apps. With it, you can take amazing low light and night photos. All you need to do is just hold steady and tap the shutter. Simple huh!are 

How to get a haircut in space

Getting a haircut in space is a unique challenge due to the absence of gravity. In the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS), floating hair clippings could pose a significant problem by getting into equipment, vents, or even astronauts' eyes or lungs. To manage this, astronauts have developed a special process for haircuts that involves creativity and, of course, a bit of vacuum power. Here's how it's done:

Impending Solar Storms and Their Impact on Earth

On October 4th and 6th, two significant Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are set to collide with Earth, following two consecutive X-class solar flares (X7.1 and X9.1) from sunspot AR3842. These solar events could lead to strong geomagnetic storms, classified as G3, which may generate spectacular auroras at mid-latitudes.

Details of the Solar Events

The X7.1 flare occurred on October 2nd, followed by the X9.1 flare on October 3rd. Both events released massive amounts of solar plasma into space, with the first CME expected to reach Earth around October 4th, and the second, more potent CME expected on October 6th. The X9.1 flare caused significant ionization in the upper atmosphere, resulting in a temporary blackout of shortwave radio signals over Africa and the South Atlantic, lasting up to 30 minutes. NOAA and NASA predict that the dual CME impacts will likely enhance auroral activity, making it possible for people in mid-latitude regions to see the auroras, which are usually limited to higher latitudes.

Potential Consequences

The combined effects of the two CMEs could lead to G3-class geomagnetic storms. These storms can cause voltage irregularities in power grids, possible satellite damage or disruptions, and radio communication issues, particularly for ham operators. Communities are advised to stay informed about the solar storm's effects through local news and NOAA alerts. Precautionary measures may include reducing electrical load on power systems during peak storm times and preparing for potential short-term power outages.

Conclusion

The upcoming solar storms represent an exciting but potentially disruptive event. As the CMEs approach, increased awareness and preparedness will be crucial for minimizing impacts. Residents in areas expected to experience auroras are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity while remaining informed about the associated risks.

NASA confirms space station cracking a "highest" risk and consequence problem

US space officials do not like to talk about the perils of flying astronauts on the aging International Space Station, elements of which are now more than a quarter of a century old.

However, a new report confirms that NASA managers responsible for operating the space station are seriously concerned about a small Russian part of the station, essentially a tunnel that connects a larger module to a docking port, which is leaking.

Russian and US officials have known that this small PrK module, which lies between a Progress spacecraft airlock and the Zvezda module, has been leaking since September 2019. A new report, published Thursday by NASA's inspector general, provides details not previously released by the space agency that underline the severity of the problem.

For example, in February of this year NASA identified an increase in the leak rate from less than 1 pound of atmosphere a day to 2.4 pounds a day, and in April this rate increased to 3.7 pounds a day. Despite years of investigation, neither Russian nor US officials have identified the underlying cause of the leak.

"Although the root cause of the leak remains unknown, both agencies have narrowed their focus to internal and external welds," the report, signed by Deputy Inspector General George A. Scott, states.

The plan to mitigate the risk is to keep the hatch on the Zvezda module leading to the PrK tunnel closed. Eventually, if the leak worsens further, this hatch might need to be closed permanently, reducing the number of Russian docking ports on the space station from four to three.

Publicly, NASA has sought to minimize concerns about the cracking issue because it remains, to date, confined to the PrK tunnel and has not spread to other parts of the station. Nevertheless, Ars reported in June that the cracking issue has reached the highest level of concern on the space agency's 5x5 "risk matrix" to classify the likelihood and consequence of risks to spaceflight activities. The Russian leaks are now classified as a "5" both in terms of high likelihood and high consequence.

At the time, NASA would not comment on, or confirm, the space agency's concerns about the risk matrix rating. However, the new report confirms the agency's concerns.

"In May and June 2024, ISS Program and Roscosmos officials met to discuss heightened concerns with the increased leak rate," the inspector general's report states. "The ISS Program subsequently elevated the Service Module Transfer Tunnel leak risk to the highest level of risk in its risk management system. According to NASA, Roscosmos is confident they will be able to monitor and close the hatch to the Service Module prior to the leak rate reaching an untenable level. However, NASA and Roscosmos have not reached an agreement on the point at which the leak rate is untenable."

The report comes as NASA is considering the future of the space station. The US space agency and Russia have an agreement to continue flying the station through 2028, and NASA would like to extend operations to 2030. NASA had anticipated that it would agree to this extension more than a year ago, but as of yet no agreement has been finalized.

Once the station reaches the end of its life, NASA intends to transition its activities in low-Earth orbit onto private space stations, and it has funded initial development work by Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, and Voyager Space. Northrop has since dropped out of the competition—determining that it would not be a profitable business. There is general uncertainty as to whether any of the private space station operators will be ready in 2030.

NASA's other potential option is extending the life of the space station beyond 2030, but this would require a lot of work to ensure the space station's structure remains viable and yet another extension agreement with Russia. The US partnership with that nation has been severely strained by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Extending the ISS past 2030 will require significant funding to operate and maintain the station, acceptance of increased risk stemming from its components and aging structures, and assurances of continued support from NASA's international partners," the new report states. "Further complicating matters is the likelihood that NASA may continue to face a flat or reduced budget, inflation, and supply chain challenges."

What the 1st analysis of China's Chang'e 6 lunar far side samples revealed

Scientists have recently studied the first samples collected from the far side of the moon by China's Chang'e 6 mission. These samples are different from those collected from the near side of the moon, which may lead to new insights about the moon's history and development.

In May, China launched the Chang'e 6 mission, which lasted 53 days. The mission involved a lander that scooped and drilled samples from a region called Apollo crater. After collecting the samples, they were sent into lunar orbit and transferred to a spacecraft that brought about 4.3 pounds (1,935.3 grams) of lunar material back to Earth in late June.

Once on Earth, the samples were taken to special facilities for storage and analysis. A recent study published in National Science Review examined part of the samples collected by the robotic scoop. Researchers found that these far side samples have a lower density than those from the near side, meaning they are looser and more porous. The researchers noted that the samples would appear even fluffier in their natural state on the moon.

The soil from the far side also contains more light-colored particles like feldspar and glass compared to samples taken by the Chang'e 5 mission from the near side. This suggests that the area where the samples were collected received materials from distant impacts, such as asteroids.

Additionally, the far side samples have a lower concentration of KREEP—potassium, rare-earth elements, and phosphorus—compared to the near side. This difference might help explain why the two sides of the moon have distinct characteristics.

The researchers believe these samples will enhance our understanding of several important aspects of lunar science, including the moon's early evolution, differences in volcanic activity between the two sides, the moon's impact history, and the structure of its crust and mantle. They expect these findings to lead to new theories about the moon's origin and evolution.

Chinese researchers will soon begin studying the samples in detail, and international scientists will have the opportunity to apply for access to the samples in two years.

Earth will get another moon this month  — but not for long!

This month, Earth will grab itself a second moon in the form of the tiny asteroid 2024 PT5. Unlike the moon, Earth's primary companion which has accompanied our planet for around 4 billion years, this "new mini-moon" will stick around for just two months before it heads back to its home in an asteroid belt trailing our planet and orbiting the sun.

A team of scientists well-versed in the study of so-called "mini-moon events " identified the forthcoming gravitational capture event. They spotted the peculiar dynamic properties of 2024 PT5 as they routinely monitored newly discovered objects for potentially interesting behavior.

"The object that is going to pay us a visit belongs to the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary asteroid belt made of space rocks that follow orbits very similar to that of Earth at an average distance to the sun of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), research lead author and Universidad Complutense de Madrid professor Carlos de la Fuente Marcos told Space.com. "Objects in the Arjuna asteroid belt are part of the near-Earth object population of asteroids and comets."

Marcos explained that some of these objects in the Arjuna asteroid belt can approach Earth at a close range of around 2.8 million miles (4.5 million km) and at low velocities of around 2,200 miles per hour (3,540 km/h).

"Under these conditions, the geocentric energy of the object may grow negative, and the object may become a temporary moon of Earth. This particular object will undergo this process starting next week and for about two months," he added. "It will not follow a full orbit around Earth. "You may say that if a true satellite is like a customer buying goods inside a store, objects like 2024 PT5 are window shoppers."

A bright comet for September and October?

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan, initially thought to be breaking up, is now confirmed to be intact and brightening. It currently shines at magnitude 5.5, making it visible to the naked eye from dark locations and easily observable with binoculars.

Observations
Recent sightings by comet expert Terry Lovejoy and amateur astronomer Colin Drescher confirm its health. Lovejoy photographed it in Queensland, Australia, on September 11, 2024, using a 135mm lens.

Brightness Predictions
While comets are unpredictable, early estimates suggest Comet A3 might reach brightness levels of magnitude 4 to 3 around its closest approach to the sun (perihelion) on September 27. It could brighten further to magnitude 2.5 to 2 during its closest approach to Earth on October 12, though actual brightness will vary.

Viewing Opportunities

• September: Best visibility for Southern Hemisphere observers in early September. Those near the equator can start viewing mid-month, with U.S. observers able to see it from September 18 to 20.
• October: After perihelion, Comet A3 will be harder to see as it passes between Earth and the sun. Visibility improves from October 13 to 14, as it rises higher in the western sky. By late October, it will shift into the evening sky, moving through constellations like Serpens and Ophiuchus.

In summary, while Comet A3 might not be the most spectacular comet of the century, it has the potential to be the brightest comet of 2024.

Hidden craters reveal Earth may once have had a ring – like Saturn

The rings of Saturn are some of the most famous and spectacular objects in the Solar System. Earth may once have had something similar. In a paper published last week in Earth & Planetary Science Letters, my colleagues and I present evidence that Earth may have had a ring. The existence of such a ring, forming around 466 million years ago and persisting for a few tens of millions of years, could explain several puzzles in our planet's past.

Around 466 million years ago, a lot of meteorites started hitting Earth. We know this because many impact craters formed in a geologically brief period. In the same period we also find deposits of limestone across Europe, Russia and China containing very high levels of debris from a certain type of meteorite. The meteorite debris in these sedimentary rocks show signs that they were exposed to space radiation for much less time than we see in meteorites that fall today.

Many tsunamis also occurred at this time, as can be seen from other unusual jumbled up sedimentary rocks. We think all these features are likely related to one another. But what links them together? We know of 21 meteorite impact craters that formed during this high-impact period. We wanted to see if there was a pattern in their locations.

Using models of how Earth's tectonic plates moved in the past, we mapped out where all these craters were when they first formed. We found all of the craters are on continents that were close to the equator in this period, and none are in places that were closer to the poles. So all the impacts occurred close to the equator. But is this actually a fair sample of the impacts that occurred?

Well, we measured how much of Earth's land surface suitable for preserving a crater was near the equator at that time. Only about 30% of the suitable land was close to the equator, with 70% at higher latitudes. Under normal circumstances, asteroids hitting Earth can hit at any latitude, at random, as we see in craters on the Moon, Mars and Mercury. Impact craters on the far side of the Moon are quite evenly distributed. 

So it's extremely unlikely that all 21 craters from this period would form close to the equator if they were unrelated to one another. We would expect to see many other craters at higher latitudes as well. We think the best explanation for all this evidence is that a large asteroid broke up during a close encounter with Earth. Over several tens of millions of years, the asteroid's debris rained down onto Earth, creating the pattern of craters, sediments and tsunamis we describe above.

You may know that Saturn isn't the only planet with rings. Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus have less obvious rings, too. Some scientists have even suggested that Phobos and Deimos, the small moons of Mars, may be remnants of an ancient ring. So we know a lot about how rings form. Here's how it works.

When a small body (like an asteroid) passes close to a large body (like a planet), it gets stretched by gravity. If it gets close enough (inside a distance called the Roche limit), the small body will break apart into lots of tiny pieces and a small number of bigger pieces.

All those fragments will be jostled around and gradually evolved into a debris ring orbiting the equator of the larger body. Over time, the material in the ring will fall down to the larger body, where the larger pieces will form impact craters. These craters will be located close to the equator.

So if Earth destroyed and captured a passing asteroid around 466 million years ago, it would explain the anomalous locations of the impact craters, the meteorite debris in sedimentary rocks, craters and tsunamis, and the meteorites' relatively brief exposure to space radiation. Back then, the continents were in different positions due to continental drift. Much of North America, Europe and Australia were close to the equator, whereas Africa and South America were at higher southern latitudes.

The ring would have been around the equator. And since Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbit around the Sun, the ring would have shaded parts of Earth's surface. This shading in turn might have caused global cooling, as less sunlight reached the planet's surface. This brings us to another interesting puzzle. Around 465 million years ago, our planet began cooling dramatically. By 445 million years ago it was in the Hirnantian Ice Age, the coldest period in the past half a billion years.

Was a ring shading Earth responsible for this extreme cooling? The next step in our scientific sleuthing is to make mathematical models of how asteroids break up and disperse, and how the resulting ring evolves over time. This will set the scene for climate modelling that explores how much cooling could be imposed by such a ring.

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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  

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PARTNER & ASTRO SUPPLIER

Many thanks to Peter and the crew at ASTRO ANARCHY Queensland. A New business with the amateur astronomer firmly in mind.  Astro Anarchy has the experience, the stock and the knowledge to set up the first timer, to assist in the development of our hobby for the experienced observer OR cater to any other size need or desire in the field of amateur astronomy. 

ATRO ANARCHY AS OUR SPONSOR: My business partner Peter Davies and I have set up a new Astro Tourism business focusing on the recently 'Dark Sky Town' accredited to Norfolk Island. We call it 'Norfolk Island STARGAZING'. When approached, Pete from Astro Anarchy had no hesitation in organizing and supplying all our Telescopes, Binoculars and associated gear to get started. Nothing was any trouble allowing us more than enough time to set up and become fully operational. He and he and his business come highly recommended for anyone wanting any astronomical gear in Australia.

Web: https://www.astroanarchy.com.au/    Sales: sales@astroanarchy.com.au   Phone: 0412 085 224

'Astro Dave' Is Radio-Active 

Heard On DOZENS Of Stations Weekly - CLICK for past interviews