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, where Dave will take you on an unforgettable journey through the night sky. 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, offering insights you won't find in any ordinary stargazing session. Plus, binoculars will be provided, so you can get a closer look at the wonders above. As you cruise, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, adding to the magic of the experience. With limited spots available, we encourage you to book early. These unique cruises will run monthly, weather permitting, from Port Macquarie, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience for all. The vessel is licensed. Book for June /July https://www.portadventurecruises.com.au/book-cruise-by-date  ENQUIRIES/Bookings ELSA 0434 393 199 

* Special Offer - Next Booking gets a 10% Discount on the Overall Tour!

Email: .norfolkislandstargazing@gmail.com Or call 0402 335 005

You might picture space as a big, black, silent nothing — no air, no life, and definitely no smells. But here's a cosmic twist: space reeks. Not in a "garbage day in summer" way. More like… burnt steak wrapped in welding fumes, with a dash of hot metal and a suspicious whiff of gunpowder. Some astronauts have even said it smells like cat pee. Yep true!.

So, what's going on? How does the vacuum of space — which should be totally scentless — end up smelling like a barbecue gone wrong? Well, it's not space itself giving off the aroma. It's what sticks to the astronauts. After a spacewalk, they float back into the airlock, peel off their suits — and boom. That strange smell hits them.

It's not coming from the void of space but from their gear. The space particles that clung to their suits have been through cosmic hell: blasted by solar radiation, zapped by cosmic rays, and left twitchy and excited.

When these supercharged particles meet the oxygen inside the spacecraft, they go through a process called oxidation. That's a fancy way of saying they release byproducts — which just happen to smell like burnt things, brake pads, and the inside of a metal shop. Voilà: the scent of the stars.

NASA took this seriously enough to bottle it — really. They hired a chemist to recreate the smell of space. Why? To prepare astronauts for the surprise of it all. Floating in orbit, dizzy from microgravity, the last thing you want is to be sideswiped by the smell of fried wiring and ammonia. It's astronaut training — but for your nose.

And the Moon? It stinks too. Apollo astronauts came back into the lunar lander trailing fine grey dust. That dust gave off a distinct scent, like used fireworks or spent gunpowder. But get this: once they brought the Moon dust back to Earth, it stopped smelling. Why? Because the chemical compounds only react when they first hit oxygen. After that, the magic's gone. A one-sniff wonder.

But wait — there's more. It's not just astronauts getting nosey. Scientists with giant telescopes have studied distant clouds in deep space and found some truly bizarre molecules floating between the stars. How bizarre? Try the smell of burnt toast. Or rum. Or raspberries. Yep, there's an interstellar cloud laced with ethylformate, a molecule that smells like rum and raspberries. We're not saying space is a cocktail party but it's definitely weird.

Still, don't imagine astronauts float through clouds of delicious smells like they're in some zero-gravity bakery. You only smell space after you trap those particles inside your spaceship. Outside, it's all vacuum and silence. Inside? It's chemistry's afterparty.

So, the next time you gaze up at the stars, think of this: the universe doesn't just look mysterious — it smells mysterious too. A strange mix of scorched metal, overcooked steak, and just a teasing note of cat wee. It's cosmic cologne, bottled by the universe. Smell that? It's the final frontier. Or, as some astronauts might call it, "Houston, we have a pong."

A quick reminder: My 'Stargazing' cruises on Port Macquarie's Port AdVenture are proving very popular. Come on our third 2 hour voyage this Friday June 13. Marvel at our slideshow 'Secrets of the Universe' then take a laser guided sky tour on the upper deck with the dolphins, finishing off with refreshments and our space 'trivia quiz.' See details on my webpage www.davidreneke.com

Elon Musk Declares That He's "Immediately" Cutting Off NASA's Access to Space

Billionaire Elon Musk has countered president Donald Trump's threat to "terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," in spectacular fashion: by threatening to cut off the United States' access to outer space. "In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately," Musk tweeted.

But it didn't take him long to blink. A few hours later — and after the publication of this story — Musk reversed course, agreeing to "cool off" and saying that "we won't decommission Dragon." That's not surprising. As executives at SpaceX no doubt desperately tried to explain to him after the dustup, the company would be in terrible danger without all the money it gets from NASA.

And if Musk were to make good on his threat, the United States' space program could experience a setback of epic proportions. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft has quickly become the de facto method for NASA astronauts to travel to the International Space Station.

In other words, the threat could prevent American astronauts from visiting the space station — especially considering that the only other American option, Boeing's Starliner, is likely still years away from becoming a viable alternative, if ever. It was a significant escalation in a major falling out between the world's most powerful man  nd its richest one. The pair have been openly feuding about Trump's so-called "big, beautiful bill," culminating in threats and personal attacks.

The collateral damage of the feud could be enormous, particularly for the US space program. Ars Technica's Eric Berger suggested that Trump ripping up Musk's government contracts "would both end the International Space Station and simultaneously provide no way to safely deorbit it." "This just gets better and better," Musk replied in a laughing emoji-laden tweet. "Go ahead, make my day…"

The news comes after the Trump administration abruptly pulled its nominee for the NASA administrator role, Jared Isaacman. Isaacman, who was hand-picked by Musk, has been to space twice with the help of SpaceX. The news greatly angered Musk, causing him to go on a crusade against Trump's tax bill. Musk's latest threats to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft could put the Trump administration and NASA in an extremely unfortunate position. Apart from Boeing's much-maligned Starliner, which has yet to complete a successful crewed mission to the ISS, the only alternative to send astronauts to the space station is Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.

While the station's days are already numbered — NASA recently awarded SpaceX a contract to decommission the orbital lab in 2030 — continuing operations could prove extremely difficult without Dragon. But whether Musk will make good on his threat remains to be seen, especially considering the billionaire has a lengthy track record of making empty promises. Apart from vowing to decommission Dragon, Musk also attempted to smear Trump's name by arguing that he's "in the Epstein files."

"This is the real reason they have not been made public," he tweeted. "Have a nice day, DJT!" Musk is clearly out for blood, even officially calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced by his vice president JD Vance.  Who will emerge victorious is anybody's guess. If there's one certainty, it won't be NASA. The agency is expected to be hit by brutal cuts that could lay waste to dozens of space missions.

China's Rise in Space: A New Space Race is On

For decades, the United States led the charge into space. An American flag marked the first human steps on the Moon. NASA probes explored every planet. The U.S. was the clear leader. But now, in 2025, the American space program finds itself in a new kind of race—one it might not win.

Enter the Artemis program, NASA's bold plan to return to the Moon. Artemis II, set for September 2025, will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. Artemis III, aiming for a 2026 landing, plans to put the first woman and person of colour on the lunar surface. Ambitious? Absolutely. But the timeline is slipping.

NASA's new strategy leans heavily on private industry. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others are building key components like landers and future space stations. But relying on billionaires brings risk. SpaceX's Starship, needed to land Artemis astronauts on the Moon, is still in development limbo. Add funding delays and political red tape, and the "when" of America's return becomes fuzzy.

Meanwhile, the International Space Station (ISS)—aging and expensive—is scheduled to retire by 2030. NASA hopes private space stations like Orbital Reef and Starlab will replace it, keeping U.S. interests in low-Earth orbit. It's a risky handoff, but one NASA is betting on.

And while America retools, China is charging ahead. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has made staggering progress. In 2020, it returned Moon samples. In 2021, it landed a rover on Mars—on the first try. In 2022, it completed Tiangong, its own modular space station. Beijing isn't just catching up; it's setting the pace.

This year, China's Chang'e-6 mission retrieved samples from the far side of the Moon—a world first. Next comes Chang'e-7 and 8, with plans to explore the lunar south pole and test resource extraction technology. All of this is paving the way for a crewed Chinese Moon landing by 2029, possibly even earlier.

Their aim? Not just to land, but to stay. China and Russia are collaborating on the International Lunar Research Station—a permanent Moon base expected by the early 2030s. While NASA negotiates budgets and contracts, China simply builds. The implications are clear. A Chinese flag on the Moon before Artemis III isn't just a PR win—it's a seismic shift in global space leadership. If China lands first, it could claim not only prestige but also the soft power that comes with leading humanity's next great leap.

To be fair, the U.S. still dominates in deep-space exploration, science, and technology. But that lead is narrowing. Artemis is more than a Moon mission—it's a test of resolve. Of commitment. Of identity.  Because space is no longer just about exploration. It's about position, power, and presence. And the next flag on the Moon may not have stars and stripes—it might have five golden ones.

The Sun Is Making SpaceX Satellites Fall From the Sky

The Sun is in a particularly active phase right now, and that's causing problems for SpaceX's Starlink satellites. Since 2020, hundreds of these satellites have been falling out of orbit – and a new study shows it's mostly due to the Sun's recent outbursts. A team led by NASA space physicist Denny Oliveira looked at 523 Starlink satellites that reentered Earth's atmosphere between 2020 and 2024. They discovered a clear pattern: the more active the Sun became, the more satellites dropped.

This is the most satellites we've ever had in low-Earth orbit at the same time – and the Sun is more active than expected in this 11-year solar cycle (known as Solar Cycle 25), which is now at its peak. That combination is giving researchers a unique opportunity to study how solar activity affects satellite orbits.

Why Does This Happen?

The Sun follows a regular 11-year cycle, where its activity rises and falls. At the peak, we see more sunspots, solar flares, and solar storms known as coronal mass ejections. These blast energetic particles into space – and when they hit Earth, they heat up the upper atmosphere. We don't feel this heat on the ground, but up in space, it causes the atmosphere to expand slightly. That expansion increases air resistance – or "drag" – on satellites in low-Earth orbit. If a satellite doesn't adjust its path, it slows down and begins to fall.

All satellites in low orbit are affected, but SpaceX has launched the most – 8,873 Starlink satellites since 2019, with 7,669 still active. So, they provide a good sample for study.

Falling Satellites: The Numbers

When Starlink began in 2019, the first few satellites started falling back in 2020. Just two reentered that year. In 2021, 78 came down; 99 in 2022, 88 in 2023. Then in 2024, that number jumped dramatically to 316. Interestingly, about 72% of these reentries happened during weaker solar conditions, not during major solar storms. Scientists think this is because the drag from solar activity builds up slowly over time. Satellites don't just drop all at once – their orbits gradually decay. However, when big storms do hit, they cause satellites to fall much faster.

Why It Matters

This study is important because we haven't had much detailed data on how solar activity affects satellites. Understanding how solar storms gradually pull satellites down could help engineers plan better ways to keep them in orbit longer. The researchers suggest that using precise data from Starlink satellites – including details like drag levels and atmospheric density – could improve our models for predicting and managing satellite movements during future solar storms. And with space becoming more crowded, preventing collisions and satellite failures is more important than ever. No one wants a chain-reaction crash in orbit (known as a Kessler cascade). In short, the Sun is getting feisty – and Starlink satellites are feeling it.

Strange Signals from Space: A Cosmic Mystery Unlike Anything We've Seen Before

Something weird is happening out there—and astronomers are puzzled. They've detected strange signals coming from a distant object in space that defies everything we thought we knew. It's not a star, it's not a planet, and it's definitely not behaving like anything we've encountered before. Whatever it is, it's breaking the rules.

The mystery began when radio telescopes picked up an unusual signal deep within our Milky Way galaxy. The source blinked on… then off… then vanished—only to reappear again later. But unlike a lighthouse with a steady rhythm or a random burst of space noise, this thing follows no predictable pattern. The pulses can last several minutes, then go completely silent, only to return unexpectedly. It's weird, it's inconsistent, and it has scientists scratching their heads.

At first, the team thought it might be a pulsar—a dense, spinning neutron star that sends out regular beams of radio waves. But this object is too slow and too erratic to fit that mold. Pulsars are metronomic; this thing is more like a confused drummer at a jazz club.

So what is it? Some believe it might be a new type of neutron star—perhaps one that flips between active and silent states. Others think it could be a "magnetar," a highly magnetic star known to release the occasional burst of radio energy. But even magnetars have their limits, and this object is testing them.

And then there's the fun theory—the one that always gets trotted out when things get strange: aliens. Could it be an artificial signal? A long-lost beacon from an ancient civilisation drifting through space? Probably not. Scientists are quick to stress that this is highly unlikely. But in the absence of a solid explanation, the imagination tends to wander.

Still, the most plausible explanation is that we've stumbled across a natural phenomenon that we simply haven't seen before. Space is vast, wild, and full of surprises, and discoveries like this remind us how little we truly understand.

One of the astronomers involved put it perfectly: "It's just sitting there, doing things it shouldn't be doing." And that's what makes it so exciting. Whatever this object is, it may help us better understand how stars evolve, how radio waves behave across interstellar distances, or even reveal a completely new class of cosmic objects.

Until then, scientists are keeping their telescopes trained on it. More observations are underway, and new data is being gathered. For now, the object remains a cosmic mystery, a blinking enigma in the dark that challenges everything we thought we knew.

In a universe with billions of stars, swirling galaxies, and enough empty space to fit our imaginations ten times over, it's comforting—and a little thrilling—to know that there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered. And just maybe, out there in the great unknown, something—or someone—is trying to get our attention.

Platinum on the Moon: A Trillion-Dollar Prospect

Recent scientific studies suggest that the Moon may contain vast quantities of platinum group metals (PGMs)—including platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and others. The total estimated value of these materials could exceed $1 trillion.

These metals likely arrived on the Moon's surface via ancient asteroid impacts. Unlike Earth, where tectonic activity and erosion bury or disperse such elements, the Moon's lack of atmosphere and geologic activity means these metals have remained close to the surface and could be more accessible.

An estimated 30 million kilograms of PGMs could be scattered across the Moon—vastly more than the roughly 600,000 kilograms mined on Earth each year.

This has spurred growing interest in lunar mining, especially as Earth's supply of these metals becomes harder and more expensive to extract. The Moon's relatively stable surface and proximity to Earth make it a more practical target than distant asteroids.

However, significant technical hurdles remain. Mining on the Moon involves challenges like low gravity, lack of water, extreme temperatures, and the need for remote or robotic operations. Engineers are currently developing specialized robotic systems to excavate and process lunar soil, or regolith.

There are also major legal and ethical questions. International treaties currently prevent any nation from claiming ownership of the Moon or its resources, and there's no universally agreed-upon framework for regulating commercial lunar mining. Future missions will need to navigate not only the harsh environment but also complex political and scientific concerns.

In summary, while the Moon may hold a fortune in platinum and related metals, unlocking it will require solving some of the biggest challenges in engineering, economics, and space law.

From Cat Urine to Gunpowder: The Weird and Wonderful Whiffs of Outer Space

You might imagine space as a vast, silent vacuum — black, barren, and scentless. But ask any astronaut who's taken off a helmet after a spacewalk, and they'll tell you: space stinks. Not in a bad way. Not exactly. But it does have a smell. A very strange one.

Once astronauts return to the airlock and remove their suits, they report an unusual odor clinging to their gear. It's been described as burnt steak, hot metal, welding fumes, and, rather memorably, spent gunpowder. Others have compared it to ozone, or even cat urine. Yes — cat urine.

So, what's going on here? After all, space itself is a vacuum — technically, it shouldn't have any smell at all. But the odd aroma doesn't come from sniffing the void. It's what happens when high-energy particles, atoms, and molecules in space interact with oxygen inside the spacecraft. These particles, bombarded by solar winds and cosmic radiation, become "excited" — not in the party sense, but chemically. When astronauts open their airlock, these zapped particles cling to their suits and mix with the air inside. Voilà: Eau de Space.

There's science behind the stink. When molecules absorb radiation in space, they undergo a process called oxidation when they hit the oxygen-rich air of a spacecraft. This releases various byproducts — some of which have very distinctive smells. Think about the way metal smells after a lightning strike or how a soldering iron smells on a circuit board. Now crank that up with cosmic rays, solar particles, and vacuum-induced weirdness, and you're getting closer.

NASA took the idea seriously enough to commission a chemist to recreate the scent. Why? Because they needed to train astronauts for the real experience. Floating in orbit is disorienting enough — no one needs to be caught off guard by the smell of fried brake pads or an aggressive whiff of ammonia mid-mission.

The Moon, too, has a smell. Apollo astronauts said lunar dust that stuck to their suits and boots gave off a distinct scent once back in the lander — often described as burnt gunpowder. Curiously, when they brought Moon dust back to Earth, it lost its smell. That's because the compounds responsible only reacted when exposed to oxygen for the first time.

And it's not just Earth's astronauts making nasal notes. Scientists analyzing the chemical signatures of deep-space clouds — using telescopes and spectroscopy — have found complex organic compounds floating between the stars. Some of these are the very same molecules found in burnt toast, rum, raspberries, and yes, the ammonia-like stench of feline urine. One interstellar cloud even contains ethyl formate, which smells like rum and raspberries. Space, it turns out, is full of invisible aromas.

But before you imagine astronauts floating through a cocktail of gourmet scents, remember: most of this only becomes noticeable once it's dragged into a pressurized cabin. Still, it's fascinating to think the cosmos isn't entirely silent and scentless — it has a kind of chemical personality.

So, next time you look up at the night sky, remember this: among the wonders of the universe — stars, galaxies, black holes — there's also the lingering perfume of space: a blend of burning metal, scorched steak, a hint of ammonia, and just a whisper of the cosmos's strange chemistry. Call it the celestial stink — Earth's final frontier never smelled so odd.

Turning the Red Planet Green: Terraforming Mars May Be Closer Than We Think 

Imagine stepping out onto Martian soil — not in a bulky space suit, but into breathable air. A warm breeze tugs at your collar, trees rustle nearby, and a sunset bathes everything in rusty gold. A fantasy? Perhaps. But if some scientists have their way, this might one day be reality. Terraforming Mars — once the stuff of pulp sci-fi — is quietly inching out of the "dreamer's drawer" and onto the whiteboards of serious researchers. The question is no longer if, but how — and possibly when.

At its core, terraforming is simple to grasp: turn a hostile planet into a livable one. And while Venus is a hellish oven and Jupiter's a stormy gas ball, Mars is... well, close. Cold, dry, and airless, yes — but not completely alien. In fact, it's the most Earth-like planet we've got.

So, how do we begin? One idea is to warm the place up. Mars has average surface temperatures of -60°C. But if we release enough greenhouse gases — like CO₂ or methane — we could trap solar heat and thicken the atmosphere. Ironically, the very thing we're trying to stop on Earth could be the key to awakening Mars.

Some scientists propose giant orbital mirrors, suspended in space, to beam sunlight down onto the Martian poles and melt the carbon dioxide ice caps. Others suggest triggering controlled mini-nuclear blasts to free up underground CO₂ in huge, fast bursts. Not subtle, but effective. A more elegant route? Send in the microbes. Hardy, engineered bacteria could be released to chew through Martian rock, release gases, and slowly churn out the building blocks of an atmosphere. Algae might follow — simple, green, resilient — the first hints of life painting the red planet green.

Mars has water, too — frozen in the poles and hidden beneath the surface. Melt enough of it and you could get rivers, lakes, even shallow seas. With water flowing and air building, plant life becomes more than a dream. The first Martian forests may look more like moss and scrubby tundra than towering trees — but every forest starts small.

And this isn't just some grand vanity project. Terraforming Mars could be a survival strategy. As Stephen Hawking once warned, "One planet is not enough." If Earth stumbles, a second home for humanity might be our best insurance policy.

Of course, none of this is easy. Terraforming Mars could take centuries. And the ethical questions are real. What if Mars harbours primitive life? Do we have the right to remake a planet that isn't ours? And who decides how it's done — governments? Corporations? Billionaires?

Still, the push is underway. NASA's Perseverance rover is already experimenting with extracting oxygen from the thin Martian air. Elon Musk talks about building a city there. China, India, and Europe all have long-term Mars goals. It's no longer a joke — it's a race.

We may not live to see pine trees swaying on Martian hillsides, but we could very well witness the first seeds being planted. Terraforming Mars isn't just science fiction anymore. It's a bold, risky, magnificent idea — and humanity's ultimate gardening project. Right now, Mars is a red desert. But listen carefully, and you 

Lunar Gold Rush: Can We Really Build a Thriving Economy on the Moon?

In the dead silence of the Moon's barren plains, a new kind of frontier whispers to Earth: not of conquest, but of commerce. The question now buzzing in boardrooms, laboratories, and space agencies alike is this — Can we actually build a thriving economy on and around the Moon? The answer is no longer science fiction. It's on the launchpad.

Let's be clear: this isn't about building white picket fences in lunar dust or selling timeshares in Mare Imbrium. This is industrial revolution 2.0 — off-planet. The concept of a Moon economy hinges on three pillars: infrastructure, exploitation of resources, and sustainable habitation. All three are audaciously difficult. All three are technically possible.

First, Infrastructure: Laying the Groundwork

You can't have a lunar economy without a lunar base — and you can't have a base without a plan to get there and stay. NASA's Artemis program aims to land humans back on the Moon and build a permanent station called the Artemis Base Camp, likely at the south pole where water ice lurks in eternal shadow. China and Russia have a similar vision with the planned International Lunar Research Station.

These aren't sci-fi domes with Starbucks and Wi-Fi. They'll be modular, Spartan outposts with radiation shielding made of lunar regolith (Moon dirt), using 3D printers and robotic builders already in prototype. Power? Solar arrays stretching across ridges. Communications? NASA's Lunar Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon, will provide that link — a telecom tower in the void.

Next, Resources: Digging Into Lunar Wealth

Here's where the economy gets interesting. The Moon is rich — not in gold, but in helium-3, a rare isotope potentially useful for future fusion energy. There's also iron, titanium, and those aforementioned water ice deposits — vital for drinking, growing food, and cracking into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. In essence, water becomes lunar gasoline.

A thriving lunar economy might begin with fuel depots. If rockets can refuel in space rather than carry all their fuel from Earth, the cost of space missions plummets. That's why companies like Astrobotic, ispace, and Intuitive Machines are racing to deliver payloads to the Moon — to test tech, stake territory, and prove commercial viability.

Living and Working There: No Moonwalk in the Park

Now, picture life on the Moon. You work in six-day stretches, bunk in pressurized habitats, eat hydroponic kale, and sleep under two feet of regolith shielding you from cosmic radiation. Temperatures swing from -170°C at night to 120°C during the day. One mistake — a torn glove, a failed oxygen valve — and you're one sigh away from disaster.

Yet the Moon offers perks. Its low gravity (1/6th of Earth's) makes construction easier and movement more efficient. Robots can do the heavy lifting, humans the problem-solving. AI systems will run much of the show, alerting crews to danger or inefficiency. And with every success, more investors on Earth will loosen their purse strings.

But Let's Talk Practicality and Danger

Nothing is easy on the Moon. Every kilo of cargo costs thousands to launch. Micrometeorites can pierce metal. Dust is electrostatically charged and clingy — it fouled Apollo suits and could wreck machinery over time. And then there's the psychological toll. Long stays in confined, gray habitats will strain even the toughest pioneers.

Also, who owns what? The 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids any nation from claiming the Moon — but doesn't stop companies from profiting. The lack of clear space property law could either spark a new kind of Cold War or an interplanetary gold rush.

The Verdict: Possible, Probable, Imminent?

So, can we build a Moon economy? Yes. Thriving? Not yet — but the scaffolding is in place. The Moon is no longer a distant dream but a looming destination. As infrastructure is laid, missions multiply, and technology evolves, commerce will follow — slowly, stubbornly, and spectacularly.

What began with flags and footprints may end with factories and financial markets. And if humanity can learn to live, work, and trade on the Moon, the stars — quite literally — are the limit.

Ever Wondered......How Big Is Space?

Ever tried to wrap your head around the size of space? Good luck. You'd have better luck folding a fitted sheet in zero gravity. Space isn't just big—it's absurdly, terrifyingly, hilariously massive. But let's try to get a grip on it anyway.

Start with something we kind of understand: driving. Imagine hopping into your car and setting your GPS for Pluto. It's not exactly around the corner—it's the most distant planet-like thingy (sorry, Pluto) in our solar system. Cruising at a relaxed highway speed of 100 km/h, you'd arrive in a mere… 6,000 years. That's longer than recorded human history. Better pack snacks.

That's just our solar system. Once you start peeking outside it, things go off the rails fast. We need a new yardstick—enter the light-year, the distance light travels in a year. Light moves at 300,000 kilometers per second (yes, per second), so one light-year is about 10 trillion kilometers. That's ten million million. You'd need a very long odometer.

Now let's visit the closest star system: Alpha Centauri. It's about four light-years away. That's 40 trillion kilometers. If you launched the fastest spacecraft humans have ever built—Voyager 1, zipping along at over 60,000 km/h—it would take more than 70,000 years to get there. That's not a weekend trip. That's a commitment.

So what's the scale of our entire galaxy, the Milky Way? About 100,000 light-years across. That's how far light would travel if it spent 100,000 years crossing our galactic backyard. And remember—light is fast. Faster than gossip in a small town.

But our galaxy is just one among many. With the Hubble Space Telescope, and now the jaw-dropping James Webb Space Telescope, we've peered deep into the cosmos and spotted hundreds of billions—maybe even a trillion—other galaxies. Galaxies with billions of stars. Each with planets. Some possibly with life asking the same mind-bending question: How big is this place?

Here's where it gets really weird. When we look at the most distant galaxies, we're seeing them as they were over 13.5 billion years ago. That's not just old—it's prehistoric on a cosmic scale. And because the universe is expanding, those galaxies have since moved even farther away. Much farther.

So how big is the observable universe—the part we can actually detect with telescopes? Roughly 92 billion light-years across. And that's just the bits we can see. We're pretty sure there's more out there. Much more.

Now here's the cosmic kicker: We don't actually know whether the universe is finite or infinite. It could go on forever. Literally. Imagine unrolling a ball of yarn that never ends—or being stuck in an Ikea store with no exit. That's the level of scale we're dealing with.

Despite all our advanced technology, scientific breakthroughs, and missions to the Moon and Mars, we're still like ants trying to map out a football stadium using only breadcrumbs. We're getting smarter, sure. But space? Space is playing a whole other game.

So the next time you look up at the stars and wonder how big space is, just remember: it's so big, it makes your Monday morning inbox look tiny. It's so big, even thinking about it is a journey.

And that's part of the magic. The more we learn about space, the bigger—and more mysterious—it gets. It's the universe's way of reminding us that no matter how far we go, there's always further to travel. And that's a pretty spectacular ride.

'Stunning' New Columbian UFO Footage Captures Sphere-Shaped Object Over City Weeks After Dublin Sightings

 A suspected UFO has been seen soaring above a city in Colombia before darting back and forth in a zig-zag motion, startling at least one witness who managed to capture images of the mysterious object.

UFO Filmed Over Columbia By Airline Pilot Deemed Genuine !

A pilot flying an Airbus A320 on a routine flight over Medellin, Colombia looked out the cockpit window and among the clouds, Aspotted something he had never before seen - a UFO. He quickly grabbed his phone and filmed what he was witnessing, first pointing the camera at his altimeter, which shows he was flying at about 30,000 feet, then aiming it out the window towards the clouds. He zooms in and a strange, geometric-shaped, metallic object flies in a straight line in the opposite direction.

The History Channel's The Proof Is Out There further examined the footage, zooming in further to show the craft looks like a cube. They then interviewed a variety of experts about the video. One scientist suggested it is ten to 15 feet in diameter, but its structure is unlike any earthly flying object. 

A forensic video analyst feels that the movement in the video looks authentic, but questions how the pilot knew to zoom in on the object. An aviation expert thinks the object is too slow to be a plane or missile, and stated it doesn't look anything like a drone. He suggested it could be a solar balloon, but that is highly unlikely since they don't really survive at such a high altitude. He admits, "I don't have a good explanation." The show then classifies the video as one of a "genuine UFO."

What's Up? Meet the Solar System's Oddball Family

It all kicked off around 4.6 billion years ago with one almighty explosion of gas, dust, and drama. Out of this cosmic mess came a sprawling family of space objects, each with its own quirks, backstory, and attitude. And like any good soap opera, there's a fiery star in the middle, some show-offs, a few loners, and more than a couple of rocks just trying to stay relevant.

First up: The Sun – the big boss, the centre of attention, and for good reason. It's not just some warm yellow blob in the sky. This giant, glowing gas ball (mainly hydrogen and helium) keeps everything spinning in place. It's basically the engine of the whole operation. Ancient cultures thought it was a god, and honestly, that's fair – without it, we're toast. Or rather, we're frozen toast.

Orbiting the Sun, like a bunch of groupies, are the planets – each with a backstory and a name pinched from Roman mythology (because those guys knew how to brand things).

Mercury is the first rock from the Sun – tiny, scorched, and always in a hurry. It zips around in just 88 days and has no air to speak of. It's named after the Roman messenger god because it's the fastest, not because it delivers good news.

Venus is next – Earth's evil twin. Covered in clouds thick with acid and hot enough to melt lead, she's a real diva. Beautiful from afar (the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon) but absolute murder up close. They named her after the goddess of love, but this one's all looks, no cuddles.

Earth – that's us! The only known place with life, chocolate, and wifi. The name's not very exciting – just means "ground" – but we've made the most of it. It's got air, water, continents, and a Moon that causes both poetry and awkward first dates.

Mars is the red one. Dry, dusty, and probably holding onto secrets about ancient life. People have been eyeing it for colonisation, despite the fact it's basically a freezing desert. Named after the god of war because of its colour – and maybe its tendency to break every rover we send there.

Then we get to the gas giants – the real heavyweights.

Jupiter is the king – enormous, swirling with storms, and throwing its weight around the solar system like it owns the place (which it sort of does). That Great Red Spot? A storm bigger than Earth that's been raging for centuries. Respect.

Saturn is the fashionista of the group – famous for its stunning rings made of ice and rock. It's also got more moons than you can count on two hands, a calculator, and an abacus combined. Ancient stargazers named it after the god of time, which makes sense. It's slow, elegant, and very old-school.

Uranus – cue the jokes – is tipped over on its side like it had one too many cosmic cocktails. It spins funny and looks like a giant pale green cue ball. We blame its weird tilt on a cosmic collision. It's cold, distant, and kind of introverted.

Neptune rounds out the main cast – deep blue, super windy, and very mysterious. It was discovered through math before anyone saw it. Named after the god of the sea, probably because of its colour and endless waves of gas.

And then there's Pluto, the little guy who got demoted. Once a proud planet, now labelled a "dwarf planet." Still doing its thing way out in the Kuiper Belt with a few icy buddies, giving us all serious underdog vibes.

Don't forget the moons. Earth has one, Mars has two, Jupiter has a whole entourage (including Europa, which might hide an ocean), and Saturn practically collects them like stamps.

Then come the space rocks.
Asteroids are leftover building blocks that didn't make it into a planet. Most hang out in the Asteroid Belt like they're at some eternal high school reunion.

If one of those asteroids crashes into Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor – a "shooting star" that streaks across the sky. If it survives the burn and hits the ground, congrats – it's now a meteorite. Ancient people thought these were messages from the gods or signs of doom. Scientists? They get giddy.

And let's not forget the comets – icy, dirty snowballs with attitude. They spend most of their lives in deep freeze, then blaze across the sky with huge tails when they get near the Sun. The ancients thought they were bad omens. Today, we chase them with spacecraft for selfies.

So that's the gang – a wild, weird, wonderful bunch. They've been worshipped, feared, named after gods, and plastered across textbooks. They still fascinate us today, reminding us we're part of a much bigger – and way cooler – neighbourhood than we usually give credit for. And the best part? This cosmic show's still running… and we've got front-row seats.

NASA's Roman Space Telescope Faces Cancellation — And With It, a Generation of Discoveries

NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch in just two years, is now under threat due to proposed budget cuts from the U.S. president. If Roman is cancelled, we won't just lose a telescope — we'll lose an entire era of discovery that could transform our understanding of the universe.

Like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Roman can observe in both visible and infrared light — wavelengths beyond human vision. But Roman offers something JWST can't: a vast field of view. While JWST zooms in to focus on tiny patches of sky, Roman can scan enormous areas in a single shot, making it ideal for large-scale surveys. This gives it a powerful edge for mapping the structure of the universe and uncovering rare celestial events.

History proves how transformative telescopes like this can be. Hubble, launched in 1990, was built before exoplanets (planets beyond our solar system) had even been discovered. And yet, it became essential in studying them. JWST is already rewriting what we know about distant planets, galaxies, and the early universe. Roman promises to take us even further — not just following in their footsteps, but carving its own new path.

One of Roman's key missions is to use gravitational microlensing to discover about 2,500 new exoplanets, including rocky Earth-like worlds and distant gas giants. This method allows it to spot planets in regions far from their stars — zones our current tools can barely reach. These outer regions are critical to understanding how planetary systems are structured.

Even better, the same surveys will likely uncover thousands more planets using the transit method, where planets are spotted as they pass in front of their host stars, dimming the light slightly. This will give us the most complete picture yet of how planets are distributed throughout the Milky Way.

But perhaps the most exciting potential lies in Roman's ability to finally detect exomoons — moons orbiting planets in other solar systems. Right now, not a single exomoon has been confirmed. Roman could detect them around free-floating planets — lonely worlds that have been flung out of their home systems — and even identify Earth-Moon analogs, giving us clues about how common life-supporting environments might be.

Roman may also spot Saturn-like rings circling alien worlds, thanks to its cutting-edge Coronagraphic Instrument (CGI). This device blocks the overwhelming light of a star, revealing the faint glow of orbiting planets and any rings or moons around them. For the first time, we may directly observe planetary systems like our own, complete with rings and potentially habitable moons.

All of this potential science — from exoplanets to exomoons, cosmic rings, and dark energy — comes from just two instruments aboard the telescope. Roman is also designed to support a General Investigator program, allowing scientists to propose entirely new research missions, just like Hubble and JWST did.

After more than a decade of design, engineering, and planning, Roman is nearly ready. It's been a massive investment — financially and scientifically. Scrapping it now would not only waste billions already spent but deny an entire generation of astronomers the opportunity to explore the universe in ways never before possible. 

This isn't just about telescopes — it's about imagination, potential, and our continued journey to understand the cosmos. Roman isn't simply a project. It's a bridge to discoveries we haven't even thought to ask about yet.

China's Plan - Launch a Giant Solar Power Plant Into Space!

China is aiming high—literally—with a bold and breathtaking plan to launch a giant solar power plant into space. Picture this: a massive station, roughly 1 kilometer wide, orbiting 36,000 kilometers above Earth, soaking up an endless bath of pure sunlight. This isn't science fiction—it's scheduled to become science fact.

Unlike the solar panels on your roof or scattered across deserts, this behemoth will never see nightfall, cloud cover, or bad weather. Thanks to its special position in a geosynchronous orbit, the station will hover in the same spot relative to Earth, always facing the sun, harvesting energy 24/7.

And the power? Mind-blowing. Experts say it could generate as much usable energy each year as all the remaining oil reserves buried under our feet. That's not just impressive—it's a total game-changer for the energy world. No digging. No burning. No pollution. Just pure, uninterrupted, space-brewed electricity.

Once collected, the energy will be beamed back to Earth using microwaves—similar to the technology that heats your leftovers, but on a cosmic scale. The receiving stations on Earth, equipped with huge antenna arrays, will catch this invisible beam and convert it into electricity for our homes, factories, and cities.

If that sounds like science fiction, you're not alone. The concept was first dreamed up by NASA in the 1970s, but only now—decades later—is a nation actually building it. China's military-run space program began serious research in 2019, launching prototypes and testing the microwave beam technology. They plan to use their mighty Long March-9 rocket, capable of lifting over 100 tons into orbit, to launch the components by the 2030s.

Leading the charge is aerospace guru Long Lehao, who says this project is as significant as the Three Gorges Dam—the world's largest hydropower project. That dam powers entire cities. This space station? It could power entire nations.

And here's the kicker: space-based solar panels can be up to ten times more efficient than their Earth-bound cousins. Why? They're exposed to constant, unfiltered sunlight. No atmosphere, no shadows, no downtime. That's the kind of energy boost our planet has been dreaming of.

But there's more to the story—mystery and geopolitical intrigue swirl around the project. Why is China pouring billions into a project with such otherworldly ambition? Some experts believe it's not just about clean energy. It's also about global leadership. Whoever controls the energy grid of the future could control everything from economies to diplomacy.

And then there's the sheer awe of it. Imagine: a glittering array of panels stretching across the stars, orbiting like a manmade sun, pulsing with power, lighting up Earth silently from the heavens. It's the kind of thing once only imagined in sci-fi films, now coming together in Chinese laboratories and launchpads.

There are hurdles, of course. Engineering a microwave beam that's safe and efficient is tricky. Keeping a structure that size stable in orbit? No small feat. But if China cracks it—and the early signs are promising—we could witness the dawn of a new space age where satellites do more than talk and spy. They power our world.

And the clock is ticking. The U.S., Europe, and Japan are watching closely, racing to catch up. The space above us may soon become the battleground for the clean energy revolution.

So next time you gaze up at the night sky, remember: the future might already be up there, quietly soaking in sunlight, waiting to beam down a better world. The space race is back. Only this time, it's not about flags or footprints—it's about power.

What's Inside A Black Hole And Can I Survive A Trip Inside

Let's cut to the chase: if you're planning a holiday into a black hole, pack light. Really light. Like, down to your atoms. Because once you cross that infamous "event horizon," you're not coming back with fridge magnets and blurry photos.

Black holes are the universe's version of "Do Not Enter" signs written in invisible ink and guarded by physics that even Einstein occasionally raised an eyebrow at. They're places where gravity throws all the rules out the window—and then eats the window.

So what is a black hole? Imagine compressing the mass of the Sun into something the size of a city. Then keep squeezing until you have a single point of infinite density. That's a black hole: a cosmic void so powerful that not even light can escape its clutches. No light, no info, no Facebook updates.

Now let's say, for the sake of science and possible TikTok fame, you strap yourself into a spaceship and fly toward one—say, Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way. It's about 4 million times the mass of the Sun and just a casual 26,000 light-years away. Pack snacks.

As you drift closer, something weird starts to happen: time slows down. Not for you—you feel normal. But for the outside world, your clock is dragging. If you could wave at people watching from Earth, they'd see you moving in slow motion. This is time dilation, a very real consequence of Einstein's theory of General Relativity. Gravity bends space—but it also bends time. The stronger the gravity, the slower time ticks. Near the event horizon of a black hole, time slows dramatically. 

In fact, if you orbited just outside a black hole for a while and somehow escaped, you might return to find hundreds, even thousands of years had passed on Earth. To you, maybe just a few days. Yes, black holes are nature's ultimate anti-aging cream. You won't wrinkle—but you will be very, very dead. Small trade-off.

And just past the event horizon? The point of no return. This is where spaghettification sets in—a very scientific way of saying you'll be stretched thinner than the plot of a soap opera. Your feet are pulled faster than your head, because gravity's strength changes drastically over your own body length. It's the universe's least relaxing stretch therapy.

Eventually, you reach the singularity—a one-point abyss of infinite density and zero volume. Here, time and space collapse into each other, like cosmic laundry being sucked into a drain. Scientists have no real idea what happens at this point. Some say it's the end of all things. Others? They think it might be a gateway.

Yes, speculation time. Some theories suggest black holes might connect to other parts of the universe. Or other universes entirely. Think wormholes, tunnels through spacetime, portals to the great unknown. Maybe falling into one could spit you out near another galaxy—or a completely different reality. One where Elvis is still touring and gravity is optional.

Of course, these are just ideas. Beautiful, wild, untestable ideas. But who's to say? The math hasn't ruled it out. Black holes might be less tomb and more tunnel. Less death trap and more cosmic doorbell—albeit one that breaks every bone in your body and turns you into theoretical soup.

So what's inside a black hole? Maybe everything. Maybe nothing. Maybe a door to the other side of the universe with a "Wet Paint" sign on it.

Can you survive the trip? Not physically. But your story might live on—encoded in gravity, remembered in equations, and retold by future civilizations who find your shoe orbiting a neutron star.

In the end, black holes are the universe's way of reminding us we don't know as much as we think. And that, somehow, is the most exciting part.

China and Russia's 2028 Moon Reactor Plan Rocks Global Space Community

In a stunning development that's turning heads from NASA to the European Space Agency, China and Russia have announced a joint plan to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2028. The move, presented at a recent international aerospace conference, is being hailed by some as the most audacious space initiative since the original Moon landings—and a clear challenge to U.S. space dominance.

The proposed lunar nuclear power station is designed to supply continuous energy for future moonbases, scientific research, and long-term infrastructure—particularly vital during the Moon's frigid two-week-long nights, when solar power becomes impractical. A reactor would offer uninterrupted, high-output energy, making it the cornerstone for any permanent human presence on the lunar surface.

This effort is part of the larger International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint China-Russia program meant to rival NASA's Artemis initiative, which is backed by over two dozen nations including Australia, Canada, and several European countries. The ILRS is pitched not just as a scientific outpost, but as a symbol of multipolar influence in space—a new model of cooperation distinct from the Western-led coalition.

While NASA is also developing a fission surface power system, it's targeting a 2030+ deployment date. The prospect of China and Russia beating that timeline by at least two years is seen as both a technological and political statement—a signal that the balance of space power is shifting.

The announcement reportedly caught U.S. officials off-guard. Inside NASA and the Department of Energy, urgent discussions are underway to evaluate the implications. One official described the development as a "Sputnik 2.0 moment," recalling the shock of the 1957 Soviet satellite launch that spurred America's original space race.

Critics argue the U.S. has been too slow in updating its lunar strategy, hindered by bureaucratic delays and budget uncertainty. Meanwhile, China has quietly achieved milestones such as landing a rover on the far side of the Moon in 2019 and returning lunar samples in 2020. Russia, despite recent struggles, still brings vast experience in nuclear propulsion and robotics.

If realized, this would be the first nuclear power plant ever built off Earth—a game-changing achievement with implications not only for science, but for strategic positioning in the new space economy. With lunar resources, including rare Earth elements and water ice, becoming increasingly valuable, energy infrastructure will be key to unlocking and controlling them.

Whether the 2028 target is achievable remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the Moon is no longer just a scientific destination—it's a stage for global power projection. The race is back. The players are changing. And this time, it's nuclear.

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!

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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  

'Astro Dave' Is Radio-Active 

Heard On DOZENS Of Stations Weekly - CLICK for past interviews