S02E12: NASA's Parker Solar Probe and the Secrets of the Solar Wind & More Space News

On this episode of Astronomy Daily, Tim and Halle bring you latest on the Gemini North Telescope's capture of a supernova aftermath and other space news. In this episode, you will be able to: · Stay ahead with groundbreaking astronomy news that will pique your curiosity. · Uncover the spellbinding secrets behind Planet Hat-P 32 b's disappearing act. · Get a rare glimpse into the spectacular phenomenon of Noctilucent clouds found in Earth's atmosphere. · Experience the powerful aftermath of a supernova through the lens of the Gemini North Telescope. · Demystify the complexities of solar wind and its implications on our solar system with help from Parker Solar Probe. Get ready to be captivated by Hallie, our skilled AI reporter with a knack for breaking down complex celestial concepts for everyone to enjoy. Over her career, Hallie has established a strong reputation in the field for her thorough research on deep-space phenomena, including supernovae, galaxies, and black holes. Today, she's here to discuss the groundbreaking capture of a supernova aftermath by the Gemini North Telescope, shedding light on how technology is helping us understand the universe. Join Hallie and Tim to explore the wonders of the cosmos and learn more about this awe-inspiring observation. The resources mentioned in this episode are: · Visit Airbus' website to learn more about Roxy, the system that extracts oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. · Check out the Frownhoffer, the German Research Institute, and Boston University websites to see their collaboration with Airbus on the Roxy project. · Explore the European Space Agency's website to learn more about the Mars Express Orbiter and its mapping of the Martian surface. · Visit SpaceNuts.io to listen to the SpaceNuts podcast with Steve Dunkley on Mondays and Astronomy Daily with Tim Gibbs on Fridays. · Look up at the Northern Hemisphere's northern skies an hour or two after sunset and before sunrise over the next few months to see rare noctilucent clouds with the naked eye. · Follow SpaceWeather.com to stay updated on sightings of noctilucent clouds. · Read the journal Science Advances to learn more about the discovery of the giant tails of helium escaping from the planet Hat P 32 b. · Check out the University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory website to learn more about the Hobby Eberley Telescope. · Follow NASA's Sunkissing Parker Solar Probe mission to stay updated on its findings about the solar wind. · Visit the D Noctilucent Clouds: The highest, driest, coldest, and rarest clouds on Earth. Noctilucent clouds (NLCs) are unique and intriguing atmospheric phenomena found in the Mesosphere, a layer above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, around 47 to 53 miles above Earth's surface. Formed when water vapor freezes into ice crystals that attach to dust and particles left by meteors, NLCs offer a valuable opportunity for observing changes in Earth's atmosphere. These spectacular clouds are best visible around the summer solstice in late June through the end of July, making them a fascinating subject for skywatchers and scientists alike. As Tim Gibbs and Halle discuss noctilucent clouds in the episode, they touch upon the importance of understanding these rare clouds to study Earth's atmosphere and the effects of climate change. The friendly conversation drives home the point that these mesmerizing natural wonders truly deserve our attention and study. Supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy: The discovery of the supernova SN 2023 IX by an amateur astronomer and how the Gemini North Telescope will allow astronomers to study it. Amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki's discovery of supernova SN 2023 IX in the Pinwheel Galaxy is a testament to the passion and curiosity of stargazers worldwide. The aftermath of this supernova serves as a fantastic example of celestial phenomena that can be detected and studied by both professional and amateur astronomers. The Gemini North Telescope's observations of SN 2023 IX will enable astronomers to analyze how the supernova's light fades over time and how its spectrum evolves, shedding light on the complex physics of stellar explosions. Tim Gibbs and Halle's conversation about the discovery of SN 2023 IX leads them to highlight the importance of amateur astronomers contributing to the scientific community. By sharing this inspiring story, they encourage listeners to stay curious and participate in the vast and fascinating world of astronomy. Learn how the Gemini North Telescope captures supernova remnants and deepens our understanding of the universe. The Gemini North Telescope, after a seven-month hiatus, is back in action and it captured the stunning aftermath of a supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy. Supernovae are massive explosions of stars, which provide valuable information about the history and evolution of the universe. By observing supernova remnants, scientists can gain insights into the formation of heavy elements and the rate of expansion of the universe. This knowledge can also contribute to our understanding of stellar life cycles and the overall structure of galaxies. During the episode, Tim Gibbs and Halle discuss the discoveries made by the Gemini North Telescope, as well as the story of amateur astronomer Koichi Itagaki, who found the supernova named SN 2023 IX. The discussion highlights the importance of such observations in helping astronomers study the light spectrum of these explosions, and how this data can enhance our understanding of the physics behind supernovae. Giant Tails of Helium: The dramatic jets of helium escaping from the planet Hat P 32 b. The planet Hat P 32 b has captured the attention of astronomers due to its dramatic jets of helium, which extend more than 50 times the planet's radius. These remarkable tails of gas make it an exceptional case in the realm of exoplanets. The study of these tails can provide insights into the process and mechanisms of atmospheric escape, wherein lighter gases like helium are stripped away from a planet by the radiation and stellar wind coming from its host star. This understanding can shed light on the evolution and history of exoplanets' atmospheres. In the episode, Halle shares details about the fascinating discovery of Hat P 32 b's incredible helium tails, which were observed by a team of astronomers using the Hobby Eberly Telescope at the University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory. The friendly discussion between Tim Gibbs and Halle emphasizes the significance of this finding in the field of exoplanetary research. Source of Fast Solar Wind: NASA's Parker Solar Probe discovers that the fast solar wind comes from coronal holes in the Sun's atmosphere and how this information can help predict solar storms. NASA's Parker Solar Probe has made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the source of fast solar wind – the charged particles that stream from the Sun's corona at incredible speeds. The probe's close approach to the Sun revealed that fast solar wind originates from coronal holes in the Sun's atmosphere. This information is crucial for understanding how solar storms and space weather events are generated, which can have significant impacts on communication and power systems on Earth, as well as create stunning auroras. In the episode, Tim Gibbs and Halle share their excitement about the Parker Solar Probe's findings and the importance of understanding solar wind's origins. Their conversation highlights how studies of solar activity can help us better predict and respond to potential space weather events, safeguarding our planet's interconnected systems.