S26E81: White Dwarf Pulsar // Planet Formation Timescales // Virgin Galactic's Flight // July Skywatch

1. Discovery of White Dwarf Pulsar Sheds Light on Star Evolution: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a rare type of white dwarf star system, offering valuable insights into the process of stellar evolution. The findings contribute to our understanding of how stars transform over time.
2. Exploring Planet Formation Timescales: New research by astronomers has revealed that the formation of planets can occur in remarkably shorter timescales, taking less than a million years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the length of time required for planetary formation.
3. Virgin Galactic's First Successful Commercial Flight: Virgin Galactic has achieved a significant milestone by completing its inaugural commercial suborbital flight. The mission involved transporting a crew from the Italian Airforce and the National Research Council to the edge of space. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward in the realm of commercial space travel.
4. July Skywatch Highlights: The month of July offers a host of celestial wonders for sky gazers. Notable highlights include the mesmerizing Southern Cross, the constellation Leo, and the awe-inspiring red supergiant star Antares. These celestial phenomena provide captivating sights for those observing the night skies in July.

The Astronomy, Space, Technology & Science News Podcast.