SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Series 19 Episode 41 Show Notes

29/6/2016

Strange dark hydrogen inside Jupiter
New research suggests an exotic form of hydrogen known as dark hydrogen exists in a layer beneath the surface of Jupiter.
One of the biggest unknowns is hydrogen’s transformation under the extreme pressures and temperatures found in the interiors of the gas giant where it is squeezed until it becomes liquid metal, capable of conducting electricity.

Oceans on Enceladus favourable for life
A new study claims ice sheets covering a global liquid water ocean on Enceladus’s south pole could be just 20 kilometres thick -- far thinner than previously thought. The new research suggests a strong heat source in the interior of the Saturnian moon, which scientists claim provides an additional factor supporting the possible emergence of life in its ocean.

Hubble confirms new dark spot on Neptune
New images obtained by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have confirm the presence of a new dark vortex in the atmosphere of Neptune.
Though similar features were seen during the Voyager 2 flyby of Neptune in 1989 and by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1994, this vortex is the first one observed on Neptune in the 21st century.

Maiden flight for China’s new Long March 7 rocket
Beijing has successfully undertaken the maiden flight of its new Long March 7 rocket from its new Wenchang Space Launch Center on southern China’s Hainan Island. The new 53 metre long two stage medium lift orbital launch vehicle will be used for both manned and unmanned space flights lifting 13,500 kilograms into a 400 kilometre Low Earth Orbit and 5,500 kilograms into a 700 kilometre high Sun-Synchronous Orbit.

India sets new record for most satellites launched on one rocket
The Indian Space Research Organization has launched a PSLV rocket carrying a record 21 satellites from its Satish Dhawan Space Centre on the Bay of Bengal coast. The 44 metre tall PSLV or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle was equipped with six strap on solid rocket boosters to lift its payload into orbit.

Atlas V launches new military satellite
An Atlas V rocket successfully launched the MUOS-5 military communications satellite into orbit for the United States Navy. MUOS-5 is the final member of a five-satellite constellation designed to provide the US military with ultra high frequency communications worldwide.