Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

Stuart Gary

1000 episodes

2 days ago

Join host Stuart Gary for weekly explorations into Astronomy, Space, and Science News, featuring insights from 19 years on Australian Public Radio and industry experts.

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Astronomy

Science,

Natural Sciences

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Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

21 minutes

4 days ago

Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces

(00:00:00) Galactic Tug-of-War: The Small Magellanic Cloud's Struggle Against Gravitational Forces
(00:00:46) One of our nearest neighbouring galaxies being torn apart
(00:08:00) A giant spider on the Jovian Ice Moon Europa
(00:12:23) Mars could have been habitable for long periods
(00:14:14) The Science Report
(00:17:23) Skeptics guide to why some people are born suckers
(00:20:24) Episode Wrap

In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating cosmic phenomena and groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.
The Small Magellanic Cloud: A Galaxy Under Duress
Astronomers have uncovered that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, is being torn apart by gravitational forces from its neighbor, the Large Magellanic Cloud. This revelation, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights the complex movements of Cepheid variable stars within the galaxy, indicating that it is being stretched in multiple directions. By utilizing data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the interactions between these two galaxies, prompting a reevaluation of their structural dynamics and gravitational relationships with the Milky Way.
Europa's Spider: Signs of Subsurface Water?
A striking spider-like feature on Jupiter's moon Europa has scientists buzzing with excitement. Researchers suggest this formation, found near the Menanan impact crater, may be evidence of subsurface water seeping through the moon's icy crust following an asteroid impact. The findings, reported in the Planetary Science Journal, could have significant implications for the moon's habitability and the presence of life. By drawing parallels with similar features on Mars, scientists are eager to explore Europa's subsurface properties further, especially with the upcoming Europa Clipper mission set to launch in April 2030.
Mars: A Longer Habitable History?
New research indicates that Mars may have been habitable for a much longer duration than previously believed. A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets reveals that ancient underground water may have flowed beneath the Martian sand dunes, creating conditions conducive to life long after its surface water disappeared. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Mars' geological history but also highlights the potential of subsurface environments as targets for future exploration in the search for past life.
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✍️ Episode References
Astrophysical Journal Letters
Planetary Science Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research Planets
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.