S27E128: Moon's Ancient Impact, Earth's Magnetic Symphony, and X-37B's Aero Braking Feat

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 128
*Dating the Moon's Oldest Impact Crater
Scientists have pinpointed the edge of the massive South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest known impact crater on the Moon, dating it to over 4.32 billion years old. By analysing a lunar meteorite, researchers have concluded that this impact site is around 120 million years earlier than the previously believed intense period of impact bombardment. These findings provide a clearer picture of the Moon's early impact history and have implications for understanding Earth's early conditions.
*Recreating the Sound of Earth's Magnetic Polar Flip
With evidence suggesting that Earth's magnetic poles are about to flip, scientists have recreated what they believe could be the sound of this event. Earth's magnetic field, vital for life, is generated by the planet's molten outer core. The recreated soundscape provides an audio insight into the geomagnetic reversals, which occur roughly every 250,000 years, with the last flip occurring 770,000 years ago.
*X-37B Space Shuttle's Pioneering Aero Braking Manoeuvre
The United States Space Force's X-37B Space shuttle has completed a novel aero braking manoeuvre to adjust its orbital flight path. This technique allows the spacecraft to safely eject service module components, preventing them from becoming Space junk. The operation marks a first for the X-37B, which continues its classified missions involving radiation experiments and space domain awareness technology testing.
The Science Robert
A new study indicates an increase in deaths following extreme rain events, with heart-related and respiratory deaths notably rising. A review highlights the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet for young people, linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Engineers have developed energy-efficient bricks using waste materials, offering potential cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Concerns grow over data privacy as consumer advocacy groups reveal the extent of data collection by car manufacturers.
00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 128, for broadcast on 23 October 2024
00:00:44 - Scientists estimate the moon's oldest confirmed impact site to be 120 million years earlier
00:04:42 - With growing evidence that the Earth's magnetic poles are about to flip
00:11:20 - The X 37 B Space Shuttle performed aero braking manoeuvre
00:13:23 - Deaths tend to increase in days immediately after extreme rain events, study finds
00:17:47 - 86% of Australians are concerned about cyber criminals targeting their information
00:21:44 - Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting serviceswww.spacetimewithstuartgary.com
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