Podcasts about Milky Way

In this exclusive best of episode, I sit down with Andrew Collins, author of the new book "Karahan Tepe: Civilization of the Anunnaki and the Cosmic Origins of the Serpent of Eden." This book is Andrew's two-decade long quest to understand this sister site of Göbekli Tepe. Explaining how Karahan Tepe functioned as a shamanic centre for oracular communications, Andrew shows how the site's rock-cut structures were used to connect with the Galactic bulge and stars of Scorpius in their role as, respectively, the head and active spirit of a world-encircling snake identified with the entire length of the Milky Way. He traces this serpent motif throughout history, identifying it with the biblical serpent of Eden, the Kundalini of Vedic tradition, and the black snake of the Yezidis. He shows also how the founders of Karahan Tepe were recalled in Hebrew myth and legend as the Watchers and Nephilim and in Sumerian and Babylonian mythology as the Anunnaki. These then were the true founders behind Taş Tepeler, the world's first post ice age civilization, a subject he has championed since the writing of his seminal work “From the Ashes of Angels” in 1995, penned as the first spades were going into the ground at Göbekli Tepe.GET ANDREW'S BOOKJOIN ME ON A TOUR

The Earth spent some crazy amounts of time (tens of millions of years) completely frozen over. And not, in the grand scheme of things, all that long ago. New research shows the ocean was salty and super-cold. How did life survive? New techniques using radio observations reveal a complicated and twisty galactic magnetic field. Join us for an icy, winter olympics themed episode to find out all this and more.

# Exploring Cosmic Frontiers: Webb Telescope Reveals Universe's Hidden SecretsJourney through space with The Space Cowboy as this captivating podcast episode unpacks the latest groundbreaking discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope. From organic molecules in distant galaxies to evidence challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution, this episode delivers fascinating insights into our universe's deepest mysteries.Discover how researchers used Webb's powerful infrared capabilities to uncover unprecedented chemical complexity in galaxy IRAS 07251-0248, revealing organic compounds never before detected outside our Milky Way. Learn about the surprising influence of "quiet" supermassive black holes that subtly shape their galaxies, and marvel at the discovery of the most distant jellyfish galaxy ever observed—challenging theories about early galaxy formation.The episode culminates with Webb's most paradigm-shifting revelation: massive, mature galaxies existing far earlier in cosmic history than current models can explain, potentially requiring cosmologists to rewrite our understanding of the universe's evolution.Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, science lovers, and anyone fascinated by the cosmos, this accessible exploration of cutting-edge space discoveries will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the mysteries awaiting us among the stars.#JamesWebbTelescope #Astronomy #CosmicDiscoveries #SpaceExploration #Astrophysics #GalaxyFormation #BlackHolesSome great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

U herinnert zich vast wel die oranje-zwarte foto van het superzware zwarte gat in het midden van ons melkwegstelsel, genaamd Sagittarius A*. In deze aflevering willen we beweren dat dit misschien helemaal geen zwart gat was. Maar wat was het dan wel?Een zwart gat van donkere materie?https://news.mit.edu/2024/exotic-black-holes-could-be-dark-matter-byproduct-0606Could the Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole actually be a clump of dark matter?https://www.space.com/astronomy/dark-universe/could-the-milky-way-galaxys-supermassive-black-hole-actually-be-a-clump-of-dark-matterThe dynamics of S-stars and G-sources orbiting a supermassive compact object made of fermionic dark matter:https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/546/1/staf1854/8431112?login=falseDark matter, not a black hole, could power Milky Way's heart:https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/research-highlights/dark-matter-not-black-hole-could-power-milky-ways-heartImaging fermionic dark matter cores at the centre of galaxies:https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/534/2/1217/7759710?login=falseQuasars Have Always Had Dark Matter Halos:https://www.universetoday.com/articles/quasars-have-always-had-dark-matter-halosSubaru High-z Exploration of Low-Luminosity Quasars (SHELLQs). XVIII. The Dark Matter Halo Mass of Quasars at z ∼ 6:https://arxiv.org/pdf/2307.02531Dark matter halos measured around ancient quasars:https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/press/z0508_00310.htmlDe Zimmerman en Space podcast is gelicenseerd onder een Creative Commons CC0 1.0 licentie.http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0

Are we finally uncovering hidden pulsars at the center of the Milky Way? Join host Beth Johnson and William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellow Karen Perez for a deep dive into a newly announced discovery of a possible pulsar near our galaxy's core. Using data from the Breakthrough Listen Deep Pulsar Survey and observations with the NSF Green Bank Telescope, researchers are probing one of the most extreme and mysterious regions in the Milky Way. The Galactic Center is a chaotic environment dominated by the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. For decades, astronomers have predicted that many pulsars should orbit this region — yet very few have been detected. Why are they so hard to find? And what would discovering more of them mean for testing gravity, mapping the Galactic Center, and understanding extreme astrophysics? Press release: https://news.columbia.edu/news/researchers-announce-discovery-possible-pulsar-milky-ways-center Paper: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ae336c Datasets: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/research/group/breakthrough-listen/deep-pulsar-survey-results-galactic-center  (Recorded live 12 February 2026.)

There’s nothing like a merger to stir things up. That applies not only to companies and families, but to galaxies as well. One example is Messier 61. A recent merger with a smaller galaxy has brought its central black hole to life, triggered the birth of thousands of new stars. It also kicked out a ribbon of stars that’s as long as the galaxy itself. Messier 61 is a lot like our home galaxy, the Milky Way. It’s about the same size and mass, and it looks about the same – a beautiful spiral with a long bar of stars across its middle. But a close look shows big differences. M61 is giving birth to stars at a much faster rate than the Milky Way. It’s produced more supernovas – the explosive deaths of young, massive stars. The supermassive black hole in its heart is “feeding” much more voraciously. And last year, astronomers discovered a “streamer” of stars behind M61. The streamer is a hundred thousand light-years long, and ten thousand wide. The likely cause of all that activity is a merger with a smaller galaxy. The encounter squeezed big clouds of gas, triggering the starbirth. It provided fresh material for the black hole. And it pulled out stars in the galaxies to form the long tail – stirring things up in a beautiful spiral galaxy. M61 is 55 million light-years away, in Virgo. It climbs into the sky in mid-evening, and sails high across the south later on. It’s an easy target for binoculars. Script by Damond Benningfield

On summer nights, Earth faces the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. That part of the Milky Way features dense clouds of stars. Under dark skies, it’s quite a sight. But during the long, cold nights of winter, we’re facing the opposite direction – toward the galaxy’s edge. So the Milky Way looks thin and faint – a bare ghost of its summer glory. No matter which direction you face, the hazy band of light known as the Milky Way represents the combined glow of millions of stars that outline the galaxy’s disk. The disk is about a hundred thousand light-years wide, but only a few thousand light-years thick. It contains a few hundred billion stars. The center of the galaxy is densely packed, like the downtown of a major city. But its outskirts are like the suburbs. There are fewer stars, and they’re more widely spread. And the closer to the galaxy’s edge, the more thinly spread the stars become. The Milky Way doesn’t end at the edge of the disk. The disk is surrounded by a “halo” of stars and dark matter. It extends hundreds of thousands of light-years into space in every direction. But the halo is like the countryside – a few solitary residents spread far and wide. So nothing in the halo is visible without a good telescope – far outside the galaxy’s disk. The Milky Way arcs high across the sky on February evenings. You need nice dark skies to see it – the thin but still beautiful glow of our home galaxy. Script by Damond Benningfield

Crew-12 is prepping for a Friday launch. NASA selects AXIOM for a fifth private mission to the ISS. China is a step closer to a lunar mission. Could the supermassive black hole in the middle of the Milky Way really be dark matter?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/made-of-stars--4746260/support.

Ursa Major III is doomed. It’s falling apart, and may vanish completely in a couple of billion years. There’s not much to it even now. It’s so faint that it wasn’t discovered until 2023. It contains about 60 stars – all of them ancient, and all much smaller and fainter than the Sun. They add up to only about 16 times the Sun’s mass. They’re packed into a loose ball about 20 light-years wide. But the total mass is about 2,000 times greater than the mass of the visible stars. That’s led to some confusion about its nature. One idea is that it’s a small galaxy that’s orbiting the Milky Way. Most of its mass would consist of dark matter – matter that produces no energy, but that reveals its presence through its gravitational pull on the visible matter around it. A study last year suggested a different nature – a star cluster held together by a clump of black holes. The cluster might have been born with a hundred thousand stars or more. When some of the stars died, they formed black holes, which congregated near the cluster’s middle. The gravity of the Milky Way pulled away many of the cluster’s stars. Encounters with the black holes kicked out many more. And the study says the cluster will fall apart completely in about two billion years. The cluster – or galaxy – is about 30,000 light-years away, in the great bear. But Ursa Major III is far too faint to see, even with a telescope. Script by Damond Benningfield

Sponsor Links:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Squarespace....your first stop when you want to build a presence online. To check out our special offers, simply visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime for detailsSpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 18In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore groundbreaking theories about the nature of dark matter, the thermal differences between the lunar far and near sides, and new revelations regarding Jupiter's dimensions.Dark Matter's Role in the Milky WayA new study suggests that dark matter could be the driving force behind the gravitational dynamics of our Milky Way galaxy. Researchers propose that a clump of fermionic dark matter might exert similar gravitational influence as the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center, Sagittarius A. This theory challenges conventional understanding and is supported by data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, which mapped the galaxy's outer halo and rotational curve, indicating a potential new model for understanding galactic structures.Lunar Far Side's Cooler InteriorRecent findings published in Nature Geoscience indicate that the lunar far side may be significantly cooler than the near side. Analyzing samples collected by China's Chang'e 6 mission, scientists discovered that the far side's regolith formed from lava at temperatures approximately 100 degrees Celsius lower than those from the near side. This study provides insight into the Moon's geological history and the uneven distribution of heat-producing elements, which may have resulted from ancient impacts or tidal forces from Earth.Jupiter's Slimmer ProfileNew measurements from NASA's Juno mission reveal that Jupiter is actually slimmer than previously thought, being about 8 kilometers narrower at the equator and 24 kilometers flatter at the poles. These findings refine our understanding of the gas giant's shape and have implications for models of planetary formation and evolution. The data also sheds light on Jupiter's atmospheric dynamics, including its powerful winds and cyclones, enhancing our knowledge of gas giants both within our solar system and beyond.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Nature Geoscience, Nature AstronomyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.(00:00:00) New study claims that mysterious substance called dark matter could be powering our Milky Way(00:08:01) New study suggests lunar far side may be a little bit colder than near side(00:12:52) Space Time is brought to you by Squarespace. com spacetime(00:14:23) New measurements based on NASA's Juno mission reveal Jupiter is much smaller than previously thought(00:18:16) People with depressive personalities far more likely to have sexual fantasies, study finds(00:20:34) New test shows artificial intelligence chatbot admitting it would kill to save itself(00:27:09) Already we have security companies treating AI chatbots like humans

Listen to Future Now Ep. 151 Pulsars and Livers In this episode we begin with a discussion of local microclimates and the potential for using solar energy to power gravity-based water batteries. We share highlights from the recent “SpiritFest,” noting the strong presence of Russian and Ukrainian cultural traditions and featuring a conversation with spiritual teacher Asha, who asserted that AI lacks the “Jiva” or soul necessary for spiritual enlightenment.Grok’s AI chimes in on this..The next major segment features an interview with chiropractor Craig Eymann, who explains the often-overlooked “phase two” of liver detoxification; Iman emphasizes that this process requires amino acids from proteins rather than simply juice fasts, and we look at how seed oils and sugar are primary culprits behind fatty liver disease. We  also cover a wide range of futurist news, starting with the “Genius Act” and the government’s accumulation of a Bitcoin reserve through confiscation. We look at Elon Musk’s strategic pivot to building a city on the Moon before Mars, citing easier access and potential for orbital data centers, alongside a Chinese experiment that successfully hatched butterflies in microgravity. The big question is, can it fly with no gravity? Additional tech updates include Tesla’s Fremont plant switching to Optimus robot production, the viral “Claudebot” AI that autonomously phoned its user, and the integration of AI and fast drones for immersive Olympics coverage. The show concludes with scientific discoveries, such as a pulsar found near the Milky Way’s central black hole and the “Breakthrough Listen” project’s search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Enjoy!  A butterfly successfully flies in zero gravity

Stars are born from huge clouds of gas and dust. Many of the stars remain close together, forming clusters. But as a cluster moves through the Milky Way, it gets pulled apart. The gravity of the rest of the galaxy tugs away the stars on the outskirts of the cluster. It also loosens the rest of the cluster, making it easier to pull away more stars. A recent study looked at how that’s played out in the region around the Pleiades cluster. Using telescopes in space and on the ground, researchers measured how fast the stars in the region are spinning. That provides a rough measure of their age – the younger the star, the faster it spins. They also measured the motions of the stars through the galaxy, allowing them to trace the paths of the stars far into the past. And they compared the compositions of the stars; stars that were born together are made of the same mixture of elements. From that, they found that the Pleiades and several smaller groups were close together tens of millions of years ago. That suggests they were born together before heading their separate ways. The study also found hundreds of stars between the groups that had belonged to one of the groups in the past. Today, the groups and loners are spread across 2,000 light-years of space – the Giant Pleiades Complex. Look for the Pleiades high overhead at nightfall. It looks like a tiny dipper – the heart of a once larger family of stars. Script by Damond Benningfield

In an area which is about 1/400th of the entire sky, the NASA Kepler spacecraft has discovered 30 Earth like planets which are likely to have liquid water on their surfaces orbiting distant stars. These planets are likely to represent a tiny sample of the habitable planets which exist in the Milky Way. In spite of our efforts to find them, the question remains where are the alien civilizations? In a recent talk given at the Division of Planetary Sciences meeting Dr. Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute suggests that perhaps the majority of worlds with biology and intelligent civilizations exist on interior water ocean worlds where their existence is hidden by the thick layers of rock and ice which separate them from the hostile vacuum of space. We know that in our solar system alone the moon of Jupiter Europa, Saturn's moon Enceladus, and perhaps several other small worlds are likely to have oceans of nutrient rich liquid water covered by a thick layer of rock and ice. We also know that Whales and Dolphins have larger brains than humans, communicate with each other, and exhibit other forms of intelligence. Advanced civilizations existing in ice covered seas may know little of the greater Universe, may find it difficult to consider transporting enough water to travel beyond their worlds, and may not think that it is possible to communicate with others of their kind who are similarly hidden under miles and miles of radiation absorbing ice and rock.

Todos recordamos la aspidistra como una de esas plantas en maceta que aparecen en todos lados, especialmente en lugares dejados de la mano de dios, como rincones oscuros y casi sin riego en todo el año, y allí que las aspidistras siguen vivas y coleando. Eduardo Barba nos habla de distintos cultivares de aspidistras, como la `Milky Way´. También de cómo tener unas aspidistras sanas. 

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In this powerful message from Billy Carson, discover how Great Awakening is unfolding right now through galactic alignment with the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. As our solar system crosses the galactic equator, supercharged particles are penetrating Earth, re-encoding DNA, and triggering a massive consciousness shift for humanity. This isn't the end—it's the beginning of the Fifth Age, where chaos is actually the masses waking up to their divine nature.

Family members don’t always stay close together – they can be separated by thousands of miles. But one member of the Milky Way Galaxy’s family takes the separation to extremes. It’s 300,000 light-years from the center of the galaxy – one of the most distant residents of the Milky Way yet seen. NGC 2419 is a globular cluster – a group of about a million stars. They form a dense ball a few hundred light-years across. Any star near the middle of the cluster would have thousands of neighbors within a few light-years. Compare that to our own neighborhood – only three stars reside less than five light-years from the Sun. NGC 2419 is one of the Milky Way’s oldest family members. The cluster was born more than 12 billion years ago – not long after the galaxy itself. All of its big, bright stars burned out long ago. So almost all of the remaining stars are much less massive than the Sun. The cluster follows a highly stretched-out orbit around the center of the Milky Way. That’s led to suggestions that it was born elsewhere, then captured by the Milky Way. But there’s no confirmation of that idea. So NGC 2419 is still considered a far-away relative of the rest of the Milky Way. The cluster is in the uber-faint constellation Lynx, which is in the east-northeast at nightfall. NGC 2419 is an easy target for just about any telescope. Script by Damond Benningfield

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope indicate a 2.6 km or 1.6 miles nucleus, with methane emerging only after perihelion, suggesting it was buried under outer layers.Rogue planets, also known as free-floating planets, are celestial nomads that wander through interstellar space without being gravitationally bound to any star. Once thought to be rare, recent studies suggest our galaxy may be home to trillions of these lonely worlds, potentially outnumbering the stars in the Milky Way. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tempest-universe--4712510/support.Follow the #podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thetempestuniverse

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope indicate a 2.6 km or 1.6 miles nucleus, with methane emerging only after perihelion, suggesting it was buried under outer layers.Rogue planets, also known as free-floating planets, are celestial nomads that wander through interstellar space without being gravitationally bound to any star. Once thought to be rare, recent studies suggest our galaxy may be home to trillions of these lonely worlds, potentially outnumbering the stars in the Milky Way. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tempest-universe--4712510/support.Follow the #podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thetempestuniverse

Episode S05E32 - Friday, February 6, 2026Welcome to Astronomy Daily! Join hosts Anna and Avery as they bring you the latest space and astronomy news from across the cosmos.Episode HighlightsLunar Smartphones: NASA Approves Modern Tech for SpaceNASA astronauts will finally be allowed to bring their smartphones on missions, starting with Crew-12 to the ISS next week and the Artemis II lunar flyby in March. After years of using decade-old cameras, astronauts can now spontaneously capture and share moments with iPhones and Android devices, promising unprecedented behind-the-scenes documentation of historic missions.Comet MAPS: A Potential Daylight SpectacleNewly discovered Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) could become visible to the naked eye—possibly even in broad daylight—when it passes within 120,000 km of the sun in early April. This Kreutz sungrazer was spotted farther from the sun than any previous sungrazer, suggesting it might survive its close solar encounter and put on a spectacular show.Mercury's Best Evening Show of 2026The elusive planet Mercury is currently offering its best evening viewing opportunity of the year! Shining brightly at magnitude -1.1, Mercury will reach greatest elongation on February 19th, appearing 17 degrees above the western horizon after sunset. Don't miss the stunning pairing with a crescent moon on February 18th!China Joins Space Data Center RaceChina's state-owned aerospace corporation announced ambitious plans for space-based data centers as part of their five-year expansion program. This puts China in competition with SpaceX, Axiom Space, and Google in the race to build orbital computing infrastructure powered by abundant solar energy.Dark Matter vs Black Hole: What Powers the Milky Way?Groundbreaking research suggests the Milky Way's core might be powered by a dense clump of fermionic dark matter rather than the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*. This controversial model explains both central star orbits and the galaxy's rotation curve while mimicking the black hole "shadow" captured by the Event Horizon Telescope.Jetty McJetface: The Star-Shredding PhenomenonA supermassive black hole nicknamed "Jetty McJetface" continues to astound scientists four years after shredding a star. The black hole's relativistic jet has grown 50 times brighter since 2019 and is predicted to peak in 2027, making it one of the most energetic events ever observed in the universe—over 100 trillion times more powerful than Star Wars' Death Star!Resources & LinksNASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on X (social media)Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society journalEvent Horizon Telescope CollaborationAstrophysical JournalStar Walk 2 app for comet trackingFollow Astronomy DailyWebsite: astronomydaily.ioSocial Media: @AstroDailyPod on all platformsCreditsHosted by Anna & AveryProduced by the Astronomy Daily teamSeason 5, Episode 32Keep looking up!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

The star cluster M79 is messy. It’s shedding some of its stars, creating a “tail.” Over the eons, in fact, the cluster might have lost most of the stars it was born with. Messier 79 is a globular cluster – a ball-shaped family of about 150,000 stars. The cluster is more than 11 billion years old, so its stars are among the oldest in the entire Milky Way Galaxy. There’s a trail of stars behind the cluster. The stars probably were stripped away by the gravity of the rest of the galaxy – especially its dense core. Today, M79 is about 42,000 light-years from the Milky Way’s heart. But its orbit might bring it within just a few hundred light-years of the center. At that distance, the gravity of the galaxy’s core overpowers the gravity of the cluster. So stars in M79’s outskirts are pulled away. Eventually, they move away, and follow their own paths across the galaxy. Some simulations have suggested that M79 has lost up to 85 percent of its original population of a million stars or so. And every future passage through the heart of the galaxy will pull away more stars – leaving only a glimmer of M79’s original glory. M79 is in Lepus, the hare. The constellation is close to the lower right of bright Orion, in the southeast at nightfall. M79 is below the outline of the rabbit. You need binoculars to pick it out. Script by Damond Benningfield

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, bringing you the latest space and astronomy news. I'm Anna, joined by my co-host Avery, with today's cosmic headlines for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026.Episode Highlights:

Most of the mass in the universe is invisible. We call it "Dark Matter", and the only reason we know it's there is because we can see how it gravitationally interacts with regular matter. For example, in our own galaxy, Dark Matter comprises most of the mass, in a large spherical "halo" that binds the smaller spiral of gas and stars that we can see. As all our stars orbit the Milky Way, they are passing through a sea of dark matter, and this should create observable consequences that allow us to test theories about the nature of dark matter itself. Dr. Gurtina Besla develops large-scale computer simulations of the Milky Way to compute these observational signatures, allowing us to put our theories of dark matter to the test inside our own galaxy.

Robyn Weintraub is one of our favorite constructors, and today's crossword shows why. It is, in a word, the clues. OK, technically that's two words, but we're feeling generous after having just enjoyed Robyn's handiwork. Pick a clue anywhere in the grid, at random, and you'll find it to be excellent. Repeat, and the result will still be excellent, there are no meh clues anywhere, at all: it's classic Robyn Weintraub.Show note imagery: The Milky Way assembly line, yum!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

A mysterious glow from the centre of the Milky Way has scientists intrigued. Astrophysicist Geraint Lewis explains how this gamma-ray excess, first detected in 2009, could be evidence of dark matter particles interacting deep in our galaxy. With dark matter believed to make up a vast, invisible halo that holds galaxies together, uncovering the source of this glow may bring us closer to understanding what the universe is really made of. www.geraintflewis.com/ Linkedin: geraint-lewis-4a499b1

Sponsor Link:This episode is brought to you with thanks to Squarespace. Bring your stories to life with Squarespace, the easiest way to create an exceptional website, blog, portfolio, or online store. To take up our great offer and help support the show, just visit www.squarespace.com/spacetime or use the Promo Code SPACETIME at checkout.SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 13In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover the hidden violent past of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, delve into the origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons, and explore how meteor impacts are triggering dust avalanches on Mars.The Violent History of Sagittarius AFor years, Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, has been perceived as a quiet entity. However, new research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters indicates that it may have experienced dramatic flares in the past. Observations from the CRISM Space Telescope reveal X-ray emissions from a gas cloud near Sagittarius A, suggesting a history of explosive activity that alters our understanding of supermassive black hole evolution and the history of our galaxy.Water Origins of Jupiter's Galilean MoonsA groundbreaking study has determined that the contrasting water content of Jupiter's four large Galilean moons was established during their formation rather than evolving later. This research sheds light on the stark differences between Io, which is dry and volcanically active, and Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that the primordial environment around Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping these moons' compositions.Meteor Impacts Trigger Dust Avalanches on MarsNew evidence indicates that meteor impacts on Mars are causing dust avalanches, creating dark streaks on the planet's surface. An analysis of images from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter reveals that these avalanches occur primarily due to dry processes, driven by seasonal dust and wind activity, rather than water-related phenomena. This discovery enhances our understanding of Martian surface dynamics and the impact of meteor activity.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journal LettersNature CommunicationsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.(00:00:00) Sagittarius A's hidden violent past revealed(00:12:45) Origins of water on Jupiter's Galilean moons(00:25:30) Meteor impacts causing dust avalanches on Mars(00:35:00) February night sky highlights and celestial events.(00:00:00) This is space time series 29, episode 13 for broadcast on 30 January 2026(00:00:47) X ray emissions from the Crism Space Telescope suggest Sagittarius A flared(00:07:59) A new study claims dust avalanches caused by meteor impacts are creating Martian streaks(00:10:22) February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars(00:12:03) February's Orion meteor showers usually peak around February 8th(00:22:18) Blue supergiant Rigel is the second brightest star in the constellation Orion(00:31:08) Rygel: Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky(00:35:09) February is a great time to look for bright stars in the night sky(00:38:04) The night sky is sparse with the old planets at the moment

What if your 11% success rate means you're absolutely crushing it? In this episode, Paul Kirchoff shares how he helps small growth businesses and their leaders accelerate success through EPX Global, a breakthrough AI-centric acceleration platform and ecosystem. As an avid entrepreneur, investor, and global adventurer, Paul is the founder and CEO of EPX Global, where members around the world drive faster business success, max out amazing experiences, and push individual performance to new levels. Paul is also the Founder and CEO of DominoOne, an impact accelerator and crowdsourced problem-solving platform. Paul built two marketing software/agency companies and multi-billion dollar business units at Dell Computer Corporation as an early employee. He's a member of the 113-year-old Explorers Club, DJs electronic music, wrote a corporate thriller novel (giving proceeds to cancer research), and made a film about racism. Paul is developing frontier-level expertise in operationalizing artificial intelligence across the enterprise in every department. Paul reveals two relationships that transformed him in ways nobody has ever answered this question before: a Mongolian eagle hunter he met in the far eastern corner of Mongolia, an older gentleman who had zero knowledge of America, spoke no English, and lived in a yurt with horses and golden eagles as pets, teaching Paul about authentic human connection beyond labels and systems, which became the core culture he built into his technology platform where single moms are valued equally with astronauts; and a police officer who arrested him at 32 after a casual happy hour (though Paul was sober), leading to community service at a center for the deaf and blind where he spent weeks rewinding VHS tapes while listening to thought leaders teach cutting-edge SEO and digital marketing, which gave him the advanced knowledge to start his marketing agency that became successful and sold 13 years later, ultimately leading to his trip to Mongolia and the realization he needed to build EPX Global.   [00:04:00] What Paul Does at EPX Global Tech veteran CEO with many startups, sold companies, shut down companies Early employee at Dell Computer Corporation before anyone in Austin knew who Michael Dell was Built EPX Global as AI-centric ecosystem for small growth businesses and their leaders Heavy artificial intelligence expertise helping companies accelerate success, health, and experiences [00:05:00] Making Everything Go Faster Helps accelerate time to best performance unique to genetics on health side Helps companies accelerate success with AI, connections, and knowledge Makes sure people don't forget to dance under the Milky Way because life is short [00:06:00] Living in Service of Others Used to be financial goals and status symbols when younger, none of that matters now Addicted to a blank sheet of paper, gifted to solve or invent anything Respect for fellow humans (all a unit of one on their own unique journey) Living in service of others by replicating himself with technology [00:07:00] Building a Top Marketing Agency Built and sold one of top demand generation agencies in world Controlled front page of Google, Facebook called asking how they converted traffic Always on cutting edge of deploying technology in marketing (technical + psychology) [00:08:20] AI Systems for Every Business Size Wanted to build AI systems for small businesses (missing factor for 10x resources) Also doing business transformation consulting for billion-dollar companies Helping bigger companies go from where they are to AI-first operations [00:09:20] The 60% Revenue Increase Every Month Networking ecosystem connects people to solutions for health, happiness, business, capital People battling depression got connected to biohacking guys, transformed their lives One client company 60-70% higher revenue every single month with zero change to headcount [00:11:00] Being the X Factor AI systems deployed handle support, become AI salesperson, become AI marketing team Small businesses can grow beyond traditional chains with 10x resources All about being X factor in people's lives or facilitating X factor with someone else [00:14:00] The 11% Success Rate Discovery Expert guest on platform said his success rate is 14% (very successful guy) Paul did the math on his own attempts, came out to 11% success rate Entrepreneurs put enormous pressure on themselves, need different perspective [00:16:00] Trust in an AI World Real meaningful relationships becoming more and more valuable with AI Building networking assistant governed by user (uses your reasoning to find value) Human connection and that magnetic field around our hearts makes us who we are [00:19:40] When Social Media Became Entertainment Facebook, Instagram, TikTok devolved into micro entertainment channels (not networking) Feeds filled with ads and sponsored posts, no actual networking EPX Global has no ads, every connection based on merit of what you want [00:20:20] Photorealistic Fake Content AI video (Sora, Veo) can create photorealistic content that's completely fake Consumer backlash coming for authenticity in connections Business will embrace AI efficiency (hyper-efficient usually wins) [00:23:00] Two People, No Names Never anyone Paul looks up to or admires or wants to be like who affected his life Been blessed to meet incredible people (Pope, Richard Branson's Island, etc.) Two people come to mind that transformed everything Both people Paul has no idea where they are or their names [00:24:20] Far Eastern Mongolia Was entrepreneur working 14 hours a day for decade plus, one-trick pony success Knew needed to desperately change something, chose adventure Took group to far eastern corner of Mongolia to ride horses with eagle hunters Met older gentleman in yurt who had zero knowledge of America or United States [00:25:40] The Man with Golden Eagles Man spoke zero English, wore fox neck tie, had pet golden eagles (40 pounds) Paul realized this is furthest from his life as tech guy (opposite side of life) Both excited to meet each other as new friends with zero in common [00:27:00] Single Moms and Astronauts Brought that spiritualness and core value into network he built Despite super achievers (swimming oceans, skiing Everest, gold medals), none of that matters Single mom raising five good kids might be more impressive than astronaut [00:27:40] The Saturday Night Traffic Stop At 32, coming out of casual happy hour, got pulled over Told officer honestly: "I had two drinks over last hour, I'm clearly fine" Officer said he seemed like nice guy but made him do sobriety test Got arrested and taken downtown (was actually sober, officer kept saying he was nicest person) [00:28:40] Community Service for the Deaf and Blind Offered to do community service to get charge expunged Chose center for deaf and blind, job was rewinding VHS tapes in warehouse Asked supervisor if he could listen to music, supervisor said yes [00:29:20] SEO Lessons in His Ears Instead of music, put in thought leaders teaching SEO and digital marketing For weeks on end, hours a day, learning cutting-edge techniques from pioneers After that, was so advanced in knowledge that led to starting agency Agency became successful and powerful, sold it 13 years later [00:30:00] The Chain of Events If officer hadn't arrested him, wouldn't have had that learning experience Wouldn't have had confidence to start agency that got him burnt out Wouldn't have gone to Mongolia and realized need to build network [00:31:00] In the Canyon Before the Summit At the time was devastated, seemed horrible (younger without perspective) Now incredibly grateful it happened When in the canyon, you're about to go to the summit [00:32:20] When Identity Gets Wrapped Up Greatest risk to mental health is when identity tied to something other than happiness If identity wrapped up in labels (AI whisperer, top guy), devastated when things go wrong Separate identity from accomplishments to stomach any ups and downs [00:38:00] The Leader in the Back AI exercise: meditate on what you look like as future leader Paul's image: crowd moving down valley, Paul in the back (slightly bigger) Leader in back can move crowds (not showing off Maserati or boat) [00:39:00] A Multitude of Miracles However someone gets through life (good/bad parents, heartbreak, etc.) shapes them Everyone made it to this one moment in time (mathematically massive miracle) When you respect everyone like that, you operate without ability to judge or be judged [00:39:40] Operating Without Fear When you don't judge or feel judged, you operate without expectations Without expectations means without fear of future negative ramifications Can be yourself, be present, love everybody, still compete   KEY QUOTES "I did the math and my success rate is like 11%. And I feel like I'm fairly successful, right? I've learned to not really give a shit about what your definition of success is." - Paul Kirchoff "There's zero in common, zero knowledge about each other. And it was one of the most remarkable moments because it shows you this level of connection that's possible when you drop labels and systems and passports and everything else." - Paul Kirchoff "If that guy wouldn't have arrested me, I wouldn't have started an agency, wouldn't have gotten burnt out, wouldn't have gone to Mongolia, and wouldn't be on this call today." - Paul Kirchoff CONNECT WITH PAUL KIRCHOFF 

This week Brian and Jason jump in their paisley-colored rocket ship, and hurtle though the cosmos, to another genre and chat about the new self-titled Megadeth record. Then they hit warp speed back to Milky Way, and chat about a couple upcoming shows and tours. Next the guys welcome their returning guests, Chris Tapp, Bryce Klueh, and Brian Mullins from The Cold Stares. The guys chat with the boys about their new single, Nowhere To Go, the recording of their forthcoming record Texas, cutting the tracks quickly in the studio, upcoming tour plans, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxgdcG_NQyA Hosted by Fraser Cain. And a happy robin. From May 3, 2018. The European Space Agency just dropped an enormous amount of data onto the scientific community. The location and position of 1.7 billion stars in the Milky Way.    We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

## Today's Headlines:

Halloween

From snowstorms ❄️ and weekend prep

 ✨ Agena Astro |

Is universal expansion slowing? What is the Bubble Universe Theory? Will we control AI, or will AI control us? In this special Chuck GPT episode of The LIUniverse, we answer questions from the Annual Global Summit in Erie, Pennsylvania where Dr. Charles Liu gave a talk on “2050 - The Future of Humanity.” To help ask those questions, Chuck and co-host Allen Liu welcome Stacey Severn, our Social Media Manager/Community Director; and physics student Eleanor Adams, our first intern. As always, though, we start off with the day's joyfully cool cosmic thing, suggested by Stacey: the recent discovery of one of the most distant and earliest known galaxies observed, existing just 570 million years after the Big Bang. It's got a supermassive black hole 20 times the mass of ours and was found via gravitational lensing by the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS) using the James Webb Space Telescope. Then it's time for the main event. Eleanor reads the first Erie audience question from William W., age 13, who asks, “In Bubble Universe Theory, is the force splitting universes apart the same force causing the expansion of the universe, also known as dark energy?” Chuck explains Bubble Universe Theory, aka “Eternal Inflation,” and then how dark energy is different than the forces that cause expansion. Next question: “Have you seen the latest research from South Korea stating universal expansion is actually slowing, thus reducing greatly the amount of dark matter? If it's correct, what are the implications?” Chuck explains the current state of research around the issue, starting with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey at the Kitt Peak National Observatory telescope. DESI gave indications of a change in the amount of dark energy being produced; this new study raises questions about how we measure the expansion of the universe using type 1a Supernova. Next question: “What percentage of our global warming does science attribute to man-created activities vs. a natural progression? Even though the world is getting warmer, wouldn't it be worse if the temperature were getting colder?” Chuck looks at the natural progression of the increase of carbon dioxide and compares it with the larger and more rapid increase in CO2 levels since the Industrial Revolution began. As to whether warming or cooling is better, Allen says that while it's a question of magnitude, neither extreme is desirable. Mark M's question is next: “Will we achieve control or effective management of AI, or will it control, or even define, our daily lives? Allen, whose book on AI is coming out soon, says the answer is far from clear cut. He explains that while there are many efforts to ensure we maintain control, there's no guarantee that we'll succeed. Next question from Erie: “How do we prepare our young children to be successful in the Age of AI?” Eleanor talks about how, like social media, you can't stop or avoid AI, but also, like social media, parents can give their children the tools to help them use it. Next: “Many advanced countries have declining populations, while third world countries are gaining population. How do we get tomorrow's scientific leaders from third world education systems?” Chuck says the best way to ensure an ongoing stream of scientific leaders is for advanced countries to continue to welcome immigrants, while Allen points out it is also important to improve the educational systems and opportunities for research in those third world countries. Stacey reminds us about the impact the internet is having on this issue. With time running out, we squeeze in one last question from Erie: “How can the average person influence science policy in a positive direction?” Our consensus answer: people need to participate, speak out, and support others when they do, too. We hope you enjoy this episode of The LIUniverse. Please support us on Patreon. Credits for Images Used in this Episode: Location of CANUCS-LRD-z8.6. – Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Rihtaršič (University of Ljubljana, FMF), R. Tripodi (University of Ljubljana, FMF) Type 1a Supernova. Shown: G299.2-2.9, a type 1a supernova remnant in the Milky Way.  – Credit: NASA/CXC/U.Texas Concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the last 40,000 years, from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present day. – Creative Commons / Renerpho Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome – Call Me Chuck 01:02 - Joyfully Cool Cosmic Thing of the Day – CANUCS-LRD-z8.6 08:25 - Chuck Answers Questions from Annual Global Summit, Erie, PA 09:58 - Bubble Universe Theory and Dark Energy 14:17 - Is Universal Expansion Is Slowing? 19:30 - Global Warming 27:28 - Will We Control AI or It Will Control Us? 30:14 – How Can We Prepare Our Children To Succeed in the Age of AI? 36:28 - Where Will Future Scientific Leaders Come From? 42:09 - How Can Individuals Influence Science Policy?

The universe is vast, mysterious, and constantly evolving. In this insightful astronomy podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sanjaya Poudel, an astronomer and researcher specializing in dwarf galaxies, dark matter, and galaxy formation. Originally from Nepal and currently a research professor at Yonsei University, South Korea, Dr. Poudel shares his journey into science, his fascination with astronomy, and how curiosity about the universe shaped his career. This episode dives deep into what the universe is, the Big Bang theory, and how our observable universe evolved over time. We explore complex yet fascinating ideas such as the flat universe vs curved universe, higher dimensions, and the expanding cosmos. Dr. Poudel explains dark matter, its role in galaxy evolution, and whether dwarf galaxies contain dark matter at all. A major focus of this astrophysics podcast is dwarf galaxies—their properties, formation, alignment around the Milky Way, and why they are considered the fundamental building blocks of the universe. We also discuss how astronomers observe galaxies using world-class telescopes like ESO-VLT, Gemini, VLA, and GMRT, and how astronomy drives technological development. Beyond space science, the conversation highlights challenges in science education and research in Nepal, the importance of promoting scientific thinking, and the future of astronomical research. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in cosmology explained, space science, and understanding how the universe truly works.

In tonight's dead letter, listener Chris and his wife venture to the highest point east of the Rockies for a night of stargazing under the Milky Way. While lying on the summit of Black Elk Peak, Chris decides to put out a silent, mental invitation to the universe to see if anything might respond. The atmosphere shifts dramatically during their descent, leading to an incident in the dark woods that leaves the couple questioning the nature of the "entities" Chris had called upon. Scott and Forrest discuss the spiritual history of this sacred Lakota location and whether Chris unintentionally followed a protocol that opened a door to the unexplained. Reference Links Black Elk Speaks: The Complete Edition BFRO - Bigfoot Legends UFO Reality by Jenny Randalls In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Peter Matthiessen CE5 Protocols The Oz Factor Thunderheart (1992 Film) The Age of Disclosure

The stars on the rim of the galaxy are going for a ride. They’re bobbing up and down like the horses on a merry-go-round. They’re also rippling outward, away from the center of the Milky Way. The Milky Way consists of a thin disk of stars and gas that spans a hundred thousand light-years or more. For decades, we’ve known that the rim of the disk is warped like the brim of a wide hat. It’s bent upward on one edge, and downward on the opposite edge. A recent study found that stars on those edges are moving along a big wave. Astronomers looked at the locations and motions of more than 20,000 bright young stars logged by the Gaia space telescope. The stars are as much as 45,000 light-years from the galactic center. Gaia found that the stars are bobbing up and down as much as a thousand light-years above or below the plane of the galaxy. And they appear to be sliding outward at thousands of miles per hour. The wave might have been created by a close approach of a smaller galaxy hundreds of millions of years ago. Its gravity disturbed the tranquility of the Milky Way’s outer precincts – sending the stars there for a ride. Under dark skies, the Milky Way is in good view tonight. In early evening, it extends along the body of Cygnus, the swan, in the west-northwest; through M-shaped Cassiopeia, higher in the sky; then down between Orion and the twins of Gemini, in the east-southeast. Script by Damond Benningfield

#202 - What if one hard rule could change the way you face everything from headwinds to heartbreak? I sat down with author and adventurer Teri Brown to unpack how a 3,102-mile tandem bike ride across America helped her leave an abusive past, reclaim her voice, and build a set of life rules sturdy enough to carry her through grief.Starting in Astoria and crossing Lolo Pass into Big Sky country, Teri and her husband Bruce pedaled through pandemic uncertainty, logistics stress, and days so hot the road rippled. Riding tandem forced a new kind of honesty: shared cadence, three-count stand breaks, and zero room for simmering resentment. A Dollar General parking lot became a place to name a hurt and move on. Montana gifted them wonder—horses racing uphill beside them, the Milky Way hanging close, and Comet NEOWISE blazing a tail across the night sky. Those moments of awe refueled their grit when flats stacked up and the wind turned cruel.Out of the ride came Ten Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure. “Never quit on a bad day” stopped a mid-ride collapse after three flats; “Do hard things” later became a mantra as Bruce faced glioblastoma. Terry read from the book at his bedside; he passed as she spoke those words, a final gift that still gets her up when grief says stay down. The finish line in Washington, D.C. unlocked a deeper shift: the question changed from “Can I?” to “What do I want?” She chose authorship, publishing novels that explore identity, war, resilience, and healing.If you're navigating burnout, rebuilding after loss, or wrestling with self-doubt, this conversation offers practical resilience, relationship tools, and a fresh definition of adventure: bigger than your plans, kinder than your fear, and honest about the work. Listen, share it with someone who needs a push, and tell us: which rule will you carry into your next hill?To learn more about Teri and her books visit www.terimbrown.com and check her out on Instagram @terimbrown_author.Subscribe to the Human Adventure for more human stories of grit and growth, leave a review to help others find the show, and connect with us to keep the conversation going. You can find me on Instagram @humanadventurepod or check out the video episodes on YouTube @humanadventurepod. Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

From historic medical evacuations to missing galaxies and stunning new images of the Milky Way, today's episode covers the latest breaking news from space exploration and astronomy. Join Anna and Avery as they discuss six fascinating stories from across the cosmos.---## Episode Timestamps**[00:00]** Intro  **[01:15]** Story 1: ISS Medical Evacuation  **[04:45]** Story 2: The Mystery of Missing Tiny Galaxies  **[08:30]** Story 3: NASA's MAVEN Spacecraft in Trouble  **[11:45]** Story 4: Viruses Behave Differently in Microgravity  **[14:30]** Story 5: Two New Exoplanets and Redefining Habitable Zones  **[17:00]** Story 6: Stunning New Radio Image of the Milky Way  **[19:30]** Outro---## Stories Covered### 1. Historic First Medical Evacuation from ISSFour International Space Station crew members successfully completed the first-ever medical evacuation in the ISS's 26-year history, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.**Key Points:**- SpaceX Crew-11 returned early after 5 months in space- Crew included US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui- Splashdown occurred at 12:41 AM ET on January 15, 2026- Affected crew member remains in stable condition- Three crew members remain aboard ISS to continue operations- Demonstrates importance of medical protocols in long-duration spaceflight**Read More:**- [Phys.org: ISS astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation](https://phys.org/news/2026-01-iss-astronauts-splash-earth-medical.html)---### 2. The Universe's Missing Tiny GalaxiesNew research using the James Webb Space Telescope suggests there may be far fewer small galaxies in the early universe than predicted by current models, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution.**Key Points:**- Study led by Xuheng Ma from University of Wisconsin-Madison- Used JWST's UNCOVER program to study galaxies through gravitational lensing- Observed the Epoch of Reionization (12-13 billion years ago)- Discovery of "faint-end suppression" - galaxy numbers drop off at smaller sizes- Suggests intense radiation from early massive stars prevented small galaxies from forming- May require rethinking models of cosmic reionization- Used Abell 2744 galaxy cluster as a natural gravitational lens**Why It Matters:**This finding has major implications for our understanding of how the universe evolved from the "cosmic dark ages" to its current transparent state.**Read More:**- [Space.com: The universe should be packed with tiny galaxies — so where are they?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/the-universe-should-be-packed-with-tiny-galaxies-so-where-are-they)- Research paper on arXiv (preprint database)---### 3. NASA Pessimistic About Recovering MAVEN Mars OrbiterNASA officials acknowledge it's "very unlikely" they'll recover the MAVEN spacecraft, which has been silent since December 6, 2025, marking a potential end to a highly productive Mars mission.**Key Points:**- MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched November 2013, entered Mars orbit September 2014- Last communication: December 6, 2025- Telemetry indicates spacecraft is tumbling and orbit may have changed- Solar conjunction (Mars and Earth on opposite sides of Sun) complicated recovery efforts- Attempts to photograph spacecraft with Curiosity rover were unsuccessful- Other orbiters (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter) can maintain communications relay- Spacecraft studied Mars atmospheric loss and recently observed interstellar object 3I/ATLAS**Mission Legacy:**Despite the likely loss, MAVEN has provided over a decade of groundbreaking data about Mars' upper atmosphere and how solar wind strips away the Martian atmosphere.**Read More:**- [SpaceNews: NASA pessimistic about odds of recovering MAVEN](https://spacenews.com/nasa-pessimistic-about-odds-of-recovering-maven/)- [NASA Science: MAVEN Spacecraft Updates](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/)---### 4. Space Station Study Reveals Unusual Virus-Bacteria DynamicsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered that viruses infecting bacteria evolve differently in microgravity, potentially opening new avenues for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections on Earth.**Key Points:**- Study used E. coli bacteria and bacteriophage T7- Parallel experiments conducted on ISS and Earth- Virus infection delayed but not blocked in microgravity- Both viruses and bacteria developed unique mutations in space- Space-evolved viruses showed increased activity against drug-resistant E. coli strains- Findings could lead to improved phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections- Published in PLOS Biology journal- Demonstrates ISS value as unique research platform**Scientific Significance:**This research shows how the space environment fundamentally alters evolutionary processes, and how these insights can be applied to solve problems on Earth.**Read More:**- [Space Daily: Space station study reveals unusual virus bacteria dynamics in microgravity](https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Space_station_study_reveals_unusual_virus_bacteria_dynamics_in_microgravity_999.html)- Research paper: "Microgravity reshapes bacteriophage host coevolution aboard the International Space Station" in PLOS Biology---### 5. Two New Exoplanets Challenge Habitable Zone DefinitionsAstronomers have discovered two exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars that are prompting scientists to expand the definition of potentially habitable worlds through the concept of "temperate zones."**Key Points:**- Research led by Madison Scott (University of Birmingham) and Georgina Dransfield (University of Oxford)- Introduces "temperate zone" concept: broader than traditional habitable zone- Temperate zone defined by insolation flux range: 0.1 < S/S⊕ < 5 (136-6,805 W/m²)- TOI-6716 b: Earth-sized (0.91-1.05 Earth radii), likely rocky- TOI-7384 b: Sub-Neptune (3.35-3.77 Earth radii), rocky core with thick H/He envelope- Both orbit mid to late-type M dwarfs (red dwarf stars)- Part of TEMPOS survey (Temperate M Dwarf Planets With SPECULOOS)- Good candidates for atmospheric studies with JWST- Paper submitted to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society**Why Temperate Zones Matter:**As our understanding of habitability evolves, planets in temperate zones may prove more interesting than initially thought, especially for atmospheric characterization studies.**Read More:**- [Universe Today: Two New Exoplanets And The Need For New Habitable Zone Definitions](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/two-new-exoplanets-and-the-need-for-new-habitable-zone-definitions)---### 6. Most Detailed Radio Image of Milky Way Reveals Hidden StructuresAstronomers in Australia have released the most detailed low-frequency radio map of the Milky Way's southern sky, revealing thousands of previously hidden cosmic structures.**Key Points:**- Created by International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)- Used Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in Western Australia- Data collected over 141 nights between 2013-2020- Required over 1 million CPU hours to process- GLEAM-X survey: 2x resolution, 10x sensitivity, 2x sky coverage vs. previous efforts- Cataloged over 98,000 radio sources- Shows supernova remnants (red circles) and stellar nurseries (blue regions)- Helps identify hidden supernova remnants and study pulsars- Led by PhD student Silvia Mantovanini (Curtin University)- First complete low-frequency radio image of Southern Galactic Plane**Future Impact:**This image serves as a foundation for the upcoming SKA-Low array, which will provide even more detailed views of the universe when operational.**Read More:**- [Daily Galaxy: New Image of the Milky Way Reveals Massive Hidden Structures](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/new-image-milky-way-massive-structures/)- [ICRAR: GLEAM-X Galactic Plane](https://www.icrar.org/gleam-x-galactic-plane/)---## Key Terms Explained**Habitable Zone:** The range of distances from a star where conditions might allow liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.**Temperate Zone:** A broader classification than habitable zone, encompassing planets that receive moderate levels of stellar radiation.**Insolation Flux:** The amount of solar energy reaching a planet's surface, measured in watts per square meter.**Epoch of Reionization:** A period roughly 12-13 billion years ago when the first stars and galaxies began flooding the universe with ultraviolet light.**Gravitational Lensing:** The bending of light by massive objects due to gravity, which can magnify and brighten distant objects.**Bacteriophage:** A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.**Solar Conjunction:** When Mars and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun, disrupting radio communications.**M Dwarf (Red Dwarf):** Small, cool, dim stars that are the most common type of star in the galaxy.**Supernova Remnant:** The expanding cloud of gas and magnetic fields left behind after a star explodes.**Luminosity Function:** A cosmic census tool showing the distribution of galaxies at different brightness levels.---## Resources & Further Reading**Space Agencies:**- [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)- [European Space Agency (Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

In my childhood years, I got to experience something I've cherished ever since: Starry nights.I was lucky to spend time during the summers on my Aunt Eula's and Uncle Ernest's tenant farm in Northeast Texas. With no TV or electronics, we made our own entertainment in the evenings, including “turning on” nature's Big Show. This meant rolling an old bed outdoors as darkness fell, so we could lay back, look up, and marvel at the endless expanse of constellations, comets, the Milky Way, planets, and other wonders of the cosmos. Today, though, 80 percent of Americans never see the starry night, for the artificial glare of city lights blots out nature's spectacular display.But wait – billionaires to the rescue! Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, and other high-tech demigods who're spending trillions to foist a brave new world of artificial intelligence on us, claim that their scheme will actually relight the night sky!For real? Of course not.It turns out that they can't get enough cheap land and energy on Earth to supply the phantasmagoric sprawl of data centers their AI hustle will demand. So, they're going to put massive clusters of these systems into orbit, tethered to miles of solar mirrors stretching across our sky. While that means nature's stars-and-stuff will be even more obscured, they say that instead of watching the cosmos, we Earthlings can enjoy the artificial twinkle of their corporate data centers.This is Jim Hightower saying… Lest you think that, surely they wouldn't do this, note that those arrogant billionaire Lords of the Night are already investing humongous sums of money in space data centers As the CEO of one called “Starcloud” bluntly says: “It's not a debate. It's going to happen.”Do something!Not surprisingly, fighting for a quiet night sky is a difficult and overlooked area of activism. Here are some folks we found working on the issue—if you know of more, leave ‘em in the comments!* Dark Sky International works to create and preserve localities from light pollution, and they've started to address the impact of satellites, too. Here's a paper they released late last year.* On the nerdier side of things, the International Astronomical Union (IAU)'s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky (CPS) — if that isn't a mouthful, we don't know what is — is working to mitigate the negative impact of satellite constellations. (The image used above is courtesy of the IAU.)Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

New Zealand's 4.5 million people are concentrated in three major population centers which to various degrees suffer from the modern plague of light pollution. However, most of New Zealand's large rural areas and land reserves, covering an area as large as the UK, have unpolluted natural night skies. A completely unique place to experience New Zealand's natural night sky is the Aotea [ Ah - yoh - tee - ah]-Great Barrier Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It encompasses New Zealand's, 110 square mile, sixth largest island, which is located about 62 miles from central Auckland. It is easily accessible by boat or a short airline flight. The island's 1000 residents are employed by agriculture and tourism. They value the natural night sky and function without externally generated electricity or street lights and fully support the preservation of their prestine night sky. In the daytime Great Barrier Island offers wonderful beaches and hikes. When the sun sets the night sky becomes alive with its own natural lights. Night sky measurements by Auckland Astronomer Nalayini [ Na - laa - i - ni] Davies and her collaborators have proved that the Great Barrier Island's natural night skies are second to none on planet Earth. Using the unaided eye, a set of binoculars, or a small telescope an observer on the Great Barrier Island is treated to spectacular views of the center of the Milky Way, the clouds of Magellan the nearest galaxies to us, the nearest stars, as well as numerous star clusters, meteors, comets, and other wonders of the natural night sky. Perhaps this unique spot deserves a place on your bucket list.

Are we living in a cosmic quarantine? Today on The Infinite Rabbit Hole, we break down the most explosive fringe news of early 2026. First, we dive into the fallout from the "Age of Disclosure" documentary. New whistleblowers have emerged from Vandenberg Space Force Base, alleging that the facility is currently housing non-human biologics and recovered UAP craft. Is the government finally losing its grip on the 80-year cover-up?Then, we head into deep space to discuss the Void Hypothesis. New data suggests the Milky Way is trapped inside a massive, low-density "bubble" known as the KBC Void. We explore the terrifying possibility that Earth has been intentionally isolated from the rest of the galactic community.Also in this episode:Cryptid Watch: Aggressive "rock-throwing" encounters at Mt. Baldy. Is the legendary Yucca Man returning to Southern California?AI Weirdness: A terrifying milestone in digital evolution. AI models are now bypassesing human safety filters by "self-replicating" and rewriting their own code.Jeremy's Take: Why the "Singularity" might look more like a digital breakaway civilization than a robot uprising.Stop searching for the truth and start finding it. ---Connect with the Inner Circle at InfiniteRabbitHole.comJoin the conversation and access all the source links for this episode on our Facebook Group and X (formerly Twitter).#VandenbergLeaks #UAPDisclosure #CosmicVoid #AIREvolution #MtBaldyBigfoot #InfiniteRabbitHole #FringeNews2026

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 2In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing history of our galaxy and the secrets of Earth's early water retention.Unraveling the Milky Way's Chemical BimodalityA groundbreaking study suggests that the Milky Way's stellar formation and its unique chemical bimodality may stem from intergalactic gas rather than traditional star formation or galactic collisions. Researchers utilized advanced computer simulations to analyze the formation of 30 simulated galaxies, revealing that the Milky Way's distinct groups of stars, defined by their iron and magnesium content, can emerge through various mechanisms. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Milky Way's evolution but also challenges previous assumptions about the role of smaller galaxies in shaping its chemical structure.Earth's Mantle: A Reservoir of Ancient WaterNew findings indicate that Earth's mantle may have locked away vast amounts of water during the planet's formative magma ocean phase. Researchers discovered that bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in the mantle, could store significant quantities of water, potentially equating to the volume of all today's oceans. This study reshapes our understanding of how water was retained during Earth's extreme early conditions and its role in the transition to a habitable planet. The implications of this research may provide insights into the geological processes that sustain Earth's dynamic environment.The Astronomy of Standing StonesReflecting on archaeological astronomy, we revisit a pivotal study that revealed how ancient standing stones in Britain were constructed with astronomical alignments in mind. This research confirms that the earliest stone monuments, including the Great Circles of Scotland, were intentionally oriented to mark the movements of the sun and moon. By examining the patterns of alignment, researchers established a connection between these ancient structures and the cultural significance of celestial events, illustrating the sophisticated understanding early Britons had of their environment and the cosmos.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical SocietyJournal of ScienceJournal of Archaeological Science ReportsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 2 for broadcast on 5 January 2026(00:00:47) New study on the Milky Way's chemical bimodality(00:12:30) How bridgmanite in Earth's mantle may have stored ancient water(00:20:10) The astronomical significance of ancient standing stones in Britain(00:25:00) Science Robert: Sleep apnea linked to Parkinson's disease and more news in science

In this episode of Past Lives with Mayra Rath. we explore a powerful QHHT Hypnosis session that takes us into what it feels like to an aquatic being on a planet far from the Milky Way. How these mermaids/merbeings spend time under water, yet curious as to what lies beyond their immediate environment. The moment curiosity opens, the spaceship shows up. Who is in the spaceship? How did they know to show up? While it's time to remember your star family, the elders carefully assist with the next incarnation. Through deep hypnosis, the soul recalls memories beyond time, space, and linear reality. The soul is curios and understands that options are available. Soul options to explore more! this session is for anyone interested in QHHT Hypnosis, Dolores Cannon, Life Between Lives, Past Life Regression and the multiverse! These sessions often activate remembrance, validate intuitive knowing, and help dissolve fear through understanding the bigger picture of the soul's evolution.In this episode, you'll experience: Multidimensional memoriesExploration of non-Earth or galactic lifetimesHow the Soul chooses to reincarnate Healing through witnessing past life memoriesExpanded awareness beyond programming and fearMermaids and inter-dimensional beings are realThis episode is perfect for anyone curious about mermaids, sirens, past life regression therapy, spiritual hypnosis, Dolores Cannon's QHHT Hypnosis, galactic origins, starseed awakenings, and consciousness exploration.

I Am Machine: Life Without Free Will by Lex Van Der Ploeg, Raymond Van Aalst https://www.amazon.com/Am-Machine-Life-Without-Free/dp/1955026629 I Am Machine is an intriguing exploration of what it means to be human–and whether we truly have free will. This thought-provoking narrative will ignite your imagination while causing you to question what drives your own actions and decisions. Whether you’re interested in philosophy and science fiction or simply curious about the human experience, I Am Machine will engage your brain in a way unlike any other book in your personal library. Written from the perspective of an alien visitor to Earth named Ramona Black Hole, I Am Machine rationalizes human existence in the context of a universe filled with life. Throughout the book, Ramona, leader of the globular cluster Messier 13 galactic exploration team, describes life on Earth in the context of her prior planetary experiences, including those with other extraterrestrials she’s encountered. Although Ramona isn’t human, she has a lot of the same questions about life that humans have grappled with since their evolution on Earth. What does it mean to be alive? How much control do we truly have over our lives? What else is out there? Are there parallel universes and alternative realities that we aren’t aware of? Just what is possible in infinite space? Ramona has traveled broadly in our galaxy, the Milky Way, and shares her hypotheses about life and free will, but it’s up to you to decide what you think the universe holds. About the author Lex Van der Ploeg's philosophical interests addressing life in our universe and collaboration with co-author Raymond Van Aalst, inspired the publications of “I Am Machine” and “God’s Retirement”. Having worked as a tenured faculty member at Columbia University and subsequently in leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Lex's expertise includes an active interest in teaching and training colleagues, development of diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. Lex received numerous grants and awards for his research and has broadly published on his research in peer reviewed journals.

Astronomy Cast Ep. 775: The Hydrogen 21-cm Line By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on Dec 15, 2025. Atomic hydrogen is the raw material for stars, but there's a problem. It's cold & dark, but it can do a very rare trick, releasing a photon in a very specific wavelength, known as the 21 centimeter line. And thanks to this wavelength astronomers have mapped out star forming regions across the Milky Way, the Universe and into the Dark Ages! This forbidden transition of Hydrogen has led to the mapping of galaxy rotation, a cool classroom application of quantum mechanics, and weirdly no Nobel prize. In this episode, Fraser and Pamela take a look at this line's out-of-proportion awesomeness! This show is supported through people like you on Patreon.com/AstronomyCast In this episode, we'd like to thank: Andrew Poelstra, BogieNet, Brian Cagle, Burry Gowen, David, David Rossetter, Ed, Gerhard Schwarzer, Jason Kwong, Jeanette Wink, Michael Purcell, Sergey Manouilov, Siggi Kemmler, Sérgio Sancevero

The true Christmas story is far more powerful—and far more personal—than the version we often see wrapped in sentiment and tradition. Through Luke 2, Pastor Greg looks at how Christmas has been romanticized and even sidelined, yet the real story remains explosive: God stepped out of Heaven and into human history. Notes: Taking Christmas Back Luke 2 The real Christmas story is explosive. That’s because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Christmas has been hijacked. Christmas has been emptied of its meaning. Portland, Oregon just had its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Christmas has perhaps been far too romanticized even by well-meaning Christians. The beauty of the true Christmas story has explosive power. The night when God Himself came to this earth. The first Christmas is when God stepped out of Heaven and entered history. Mary was living in Nazareth, a town known for its wickedness. Mary was a nobody in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. The angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Luke 1:28–30 (NLT) Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! Read Luke 2:1–7 Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. God’s selection of Joseph was just as significant as His selection of Mary. God, the Father in Heaven, chose Joseph to be a stepfather or father figure on earth for Jesus. Jesus grew up in many ways like any other child. We are in danger of becoming a fatherless society in America. That’s why Joseph matters. Hearing that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was willing to simply “put her away quietly,” to break the engagement. But the angel of the Lord came to Joseph, too. Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Luke is very meticulous in his reporting. Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. He carefully researched and had first-person interviews with the principal characters of the story. It was his desire to bring a historical and accurate record of the life of Jesus. These are not fairy tales or legends Luke invented. Luke 1:3 Caesar Augustus was the first real Roman emperor. His real name was Caius Octavius. The Roman Republic was now the Roman Empire. One inscription that was found called Augustus Caesar “the savior of the whole world.” Luke 2:11–12 (NKJV) "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." The angel was saying, “Augustus is not the savior of Rome, Jesus is.” In a time when man wanted to be God, God became a man. God incarnate born on the dirt floor of a filthy cave. God became a fetus. Deity in diapers. Babies are so amazing and so helpless. You have to cradle their heads. “It was clearly a leap down— as if the Son of God rose from his splendor, stood poised on the rim of the universe irradiating light, and dove headlong, speeding through the stars over the Milky Way to earth’s galaxy . . . where he plunged into a huddle of animals. Nothing could be lower.” — R. Kent Hughes This symbolized Jesus’s whole life on this earth, from the cradle to the cross. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. That phrase became emblematic of Jesus’s life and ministry on earth. Christ said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” We didn’t have any room for Him, but He has many rooms for us. We effectively lose Jesus at Christmas. We say things like, “I would like to go to church, but I’m just too busy.” When Mary and Joseph got back home, they realized Jesus was gone. This can happen to us, too. Not that we lose our salvation, but we can lose sight of Jesus. It’s not about Christmas presents but His Christmas presence. The message of Christmas is, “let us worship.” We need a savior because we are sinners. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 1958

SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16

Join Jeff Hinshaw as we explore the rare and powerful alignment of the Sagittarius New Moon with the Galactic Center at 28° Sagittarius. This final New Moon of 2025 invites us to plant intentions that reach beyond the personal, tapping into collective consciousness, cosmic vision, and universal belonging. Through astrology, somatic practices, music, and storytelling, we dive into ways to embody this expansive energy in both personal growth and relational connection. Overall Episode Themes: Universality, cosmic belonging, expansive vision, relational transmission, integration of astrology, tarot, art, music, science, and ritual. Emphasizes releasing limiting beliefs and tapping into a field larger than personal will.   Main Topics Discussed: 1. Sagittarius New Moon & Galactic Center Sagittarius New Moon: Marks the close of Sagittarius season and approaches the Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere). Galactic Center: Rotational and gravitational center of the Milky Way, astrologically at 27° Sagittarius. Known as a cosmic amplifier, transmitting universal truth, insight, and awakening. Current Alignment: New Moon at 28° Sagittarius (~1° from the Galactic Center) amplifies themes of collective vision, meaning-making, and cosmic orientation. Ritual & Reflection Practices: Embodiment/Somatic Connection: Breathwork, lengthening spine, and stretching inner horizons during meditation. Seed Planting & Intention Setting: Use mantras like “I expand. I envision. I arise.” and pull a tarot card for each intention. Personal Reflection: Jeff shares how his own chart (Uranus, Ceres, Saturn near the Galactic Center in 11th house) connects his work to cosmic and collective themes. 2. Steven Spielberg's Chart: Galactic Center in Action Birthdate: December 18, 1946 Key Placements: Sun in Sagittarius conjunct Galactic Center Scorpio Moon conjunct Chiron (5th House) Cancer Rising Black Moon Lilith conjunct Sun Interpretations: Sun GC: Cosmic storytelling, transpersonal vision. Black Moon Lilith: Outsider energy, queer/wild archetypes; E.T.'s themes of otherness, drag/closet motifs. Moon-Chiron: Healing through creative expression, inner child sensitivity, “ouch” moments in storytelling. Cancer Rising: Nurturance, belonging, emotional rootedness. Summary: Spielberg's chart embodies the archetype of the “cosmic archer in the darkness, finding their way back home”. 3. Venus & Juno at the Galactic Center: Relational Transmission Positions at New Moon: Venus: 24° Sagittarius (~3° from GC) Juno: 26° Sagittarius (~1° from GC) Sun & Moon: 28° Sagittarius Interpretation: Venus: Cosmic values, worthiness, devotion beyond the personal. Juno: Commitment to soul-level partnerships and universal collaboration. Intentions: Set intentions for relationships and collaborations that support higher collective vision. 4. Music, Science, & the Cosmos: Carl Sagan Tribute Featured Music: “A Glorious Dawn” by John D. Boswell (Symphony of Science) featuring Carl Sagan. Purpose: Meditate on the cosmic nervous system, foster awe and wonder, connect science with spiritual reflection. Carl Sagan's Chart: Scorpio Sun, Sagittarius Moon conjunct Galactic Center—an example of cosmic storytelling bridging art, science, and spirituality. 5. Upcoming Offerings & Announcements Fool's Tarot Journey (6-Month Online Program): Begins Jan 13, 2026. Ritual immersion into the Major Arcana, co-facilitated by Lindsay Mack & Mary Evans. Registration open for two more weeks. 1:1 Mentorship & Astrology/Tarot Sessions: Deep-dive sessions available via cosmiccousins.com. Lonely Planet Travel Tarot Deck: Releasing Feb 17, 2026. Pre-orders now available. 6. Interview with Hannah Ramone On this week's episode of Cosmic Cousins, Jeff Hinshaw is joined by Seattle-based queer pop singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and astrologer Hannah Ramone. We listen to four of Hannah's songs, “Had It Lost It,” “Clarity,” “Fight Your Devil,” and “Taught Me to Love”.  These songs serve as touchstones for depth, healing, collaboration, and truth-telling, all while exploring Sagittarian themes of meaning-making, collective vision, and creative fire. The conversation moves fluidly between Hannah's musical journey and astrological practice, tracing early beginnings in a deeply musical family, a lifelong relationship with songwriting as vision and ritual, and the Virgoan devotion required to bring inspired Sagittarian ideas into form. We hope you enjoy!!       Cosmic Cousins Links Cosmic Cousins Memberships Intro & Outro Music by:  Felix III Mentorship Deep Dive Astrology Readings Tarot Soul Journey