New Cosmic X-Ray Class, Chiron’s Mysteries, and the Next Space Station Era: S27E155

Space News Today

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 155

*Discovery of a New Class of Cosmic X-Ray

Astronomers have identified a new class of cosmic X-ray source, potentially originating from a novel type of nova event. The study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals 29 unusual objects in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. These objects displayed unexpected behaviours, such as long-duration X-ray outbursts and recurring outbreaks. The findings suggest these sources, dubbed 'Milli Novae', could play a crucial role in understanding astrophysical phenomena, especially as they may contribute to the mass of white dwarfs, potentially leading to Type 1A supernovae.

* Uncovering the Secrets of the Centaurs

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have begun studying centaurs, a unique family of comet-like asteroids orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. The study of 2060 Chiron reveals surface chemistry unlike any other known centaur, with carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices, and methane gases in its coma. These findings provide new insights into the origins of our solar system, as centaurs have remained largely unchanged since its formation 4.6 billion years ago.

* NASA's Plans for Commercial Space Stations

With the International Space Station set for retirement in 2030, NASA is supporting the development of multiple commercial space stations. Projects include the NASA-funded STAR Labs space station, slated for launch in 2028, and Axiom's modular space station, which will initially dock with the ISS. Other proposals, like Orbital Reef and Haven One, are also in development, promising to advance commercial space activities and research.

00:00 Astronomers have identified a new class of cosmic X ray source

04:44 2060 Chiron provides new clues about the origins of our solar system

12:56 A number of proposals for commercial low Earth orbit space stations are growing

17:46 Higher levels of air pollution associated with higher risk of hospitalisation, study finds

19:31 Almost all artificial intelligence chatbots are showing symptoms of mild cognitive impairment

20:47 Apple's AI summarisation feature sometimes gives incorrect summaries

22:47 ChatGPT has made its search engines free

24:17 Space Time is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts

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✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal Letters

[https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/

8205](https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2041-8205)

2--- OGLE (Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment)

[http://ogle.astrouw.edu.pl/](http://ogle.astrouw.edu.pl/)

Southern African Large Telescope

[http://www.salt.ac.za/](http://www.salt.ac.za/)

NASA's Swift Space Observatory

[https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/](https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/)

University of Central Florida

[https://www.ucf.edu/](https://www.ucf.edu/)

James Webb Space Telescope

[https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)

STAR Labs Space Station

[https://www.starlabs.space/](https://www.starlabs.space/)

Axiom Space

[https://www.axiomspace.com/](https://www.axiomspace.com/)

Blue Origin

[https://www.blueorigin.com/](https://www.blueorigin.com/)

Sierra Space

[https://www.sierraspace.com/](https://www.sierraspace.com/)

Bigelow Aerospace

[http://bigelowaerospace.com/](http://bigelowaerospace.com/)

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/24787176?utm_source=youtube