48: Big Martian Dust Storm

Stream podcast episodes on demand from www.bitesz.com (mobile friendly). *A huge dust storm on Mars bringing a halt to scientific research One of the thickest dust storms ever observed on Mars has been spreading over the face of the red planet – forcing NASA to suspend science operations of its Mars Opportunity rover. However, the swirling dust storm has opened a window for four other spacecraft to learn more about the event. *Cosmic dust grains older than the solar system Scientists have found what appear to be interplanetary dust particles which predate the birth of the solar system -- some 4.6 billion years ago. The discovery opens a new window in understanding the processes which led to the solar system’s formation. *Six more Milky Way galactic collisions revealed Astronomers have discovered evidence of a series of at least six galactic collisions involving the Milky Way. The intergalactic crashes were revealed in relics of the merger events in the Milky Way’s galactic halo. *Rocket rules face a major shake-up The Federal Government is introducing new legislation designed to make it easier to launch spacecraft from Australian soil. The new regulations -- are part of a major shake-up for Australia’s stagnant space industry which long ago lost the glory of its heyday during the 1960’s and early 70’s when Australia became only the fourth nation on Earth to build a satellite and have it launched into orbit from its own soil. *Crew change aboard the International Space Station. There’s been a busy change of crews aboard the International Space Station. Just days after the Expedition 54/55 crew members returned safely to Earth following their 168 day stay aboard the International Space station – the Expedition 56/57 crew blasted into space for their own six-month stay aboard the orbiting outpost. Youtube video url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIFpcekG8kg Youtube video url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOgkakAsEIA *The Science Report Antarctica has lost 3 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992 increasing sea-level by 8 millimetres. Study confirms loneliness really is bad for the heart and a strong predictor of premature death. The real dining habits of salt water (estuarine) crocodiles. A new study looking at why we love fries with that. For enhanced Show Notes including photos to accompany this episode, visit: http://www.bitesz.com/spacetimeshownotes Subscribe, rate and review SpaceTime at all good podcasting apps…including Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes), Google Podcasts, Stitcher, PocketCasts, Podbean, Radio Public, Tunein Radio, Spreaker, Spotify, Deezer etc Would you prefer to have access to the special commercial free version of SpaceTime? Help support the show, subscribe at Patreon....and share in the rewards. Details at www.patreon.com/spacetimewithstuartgary Help support SpaceTime : The SpaceTime with Stuart Gary merchandise shop. Get your T-Shirts, Coffee Cups, badges, tote bag + more and help support the show. Check out the range: http://www.cafepress.com/spacetime Thank you. Plus: As a part of the SpaceTime family, you can get a free audio book of your choice, plus 30 days free access from audible.com. Just visit www.audibletrial.com/spacetime or click on the banner link at www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com Email: [email protected] Join our mailing list at http://www.bitesz.com/join-our-mailing-list  Learn more about your ad...