81: First neutron star merger confirmed through gravitational waves

*First neutron star merger confirmed through gravitational waves Astronomers have for the first time detected gravitational waves generated by merging neutron stars. The findings involved the detection on August 17 of the collision of two neutron stars each slightly more massive than the Sun -- in a relatively nearby elliptical galaxy NGC 4993, about 130 million light-years away. *Mapping the far side of the Milky Way Astronomers have for the first time directly measured the distance to a star-forming region on the far side of the Milky Way Galaxy. The study reaches deep into the Milky Way’s terra incognita and nearly doubles the previous record for distance measurement within the galaxy. *CERN smashes Xenon ions The Large Hardon Collider at CERN the European Organization for Nuclear Research has undertaken its first Xenon ion collisions. The eight-hour event allowed the, ATLAS, ALICE, CMS and LHCb experiments situated around the 27-kilometre-long underground ring to record xenon nuclei collisions for the first time. *Stormy Titan sculptures the landscape Titan, the largest of Saturn’s more than 60 moons, has surprisingly intense rainstorms. The findings are based on the detection of alluvial fans on Titan by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. *Japan launches navigation satellite A Japanese H-2A rocket has successfully launched a new navigation satellite. The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Michibiki 4 spacecraft will complete a new constellation designed to improve satellite navigation in Japanese cities where tall buildings effect car satnav reception. *The Science Report Mothers exposed to higher levels of air pollution could have kids whose DNA is more likely to 'age' faster. Warnings that some teens are starting to cyber bully themselves. Evidence that killer whales in captivity have painful tooth problems. Earth’s OZONE layer may be under threat again. Drinking up to three and a half alcoholic drinks a day could be linked to a lower risk of heart failure. Pumpkin-colored zombies may be running rampant is the swamp. Subscribe, rate and review SpaceTime at all good podcasting apps…including iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Podbean, Radio Public, Tunein Radio, google play, castbox.fm etc 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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.