SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 41The Astronomy, Space and Science News PodcastMysterious Red Sprite Lightning, Shocking Spherules on Mars, and a New Geological Map of the Asteroid Belt
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the breathtaking phenomenon of red sprite lightning captured over the Himalayas. Chinese astrophotographers documented over 100 of these rare electrical discharges, revealing insights into the complex thunderstorms of the region. We discuss the mechanisms behind these sprites and their implications for understanding upper atmospheric phenomena.
Shocking Discoveries on MarsNext, we turn our attention to Mars, where NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered a strange rock formation composed of hundreds of millimeter-sized spheres. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the geological processes that could create such features, prompting scientists to investigate their origins and significance for Mars' geological history.
New Geological Map of the Asteroid BeltAdditionally, we delve into a new geological map of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which has been developed to enhance our understanding of meteorite origins and planetary defense. This groundbreaking work traces the impact orbits of meteorites, providing a clearer picture of how asteroid collisions contribute to the debris we observe on Earth.
00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 41 for broadcast on 4 April 2025
00:49 Capturing red sprite lightning over the Himalayas
06:30 Mechanisms behind the upper atmospheric electrical discharges
12:15 Discovery of strange spherules on Mars
18:00 Implications for Martian geology and history
22:45 New geological map of the asteroid belt
27:00 Summary of recent astronomical findings
30:15 Skywatch: Highlights of April night skies
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https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/about✍️ Episode ReferencesAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences
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https://www.nasa.govMeteoritics and Planetary Science
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00:00 Scientists have captured rare images of red sprite lightning high above thunderstorms
05:20 The Mars Perseverance rover has discovered a strange rock composed of spheres
08:41 Knowing from what asteroid debris field meteorites originate is important for planetary defense...
