Have you ever wondered what lies beyond our planet, in the vast expanse of space? If so, you're in for a treat with the latest episode of Astronomy Daily. Hosted by Anna, this episode dives deep into some of the most exciting and groundbreaking news in the world of Astronomy and space exploration.
First up, we explore the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its bold move to increase competition in the satellite Internet market. FCC chair Jessica Rosenwursel is challenging SpaceX's Starlink, which currently dominates the market with nearly two-thirds of all active satellites. Rosenwursel argues that monopolies stifle innovation and lead to higher prices, and space should be no exception. This push for diversity could reshape the landscape of satellite Internet, making it more affordable and innovative for consumers worldwide.
Next, we delve into a groundbreaking discovery by Chinese researchers who have uncovered a low mass black hole that's challenging our understanding of black holes and binary systems. This particular black hole, found in the binary system G 3425, has a mass of about 3.6 solar masses and is orbiting a red giant star. The discovery is puzzling scientists as it doesn't fit with current theories of binary evolution and supernova explosions. This finding opens up new avenues for research and challenges astronomers to rethink their theories.
For stargazers, there's an exciting celestial event on the horizon—a partial lunar eclipse of the super harvest moon. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 17, when the moon will put on quite a show. This eclipse will be visible across most of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Western Asia and Antarctica. What makes this event extra special is that it's happening during a super moon, which means the moon will appear slightly larger in the night sky due to its closer proximity to Earth. Don't miss this spectacular event, whether you're watching from your backyard or tuning in to one of the free online live streams.
This episode also highlights some concerning news about NASA. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified significant challenges facing America's space agency, including aging infrastructure and underfunding. With 83% of NASA's facilities having exceeded their design lifespan and a budget that's remained flat for decades, the future of American space exploration hangs in the balance. The report calls for either a significant increase in funding or a reduction in missions, emphasizing the critical need for investment in NASA's infrastructure, workforce, and technology development.
Lastly, we turn to a remarkable discovery by astronomers from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. In the Great Bear constellation, they've found a new planet with a mass eleven times that of Jupiter. This giant planet orbits a star known as HD 118203 and takes 14 years to complete one revolution. The discovery challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, opening up new questions about how such exotic planetary systems form and develop over time.
Don't miss out on these fascinating stories and more. Tune in to the latest episode of Astronomy Daily (S03E154) and keep exploring the wonders of our universe.
And remember, as Anna always says, "Keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.