Mapping the Milky Way: New Insights, Martian Mysteries, and Psyche's Thruster Troubles

Sponsor DetailsThis episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...our official VPN app and the one we recommend if online security is important to you. To get the special SpaceTime listeners deal, with a 30 day money back guarantee, visit www.nordvpn.com/stuartgary or us the coupon code stuartgary at checkout.Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacetime", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.In this episode of SpaceTime, we unveil a stunning new ultraviolet map of the Milky Way galaxy, thanks to NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. This groundbreaking observation, published in the Astronomical Journal, provides astronomers with unprecedented insights into the galactic environment surrounding our solar system. We discuss how these findings challenge existing theories about interstellar hydrogen emissions and reveal the complex structures of hot interstellar gas bubbles.Exploring Mars with PerseveranceNext, we follow NASA's Perseverance Rover as it investigates the intriguing rock formations at the Jezero crater rim. Discover how the rover is analyzing the contrasting layers of rock, searching for clues about Mars's geological history and the processes that shaped its surface.Psyche Spacecraft TroublesFinally, we address the ongoing investigation into a significant issue with the electric propulsion system of NASA's Psyche spacecraft. Launched in 2023, this mission aims to explore the metallic asteroid 16 Psyche. We delve into the challenges faced by mission managers and discuss potential solutions to ensure the spacecraft continues on its path to unravel the mysteries of planetary cores.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstronomical Journalhttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637XNASA Perseverance Roverhttps://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/NASA Psyche Missionhttps://www.nasa.gov/psycheBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, episode 56 for broadcast on 9 May 202500:45 NASA's New Horizons spacecraft reveals a new ultraviolet map of the Milky Way12:30 Mars Perseverance Rover continues its exploration of Jezero crater18:15 NASA investigates issues with the Psyche spacecraft's electric propulsion system22:00 Skywatch: May night skies and celestial events