S27E46: Stellar Cannibalism: Unraveling the Secrets of Star-Eating Phenomena

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46: The Cosmic Dance of Neutron Stars and Black HolesJoin us on a thrilling journey through the cosmos in SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 46, where we delve into the mysteries of a possible neutron star-black hole merger detected in gravitational waves. The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration may have stumbled upon a cosmic ballet between the densest objects in the universe, offering tantalizing clues about the elusive mass gap and challenging our understanding of stellar evolution.Next, we explore the cannibalistic tendencies of stars as a new study reveals that stars often end up devouring their own planets. This celestial feast, found in roughly 8% of binary star systems examined, raises questions about the stability of planetary orbits and could reshape our knowledge of cosmic dynamics.And as North America was plunged into darkness by a total solar eclipse, scientists seized the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research. From rockets piercing the upper atmosphere to jets chasing the eclipse at dizzying altitudes, we look at the scientific endeavors that took advantage of this spectacular celestial event.Plus, in the Science Report, we discuss the implications of "forever chemicals" in our water resources, the heart failure benefits of a diabetes drug, the discovery of Australia's oldest pottery, and the controversy surrounding a prestigious clinic's endorsement of Reiki.For more SpaceTime and to support the show, visit our website at https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com, where you can access our universal listen link, find show notes, and learn how to become a patron. Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app with our universal listen link: https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com/listen and access show links via https://linktr.ee/biteszHQ. Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you by NordPass. Secure your digital life and keep the cosmic exploration going with the password manager you can trust. Visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass for a special offer.https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com  https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week’s guests include: Fan Liu from Monash University Sungrazer project principal investigator Karl Battams from the U.S. Naval Research Lab Washington, D.C..   And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian SkepticsEpisode Chapters(00:00) A possible neutron star black hole merger detected in gravitational waves(00:47) LIGO has detected what might be either the merger of two neutron stars(06:22) New study confirms that some stars may have swallowed planets or planetary material(13:58) NASA launched a fleet of rockets and jets to monitor last weeks solar eclipse(16:54) A new study warns that we're likely underestimating future impact of forever chemicals(19:19) Mayo Clinic slammed for allowing staff nurse to promote rank pseudoscience(22:50) Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting services