S27E67: Solar Superstorms and the Quest to Mars: SpaceX's Starship Prepares

Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 67, where we delve into the latest cosmic events and groundbreaking discoveries shaping our understanding of the universe.First, we discuss the return of last month's powerful solar storms. The active sunspot region AR 364, now renumbered as AR 3697, has reappeared, bringing with it more geomagnetic storms and spectacular solar flares. We explore the intricate dynamics of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and their profound impacts on Earth's technology and atmospheric phenomena.Next, we look forward to the upcoming test flight of the world's largest and most powerful rocket, SpaceX's Starship, scheduled for June 5. This mission is crucial for NASA's Artemis III plans to return humans to the lunar surface by 2026. We delve into the details of the mission and the technological advancements that make Starship a cornerstone for future space exploration.Finally, we uncover archaeological evidence proving that ancient Britons constructed standing stone monuments with astronomical alignments. The research highlights how these structures were intricately connected with the movements of the sun and moon, offering insights into the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of our ancestors.00:00 This is spacetime series 27, episode 67, for broadcast on 3 June 202400:25 Active region AR 364 has returned after disappearing two weeks ago05:10 SpaceX says Starship, world's largest and most powerful rocket, likely on June 508:07 Scientists say ancient British standing stones were aligned with astronomical movements18:12 Standing stones in Britain allow you to view sun and moon from very specific perspectives23:02 New study shows Covid-19 vaccines still effective against hospitalization and death33:30 Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting platformsFollow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.Sponsor OfferThis episode is proudly supported by NordPass. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a password manager you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass.Listen to SpaceTime on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTimeBecome a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/www.bitesz.com