Stellar Ballet: Apep’s Cosmic Dance and Titan’s Liquid Mystery

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 28 Episode 150

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into intriguing discoveries and ongoing challenges in the realm of astrophysics and planetary science.

Cosmic Dance of Dying Stars

Astronomers have made fascinating observations of a unique star system named Apep, located over 8,000 light years away in the constellation Norma. This rare system consists of three massive stars locked in a 190-year orbit, creating stunning spirals of cosmic dust. Using the advanced capabilities of NASA's Webb Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope in Chile, researchers captured extraordinary images revealing four distinct dust shells spiraling outward from the stars. Lead author Ryan White from Macquarie University discusses how these findings enhance our understanding of stellar interactions and the evolution of massive stars over time.

Titan's Liquid Ocean: A New Perspective

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that Saturn's largest moon, Titan, harbors a vast underground ocean. Instead, researchers suggest that Titan may have a more complex internal structure characterized by slushy tunnels and pockets of meltwater rather than a global liquid water ocean. This revelation, based on a reanalysis of data from NASA's Cassini mission, could have significant implications for the search for potential life on Titan, indicating that any existing life forms might inhabit a more confined environment with concentrated nutrients.

NASA's MAVEN: Communication Challenges

Mission managers at NASA are working diligently to restore contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which went silent during a routine pass behind Mars on December 6. Engineers are analyzing data from before the loss of signal to identify the cause and determine if the spacecraft can be salvaged. MAVEN has been crucial for studying Mars' atmosphere and has served as a vital communications relay for surface missions.

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✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

Nature

NASA TV

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(00:00:00) This is space time series 28 episode 150 for broadcast on 22nd December 2025

(00:00:47) NASA's Webb Space Telescope reveals four spectacular dust shells from distant star system

(00:10:58) New study says Titan probably doesn't have a vast underground liquid water ocean

(00:15:57) NASA mission managers continue efforts to restore contact with missing maven spacecraft

(00:18:36) New study finds shared genetic patterns across 14 common psychiatric disorders

(00:20:56) A new study claims acupuncture treatment for lower back pain reduces pain

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30779243?utm_source=youtube