Discovering 15 Giant Radio Galaxies, Titan's Rapid Changes, and the AI Extinction Debate

SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

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This episode of SpaceTime explores remarkable discoveries and urgent cosmic events that are reshaping our understanding of the universe.
New Giant Galaxies Discovered
Astronomers unveil the discovery of 15 new giant radio galaxies, each spanning over 3 million light years and hosting supermassive black holes. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASCAP), researchers reveal the unique characteristics of these galaxies, including their powerful jets and lobes traveling at superluminal speeds. We delve into the implications of these findings for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Changes on Titan
Next, we discuss the intriguing changes occurring on Saturn's moon Titan, which is experiencing rapid orbital changes on geological timescales. Scientists explore the factors influencing Titan's tidal dissipation rate and what it reveals about the moon's internal structure and history. This study provides insights into the dynamic processes at play in our solar system's moons.
Failed Soviet Spacecraft Returns
We also cover the dramatic re-entry of the Kosmos 482, a failed Soviet spacecraft that spent 53 years in orbit before crashing back to Earth. Launched in 1972 on a mission to Venus, the spacecraft's uncontrolled descent raises concerns about space debris and its potential impact on Earth.
AI and Humanity's Future
Finally, we tackle the controversial topic of artificial intelligence and its potential risks to humanity. With AI evolving at an unprecedented pace, we examine the findings of a new study that assesses the likelihood of AI leading to human extinction. As science fiction warns of a future dominated by AI, we explore the reality of these threats and what they mean for our future.
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✍️ Episode References
Science Advances
https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
Journal of the American Medical Association
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama
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00:00 This is space time series 28, episode 57 for broadcast on 12 May 2025
00:54 Astronomers have discovered 15 giant radio galaxies each hosting a supermassive black hole
09:35 You're still learning about these galaxies
11:57 Now you, uh, mentioned starburst galaxies earlier. What are we seeing in elliptical galaxies when this happens
15:04 Foreign astronomers have discovered that the orbit of the moon Titan is changing quickly
18:49 A failed Soviet era spacecraft has crashed back to Earth
21:24 New study claims there's still little chance of artificial intelligence actually exterminating humanity
25:39 Using cannabis during pregnancy may increase risk of several adverse birth outcomes, study finds