Himalayan Sprite Lightning, Mars' Shocking Spherules, Asteroid Belt Mapping

SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 41
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Mysterious Red Sprite Lightning, Shocking Spherules on Mars, and a New Geological Map of the Asteroid Belt
In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the breathtaking phenomenon of red sprite lightning captured over the Himalayas. Chinese astrophotographers documented over 100 of these rare electrical discharges, revealing insights into the complex thunderstorms of the region. We discuss the mechanisms behind these sprites and their implications for understanding upper atmospheric phenomena.
Shocking Discoveries on Mars
Next, we turn our attention to Mars, where NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered a strange rock formation composed of hundreds of millimeter-sized spheres. This unexpected discovery raises questions about the geological processes that could create such features, prompting scientists to investigate their origins and significance for Mars' geological history.
New Geological Map of the Asteroid Belt
Additionally, we delve into a new geological map of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which has been developed to enhance our understanding of meteorite origins and planetary defense. This groundbreaking work traces the impact orbits of meteorites, providing a clearer picture of how asteroid collisions contribute to the debris we observe on Earth.
00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 41 for broadcast on 4 April 2025
00:49 Capturing red sprite lightning over the Himalayas
06:30 Mechanisms behind the upper atmospheric electrical discharges
12:15 Discovery of strange spherules on Mars
18:00 Implications for Martian geology and history
22:45 New geological map of the asteroid belt
27:00 Summary of recent astronomical findings
30:15 Skywatch: Highlights of April night skies
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✍️ Episode References
Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
https://www.springer.com/journal/13274
NASA
https://www.nasa.gov
Meteoritics and Planetary Science
https://www.mps-journal.org/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.
00:00 Scientists have captured rare images of red sprite lightning high above thunderstorms
05:20 The Mars Perseverance rover has discovered a strange rock composed of spheres
08:41 Knowing from what asteroid debris field meteorites originate is important for planetary defense efforts
14:10 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and so consider adopting pets
19:16 The Southern Cross is considered an important constellation for navigation
30:17 The Southern Cross appears to have four main stars and they make up shape
32:37 Brightness does not equate with distance; you've got to dig deeper
33:17 Canopus is the second brightest star in the night sky
36:36 Is that why the moon looks bigger on the horizon than it does high up
37:58 Take a look at Jupiter with a pair of binoculars
39:19 You need to be up before dawn to see Saturn, Mercury and Venus