S27E137: Earth's Slushy Past, Phobos' Solar Dance, and SpaceX's Orbital Boost

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 137*The Earth: A Giant Slushie?New research reveals that Earth once experienced a "slushy" period following its snowball Earth phase. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study by Virginia Tech scientists suggests that as the planet thawed, it transitioned into a slushy state, marked by high carbon dioxide levels and rapid melting. The findings offer fresh insights into Earth's climate evolution and the resilience of life under extreme conditions.*Phobos Eclipses the SunNASA's Mars Perseverance rover has captured a rare celestial event: the Martian moon Phobos eclipsing the Sun. Using its Mastcam-Z camera, Perseverance observed the tiny moon transiting the Sun from its position in Jezero Crater. This remarkable event highlights the ongoing challenges and discoveries as the rover ascends the crater's rim.*SpaceX Dragon Boosts ISSFor the first time, NASA has utilized the SpaceX Dragon capsule to boost the International Space Station into a higher orbit. This maneuver, using Dragon's Draco thrusters, is part of a broader strategy to maintain the station's altitude and test future deorbit capabilities. The mission also delivered over 2,700 kg of supplies and scientific equipment, including a wooden cubesat and human tissue samples for aging research.The Science ReportA new study attributes last year's global temperature spike primarily to El Nino, rather than climate change. Meanwhile, scientists discover a 161-million-year-old giant tadpole fossil, shedding light on the evolution of frogs and toads. Additionally, research indicates that popular music in the US has become simpler since the 1950s. Plus, global cell phone sales show regional variations post-COVID, with notable growth in the US, Europe, and Australia.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com🌏 Get Our Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. Enjoy incredible discounts and bonuses! Plus, it’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌Check out our newest sponsor - Old Glory - Iconic Music and Sports Merch and now with official NASA merch. Well worth a look....Become a supporter of this Podcast and access commercial-free episodes plus bonuses: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support00:00 This is space Time Series 27, episode 137 for broadcast on 13 November 202400:47 New research suggests that as the planet thawed, it went slushy04:46 NASA's Mars Perseverance rover captures rare Phobos eclipse of the Sun07:15 NASA uses SpaceX Dragon cargo ship to boost International Space Station to higher altitude14:38 Study says El Nino Southern Oscillation caused global temperatures spike last year16:55 Scientists in South America have discovered the fossilized remains of a 161 million year old tadpole18:33 New figures show that global cell phone sales dropped following the COVID pandemic