Episode

It Is All Moving, Always — April 17, 2026

Podcast
Space News and Weather Today – Auroras, Rocket Launches & Night Sky Viewing
Published
Apr 17, 2026
Duration seconds
116
Processing state
processed
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https://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-all-moving-always-april-17-2026--71398275
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Summary

NASA prepares the SLS core stage for the Artemis II mission amidst high solar activity. The episode also tracks upcoming SpaceX launches and near-Earth asteroid flybys.

Topics

  • NASA
  • Artemis Mission
  • SpaceX
  • Falcon 9
  • Solar Flares
  • Astronomy
  • Starlink
  • Asteroids

Highlights

  • Main idea: NASA is rolling out the massive liquid hydrogen core stage for the next crewed Artemis mission
  • Solar alert: Increased sunspot activity is raising the probability of solar flares and potential aurora displays
  • Practical takeaway: Look west after sunset to spot Venus and Mercury near the horizon
  • Launch alert: SpaceX is scheduled to deploy Starlink satellites via a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg
  • Failure mode: High solar activity can disrupt communications, though it provides opportunities for aurora viewing

Chapters

  1. 0:20 Artemis Mission Progress: NASA rolls out the largest section of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, including the liquid hydrogen tank.
  2. 1:00 Solar Activity and Auroras: Active sunspot regions increase the chance of solar flares and northern lights visibility.
  3. 1:10 Night Sky Viewing: Guidance on spotting Venus and Mercury in the western twilight sky.
  4. 1:30 SpaceX Launch Alert: Details on the upcoming Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
  5. 1:50 Asteroid Flyby: The small space rock 2026 GM1 makes a close approach to Earth.