# It Is All Moving, Always — April 17, 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/it-is-all-moving-always-april-17-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/it-is-all-moving-always-april-17-2026.md
Podcast: [Space News and Weather Today – Auroras, Rocket Launches & Night Sky Viewing](https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379)
Published: 2026-04-17T07:02:45+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-is-all-moving-always-april-17-2026--71398275
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71398275/space_report_20260417.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/episodes/it-is-all-moving-always-april-17-2026
Duration seconds: 116

## Resource

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.

## 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

## Topics

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

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

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## Transcript

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