# Orbits and Oceans of Stars — April 16, 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/orbits-and-oceans-of-stars-april-16-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/orbits-and-oceans-of-stars-april-16-2026.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: 2026-04-16T07:02:17+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/orbits-and-oceans-of-stars-april-16-2026--71360966
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71360966/space_report_20260416.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/episodes/orbits-and-oceans-of-stars-april-16-2026
Duration seconds: 113

## Resource

NASA prepares for a major milestone in the Artemis program as the Space Launch System core stage moves for assembly. The episode also tracks upcoming asteroid flybys and solar activity affecting the northern lights.

## Highlights
- Main idea: NASA is rolling the largest section of the SLS rocket for the upcoming Artemis II mission
- Practical takeaway: Look to the western horizon tonight to spot a brilliant Venus and a fleeting Mercury
- Main idea: Asteroid 2026 GM1 will pass near Earth at three times the moon's distance with no impact risk
- Main idea: Increased solar sunspot activity may trigger moderate aurora displays in far northern latitudes
- Practical takeaway: A China Long March 2D launch is scheduled from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center

## Topics

NASA, Artemis Program, Space Launch System, Asteroids, Astronomy, Solar Activity, Space Weather, Rocket Launches

## Chapters
- 0:30 — Artemis SLS Assembly Update: Details on the movement of the Space Launch System core stage at the Michoud Assembly Facility.
- 0:40 — Asteroid 2026 GM1 Flyby: Information on the upcoming close approach of a small building-sized asteroid.
- 1:00 — Night Sky Stargazing Guide: Where to find Venus and Mercury in the evening sky.
- 1:10 — Global Launch Watch: Upcoming Long March 2D launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- 1:30 — Solar Activity and Aurora Forecast: Updates on sunspots, potential solar flares, and aurora borealis visibility.

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## Transcript

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