# The Universe in a Few Minutes — April 18, 2026

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/the-universe-in-a-few-minutes-april-18-2026
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/the-universe-in-a-few-minutes-april-18-2026.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: 2026-04-18T07:01:39+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-universe-in-a-few-minutes-april-18-2026--71432470
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71432470/space_report_20260418.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/space-news-and-weather-today-auroras-rocket-launches-night-sky-viewing-6693379/episodes/the-universe-in-a-few-minutes-april-18-2026
Duration seconds: 125

## Resource

NASA prepares for the next Artemis mission by rolling out the SLS core stage in New Orleans. The episode also covers upcoming SpaceX Starlink launches and opportunities for night sky observation.

## Highlights
- Main idea: NASA is moving the top four-fifths of the SLS core stage to prepare for the second crewed Artemis mission
- Practical takeaway: Look west after sunset to observe a thin crescent moon, Venus, and potentially Mercury
- Main idea: SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Starlink mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base with a booster landing attempt
- Main idea: The asteroid 2026 GM1 will pass Earth at approximately three times the distance of the Moon
- Observation tip: The early setting of the crescent moon will provide dark skies for deeper night viewing

## Topics

NASA, Artemis Mission, SpaceX, Falcon 9, Starlink, Astronomy, Asteroids, International Space Station

## Chapters
- 0:40 — Artemis SLS Progress: NASA rolls out the massive SLS core stage section containing the liquid hydrogen tank in New Orleans.
- 1:10 — Life on the ISS: An overview of the current crew orbiting Earth and the mechanics of liquid tides.
- 1:30 — SpaceX Starlink Launch: Details on the upcoming Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg and the planned booster recovery.
- 1:50 — Asteroid Flyby & Stargazing: Tracking asteroid 2026 GM1 and finding the Moon, Venus, and Mercury in the night sky.

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## Transcript

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