NASA's Lunar Reactor Race, Earth's Crater Mystery

NASA's Lunar Nuclear Reactor Plans: Explore NASA's ambitious initiative to establish a nuclear reactor on the Moon, aimed at powering future lunar outposts. Interim chief Sean Duffy is pushing for a 100-kilowatt fission system to be launched by 2030, a critical step for the Artemis program. We discuss the strategic implications of this project amid growing competition from China.

- Earth's Oldest Impact Crater Reassessed: Discover the surprising new findings regarding the Moralaga impact structure in Australia, once thought to be Earth's oldest impact crater. Recent research suggests it formed after 2.7 billion years ago, significantly younger and smaller than previously estimated, altering our understanding of early Earth.

- Breakthrough in Exoplanet Discovery: Delve into the exciting detection of Kepler 725C, a potentially habitable super Earth, utilizing a new method called transit timing variation (TTV). This discovery marks a significant advancement in the search for Earth-like conditions beyond our planet.

- Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope's Sunshield Installation: Learn about the recent installation of crucial sunshields on the Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope, which will allow it to explore the infrared universe. This milestone is vital for the telescope's mission to investigate distant galaxies and cosmic mysteries.

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Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna and Avery signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.

✍️ Episode References

NASA Lunar Reactor Overview
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)

Moralaga Impact Structure Research
[Science Advances](https://www.science.org/)

Kepler 725C Discovery Details
[Nature Astronomy](https://www.nature.com/natureastronomy/)
Nancy Chris Roman Space Telescope Updates
[NASA Goddard](https://www.nasa.gov/goddard)

Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)

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