Space Nuts Space Nuts

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson for another enlightening episode of Space Nuts Q&A. This week, we tackle a variety of listener questions that delve into the fascinating intricacies of space science and astronomy.
First, we revisit a question from Alan about the detectability of light at one candle power of an LED in space. Fred breaks down the calculations and assumptions, providing insights into how far such a light source would be visible, even with the Hubble Telescope.
Next, Nate from Queensland asks about bolometric luminosity and its implications for predicting changes in stars, such as supernovae. Fred explains the concept of bolometric measurements, the use of bolometers, and whether there's a standard way to predict changes in a star's luminosity.
David from Melbourne brings up Hawking radiation and its potential connection to dark matter and dark energy. Fred clarifies the nature of Hawking radiation and discusses recent research linking black holes to dark energy, albeit without involving Hawking radiation.
Martin from Maryland poses a question about the hazards of near-light-speed travel for spacecraft and their biospheres. Fred explores the potential dangers, including nuclear interactions and radiation, that could arise from such high-speed travel.
Finally, Ryan from Delaware inquires about the feasibility of refuelling or repairing the James Webb Space Telescope. Fred explains the challenges due to its location at the L2 point and the economic considerations that make such missions unlikely.
Tune in to this episode of Space Nuts for these intriguing discussions and more. Your questions drive the conversation, so keep them coming!
00:00:00 Professor Fred Watson answers questions on this episode of Space Nuts
00:01:54 How far away could you see one candle power led with the Hubble telescope
00:06:00 Nate from Queensland asks some questions about volumetric luminosity
00:07:20 Bolometric brightness is the brightness of something measured over its whole spectrum
00:13:50 Is hawking radiation anything to do with dark matter or dark energy
00:15:54 What are the major hazards to spacecraft as they approach relativistic speeds
00:21:10 Ryan from Delaware has a question about the James Webb space telescope
00:27:58 Andrew: Thanks to everybody who contributed this week to Space Nuts q and a
00:29:15 This podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify and iHeartRadio
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
Visit our website: www.spacenuts.io
Check out our sponsor: [Nordpass](https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass)

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore some of the most intriguing phenomena in space science.First up, zebrafish are making waves in orbit! These tiny aquanauts are part of a Chinese space mission on the Tiangong space station. Discover why zebrafish are ideal candidates for space research and what their genetic similarities to humans could reveal about the effects of zero gravity on biological organisms.Next, delve into the mystery of the cold spot in space, a peculiar anomaly within the cosmic microwave background radiation. Fred explains the significance of this cold spot, its potential causes, and why it challenges our understanding of the universe's isotropy. Could a giant cosmic void be the culprit, or is there another explanation lurking in the cosmos?Additionally, the duo discusses the exciting progress of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, featuring the world's largest digital camera, which promises to revolutionise our view of the night sky. Learn about its remarkable capabilities and the potential discoveries it could unveil, including the elusive Planet Nine.
00:00:00 This is space nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
00:01:54 The camera for the Vera C. Rubin telescope telescope has been delivered
00:07:19 Zebrafish on Chinese space station for research into effects of space on fish
00:12:46 Andrew Dunkley: Scientists trying to make aquariums in space self-sustainable
00:15:22 Fred says there's a cold spot in space caused by cosmic microwave background radiation
00:24:00 Cold spots in the cosmic microwave background radiation are not unusual
00:29:27 There's so much going on in the world of space
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
Visit our website: www.spacenuts.io
Check out our sponsor: www.bitesz.com/nordpass

Space Nuts Episode: Zebrafish in Space & Cosmic MysteriesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the wonders of the universe in this episode of Space Nuts. From the world's smallest astronauts to the mysteries of the cosmic microwave background, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity and expand your cosmic knowledge.
Episode Highlights:- Zebrafish in Space: Discover why zebrafish are orbiting in the Chinese space station Tiangong and what their genetic similarity to humans could reveal about long-term space travel.
- The Cold Spot Mystery: Dive into the enigma of the cold spot in the cosmic microwave background radiation. Why is it there, and what could it mean for our understanding of the universe?
- Vera C. Rubin Telescope: Learn about the delivery of the 3200-megapixel camera to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and its potential to revolutionise our understanding of the cosmos.
00:00:00" This is space nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
00:00:56" Professor Fred Watson says the weather is starting to chill down in Britain
00:01:54" The 3200 megapixel camera for the Vera C. Rubin telescope has been delivered
00:07:21" Zebrafish are on a chinese mission exploring effects of space on fish
00:12:46" Scientists trying to make aquariums in space self-sustainable
00:15:20" Fred says there's a cold spot in space caused by cosmic microwave background radiation
00:24:05" Cold spots in the cosmic microwave background radiation are not unusual
00:28:46" Professor Fred Watson with Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts Q and A
00:30:31" Alan asked how far away could Hubble telescope detect one candle power led
00:34:37" This week's audio question comes from Nate from Queensland
00:35:57" Bolometric brightness is the brightness of something measured over its whole spectrum
00:42:27" Is hawking radiation anything to do with dark matter or dark energy
00:44:27" What are the major hazards to spacecraft as it approaches near light speed
00:49:45" Ryan from Delaware has a question about the James Webb space telescope
00:53:19" When James Webb runs out of fuel, what will happen to itFrom the genetic experiments with zebrafish to the puzzling cold spot in the cosmic microwave background, this episode of Space Nuts is packed with fascinating topics that will leave you in awe. Tune in and let your curiosity soar to the farthest reaches of space.
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.
Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson for another riveting Q&A edition of Space Nuts. This episode dives into some fascinating listener questions that challenge our understanding of space and science.First up, Mikey from Illinois poses a thought-provoking question: Can we drink water from the moon or Mars? Andrew and Fred explore the potential risks and benefits of consuming extraterrestrial water, including the presence of unknown substances and the impact of heavy water isotopes.Next, Sean from Nottingham inquires about the Nemesis theory, asking whether there could be a small sun or neutron star in our solar system, possibly linked to the elusive Planet Nine. Fred delves into the history and current standing of this hypothesis, examining its implications for mass extinctions and the structure of our solar system.Finally, Rusty from Donnybrook raises a question about the Hubble constant and whether the interstellar medium might be affecting the measurements of standard candles, leading to discrepancies in the universe's expansion rate. Fred explains the intricacies of this cosmic conundrum and why astronomers have considered and largely ruled out this possibility.

From the safety of lunar water to the mysteries of distant stars and the expanding universe, this episode of Space Nuts promises to ignite your curiosity and expand your cosmic knowledge. Tune in and join the conversation!

00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley answers audience questions on Space Nuts Q and a edition
00:01:29 When we get to moon and Mars, should we drink contaminated water
00:09:32 Fred asks whether small sun in solar system could be planet nine
00:16:32 Recent scientific analysis no longer supports the nemesis hypothesis, NASA says
00:19:13 Is it possible that the interstellar medium is causing standard candles to lose intensity
00:26:51 Fred Watson: Andrew, thanks for hosting the Space Nuts podcast
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
www.spacenuts.io  
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Sponsor:  
www.bitesz.com/nordpass

Embark on a celestial journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, where they explore a variety of space phenomena that are as intriguing as they are mysterious. Firstly, they discuss Blue Origin's return to the stars with NS-25, a mission that marked a triumphant comeback after technical setbacks. The flight not only signifies Blue Origin's resilience but also the inspirational story of Ed Dwight, the first African-American astronaut candidate, who at 90 years old, set a record as the oldest person to reach space.Next, the conversation lightens with the discovery of a planet with the consistency of fairy floss, also known as cotton candy or candy floss. WASP-193b, a gas giant that defies the norms of density and composition, leaves astronomers scratching their heads. How does a planet become so 'fluffy'? What could it possibly be made of? These are the questions that Andrew and Fred ponder as they delve into the mysteries of planet formation.Lastly, the duo discusses the gravitational wave background in the universe, likening it to the cosmic microwave background radiation. They explore how pulsar timing arrays are providing new insights into the 'hiss' of gravitational waves created by countless cosmic events, offering a deeper understanding of the universe's dynamic fabric.From record-breaking astronauts to cotton candy planets and the cosmic symphony of gravitational waves, this episode of Space Nuts is packed with astronomical wonders that will leave you in awe. Tune in and let your curiosity soar to the farthest reaches of space.00:00:00 This is Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
00:01:12 Professor Fred Watson discusses eating fairy floss with a moustache
00:02:10 Bright flash in the sky over Europe turned out to be comet
00:05:55 Ed Dwight was the first astronaut of colour to be selected by NASA
00:10:10 This is a newly discovered planet, or newly identified planet
00:17:14 Planet in orbit around red dwarf star 1200 light years away
00:21:06 Fred: Some work is being done on background gravitational waves
00:28:17 Fred Watson: People are fascinated by gravitational waves because of mystery 
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
www.spacenuts.io
www.bitesz.com
https://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/support/
Sponsor:
www.bitesz.com/nordpass

Embark on a celestial journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, as they delve into the latest space headlines and answer some of the universe's most intriguing questions. First, they discuss the triumphant return of Blue Origin to the skies and the remarkable story of 90-year-old Ed Dwight, who was once selected by President John F. Kennedy as an astronaut candidate and has now finally touched the stars. This historic flight not only marked Blue Origin's comeback but also set a new record for the oldest person to travel to space.Next, the duo examines a peculiar gas giant with the density of fairy floss (or cotton candy, depending on where you hail from). This enigmatic planet, known as WASP-193b, challenges our understanding of planetary formation with its inexplicably low density and prompts a cosmic conundrum: how did it come to be?The conversation then shifts to the gravitational wave background in the universe, a concept likened to the cosmic microwave background radiation but for gravitational waves. Andrew and Fred explore the possibility of a universal hum of gravitational waves, born from the myriad cosmic events that shape our universe.Finally, they tackle audience questions, delving into the drinkability of lunar water, the validity of the Nemesis theory, and the perplexing variations in the Hubble constant. From the latest in space travel to the fluffy mysteries of distant planets and the whispers of gravitational waves, this episode of Space Nuts is a treasure trove of astronomical intrigue. Tune in and let your imagination take flight as we continue to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.
00:00:00 This is Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
00:01:12 Professor Fred Watson discusses eating fairy floss with a moustache
00:02:10 Flash in the sky over Europe may have been a piece of comet
00:05:01 Blue Origin returns to space with record-breaking NS 25 mission
00:05:55 Ed Dwight was selected in 1961 as an astronaut and astronaut candidate
00:10:12 Newly discovered planet is described as cotton candy with low density
00:17:30 Andrew Dunkley says planet is 1200 light years away from Earth
00:20:59 Some work is being done on background gravitational waves in the universe
00:28:05 Professor Fred Watson says people are fascinated by gravitational waves
00:29:52 We'll answer some audience questions on this edition of Space Nuts
00:30:35 Fred Watson, astronomer at large, joins Andrew on Talk Science
00:31:00 When we get to moon and Mars, should we drink contaminated water
00:38:46 If heavy water reaches 20% of total body water, it could be lethal
00:39:10 Fred asks whether small sun in solar system could be planet nine
00:46:07 Recent scientific analysis no longer supports the nemesis hypothesis, says Shawn Thorn
00:48:36 Is it possible that the interstellar medium is causing standard candles to lose intensity
00:56:14 Andrew Dunkley welcomes Fred Watson to the Space Nuts podcast
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to answer the universe's most perplexing questions.
Clear skies and boundless curiosity await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
www.spacenuts.io
www.bitesz.com
https://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/support/
www.bitesz.com/nordpass