Space Nuts Space Nuts

Prepare to illuminate the mysteries of cosmic luminescence with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Our stellar duo navigates the void to answer Lee from New York's luminary question: How much light is there in space? Could we see Voyager 1 in its distant travels, or would it merely be a shadow against the cosmic tapestry? Fred sheds light on the subject, revealing the surprising capabilities of the human eye in the darkest reaches.
Next, Fenton from Minnesota proposes an ingenious method for shielding astronauts from the relentless radiation beyond the Van Allen Belts. Could a miniaturized version of these protective fields be the key to safe space exploration? Fred unpacks the complexities of cosmic radiation and the futuristic technologies that might one day safeguard our interstellar voyagers.
Robert from Vienna ponders a parallel universe where our moon is not the cratered time capsule we know, but an icy or hazy sphere like Europa or Titan. Would our understanding of the solar system's history be drastically different? And would astronauts have dared to tread on such enigmatic surfaces? The answers might just surprise you.
Finally, Duncan from Weymouth queries the nomenclature of the outer planets, challenging the distinction between 'ice giants' and 'rock giants.' Fred clarifies the frosty moniker, explaining why Uranus and Neptune's chilly atmospheres earn them this cool classification.
From the potency of starlight to the protective puzzles of space travel, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic cornucopia of knowledge. Remember to share your own astronomical inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and join us as we continue to unravel the universe's most perplexing enigmas. Until we next embark on our celestial sojourn, keep pondering the heavens and stay tuned for more galactic revelations.
Support our journey through the cosmos by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your support helps us keep the starlight shining on these interstellar discussions. Until the next transmission, keep your telescopes trained and your curiosity alight.

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Embark on an astronomical adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the latest episode of Space Nuts, where they celebrate a historic moment for Australia with the announcement of the nation's first female astronaut, Catherine Bennell Pegg. Discover her remarkable journey to the stars and the aspirations she harbors for future Australian spacefarers.
Then, take a volcanic voyage to Jupiter's moon Io with Juno's latest flybys, revealing a lava lake in Loki Patera so vast and smooth it mirrors the gas giant itself. Marvel at the newly dubbed Steeple Mountain, a geological spire that evokes Earth's own gothic cathedrals, and ponder the mysterious forces sculpting Io's tumultuous terrain.
The episode continues to probe the secrets of the Solar System as Juno also sheds light on Jupiter's elusive water content, challenging previous theories about the giant planet's formation. And finally, the duo turns their gaze to Mars, where a new theory suggests that humans may inadvertently be unearthing the Red Planet's methane mysteries with the tread of rovers.
From celebrating trailblazing astronauts to unraveling the enigmas of alien worlds, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic journey not to be missed. Tune in for these interstellar stories, and remember to bring your curiosity as we explore the wonders of our universe.
Support the podcast and unlock a universe of knowledge by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Don't forget to subscribe for more deep space discoveries and celestial insights with Space Nuts, where the cosmos is just a play button away. Until our next cosmic rendezvous, keep your eyes to the skies and your questions at the ready.

And for your daily space news fix, check out the team at our sister podcast 'Astronomy Daily the Podcast. Available wherever you get podcasts or stream from the website at www.astronomydaily.io

Embark on an interstellar journey with host Andrew Dunkley and the sagacious Professor Fred Watson on this enlightening episode of Space Nuts. This week, we celebrate a monumental achievement in Australia's space exploration history with the announcement of the nation's first female astronaut, Catherine Bennell Pegg. Discover her journey to the stars and the rigorous process that led to this historic moment.

The duo then sets their sights closer to home, delving into the volcanic wonders of Jupiter's moon, Io. Revel in the descriptions of a lava lake so vast it rivals earthly seas and a mountain so sharply defined it could be mistaken for an earthly cathedral spire. Juno's flybys have brought us face-to-face with these alien landscapes, challenging our understanding of geological processes beyond Earth.

Next, we navigate the swirling mysteries of Jupiter itself, exploring the enigmatic water content—or surprising lack thereof—in the gas giant's atmosphere. What does this mean for our understanding of Jupiter's formation and the early solar system? Andrew and Fred unpack the cosmic implications.

Finally, the episode takes a speculative turn to Mars, where a curious new theory suggests that human activity might be influencing the detection of methane on the Red Planet. Could our rovers be unearthing secrets from beneath the Martian crust? The discussion probes the depths of this intriguing possibility.

From the triumph of human ambition to the perplexing puzzles of our cosmic neighborhood, this episode of Space Nuts is a testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for these astronomical adventures and ponder the mysteries that await us in the vast expanse of space.

Remember to submit your own cosmic conundrums via the Space Nuts website, and join us next time as we continue our voyage through the wonders of the universe. Until then, let curiosity be your guide, and keep your eyes to the skies!

PS: Don't forget to check out the team at 'Astronomy Daily the Podcast' for your daily Space News fix. Available right here on Apple Podcasts or stream from www.astronomydaily.io

Journey through the cosmic conundrums and celestial curiosities in this riveting Q&A edition of Space Nuts. Join host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-enlightening Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a smorgasbord of listener questions that will leave you contemplating the vastness of the universe.
First on the docket, Jose from California stirs the space-time pot with a heady question about the nature of black holes and their role in birthing universes. Could the Big Bang have been a supernova from another realm? Is our universe expanding within the event horizon of a colossal black hole? Fred weighs in on these tantalizing theories, sharing insights that may just expand your mind faster than the universe itself.
Next, Alan probes the cosmic forge, wondering how the chaos of supernovae could lead to the concentrated caches of gold and other heavy metals we find on Earth. Fred demystifies the process, explaining how gravity and planet formation turn stellar detritus into the precious lodes we treasure.
Then, Justin from Brisbane ponders the uniqueness of Earth amidst the ever-growing catalog of exoplanets. As we discover more worlds, each more bizarre than the last, could it be that our pale blue dot is truly one of a kind? The discussion delves into the Fermi Paradox and the rarity of life's complex leap from single cells to sentient beings.
Lastly, James presents a duo of hypotheticals that challenge the limits of science fiction and science fact. Can we reverse gravity by reversing time? And could we engineer a magnetosphere on an asteroid like Psyche? Fred's responses to these queries are sure to electrify your imagination.
From the theoretical to the astronomical, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic buffet of brain food. Remember to send your own stargazing stumpers and interstellar inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and keep your ears tuned for more galactic greatness. Until next time, let the universe inspire wonder, and keep looking up!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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Prepare for liftoff with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this thrilling installment of Space Nuts, as they recount Fred's astronomical escapades across the US, complete with eclipses, rocket launches, and the unexpected excitement of space junk crashing through a Floridian roof. Fred's journey is a celestial enthusiast's dream, featuring a spectacular total solar eclipse in Texas, a snowy adventure in Canada, and a close encounter with the northern lights.
But the cosmic wonders don't stop there. The duo dives into the discovery of the most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy, a behemoth 33 times the mass of our sun, a mere 2,000 light-years away. This revelation challenges our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of black holes, leaving astronomers pondering the mysteries of our cosmic backyard.
From the awe-inspiring vastness of black holes to the personal tales of stargazing and aurora hunting, this episode offers a universe of discovery. Don't miss out on the latest astronomical insights and Fred's interstellar journey that's sure to leave you starstruck.
Remember to subscribe and follow Space Nuts for more deep space tales and intergalactic insights. Until next time, keep your eyes on the cosmos and your mind open to the endless possibilities of the universe.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. or Patreon, Supercast or Apple Podcasts. Details on our website - Supporters Page.
 Episode Chapters
(00:00) Professor Fred Watson returns from trip to North America fully jet lagged
(02:40) Fred Watson uses his iPhone to take photographs of aurora in Canada
(06:32) Fred Watson went to Houston for the total solar eclipse in 1970
(11:27) Andrew Gannadar watched SpaceX Falcon nine rocket launch from Orlando hotel
(15:34) A gentleman in Florida had something come through his roof
(17:51) Talking about the ISS brings back memories of our 1960s trip to Kennedy
(18:33) Life size replica of Hubble space telescope at Kennedy Space Centre
(22:52) Most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy
(24:27) Scientists detect massive black hole in sky using Gaia mission
(30:29) Andrew Dunkley welcomes Fred Watson back to the Space Nuts podcast

Prepare to journey through the cosmos with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore a plethora of astronomical wonders in this thrilling episode of Space Nuts. First on the docket is Fred's captivating recount of his US adventure, where he witnessed eclipses, marveled at rocket launches, and even encountered space nuts fans under the aurora-lit skies of Whitehorse. But not all space encounters are awe-inspiring; the duo also discusses the rare and unnerving event of space junk crashing through a Floridian's roof.

The episode's highlight is a deep dive into the discovery of the most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy, a mind-boggling 33 times the mass of our Sun. This cosmic behemoth, found lurking a mere 2,000 light-years away, challenges our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of black holes.

Join Andrew and Fred as they traverse these astronomical landscapes, unpacking the complexities and marveling at the wonders of the universe. From the breathtaking experiences of witnessing a total eclipse to the potential dangers of space debris, this episode is a testament to the ever-evolving story of our cosmos.
Episode Chapters

(00:00) Professor Fred Watson returns from trip to North America fully jet lagged
(02:40) Fred Watson uses his iPhone to take photographs of aurora in Canada
(06:33) Fred Watson went to Houston for the total solar eclipse in 1970
(11:27) Andrew says SpaceX Falcon nine rocket launched from Florida on Tuesday
(15:34) A gentleman in Naples, Florida had something come through his roof
(17:52) Talking about the Kennedy space flight centre has just reminded me of one of highlights
(18:33) Life size replica of Hubble space telescope at Kennedy Space Centre
(22:50) Most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy
(24:25) Scientists detect massive black hole in Milky Way using NASA's Gaia mission
(30:27) This is space nuts. Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson
(31:14) Hello, Fred. How you been since I saw you last 5 seconds time ago
(32:06) Jose from California thinks black holes could explain many mysteries of the universe
(39:34) Black holes could be the source of dark energy, Jose says
(42:31) Question from Alan asks whether supernovae are always or at all creators of gold
(45:53) Fred: Is it becoming more likely that Earth is totally unique in universe
(50:59) Fred: I've got a couple of hypotheticals for James
(54:30) Thank you to everyone who's sending questions. Don't forget to keep them coming