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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts
  • 4.7 (219)
  • ASTRONOMY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community! Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

  1. Cosmic Questions: Dark Energy, Stellar Birth & the Nature of Black Holes

    1D AGO

    Cosmic Questions: Dark Energy, Stellar Birth & the Nature of Black Holes

    Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When it's time to do something about your online privacy, use the one we trust - NordVPN. To get our special deal visit nordvpn.com/spacenuts Dark Matter Theories, Solar Origins, and Black Hole Temperatures In this milestone 600th episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson celebrate with a captivating Q&A session, tackling a variety of thought-provoking questions from listeners around the globe. Prepare to dive deep into the mysteries of the universe as they explore intriguing theories and concepts that challenge our understanding of cosmology. Episode Highlights: - Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Daryl from South Australia presents a unique theory suggesting a connection between dark matter and dark energy, likening them to opposites with gravitational effects. Andrew and Fred dissect this idea and discuss the fundamental differences between these two cosmic phenomena. - Where Was the Sun Born? Slaty Bartfast from Norway asks if we could see the Sun's birth by pointing a telescope at its historical coordinates. The hosts explain why this wouldn’t yield any observable results and discuss the concept of solar siblings born in the same gas cloud. - Black Hole Temperatures: Bjorn from Gothenburg seeks clarification on the temperature of black holes and the material that spirals into them. Andrew and Fred clarify how the extreme heat of accreting material contrasts with the near-absolute zero temperature of the black hole itself. - The Expansion of Space: Peter from Falun poses a complex question about the nature of space and time in an expanding universe. The hosts unravel the intricacies of how our measurements of distance and time are affected by the universe's expansion. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    33 min
  2. Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io & Following the Coal to Find Extraterrestrial Life

    4D AGO

    Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io & Following the Coal to Find Extraterrestrial Life

    Sponsor Link: www.incogni.com/spacenuts  Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io, and the Quest for Intelligent Life In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a series of captivating cosmic stories that will spark your imagination. From the groundbreaking creation of cosmic dust in a lab to the simultaneous volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's moon Io, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights. Episode Highlights: - Cosmic Dust in a Jar: A Sydney PhD student has synthesized cosmic dust in a laboratory setting. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of this breakthrough for our understanding of how complex organic molecules form in space, and whether this could reduce the need for future space missions to gather samples from asteroids. - Simultaneous Volcanic Eruptions on Io: The hosts explore the extraordinary event of five volcanoes erupting at once on Io, revealing insights into the moon’s geological activity. They discuss the gravitational forces at play and how this discovery challenges previous theories about Io's solid interior. - Follow the Coal to Find Intelligent Life: A new theory suggests that the presence of coal may be a key factor in the development of intelligent civilizations. Andrew and Fred unpack the idea that access to natural resources could influence technological advancement, raising questions about the rarity of intelligent life in the universe. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    32 min
  3. Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io & the Search for Intelligent Life | SN599-600

    6D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Cosmic Dust in a Jar, Volcanic Eruptions on Io & the Search for Intelligent Life | SN599-600

    In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore fascinating cosmic discoveries, including a Sydney PhD student's creation of cosmic dust in a jar, simultaneous volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's moon Io, and a new theory linking coal to the search for extraterrestrial life. The conversation delves into the implications of these findings for our understanding of life in the universe and the conditions necessary for intelligent civilizations to develop. In this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson celebrate their 600th episode by diving into a variety of cosmic topics. They explore the differences between dark matter and dark energy, discuss the hypothetical scenario of observing the birth of the sun, and clarify misconceptions about black holes and their temperatures. The conversation also touches on the implications of the universe's expansion on measurements of distance and time, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these complex astronomical concepts. Takeaways A Sydney PhD student has synthesized cosmic dust in a lab. The creation of cosmic dust could change our understanding of space chemistry. Simultaneous volcanic eruptions on Io suggest interconnected magma chambers. Io's volcanic activity is influenced by Jupiter's gravitational pull. The study of cosmic dust can help us understand the origins of life. Coal played a crucial role in the development of human technology. The search for extraterrestrial life may hinge on finding coal deposits. Intelligent civilizations may be rare due to specific environmental conditions. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the interior of Io. Life can create ecosystems in isolated environments, as shown by a mud jar experiment. Dark matter and dark energy have fundamentally different effects on the universe. The accelerated expansion of the universe is a property of space itself. The sun's position 4.6 billion years ago cannot be observed directly. Black holes have high temperatures at their event horizons due to accretion disks. The expansion of the universe stretches the length of a meter over time.

    1h 1m
  4. Theia's Fate, Galaxy Mergers & the Mysteries of Mars' Atmosphere | Q&A

    FEB 9

    Theia's Fate, Galaxy Mergers & the Mysteries of Mars' Atmosphere | Q&A

    Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts brought to you by Incogni.Reduce the volume of spam calls and emails. They can't spam you if the can't find you. To find out more and to take up our 60% off offer, visit incogni.com/spacenuts and use the cou[on code SPACENUTS at checkout.   Theia's Fate, Galactic Mergers, and the Mysteries of Hydrogen In this captivating Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners, diving deep into cosmic mysteries and scientific theories. From the fate of the former planet Theia to the dynamics of galaxy mergers and the origins of hydrogen, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your understanding of the universe. Episode Highlights: - The Fate of Theia: Rusty from Donnybrook poses a thought-provoking question about Theia, the planet that collided with Earth. Andrew and Fred discuss the most accepted theories regarding Theia's remnants and how they may have been absorbed into Earth's mantle, leaving behind intriguing geological evidence. - Galaxy Mergers Explained: New listener Melina asks about the merging of spiral galaxies in an expanding universe. The hosts explain how gravity can overcome the universe's expansion on galactic scales, leading to fascinating interactions and eventual mergers between galaxies. - Olympus Mons and Mars' Atmosphere: Kevin wonders if the colossal eruptions of Olympus Mons could have contributed to Mars' atmospheric loss. Andrew and Fred explore the volcanic activity on Mars and clarify that while Olympus Mons is impressive, the planet's lack of a magnetic field is a more significant factor in its atmospheric decline. - Hydrogen's Cosmic Origins: Five-year-old Yuki asks why hydrogen is the only element not formed in stars. The hosts explain that hydrogen was created shortly after the Big Bang, making it the most abundant element in the universe, while other elements formed later through stellar processes. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    30 min
  5. One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms & the Search for Martian Shorelines

    FEB 6

    One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms & the Search for Martian Shorelines

    One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms, and Martian Shorelines In this action-packed episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a variety of cosmic topics that will leave you both informed and entertained. From the ambitious plan to launch a million satellites to the intriguing discovery of Martian shorelines, this episode covers the latest in space exploration and technology. Episode Highlights: - One Million Satellites: Andrew and Fred dive into the shocking news of SpaceX's application to launch up to one million satellites. They discuss the implications of this vast constellation on astronomical observations and the potential challenges it poses for the night sky. - Good News from Chile: The hosts celebrate the cancellation of a large energy project in Chile that threatened to introduce light pollution near some of the world's most significant telescopes. They commend the decision to prioritize astronomical integrity over industrial development. - Artemis II Launch Delay: Following the latest updates on NASA's Artemis II mission, Andrew and Fred discuss a hydrogen leak that has postponed the launch. They reflect on the importance of safety in space exploration and the challenges faced by the Artemis program. - Space Mushrooms: In a delightful twist, the hosts share a fascinating story about astronauts who grew mushrooms in space and enjoyed them upon their return. They highlight the significance of this experiment for future long-duration space missions and food sustainability. - Perseverance Goes AI: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the Perseverance rover's recent milestone of executing its first autonomous drive on Mars, planned entirely by artificial intelligence. Andrew and Fred explore what this means for future Mars exploration and the potential benefits of AI in space missions. - Martian Shorelines: Finally, the hosts reveal exciting new evidence of ancient shorelines on Mars, suggesting that large bodies of water once existed on the planet. This discovery expands the timeline for potential life on Mars and adds to the growing body of evidence supporting a more Earth-like past for our neighboring planet. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    34 min
  6. One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms & the Secrets of Martian Shorelines | SN597 & 598

    FEB 5 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms & the Secrets of Martian Shorelines | SN597 & 598

    One Million Satellites, Space Mushrooms, and the Martian Shoreline In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a myriad of captivating topics that span our universe. From the ambitious plans for one million satellites to the delightful discovery of space-grown mushrooms, this episode promises to intrigue and inform. Episode Highlights: - One Million Satellites: Andrew and Fred discuss the recent application by SpaceX to launch a staggering one million satellites into orbit. They delve into the implications of such a massive project for astronomy and the potential challenges it poses to our night sky. - Good News from Chile: The hosts share the positive development regarding a proposed energy project in Chile that was set to disrupt some of the world's most important telescopes. The project's cancellation is a win for astronomers and the preservation of dark skies. - Artemis 2 Delays: The episode covers the latest on the Artemis 2 mission, including a hydrogen leak that has pushed back the launch timeline. Andrew and Fred reflect on the importance of safety in space exploration and the challenges faced by engineers. - Space Mushrooms: In a fascinating segment, the hosts discuss a project that successfully grew mushrooms in space, exploring the implications for future long-duration missions and the nutritional needs of astronauts. - AI in Mars Exploration: The conversation shifts to the Perseverance rover, which has begun using AI to navigate the Martian terrain, marking a significant milestone in autonomous exploration. - Definitive Evidence of a Martian Shoreline: The episode concludes with thrilling news about the discovery of definitive evidence of a shoreline on Mars, suggesting that the planet once had conditions suitable for life. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

    1h 2m
  7. Solar Secrets, Cosmic Siblings & the Quest for Breathable Exoplanets

    FEB 2

    Solar Secrets, Cosmic Siblings & the Quest for Breathable Exoplanets

    Solar Curiosities, Stellar Siblings, and the Quest for Sun Missions In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a plethora of solar-themed questions submitted by their curious audience. From the intriguing arc of the sun across the sky to the search for the sun's long-lost siblings, this episode is packed with cosmic insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of our solar system. Episode Highlights: - The Sun's Arc: Andrew kicks off the episode with a question about the sun's arc as observed from the French Alps. Fred explains the celestial mechanics behind this phenomenon, illustrating how our perspective from Earth creates the illusion of an arc due to the spherical nature of the celestial sphere. - Searching for Solar Siblings: Ernie's inquiry about the sun's siblings leads to a fascinating discussion on galactic archaeology. The hosts explore ongoing research aimed at identifying stars with similar chemical compositions to the sun, potentially revealing our sun's stellar family tree. - Close Encounters with the Sun: Mark's question about missions to the sun sparks an exploration of the Parker Solar Probe, which has been gathering invaluable data by flying close to the sun. Andrew and Fred discuss the probe's findings and the various other missions dedicated to studying our star. - Exoplanetary Possibilities: Martin shares his sci-fi aspirations and questions the potential for breathable atmospheres on exoplanets. The hosts reflect on recent discoveries of Earth-sized exoplanets and the challenges of confirming their atmospheres, while also encouraging Martin's creative writing endeavors. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    32 min
  8. Challenger's Legacy, Cosmic Moons & the Mystery of Rapid Black Hole Growth

    JAN 31

    Challenger's Legacy, Cosmic Moons & the Mystery of Rapid Black Hole Growth

    Challenger Remembrance, Australian of the Year, and the Mystery of Massive Moons In this poignant episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger space shuttle disaster, sharing their memories and insights about this tragic event. They also celebrate the announcement of the Australian of the Year and delve into intriguing discussions about the definition of moons and the rapid growth of black holes. Episode Highlights: - Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster: Andrew and Fred discuss the Challenger disaster of 1986, revisiting the events leading to the tragic explosion and the lessons learned from this pivotal moment in space history. They reflect on the human cost and the impact it had on the space program. - Australian of the Year: The hosts celebrate the recognition of Catherine Bennell Pegg, an Australian astronaut and Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, as the Australian of the Year. They discuss her contributions to space science and her role in inspiring future generations. - Defining a Moon: Andrew and Fred explore a recent study that challenges our understanding of what constitutes a moon. They discuss the discovery of a massive potential moon orbiting a gas giant and the implications for our definitions in astronomy. - The Rapid Growth of Black Holes: The episode concludes with a fascinating examination of how black holes can grow rapidly in chaotic conditions, as discussed in recent research. The hosts analyze the findings and what they mean for our understanding of the universe. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, Instagram, and more. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    36 min
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Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community! Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

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