#419-420 Premium: Blue Origin's Bounce Back & Fluffy Planets: The Space Menu Expands

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