434 episodes

Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.

Space Nuts Space Nuts

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Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    #414: Stellar Collisions & Invisible Invitations: Unveiling the Universe's Secrets

    #414: Stellar Collisions & Invisible Invitations: Unveiling the Universe's Secrets

    Prepare for an interstellar Q&A session with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts. We're answering cosmic queries from the Space Nuts audience, starting with James's fascination with the elusive Planet Nine. Could this potential new member of our solar system already have a name waiting in the wings, or will its discoverer have the honor of christening it?Next, Lloyd from Cairns wonders about celestial smash-ups, but not the kind involving black holes or neutron stars. What happens when ordinary stars collide? Do they dance a destructive tango, or can they merge into something grander? The duo delves into the fiery fates of these stellar encounters.Rennie probes the electromagnetic forces at play in the universe, from the behavior of light to the magnetic fields of galaxies. What role does electromagnetism play on other planets, and what happens to worlds lacking this fundamental force? Fred illuminates the subject with his astrophysical expertise.Finally, Ron poses a thought-provoking question: If alien scientists were observing Earth, could they detect signs of life from afar? And conversely, could we spot the telltale signs of extraterrestrial existence on a distant exoplanet? The answers might just redefine our search for cosmic companions.From naming planets to star collisions, electromagnetic enigmas, and the search for life beyond Earth, this episode of Space Nuts is an exploration of the curiosities that light up our universe. Tune in for these mind-expanding discussions and remember to send in your astronomical questions for a chance to be featured on the show.Support our cosmic journey by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your contributions help us continue our mission to unravel the mysteries of the stars. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity boundless.00:00:00 Questions from James, Lloyd and Ron on this episode of Space Nuts
    00:01:13 Andrew and Fred met Kate and Jeremy on the Canadian train for the eclipse
    00:03:04 Andrew: Get your iPad to read the book rather than struggling through it
    00:05:38 Planet nine, should such a thing be discovered? Or would the individual decide
    00:12:48 Do normal everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
    00:16:54 Do galaxies as a whole have electromagnetism
    00:23:14 If scientists in distant solar system were searching for exoplanets using modern technology
    00:30:08 Send us your questions via our website, spacenutspodcast. comSpace Nuts – your ticket to the universe. Join us each week as we make the cosmos your backyard

    • 32 min
    #413: Hubble's Hiccups & The Swiftest Space Spinner: Unraveling Cosmic Conundrums

    #413: Hubble's Hiccups & The Swiftest Space Spinner: Unraveling Cosmic Conundrums

    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the help of NordVPN...online security with a 30 day money-back guarantee. To check out our special deal for you, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

    Dive into the cosmic unknown with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts, as they explore the latest hiccups of the venerable Hubble Space Telescope. Despite its unparalleled success over the past 34 years, Hubble is once more grappling with gyroscopic glitches that threaten to reduce its celestial observations' efficiency. Can NASA engineers coax Hubble back to its full cosmic potential?Next, join the duo as they delve into the mystery of the fastest spinning asteroid ever discovered, 2024 BX1. Detected a mere three hours before it streaked through Earth's atmosphere, this diminutive space rock has set a new record for rapid rotation, completing a turn every 2.6 seconds. Learn how meteorite hunters in Poland managed to snag fragments of this celestial speedster, offering us a rare close-up of an asteroidal visitor.Finally, Andrew and Fred illuminate the perplexing world of gamma-ray bursts, those enigmatic flashes of light that outshine entire galaxies in mere seconds. With a new breakthrough in understanding their light curves, scientists are unraveling the symmetrical patterns of these bursts, revealing insights into the relativistic jets that propel them across the universe. Could this be the key to decoding one of the cosmos' most powerful phenomena?From the trials of Hubble to the swift twirl of an asteroid and the cryptic luminance of gamma-ray bursts, this episode of Space Nuts is a journey through the marvels and mysteries of our vast universe. Tune in and let your imagination soar to the farthest reaches of space and time.00:00:00 This is Space nuts. Coming up on this episode, Hubble having trouble again
    00:02:31 Gyros at the Hubble space telescope have failed again but it's not fatal
    00:07:38 An asteroid was detected 3 hours before it hit the earth's atmosphere
    00:13:58 Professor Fred Watson says meteorite fragments were found before it hit earth
    00:15:49 Gamma ray bursts were discovered accidentally in 1967 but scientists have been studying them since
    00:20:20 Gamma ray bursts also have light curves which are completely symmetrical
    00:26:46 Fred Dunkley: FRBs release huge amounts of energy in a short timeSupport Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Don't miss out on future episodes as we continue to decode the universe's grandest puzzles. Clear skies and bold questions await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.

    • 34 min
    #413-414 Premium: Hubble's Hiccups & The Gamma Ray Enigma: Deciphering the Universe's Luminous Puzzles

    #413-414 Premium: Hubble's Hiccups & The Gamma Ray Enigma: Deciphering the Universe's Luminous Puzzles

    Embark on an astronomical journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts. The cosmic conundrum that is the Hubble Space Telescope faces familiar challenges once again, with its gyroscopes causing a stir and casting it into safe mode. Fred delves into the history and potential future of this venerable eye in the sky, as NASA engineers contemplate a future where Hubble may have to operate at a reduced efficiency.Next, the duo spins into a discussion about the fastest rotating asteroid ever observed, 2024 BX1, which hurtled towards Earth and disintegrated in our atmosphere, leaving behind a trail of clues for scientists to unravel. With a rotation period clocked at an astonishing 2.588 seconds, this space rock set a new record and provided a meteoric spectacle for those fortunate enough to witness its fiery demise.Finally, Andrew and Fred explore the enigmatic world of gamma ray bursts, those fleeting yet fiercely powerful cosmic events that have puzzled astronomers since their accidental discovery in 1967. A new breakthrough hints at the possibility that these bursts are not only symmetrical but may also be the result of laterally moving jets, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the mechanics of these astronomical phenomena.From the trials and tribulations of the Hubble to the rapid revolutions of an asteroid and the perplexing properties of gamma ray bursts, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic voyage through the mysteries of space. Tune in to unravel the universe's most intriguing puzzles and remember, the cosmos is always full of surprises.00:00:00 - Coming up on this episode of Space nuts is Hubble having trouble again
    00:02:32 - Gyroscopes are what let Hubble telescope point in the right direction
    00:07:38 - An asteroid was detected 3 hours before it hit the earth's atmosphere
    00:14:06 - Professor Fred Watson says four polish meteorite hunters found some fragments
    00:15:45 - Gamma ray bursts were discovered accidentally in 1967 but scientists have been studying them since
    00:20:16 - Gamma ray bursts also have light curves which are completely symmetrical
    00:26:45 - Fred: I'm still trying to get my head around these things
    00:28:54 - Professor Fred Watson answers questions from James, lloyd and Ron
    00:29:50 - Kate and Jeremy met Andrew and Fred on the Canadian train for the eclipse
    00:31:31 - Fred Watson: Get your iPad to read book rather than struggling through it
    00:34:03 - Planet nine, should such a thing be discovered? Does the individual get a say
    00:40:53 - Do normal everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
    00:44:43 - Do galaxies as a whole have electromagnetism
    00:51:13 - If scientists in distant solar system were searching for exoplanets using modern technology
    00:58:44 - Andrew Dunster: Thanks to everyone who sent questions inSupport the podcast and expand your knowledge of the universe by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Subscribe for more celestial insights with Space Nuts, where every episode brings you closer to the stars. Until our next stellar encounter, keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity ever-expanding.

    #412: Cosmic Queries: A Voyage to Voyager & Defending Astronauts Beyond Earth

    #412: Cosmic Queries: A Voyage to Voyager & Defending Astronauts Beyond Earth

    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.

    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass...the password manager you need to make life less stressful...and by using our special deal...for not very much money. Plus you'll be helping support our show. For details visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass

    • 26 min
    #411: Aussie Astronaut Adventures & Jovian Journeys: Unveiling Space's Latest Marvels

    #411: Aussie Astronaut Adventures & Jovian Journeys: Unveiling Space's Latest Marvels

    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

    • 29 min
    #411-412 Premium: Aussie Astronaut, Cosmic Canopies & Methane Magic: Probing the Puzzles of Planetary Phenomena

    #411-412 Premium: Aussie Astronaut, Cosmic Canopies & Methane Magic: Probing the Puzzles of Planetary Phenomena

    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

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