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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts
  • 4.8 (218)
  • 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. Black Hole Temperatures, Cosmic Mapping & the Mystery of Dark Matter| Q&A

    2D AGO

    Black Hole Temperatures, Cosmic Mapping & the Mystery of Dark Matter| Q&A

    Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you really need to do something about your online privacy, go with the best...NordVPN. Get our extra 4 months free offer by visiting Nordvpn.com/spacenuts Temperature of Black Holes, Cosmic Mapping, and the Nature of Space In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle some of the most intriguing questions from their audience. Join them as they delve into the chilling temperatures of black holes, the expansive mapping of the universe by cutting-edge telescopes, and the enigmatic nature of space itself. Episode Highlights: - The Temperature of Black Holes: Andrew and Fred discuss Casey's question regarding the temperature of black holes. They explore the stark contrast between the scorching accretion disks and the surprisingly frigid temperatures within the event horizons, shedding light on the complexities of black hole physics. - Mapping the Universe: Eli's inquiry about the James Webb and Vera Rubin telescopes leads to a fascinating discussion on how much of the universe has been mapped and what we can expect in the coming decade. The hosts highlight the capabilities of these telescopes and the potential discoveries that await. - The Emptiness of Space: Robert poses a thought-provoking question about the nature of space and the Higgs boson. Andrew and Fred unravel the concept of the Higgs field, discussing its implications for our understanding of the universe and whether space is truly empty or filled with these elusive particles. - The Impact of Dark Matter and Energy: Rennie challenges the hosts to consider how discovering the true nature of dark matter and dark energy might affect life on Earth. Andrew and Fred reflect on the long-term benefits of such knowledge, drawing parallels to historical scientific advancements. 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. Artemis 2 Progress, Iron Bars in Space & Life's Deadly Origins

    5D AGO

    Artemis 2 Progress, Iron Bars in Space & Life's Deadly Origins

    Sponsor Link: This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you really need to do something about your online privacy, go with the best...NordVPN. Get our extra 4 months free offer by visiting Nordvpn.com/spacenuts Artemis 2 Updates, Cosmic Iron Bars, and the Role of Hydrogen Cyanide in Life's Origins In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest developments in space exploration and cosmic phenomena. Join them as they discuss the progress of the Artemis 2 mission, the discovery of a mysterious iron bar in the Ring Nebula, and the intriguing role of hydrogen cyanide in the potential origins of life. Episode Highlights: - Artemis 2 Progress: Andrew and Fred provide an update on the Artemis 2 mission, which recently moved to launch pad 39B at Cape Canaveral. They discuss the upcoming wet dress rehearsal and the significance of this mission as a precursor to future lunar explorations. - The Iron Bar Mystery: The hosts explore a fascinating discovery in the Ring Nebula, where scientists have identified a linear structure made of highly ionized iron gas. They discuss its potential origins and what this could mean for our understanding of planetary nebulae. - Hydrogen Cyanide and Life: Andrew and Fred examine a study suggesting that hydrogen cyanide, often seen as a deadly substance, may play a crucial role in the formation of prebiotic molecules. They ponder the implications for life on other celestial bodies, such as Titan. 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
  3. Artemis 3 Countdown: Iron Bars in Space & the Deadly Origins of Life| SN593 & 594

    6D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Artemis 3 Countdown: Iron Bars in Space & the Deadly Origins of Life| SN593 & 594

    Artemis 2 Progress, Mysterious Iron Bar, and the Role of Hydrogen Cyanide in Life's Origins In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest developments in space science and astronomy. From the promising advancements of the Artemis 2 mission to the discovery of an enigmatic iron bar in the Ring Nebula, this episode is packed with intriguing insights. Additionally, the hosts delve into the surprising role of hydrogen cyanide in the origins of life, challenging our understanding of what constitutes a habitable environment. Episode Highlights: - Artemis 2 Update: Andrew and Fred discuss the latest progress on the Artemis 2 mission, including the successful transportation of the Orion capsule to Launchpad 39B and the upcoming wet dress rehearsal that will set the stage for this historic lunar mission. - The Iron Bar Mystery: The hosts examine a fascinating discovery in the Ring Nebula, where scientists have identified a linear structure made of highly ionized iron gas, raising questions about its origin and the processes at play in this planetary nebula. - Hydrogen Cyanide and Life's Origins: A discussion on the dual nature of hydrogen cyanide, a deadly molecule present in space, and its potential role in the formation of prebiotic molecules, suggesting that life could arise in environments previously deemed inhospitable. 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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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 5m
  4. Black Holes, Navigation, The Big Crunch & Re-Entry Speeds: Your Cosmic Questions Answered

    JAN 19

    Black Holes, Navigation, The Big Crunch & Re-Entry Speeds: Your Cosmic Questions Answered

    This ​is ​a ​Q ​and ​A ​edition ​of ​Space ​Nuts. We ​will ​be ​answering ​audience ​questions ​exclusively ​on ​this ​episode. ​We're ​looking ​at ​​a ​concept ​that ​Ross ​has ​put ​up ​about ​black ​holes ​equaling ​dark ​matter, ​we'll ​explain ​that. ​​Sandy ​is ​asking ​about ​navigation ​in ​space. ​​John ​is ​talking ​relativity, ​time, ​black ​holes ​and ​the ​big ​crunch. ​​And ​the ​speed ​of ​re ​entry ​is ​a ​question ​from ​Andy. ​We'll ​deal ​with ​all ​of ​that ​on ​this ​episode ​of ​space ​nuts. For more Space Nuts visit www.spacenutspodcast.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

    36 min
  5. Mars Oceans Unveiled, Spinning Asteroids & Crew Evacuations

    JAN 16

    Mars Oceans Unveiled, Spinning Asteroids & Crew Evacuations

    Exploring Mars Oceans, Fastest Asteroids, and ISS Evacuations In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and intriguing space news. Join them as they explore new evidence suggesting that Mars once boasted vast oceans, the astonishing characteristics of the fastest spinning asteroid ever recorded, and the unprecedented evacuation of the International Space Station due to a medical issue. Episode Highlights: - Mars’ Ancient Oceans: Andrew and Fred discuss groundbreaking research revealing that Mars may have once had oceans comparable in size to Earth's Arctic Ocean. They explore the implications of this discovery and what it means for the search for life on the Red Planet. - The Fastest Spinning Asteroid: The hosts introduce the asteroid 2025 MN45, which spins at an incredible rate of one rotation every 1 minute and 53 seconds. They discuss the significance of this finding and what it reveals about the asteroid's composition and history. - ISS Medical Evacuation: Andrew and Fred provide insights into the first-ever crew evacuation from the International Space Station, prompted by a medical issue. They discuss the implications of this event and the protocols in place for astronaut safety. 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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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. Mars Oceans, Spinning Asteroids & ISS Evacuations: Space Nuts SN591-592

    JAN 15 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Mars Oceans, Spinning Asteroids & ISS Evacuations: Space Nuts SN591-592

    Exploring Martian Oceans, Fastest Asteroids, and Historic ISS Evacuations In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest discoveries and events in the cosmos. From groundbreaking evidence suggesting vast oceans on Mars to the astonishing speed of a newly discovered asteroid, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations. Episode Highlights: - Martian Oceans: Andrew and Fred discuss recent research indicating that ancient Mars may have been home to vast oceans, potentially comparable in size to the Arctic Ocean. They explore the implications of these findings for our understanding of water and life on Mars. - The Fastest Spinning Asteroid: The duo examines the remarkable discovery of the fastest spinning asteroid, 2025 MN45, which completes a rotation every 1 minute and 53 seconds. They discuss the asteroid's unique characteristics and the advanced technology behind its discovery at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. - Historic ISS Evacuation: In a significant development, the hosts cover the first-ever crew evacuation of the International Space Station due to a medical issue. They reflect on the implications of this event and the advancements in space travel safety. 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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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 9m
  7. Cosmic Q&A: Black Holes, Stellar Densities & the Sun's Sudden Disappearance

    JAN 12

    Cosmic Q&A: Black Holes, Stellar Densities & the Sun's Sudden Disappearance

    Sponsor Links: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1. Experience the future of flight with the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone. With intuitive controls and immersive goggles, the Antigravity A1 redefines what it means to fly. Check it out at AntigravityA1. This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Protect your online privacy with the fastest, most secure VPN. Enjoy exclusive deals and stay safe while browsing the cosmos at Nordvpn.com/spacenuts. Q&A Edition: Black Holes, Cosmic Expansion, and the Fate of the Sun In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the implications of a black hole's mass to the mysteries of cosmic expansion, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic curiosities. Episode Highlights: - Black Hole Mass and Star Density: Justin from Melbourne wonders about the radius in light years of a sphere containing the nearest 4 million stars, comparing it to the mass of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Andrew and Fred discuss star density and the methods to calculate it. - The Universe's Future: Charles from Brooklyn asks whether the universe's potential retraction would shorten its lifespan from trillions of years to just a few billion. The hosts delve into the complexities of dark energy and the various theories surrounding the fate of the universe. - What If the Sun Disappeared? Dean from Queensland poses a thought experiment about the consequences of the sun's sudden disappearance. Andrew and Fred explain how gravity and light travel at the same speed, leading to an eight-minute delay before Earth feels the effects of the sun's absence. - Voyager Plaque Mysteries: Patrick brings an intriguing question about the Voyager spacecraft and the accuracy of the plaques they carry. The hosts clarify the misconception and explore the significance of the messages sent into space. 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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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. Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves & Rogue Planet Revelations

    JAN 9

    Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves & Rogue Planet Revelations

    Sponsor Links: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1. Experience the future of flight with the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone. With intuitive controls and immersive goggles, the Antigravity A1 redefines what it means to fly. Check it out at AntigravityA1. This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you really need to do something about your online privacy, go with the best...NordVPN. Get our extra 4 months free offer by visiting Nordvpn.com/spacenuts New Year, New Discoveries: Expandable Space Stations, Martian Caves, and Rogue Planets In this exciting New Year edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson kick off 2026 with a bang, discussing groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomy. From innovative proposals for expandable space stations to intriguing discoveries on Mars, this episode is packed with cosmic insights. Episode Highlights: - Expandable Space Stations: Andrew and Fred dive into a fascinating proposal for an inflatable space station that could expand to be larger than the International Space Station. They explore the technology behind this concept and its potential implications for future space tourism and research. - Strange Caves on Mars: The duo discusses recent findings of unique caves on Mars that may have formed through water-driven processes. These caves could provide a habitat for microbial life, sparking interest in future rover missions to investigate their potential. - Observations of Rogue Planets: Andrew and Fred delve into the elusive nature of rogue planets, discussing how recent observations using gravitational microlensing have shed light on a planet 22 times the mass of Jupiter, located approximately 10,000 light years from Earth. They reflect on the significance of these findings and the advancements in technology that facilitate such discoveries. 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, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. 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.

    40 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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