SPACE NUTS PREMIUM

Listen to this show ad-free

$4.99/mo or $49.99/yr after trial

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. Artemis Updates, The Brain Nebula & Mapping the Galactic Center

    1D AGO

    Artemis Updates, The Brain Nebula & Mapping the Galactic Center

    Artemis Updates, the Brian Nebula, and Galactic Mapping In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into the latest developments in space exploration and celestial phenomena. From the shifting timelines of the Artemis program to the fascinating discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and intriguing discussions. Episode Highlights: - Artemis Program Updates: Andrew and Fred discuss the recent delays in the Artemis 2 mission, which is now expected to launch no earlier than April. They also explore the implications of the newly inserted Artemis 3 mission, which will focus on testing spacecraft capabilities in Earth orbit before the lunar landing. - The Brian in Space: The hosts delve into the discovery of the PMR1 nebula, also known as the Exposed Cranium Nebula. They discuss its unusual appearance and the significance of the James Webb Space Telescope's observations that reveal this nebula's intricate structure, reminiscent of a brain. - Mapping the Galactic Center: Andrew and Fred highlight a groundbreaking survey of the center of our galaxy, revealing the complex dynamics and chemical compositions within this turbulent region. They discuss the technologies used in this research and what it means for our understanding of the Milky Way. 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

    33 min
  2. The "Brain in Space" | SN605 & 606

    2D AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    The "Brain in Space" | SN605 & 606

    Summary In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson discuss the latest updates on the Artemis program, including delays in the Artemis 2 launch and changes to the Artemis 3 mission. They explore the fascinating Cranium Nebula, which resembles a brain, and delve into recent findings about the center of our galaxy. The hosts also answer audience questions about Mars, meteor showers, and the challenges of exploring gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter. Finally, they discuss the possibility of alien civilizations existing in the Milky Way and the complexities of interstellar communication. takeaways The Artemis 2 launch has been delayed until at least April. The Cranium Nebula has been observed in detail by the James Webb Space Telescope. Mapping the center of the galaxy reveals complex molecular structures. Mars has a higher risk of meteorite impacts due to its thin atmosphere. Exploring gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter presents significant challenges. Communication with potential alien civilizations is hindered by vast distances. The tidal effects of gravity keep moons like Europa in stable orbits. The moon's gravitational pull causes tides on Earth, not just its proximity. There may be many alien civilizations that have come and gone in the universe. The search for extraterrestrial life continues to be a complex and intriguing field. Chapters 00:00 The Artemis Program Updates 06:14 Exploring the Cranium Nebula 23:31 Mapping the Center of the Galaxy 33:05 Audience Q&A: Mars and Meteor Showers 42:42 Exploring Gas Giants: Saturn and Jupiter 47:34 The Search for Alien Civilizations

    1h 3m
  3. Uncharted Discoveries, Comet C/2026 A1 & Elon's Solar Pergola | SN604 Q&A

    5D AGO

    Uncharted Discoveries, Comet C/2026 A1 & Elon's Solar Pergola | SN604 Q&A

    Unimagined Discoveries, Planet Nine Mysteries, and the Sungrazing Comet In this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of thought-provoking listener questions that explore the unknowns of our universe. From the potential for undiscovered celestial phenomena to the enigma of Planet Nine, this episode is filled with cosmic curiosities and insights. Episode Highlights: - Unimagined Existence: Bailey from Durban asks whether there are things in the universe that we have yet to imagine. Andrew and Fred discuss the surprises revealed by the James Webb Telescope and the potential for new discoveries that could challenge our current understanding of the cosmos. - The Planet Nine Puzzle: Sarah from Townsville wonders why we can locate distant exoplanets but struggle to find Planet Nine in our own solar system. The hosts explain the challenges involved in observing faint objects close to home and the technology behind planet detection methods. - Comet C2026A1: Eli from Anchorage brings attention to a newly discovered sungrazing comet set to be visible in April. Andrew and Fred delve into what makes this comet special and the uncertainty surrounding its visibility, drawing parallels to previous comet behavior. - Rusty's Solar Pergola: Rusty from Donnybrook revisits his idea of a solar pergola and its environmental implications in light of Elon Musk’s satellite plans. The hosts discuss the feasibility and potential consequences of such a massive solar array in orbit. 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.

    31 min
  4. "Jupiter's not quite as big as we thought."

    FEB 27

    "Jupiter's not quite as big as we thought."

    Tiny Jupiter, Unusual Comet Behavior, and Gravitational Lensing In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some intriguing astronomical discoveries. They discuss the surprising news about Jupiter's size, the strange rotation of Comet 41P, and the fascinating concept of utilizing solar gravitational lensing for deep space exploration. Episode Highlights: - Jupiter's Revised Size: The duo explores new measurements from NASA's Juno mission that indicate Jupiter is slightly smaller than previously thought. They discuss the implications of these findings on our understanding of the gas giant's internal structure and atmospheric dynamics. - The Mystery of Comet 41P: Andrew and Fred reveal the unusual behavior of Comet 41P, which has experienced a significant slowdown in its rotation, potentially reversing its spin direction. They analyze the possible causes of this phenomenon and what it could mean for the comet's future. - Solar Gravitational Lensing: The hosts dive into the concept of using the Sun's gravitational field as a lens to observe distant exoplanets. They discuss the challenges of reaching the solar gravitational lens focal point and the technologies that might one day make such missions feasible. 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
  5. "Jupiter's not quite as big as we thought." | SN603 & 604

    FEB 26 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    "Jupiter's not quite as big as we thought." | SN603 & 604

    In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into various topics in astronomy and space science, including the surprising measurements of Jupiter, the intriguing behavior of comet 41P, and the potential of gravitational lensing for future exploration. They also address audience questions about cosmic discoveries and the challenges of finding planets in our solar system compared to distant exoplanets. The conversation highlights the ongoing advancements in space technology and the mysteries that still await discovery. takeaways Jupiter's size has been revised based on new measurements from the Juno mission. The internal structure of Jupiter is inferred from its diameter and atmospheric behavior. Comet 41P has shown unusual behavior by potentially reversing its rotation direction. Gravitational lensing could allow us to observe distant exoplanets using the sun's gravity. The solar gravitational lens concept presents challenges for spacecraft design and travel. The discovery of new cosmic phenomena continues to surprise astronomers. Finding planets in our solar system can be more challenging than discovering distant exoplanets. The technology used to detect exoplanets varies in effectiveness based on the planet's size and distance. Audience questions often lead to fascinating discussions about the universe's mysteries. The future of space exploration relies on innovative technologies and understanding cosmic phenomena.

    1h 3m
  6. Dark Matter Mysteries, Telescope Innovations & the Quest for Gravitons | SN602 Q&A

    FEB 23

    Dark Matter Mysteries, Telescope Innovations & the Quest for Gravitons | SN602 Q&A

    Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN. Protect your online privacy with the one we trust - NordVPN. To get our special deal, visit nordvpn.com/spacenuts. And Incogni - incogni.com/spacenuts Exploring Dark Matter, Telescope Innovations, and Olympus Mons In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions that dive deep into the mysteries of our universe. From the elusive nature of dark matter to the future of space telescopes, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain. Episode Highlights: - The Mystery of Dark Matter: Listener Bob from Chicago asks how astronomers have determined that approximately 80% of the universe is made up of dark matter. Fred explains the historical context and the groundbreaking techniques that have led to this astonishing conclusion. - Next-Gen Telescopes: Ben also inquires about the next large telescope to be launched. Fred shares his excitement for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos with its advanced capabilities. - Understanding Telescopes: Ash from Australia seeks clarity on the different types of telescopes and the wavelengths they detect. Fred elaborates on the intricate designs of optical, infrared, and radio telescopes, explaining how their unique technologies allow them to observe various forms of light. - The Graviton Enigma: Russ from the UK poses a thought-provoking question about the graviton and its relation to Einstein's theory of gravity. Fred discusses the complexities of gravity as a force and the ongoing quest to understand its fundamental particles. - Olympus Mons and Space Elevators: Robert from Iceland wonders if Olympus Mons could serve as a staging point for a space elevator. The hosts explore the challenges and feasibility of this intriguing concept, revealing the importance of location in such ambitious projects. 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.

    35 min
  7. Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk's Lunar Pivot & Titan's Mysterious Origins

    FEB 20

    Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk's Lunar Pivot & Titan's Mysterious Origins

    Sponsor Link: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni. Reduce the volume of spam calls and emails. They can't spam you if they can't find you. To find out more and to take up our 60% off offer, visit incogni.com/spacenuts and use the coupon code SPACENUTS at checkout. Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk's New Target, and China's Lunar Ambitions In this intriguing episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a variety of captivating topics that span our solar system. From the surprising discovery of lava tubes on Venus to Elon Musk's shifting focus from Mars to the Moon, this episode is packed with astronomical insights and updates on space exploration. Episode Highlights: - Lava Tubes on Venus: A new study suggests the existence of massive lava tubes on Venus, with evidence pointing to structures that could reach up to a kilometer wide. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of this discovery and how it was derived from radar data collected by the Magellan spacecraft. - Elon Musk's Change of Plans: The hosts delve into Elon Musk's evolving vision for space travel, as he shifts his focus from colonizing Mars to prioritizing lunar missions. They discuss the logistical challenges of Mars travel and the advantages of a Moon base. - China's Reusable Booster Test: The China Manned Space Agency has successfully tested a reusable booster and a new spacecraft designed for lunar missions. Andrew and Fred analyze the significance of this achievement in the context of the current space race. - Titan's Mysterious Past: The episode concludes with a look at Saturn's moon Titan, which may have formed from a collision between two moons. The hosts explore the implications of this theory and what it means for future exploration of 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.

    34 min
  8. Venus Lava Tubes, Elon Musk's Lunar Pivot & Titan's Mysterious Origins | SN601 & 602

    FEB 18 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Venus Lava Tubes, Elon Musk's Lunar Pivot & Titan's Mysterious Origins | SN601 & 602

    Lava Tubes on Venus, Elon Musk's Lunar Shift, and China's Reusable Booster In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a variety of fascinating topics that stretch across our solar system. From the newly proposed existence of lava tubes on Venus to Elon Musk’s pivot towards lunar exploration, this episode promises to expand your cosmic knowledge. Episode Highlights: - Lava Tubes on Venus: Recent research suggests that Venus may harbor lava tubes, with evidence pointing to massive structures beneath its thick atmosphere. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of these findings and the challenges of studying such a hostile environment. - Elon Musk's Lunar Aspirations: The hosts examine Elon Musk's shift in focus from Mars colonization to lunar missions, highlighting the logistical advantages of targeting the Moon for human exploration and habitation. - China's Reusable Booster Test: The China Manned Space Agency has successfully tested a reusable booster, marking a significant step in their lunar ambitions. Andrew and Fred compare this progress with other nations' efforts in space exploration. - Titan's Mysterious Past: New theories suggest that Saturn's moon Titan may have once been two separate moons, providing insights into its unique geological history and its potential for future exploration. 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
See All (705)

Shows with Subscription Benefits

SPACE NUTS PREMIUM

Listen to this show ad-free

$4.99/mo or $49.99/yr after trial

View Subscription FAQs

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
219 Ratings

About

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.

Information

More From Space Nuts

You Might Also Like