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.
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--2631155/support.
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#415: From Starliner's Slip to Lunar Lights: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Space Tech
Embark on a lunar adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, as they delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding our celestial neighbor, the Moon. First up, the duo discusses the recent setbacks of Boeing's Starliner, a spacecraft that faced yet another delay just moments before its much-anticipated launch. What went wrong this time, and what does it mean for the future of crewed missions?Next, they illuminate the idea of using mirrors to shine sunlight into the permanently shadowed craters of the Moon's South Pole. With the potential of harvesting water ice for resources, could this reflective solution be the key to sustaining future lunar bases?Then, celebrate a special anniversary with the team as they highlight ten years of HIPPI, the High Precision Polarimetric Instrument, and its incredible contributions to astronomy. From tracking magnetic fields in distant galaxies to the possibility of detecting rainbows on exoplanets, HIPPI's decade of discovery is truly something to cheer about.Finally, the conversation turns to Earth as Andrew and Fred explore how satellites are revolutionizing agriculture by predicting crop yields from space. This technology holds promise for farmers around the globe, especially in the face of changing climate conditions.From the intricacies of space technology to the practical applications of satellite data, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic journey that connects the farthest reaches of the universe to the down-to-earth matters of daily life. Tune in and let your curiosity take flight.00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley: Space nuts podcast about astronomy and space science
00:01:30 Launch of Boeing Starliner scheduled for Friday has been scrubbed
00:04:47 Andrew Webb: There's a lot of interest in the moon right now
00:10:41 A valley in Norway has a mirror that doesn't see the sun
00:14:56 Andrew Dunkley: Hipie is the high precision polarimetric instrument
00:20:45 Polarising sunglasses can detect rainbows with incredibly high precision
00:25:40 Fred Geyer explores the use of satellites to predict crop yieldsSupport 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. -
#415-416 Premium: Starliner's Stumble & Lunar Luminosity: Reflecting on Space's Latest Feats
Embark on a cosmic journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they unravel the latest space conundrums on Space Nuts. In this episode, they delve into the trials and tribulations of Boeing's Starliner – a spacecraft that's faced its fair share of setbacks. Will the next launch finally see it dock with the International Space Station, or will the stars remain out of reach for this ambitious vessel?The duo also sheds light on an innovative concept to illuminate the Moon's dark craters using mirrors. Could this ingenious solution unlock the Moon's potential as a base for future space exploration?From Earth's orbit, they turn their gaze to satellites that do more than just circle our planet – they predict crop yields, an advancement that could revolutionize agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.And finally, Space Nuts celebrates a special anniversary – ten years of the High Precision Polarimetric Instrument (HIPPI). Discover how this small yet mighty device has transformed our understanding of distant magnetic fields and even the potential to detect rainbows on exoplanets.Join Andrew and Fred as they tackle these topics and more, providing insights that only seasoned space enthusiasts can offer. It's an episode not to be missed by anyone who looks up at the night sky with wonder.00:00:00 - Andrew Dunkley hosts Space Nuts podcast about astronomy and space science
00:01:33 - Launch of Boeing's Starliner scheduled for Friday has been scrubbed
00:04:49 - Andrew Webb: There's a lot of interest in the moon right now
00:10:47 - Professor Fred Watson: There is a valley in Norway that doesn't see sun
00:15:19 - Hippo is an acronym for high precision, um, polarimetric instrument
00:16:28 - Hippy was first used on the Anglo australian telescope
00:24:56 - Hippy is capable of detecting rainbows in atmospheres of exoplanets
00:25:54 - Use of satellites to predict crop yields is becoming increasingly feasible
00:32:14 - Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson on Space nuts
00:33:51 - Robert from the Netherlands says black holes may have magnetic fields
00:40:25 - Three questions from Pete Ellinger about different star types across galaxies
00:46:34 - Metallicity, the amount of iron in a star, varies across galaxies
00:48:08 - Michael from Kent asks Professor Watson what project stood out for him most
00:56:39 - Yeah, that's one of the good ones are. It's a bit like hippie
00:56:56 - Fred asks why fog bows are white and not a rainbo -
#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 -
#413: Hubble's Hiccups & The Swiftest Space Spinner: Unraveling Cosmic Conundrums
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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. -
#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
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.
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Customer Reviews
Legal Earthling
This wondrous podcast reminds me of the news on my Grezianik-fouty back home. I miss home but, to my surprise, applying for a “green card” was simply a matter of admitting I arrived from Enceladus to which my caseworker said “No problem there!” The odd thing is, my card indicates that I’m a native of Spain. Hola!
Why is THAT the name
Don’t name a podcast that is for kids space 🥜 but besides that it is a pretty good podcast
Love it
Keep up the great work this is so funny and freaky but in a great way!