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Embark on a celestial journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, where they explore a variety of space phenomena that are as intriguing as they are mysterious. Firstly, they discuss Blue Origin's return to the stars with NS-25, a mission that marked a triumphant comeback after technical setbacks. The flight not only signifies Blue Origin's resilience but also the inspirational story of Ed Dwight, the first African-American astronaut candidate, who at 90 years old, set a record as the oldest person to reach space.Next, the conversation lightens with the discovery of a planet with the consistency of fairy floss, also known as cotton candy or candy floss. WASP-193b, a gas giant that defies the norms of density and composition, leaves astronomers scratching their heads. How does a planet become so 'fluffy'? What could it possibly be made of? These are the questions that Andrew and Fred ponder as they delve into the mysteries of planet formation.Lastly, the duo discusses the gravitational wave background in the universe, likening it to the cosmic microwave background radiation. They explore how pulsar timing arrays are providing new insights into the 'hiss' of gravitational waves created by countless cosmic events, offering a deeper understanding of the universe's dynamic fabric.From record-breaking astronauts to cotton candy planets and the cosmic symphony of gravitational waves, this episode of Space Nuts is packed with astronomical wonders that will leave you in awe. Tune in and let your curiosity soar to the farthest reaches of space.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 Bright flash in the sky over Europe turned out to be comet
00:05:55 Ed Dwight was the first astronaut of colour to be selected by NASA
00:10:10 This is a newly discovered planet, or newly identified planet
00:17:14 Planet in orbit around red dwarf star 1200 light years away
00:21:06 Fred: Some work is being done on background gravitational waves
00:28:17 Fred Watson: People are fascinated by gravitational waves because of mystery 
Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
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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

Prepare to have your mind stretched to the cosmic limits in this Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson answer a selection of thought-provoking questions sent in by our curious listeners, tackling the mysteries of light, the concept of a holographic universe, and the challenges of interstellar travel.
First up, Alan from Medicine Hat, Canada, wonders how far light from an LED with one candle power can travel before it becomes undetectable by space telescopes. The duo discusses the persistence of light and the factors that influence our ability to observe its journey through the cosmos.
Next, Charles probes the perplexing theory of a holographic universe, questioning whether our three-dimensional experience is merely a projection from a two-dimensional boundary. Andrew and Fred unravel the theoretical underpinnings of this mind-bending concept and its implications for our understanding of reality.
The conversation then accelerates to relativistic speeds with Craig from sunny Merimbula, NSW, asking how fast a spacecraft must travel before encountering drag in the sparse medium of space. They also consider the potential hazards of high-speed collisions with cosmic dust and gas, pondering the aerodynamic and navigational challenges that would arise.
From the eternal voyage of light to the enigmatic nature of our universe and the theoretical speed limits of space travel, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic conundrum of astronomical proportions. Tune in as Andrew and Fred navigate through the universe's most intriguing puzzles.
00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley answers questions about light on this edition of Space Nuts
00:01:38 First question comes from Alan from Medicine Hat, Canada
00:03:44 There is no known limit to how far light can travel
00:06:03 Charles: What do you think of the theory that we live in a holographic universe
00:13:46 If all universes are expanding, would they eventually overlap
00:17:41 Craig Miller calls from sunny Merimbula in New South Wales
00:19:03 How much speed would drag depend on the concentration of particles in space

Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar quest by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the enigmas of the universe.

Clear skies and cosmic queries await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.

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Embark on an astronomical odyssey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the latest celestial phenomena on this episode of Space Nuts. The show kicks off with a discussion on the most intense solar flare in nearly a decade, lighting up the skies with breathtaking auroras and raising concerns about potential impacts on our tech-reliant world. Next, the duo celebrates a Martian milestone: Perseverance rover's 1000 days on the Red Planet. Discover the scientific treasures unearthed by this intrepid explorer, from intriguing rock samples to the pivotal role of its aerial companion, Ingenuity. Then, strap in for a journey through the possibilities of advanced space travel as NASA's innovative plasma rocket concept promises to slash Mars travel time from nine months to a mere two months. Could this be the breakthrough we need for the next giant leap in interplanetary exploration?Finally, peer into the cosmic cradle of a giant protoplanetary disc, the largest ever observed. This discovery could herald the birth of massive new worlds, offering a glimpse into the early stages of planet formation and the boundless potential of the universe.From solar spectacles to Martian marvels and the promise of faster space travel, this episode of Space Nuts is a testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge that propels humanity beyond the final frontier.00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley talks about budgets and dog issues on this week's Space Nuts
00:02:31 The biggest solar flare in nearly a decade has just passed over the earth
00:06:58 The perseverance rover is now past 1000 days on the red planet
00:14:27 Andrew says he could rerelease audio from World War One book under Australian copyright
00:16:49 A proposed plasma rocket would cut the travel time to Mars to two months
00:24:07 Fred: Have you seen a house before they build it
00:25:45 New observations show giant edge on protoplanetary disc around distant star
00:31:21 Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson answering questions about light
00:33:03 First question comes from Alan from medicine Hat, Canada
00:35:14 There is no known limit to how far light can travel
00:37:33 Charles: What do you think of the theory that we live in a holographic universe
00:44:10 What if the hologram is made of dark matter
00:45:26 If all universes are expanding, would they eventually overlap
00:49:07 Craig Miller calls from sunny Marambula in New South Wales
00:50:30 How much speed can drag create depending on concentration of particles in space

Thank you for your continued support. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the cosmos. Clear skies and bold explorations await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Every Internet connected device deserves to have NordVPN for it's online safety. To check out the special Space  Nuts deal for you as a listener, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they embark on another fascinating journey through the cosmos in the latest episode of Space Nuts. In this installment, the duo delves into a myriad of space phenomena, starting with the most significant solar flare in nearly a decade. They discuss the stunning auroral displays that resulted from this solar outburst and the potential impacts such events can have on our technology.Next, they celebrate a milestone for the Mars rover Perseverance, which has spent over 1000 days (or sols) on the Red Planet. The conversation explores the significance of the samples collected by Perseverance, including those that may contain ancient signs of life, and the future plans for their retrieval.The episode then propels into the future of space travel with NASA's innovative plasma rocket concept, which promises to cut travel time to Mars significantly. Andrew and Fred unpack the potential of this high-efficiency propulsion system and what it could mean for human exploration of the Red Planet.Finally, the pair examines a colossal protoplanetary disc discovery, the largest ever observed, which could herald the formation of some of the most massive planets we've ever seen. They ponder the possibilities of planet formation, the emergence of life, and the long-term evolution of these cosmic systems.From solar spectacles and Martian milestones to revolutionary rockets and planetary potential, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic cornucopia of astronomical insights. Tune in and let your imagination soar as we continue to uncover the secrets of the universe.
00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley talks about budgets and dog issues on this week's Space Nuts
00:02:31 The biggest solar flare in nearly a decade has just passed over the earth
00:06:58 Perseverance mission to look for signs of past life on Mars
00:14:22 Andrew Freedman says he could rerelease World War One audio under Australian copyright
00:16:49 A proposed plasma rocket would cut the travel time to Mars to two months
00:24:09 Fred: Have you seen a house before they build it
00:25:47 New infrared observations show giant edge on protoplanetary disc
00:32:10 Space Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio

Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting our support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.


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

Prepare for a cosmic deep dive into the enigmatic world of black holes and stellar mysteries on this Q&A episode of Space Nuts. 
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson answer burning questions from the Space Nuts community, starting with a head-scratcher about black holes and magnetic fields. Can these gravitational giants possess magnetic fields, and if so, how do they influence the spectacular jets seen emanating from quasars? The duo untangles the complex relationship between rotation, charge, and magnetism.
Next, Pete from sunny Sheffield queries the stellar classification mnemonic "Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me" and its implications. How do the proportions of these star types stack up in the Milky Way, and do these ratios hold true across other galaxies? The conversation illuminates the cosmic census of star types, from the rare, scorching O stars to the ubiquitous, cooler M dwarfs.
Listeners also get a personal touch as Michael from Kent inquires about Fred's most standout project over his illustrious career. Fred shares insights into his contributions to groundbreaking surveys and reminisces about the influential projects that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
Rounding off the episode, Rusty from Donnybrook seeks to understand why fogbows are white rather than exhibiting the vibrant hues of a typical rainbow. The answer lies in the intricate interplay of light refraction, dispersion, and the often-overlooked diffraction in tiny water droplets.
From the nature of magnetic fields in the abyss of black holes to the distribution of stars across the cosmos, this episode of Space Nuts is a treasure trove of astronomical knowledge. Tune in as Andrew and Fred navigate the celestial curiosities that keep us gazing skyward with wonder.
00:00:00 Professor Fred Watson answers your questions on this edition of Space Nuts
00:02:31 Robert from the Netherlands says black holes do not have a magnetic field
00:09:15 Three questions from Pete Ellinger on different types of stars
00:15:08 Metallicity, the amount of iron in a star, varies across galaxies
00:16:59 If there was a project that you could have worked on past or present, what
00:25:21 The hippie telescope was a big leap forward from the existing telescope
00:25:47 Final question, Fred, comes from Rusty in Donnybrook about fog bows
Support Space Nuts and join us on this journey through the stars by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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.