Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries
5 million downloads and counting90+% Five Star ReviewsHosted by Astronomer At Large, Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Author/Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley660 Episodes and countingVery active (and friendly) listener communityAdvertising Free options available.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
Mars Gullies Aren't Made by Water: The Surprising Dry Ice Answer
Perseverance drove to the edge of an ancient Martian lake expecting a beach and found the inside of a volcano — rock that water has been through at least three separate times. Europe's Jupiter probe comes home on Monday night and crosses Australia in a fully dark sky. Two teams, using two completely different techniques, both find something hiding inside the most famous planetary system we have ever photographed — and an Australian instrument is in the middle of one of them. Plus: heavy water in an interstellar comet, and what it says about the star that made it. In this epis...
Navigating the Cosmic Questions: Gravity Assists, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation Explained
Space Nuts: Q&A on BepiColombo, Neutrinos, and Time Dilation
In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a series of intriguing listener questions that span topics from the nuances of orbital velocity to the enigmatic world of neutrinos and the complexities of time dilation. Join them as they unravel these cosmic queries with their signature blend of insight and humour.
Key topics
- Larry from Nebraska asks about the BepiColombo mission and the relationship between gravitational assists and orbital velocity, prompting a...
Why Venus May Have Lost Its Moon Forever
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. your first stop for online privavcy. To check out our special offer with a 30 day money back guarantee, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Space Nuts: Venus’s Missing Moon, Satellite Pollution, and Space Force Uniform Controversy
Space Nuts covers three very different space stories in this episode, ranging from planetary science to the consequences of satellite reentry and a controversial military uniform design. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson also field li...
Your Questions Answered: The Mysteries of Jupiter and the Sun
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to with the support of NordVPN. To grab our special NordVPN deal, simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts ....take control of your online privacy because no-one else is going to do it for you!
Space Nuts: Q&A on Mitsubishi's Role in Telescope Manufacturing, Jupiter's Storms, and Gravitational Waves
In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of fascinating listener questions, from the i...
The Dark Matter Hint That Could Rewrite Physics
Space Nuts: Dark matter clues, Saturn’s new decagon, Mars and Titan missions.
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover a packed astronomy episode that moves from a tentative dark matter signal to a newly spotted ten sided storm pattern on Saturn. They also dig into two upcoming sample return style missions, one to Mars and one to Titan, before finishing with listener questions about Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, solar missions, gravitational waves, and AI in astronomy.
Key topics
In this episode, Andrew and Fred discuss the Lux-Zeppelin underground detector result, where rese...
Cosmic Q&A: From Redshift to the Moon's Hidden Temperatures
Space Nuts: Q&A on the Swift Satellite, Redshift, and Hypothetical White Holes
In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a myriad of intriguing questions posed by listeners. From the fate of the Swift satellite to the mysteries of redshift and the speculative nature of white holes, this episode covers a wide range of cosmic curiosities.
Key topics include:
- The fate of the Swift satellite and the challenges faced by the Link mission meant to boost its orbit.
- An e...
The Starless Galaxy That Shouldn’t Exist - But Does
Space Nuts: Spanish Eclipse, Nancy Grace Roman Launch, Cloud Nine, and Venus's Mysterious Clouds
Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson cover four big astronomy stories in this episode, from Fred’s trip to view a sunset eclipse in Spain to the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. They also unpack a starless dwarf galaxy called Cloud Nine and a new way of thinking about the strange dark material in Venus’s clouds.
Guests and speakers
Andrew Dunkley - Host, frames the news, asks listener questions, and guides the discussion.
Professor Fred Watson - Astronomer at l...
Waves, Signals, and Cosmic Aromas: A Q&A Journey Through Space
In this intriguing Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of cosmic queries from listeners. Join them as they explore the fascinating world of radio telescopes and how they produce images from radio waves, delve into the complexities of gravitational waves, and ponder the sounds and smells of space.
Key topics include:
- How photographic images are generated from radio telescopes, despite only receiving radio waves, and the fundamental principles behind this technology.
- A deep dive into gravitational waves, their impact on space, and how L...
SpaceX Hit the Moon, and the Real Problem Is Just Beginning
Space Nuts: Moon impact, Roman Observatory launch, and Neptune’s odd moons
Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner, Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Southern Queensland, for a wide-ranging astronomy update. They cover SpaceX’s out-of-control rocket body hitting the Moon, the imminent launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Observatory, and a new result that may explain the strange origin of some of Neptune’s moons.
We discuss why lunar impacts matter far beyond the Moon itself, how Roman will study exoplanets and dark energy, and why clay minerals on Neptune’s small moons are such a b...
From Diamond Rain to Rogue Planets: Unpacking Cosmic Curiosities
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Protect your online activities with a special deal at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the intriguing phenomenon of planetary atmospheres that may rain diamonds and sapphires, to the complexities of satellite approvals and the possibility of planets forming without a star, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.
...
How One Dinosaur-Killing Impact May Have Triggered Global Firestorms
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Secure your online presence and enjoy a special deal at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts. Â
Asteroid or comet, dinosaur impact firestorms, crater discovery, and Q&A on exoplanets and satellites
Andrew Dunkley is joined by Professor Jonti Horner of the University of Southern Queensland for two tightly related Space Nuts conversations. The first explores how astronomy keeps blurring the lines between asteroids and comets, what new research says about the dinosaur-killing impact, and a surp...
Exploring Moons with Atmospheres, Hot Jupiters, and the Mysteries of Black Holes
Sponsor Link:
This Q&A episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. When you decide to get serius about your security online, do what we did and get NordVPN. We have a special deal for you too, chck out the details at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
In this episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a captivating Q&A session, tackling a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the possibility of moons...
The Galaxy’s Sugary Center Could Change How Life Began
This episode covers three very different astronomy stories and then moves into a lively Q&A with listener questions. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson discuss a possible sugary molecule in the center of the Milky Way, the risk lunar landers may contaminate ice that could preserve clues to life’s origins, and a new way to track lost dogs using satellite connectivity. The second half of the episode answers questions about moons with atmospheres, secret astronomy, hot Jupiters, and black hole mergers.
Key topics
In this episode, Fred Watson explains an update from Peter Verweyen on MOND, no...
Cosmic Queries: Understanding Black Holes, Galactic Centres, and Mars Days
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they tackle a variety of fascinating questions from listeners. From the peculiarities of Martian days to the mysteries of black holes and the galactic centre, this episode is filled with enlightening discussions that are sure to spark curiosity about the cosmos.
In this episode:
- John asks about the implications of Mars' longer day length on human biology and potential adaptations for future colonists.
- Dan inquires about the growth of black holes, exploring how quickly they can...
The Hidden Impact of Landslides on Pluto’s Surface — What Scientists Are Discovering
Landslides on Pluto and China's SpaceX-like Rocket Recovery Success
Discover the intriguing discovery of landslides on Pluto, explained through recent image analysis from the New Horizons spacecraft, and learn how these features provide clues about the dwarf planet's geological activity. Plus, explore China's recent achievement in rocket recovery, mimicking SpaceX's successful landing techniques with innovative net capture technology, signaling a significant step forward in space debris management and reusability.
Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley discuss recent scientific findings on landslides around Sputnik Planitia on Pluto
How climate change on Earth is increasing landslide activity, and how similar...
From Dark Matter to Dormant Comets: Your Astronomy Questions Answered
In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson Watson as they field a range of intriguing questions from listeners. From the hypothetical concept of dark matter stars to the mysteries of dormant comets and the mechanics of gravitational slingshots, this episode is packed with engaging discussions that spark curiosity in the cosmos.
In this episode:
- An exploration of dark matter stars: What are they, and how could they hypothetically shine without fusion?
- Understanding dormant comets: What defines them, and how can we identify these ancient celestial...
SpaceX Tests Space-Ready Nuclear Power Using Tritium-Driven CubeSat
Sponsor Link:
NordVPN - Safeguard your online activity with our exclusive offer for Space Nuts listeners. Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details.
From SpaceX Nuclear Experiments to Galactic Discoveries
Join host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson as they explore some of the most fascinating topics in space science, from innovative nuclear power tests in space to the expanding boundaries of our galaxy. Whether you're an astrophotography enthusiast or a space policy advocate, this episode delivers insights that broaden your cosmic perspective.
In this episode:
SpaceX's recent Cub...
The Cosmic Q&A: Redshift, Dark Matter & the Shape of the Universe
Sponsor Link:
NordVPN - Protect your online privacy with our special offer for Space Nuts listeners. Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details.
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the mysteries of redshift and the perplexing concept of dark photons to the vastness of deep space astronomy and the ongoing expansion of the universe, this episode is brimming with thought-provoking insights and scientific discussion.
In this episode:
- Und...
How Scientific Discoveries at Mars Are Bringing Us Closer to Detecting Alien Life
Discoveries on Mars, the Hubble Tension, and Dark Photons - Space Nuts Episode
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest developments in space science—from evidence of complex organic molecules found by the Perseverance rover on Mars that may hint at past life, to the ongoing mystery of the Hubble tension that challenges our understanding of the universe's expansion. Plus, a deep dive into the elusive concept of dark photons and their potential role in explaining dark matter.
Key Topics:
The significance of complex carbon molecules detected in Martian rocks by Perseverance an...
Galactic Queries: Black Hole Lifespans, Lunar Impacts & Sun-Seeking Missions
Sponsor Link:
NordVPN - Secure your online presence with our exclusive offer for Space Nuts listeners. Check out www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details.
In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into listener inquiries that span the cosmos. From the intriguing concept of black hole evaporation to the mysteries of Jupiter's atmosphere and the latest on the Artemis 2 mission, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and scientific discussions.
In this episode:
- The mechanics of black hole evaporation and how...
The Black Hole Discovery Revealing the Loudest Gravitational Wave Ever Recorded
Sponsor Link:
NordVPN...protect yourself and save with our specoial deal Visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for details.
Revealing the Secrets of Space and the Cosmos: Insights from Space Nuts
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the fascinating universe—from a historic telescope in Melbourne to the latest discoveries in black hole physics and our own solar system. This episode offers a blend of awe-inspiring science, historical stories, and future possibilities that make astronomy accessible and thrilling.
In this episode:
The extraordinary history and re...
From Stopping Light to Space Junk — Your Questions Answered
Sponsor Link:
This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN - your first stop when it comes to online security and privacy. To check out our special money saving offer for Space Nuts liseners, visit www.nordvpn.com/spaenuts
In this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing audience questions ranging from the possibility of stopping a photon to the complexities of intertwining electromagnetic fields. They also discuss the speeds of colliding particles in the Large Hadron C...
How SpaceX Breaks Satellite Records and What It Means for Earth Orbit Safety
Space Nuts Episode 641: Exploring SpaceX Milestones, Lunar Realities, and Particle Physics
In this episode, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into recent breakthroughs in space technology, lunar surface understanding, and the physics of light and matter. From SpaceX's record-breaking satellite launches to the complexities of stopping photons and the intriguing origins of interstellar objects, this episode covers some of the most fascinating topics in space science today.
In this episode:
SpaceX has launched over 15,000 satellites, more than all other space launches combined since 1957
The successful reuse of Falcon 9 boosters, setting a new milestone in spaceflight<...
Cosmic Queries Unleashed: Gravitons, Expanding Universes & the Weight of Space Travel
Universe, and WeightlessnessIn this Q&A edition of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle an array of intriguing listener questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the implications of an expanding universe to the elusive graviton and the experience of transitioning from weightlessness back to Earth's gravity, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics:
The potential for a future black void in our night sky as the universe continues to expand.Understanding the graviton: Why do some physicists believe in its existence despite its elusive nature?Exploring the properties of photons...
The Pink, Salty Exoplanet — Could Humanity Travel to the Galaxy’s Most Colorful World?
Space Nuts Episode 369: Exploring Phobos, Pink Exoplanets, and Saving the SWIFT Observatory
This episode dives into some of the most intriguing space stories, from the mysterious Martian moon Phobos and its peculiar orbit to the bizarre, salt-colored exoplanet GJ 504b—possibly a pink dwarf. Plus, learn about a swift rescue mission to save the vital SWIFT space observatory.
In this episode:
The unique orbit and origin hypotheses of Phobos, including upcoming JAXA mission MMX
How Phobos's orbit might decay within millions of years and its potential internal structure
The discovery and characteristics of the pink, sa...
Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: Big Rips, Neutron Collisions & Lunar Sunsets
In this episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they dive into a myriad of listener questions, exploring the cosmos with curiosity and humour. From the enigma of the Big Rip and the mysteries surrounding the universe's beginnings to the fascinating dynamics of colliding neutron stars and the potential for lunar sunsets, this Q&A edition promises to enlighten and entertain.Main Topics:
- The Big Rip vs. the Big Crunch: Is the Big Crunch making a comeback in cosmological discussions? [00:00–15:00]
- Exploring the concept of 'nothing' before the Big Bang: Wh...
How Impact Craters Could Have Reversed Venus’s Rotation—The Surprising Science
In this episode of Space Nuts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore fascinating topics ranging from the mysterious double moon dust implications and Venus's unusual rotation to updated protocols for announcing extraterrestrial evidence. They also delve into the intriguing potential of moon dust as a record of extinct civilizations and future lunar construction solutions, all while reflecting on the universe's expansion and the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.
Main Topics:
The concept of moon dust remnants potentially indicating alien megastructures or extraterrestrial artifacts.
The recent research explaining Venus's peculiar retrograde rotation and the impact hypothesis...
Cosmic Queries: Weighty Matters, Stellar Ages & Moonless Earth Scenarios
Q&A Edition: Cosmic Curiosities and What-If Scenarios In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a range of intriguing questions from our listeners. From the nuances of weight variations on Earth to the implications of a moonless planet, join us for a deep dive into cosmic curiosities and scientific speculation.
Episode Highlights:
-Â Weight Variations:Â DJ from Indianapolis wonders about the difference in weight between the North Pole and the equator, leading to a discussion on gravity, centrifugal force, and the shape of t...
Cosmic Connections: Mapping Magnetic Fields, Dark Matter Mysteries & SpaceX's IPO Success
Join us as we delve into the latest space science stories, from the universe's most comprehensive magnetic map to the mysteries of black holes and dark matter. Our casual chat is packed with insights into ongoing research and space exploration plans, including Elon Musk's ventures into space and beyond.
In this episode:
The CSIRO's groundbreaking map of the universe's magnetic fields, five times more extensive than previous efforts, revealing complex galactic structures and the role of magnetic fields in galaxy evolution [00:00–10:00]
How polarization and Faraday rotation are used to infer magnetic fields across the cosmos, and what th...
Stellar Q&A: Rusty Moons, Space Stations & What If Earth Disappeared?
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, your trusted partner for online security. To take advantage of our exclusive offer, including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
Q&A: Cosmic Queries and What If Scenarios In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into a range of intriguing questions posed by our curious listeners. From the mysteries of small celestial bodies to the hypothetical surviva...
Space Chronicles: Blue Origin's Boom, The Case for Primordial Black Holes
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, your reliable partner for online security. To take advantage of our exclusive offer, including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
Space Exploration: Blue Origin's Explosive Test and the Mysteries of the Universe In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson reunite to discuss a range of captivating topics, including the recent explosive test of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, primordial black h...
Interstellar Inquiries: Hot Jupiters, Rocket Fuel Solutions & Debunking the Artemis Conspiracy
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, your trusted partner for online security. To access our exclusive offer, including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
Q&A: Ultra Hot Jupiters and Rocket Fuel Recycling In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the nature of ultra hot Jupiters to the complexities of reusing spent rocket fuel, this ep...
Cosmic Life Hunt: Delving into Astrobiology Part 2 & the Quest for Extraterrestrial Existence
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, your go-to solution for online security. To take advantage of our special offer, including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
Astrobiology Part 2: The Search for Life Beyond Earth In this captivating continuation of our exploration of astrobiology, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve deeper into the complexities of life in the universe. Following up on their previous discussion, they tackle the intriguing factors that influence the potent...
Stellar Q&A: Unraveling Fusion Mysteries, Martian Caves & Solar Cycles
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, your trusted partner for online security. To access our exclusive offer, including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts.
Cosmic Queries: Unraveling Stellar Mysteries In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a trio of intriguing questions from listeners. From the complexities of hydrogen fusion to the potential for life in Martian caves and the mysteries of stellar activit...
Exoplanet Expeditions: Discovering the Cosmic Diversity Beyond Our Solar System
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordVPN, the one we trust to keep us safe on line. To get our special Space Nuts deal including four extra months for free, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Exoplanets: The Cosmic Neighbours We Never Knew In this special episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve into the fascinating world of exoplanets. With over 6,200 confirmed exoplanets and counting, the duo explores the diversity and complexity of...
Navigating Time, Saturn's Mysteries & Planetary Favourites | A Q&A Episode
Sponsor Link:
This episode of Space Nuts is brouht to with the support of NordVPN. When it's time to upgrade your online securiy, get NordVPN. We did! To check out our special money saving deal - Click Here
Time Travel, Saturn's Rings, and Favourite Planets In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive into a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the complexities of moving through time to the intriguing origins of Saturn's ri...
Astrobiology Adventures: Exploring Life Beyond Earth
Astrobiology: The Search for Life Beyond Earth In this special edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner delve into the captivating field of astrobiology. With Professor Fred Watson away, Jonty brings his expertise to explore the complexities of life beyond our planet, the conditions necessary for its existence, and the ongoing quest to find it.
Episode Highlights:
-Â The Evolution of Exoplanet Discovery:Â Andrew and Jonty discuss the advancements in technology that have allowed astronomers to discover thousands of exoplanets, with a particular focus on Earth-like plan...
Supercharged Neutrinos, Exploding Black Holes & Lunar Mysteries Uncovered | Q&A
Exploding Black Holes, Lunar Mysteries, and Cosmic Questions In this enlightening Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle an array of fascinating questions from listeners. From the enigmatic nature of supercharged neutrinos linked to black holes to the mysteries of the Moon's surface, this episode is a deep dive into the cosmos.
Episode Highlights:
-Â Supercharged Neutrinos and Black Holes:Â Nick's intriguing question about the detection of a supercharged neutrino prompts a discussion on the theoretical concept of exploding black holes and Hawking radi...
Comets, Meteors & Celestial Wonders : A Cosmic Special
Sponsor Link:
Secure your online life...make sure your data stays yours alone. Do what we did and get NordVPN with our special deal which includes an extra 4 months for free and big savings, all at no risk to you. To check out the details visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Comets, Meteors, and Celestial Wonders In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive deep into the fascinating world of comets and meteors. With Professor Fred Watson away, Jonti brings his exper...
Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time Dilation & Dark Matter Mysteries Unraveled | Q&A
Sponsor Link:
Secure your online life...make sure your data stays yours alone. Do what we did and get NordVPN with our special deal which includes and extra 4 months for free and big savings, all at no risk to you. To check out the details visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time, and the Vastness of Space In this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing questions that delve into the com...
