Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries Podcast By Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley cover art

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
Listen for free

About this listen

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.Copyright bitesz.com
Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Cosmic Bubbles, Pancake Volcanoes & Celebrating 50 Years of ESA
    Jun 6 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Insta360...the ultimate in 360-degree video technology. Check out their amazing cameras and grab your special Space Nuts offer by visiting store.insta360.com and using the coupon code Space Nuts at checkout.

    Cosmic Bubbles, Pancake Volcanoes, and 50 Years of the European Space Agency
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson explore a range of fascinating topics that stretch the imagination. From the discovery of a perfectly spherical cosmic bubble to the intriguing pancake volcanoes of Venus, and a celebration of the European Space Agency's 50th anniversary, this episode is a must-listen for all space enthusiasts.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Cosmic Bubble Telios: Fred shares insights into a newly discovered cosmic bubble, dubbed Telios, that is captivating astronomers with its geometric perfection. The duo discusses the significance of this discovery and the technology behind the radio imaging that revealed this stunning celestial object.
    - Pancake Volcanoes on Venus: The conversation shifts to Venus, where unique pancake-shaped volcanic formations have sparked curiosity among scientists. Fred explains the geological processes that may lead to the formation of these unusual structures and how they differ from typical volcanoes on Earth.
    - Celebrating 50 Years of ESA: The episode wraps up with a look at the European Space Agency's 50th anniversary and the release of commemorative coins. Heidi and Fred discuss the significance of ESA's contributions to space exploration and the design elements of the newly minted coins, inviting listeners to engage in a scavenger hunt to decode their mysteries.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on the discovery of the cosmic bubble Telios
    (15:00) Exploring pancake volcanoes on Venus
    (25:30) Celebrating 50 years of the European Space Agency
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • Black Holes, Time Twists & the Future of Life on Mars: A Q&A Episode
    Jun 3 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you by NordVPN and Insta360
    To get your Space Nuts NordVPN offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - a special price and a 30 day moneyback guarantee await. Check it out
    To check out Insta360's brilliant cameras and claim your Space Nuts freebie offer, visit store.insta360.com ... 360 degree photography at it's finest!

    Black Holes, Time Dimensions, and the Future of Life on Mars
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-insightful Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the mysteries of black holes to the complex nature of time and the potential for life on Mars, this episode promises to stimulate your cosmic curiosity.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Black Holes and Time: Andrew and Fred Watson delve into a listener's question about black holes and the nature of time as one approaches the event horizon. Can time really reverse, or does it simply stop? The duo explores these mind-bending concepts and the implications of black hole physics.
    - The Nature of Time: A fascinating discussion arises from a question about whether time can be considered a true dimension. Andrew and Fred Watson unpack the complexities of time as a dimension, including its unique properties compared to spatial dimensions and how it affects our understanding of the universe.
    - Future Habitats on Mars: The conversation shifts to the potential for life on Mars and the impact of Milankovitch cycles on the planet's climate. Can Mars become a habitable world again, and what does that mean for the future of life in our solar system? The duo examines the possibilities and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.
    - Listener Ideas and Cosmic Creativity: Andrew shares an exciting book premise suggested by a listener, exploring the idea of Martian microbes merging with human cells. This sparks a conversation about the implications of such a scenario and the creative possibilities it presents.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on black holes and the nature of time
    (15:00) Exploring the potential for life on Mars and Milankovitch cycles
    (25:30) Listener Ash ideas and cosmic creativity
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Dwarf Planets, Peculiar Moons & the Mystery of Dark Matter
    May 30 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Insta360...the leaders in 360 degree video making. Check out their range and grab your special Space Nuts offer by visiting store.insta360.com and using the coupon code Space Nuts at checkout.

    Exploring the Outer Solar System: New Dwarf Planets, Iapetus Mysteries, and Primordial Black Holes
    In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and theories that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. From the potential identification of a new dwarf planet to the intriguing features of Saturn's moon Iapetus and the enigmatic nature of primordial black holes, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Potential New Dwarf Planet: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the discovery of a new Trans-Neptunian object that could challenge the existence of Planet Nine. With its elongated orbit and significant distance from the Sun, this potential dwarf planet offers fresh perspectives on our solar system's architecture.
    - The Peculiar Moon Iapetus: The conversation shifts to Iapetus, a unique moon of Saturn known for its stark contrast in surface coloration and mysterious equatorial ridge. Andrew and Fred Watson explore the various theories regarding its formation and the renewed interest it has garnered in recent discussions.
    - Primordial Black Holes and Dark Matter: The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the theoretical research surrounding primordial black holes and their potential role in explaining dark matter. Fred shares insights from recent studies suggesting these ancient black holes might be more stable than previously thought, reigniting the debate on their contribution to the universe's missing mass.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on the potential new dwarf planet in the solar system
    (15:00) Exploring the mysteries of Saturn's moon Iapetus
    (25:30) Theoretical research on primordial black holes and dark matter
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet