Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter
    Apr 7 2025
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    Space Nuts Episode 510: The Sun's Mass Loss, Black Holes, and Dark Matter Mysteries
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle some fascinating listener questions that delve into the complexities of our universe. From the sun's mass loss over billions of years to the enigmatic relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy, this episode is packed with illuminating discussions that will expand your cosmic understanding.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Sun's Mass Over Time: Heidi and Fred explore a listener's question about how much smaller the sun is now compared to two billion years ago. They discuss the staggering amount of hydrogen it burns each second and how this affects its overall mass, revealing that the sun has only lost a minuscule fraction of its mass over its lifetime.
    - Primordial Black Holes and Dark Energy: The duo addresses a listener's inquiry into the connection between primordial black holes and dark energy. They explain why the mathematics of current theories do not support the idea that evaporating black holes could account for the universe's accelerated expansion.
    - The Final Parsecs of Black Hole Mergers: A deep dive into the complexities of black hole mergers leads to discussions about gravitational waves and the challenges of understanding what happens during these cosmic events. Fred shares insights on the final parsec problem and the mysterious nature of singularities.
    - Dark Matter and Energy Manifest: The episode wraps up with a listener's intriguing proposition that dark matter could be energy manifest. Fred clarifies how dark matter may have originated from energy during the Big Bang, while the quest to uncover its true nature continues.
    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
    (01:40) Discussion on the sun's mass loss over billions of years
    (11:20) The relationship between primordial black holes and dark energy
    (22:15) Insights into black hole mergers and gravitational waves
    (30:00) Exploring the nature of dark matter and energy manifest
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
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    27 mins
  • Cosmic Winds, Nebula Secrets & the Mysteries of Neptune
    Apr 3 2025
    This episode is presented with the help of NordVPN....it's the one we all use and recommend. It just works! To get our special Space Nuts deal visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 509: Neptune's Secrets, Lunar Dust Shields, and the Helix Nebula
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, fill-in host Heidi Campo joins astronomer Fred Watson to explore some of the cosmos' most intriguing phenomena. From the latest discoveries about Neptune's atmosphere to innovative solutions for lunar dust challenges, and the mysteries of the Helix Nebula, listeners are in for a treat filled with cosmic insights and engaging discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Neptune's Atmosphere: Heidi and Fred dive into the recent observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the presence of auroras on Neptune and discussing its unique atmospheric conditions, including record-breaking winds and intriguing cloud formations.
    - Lunar Dust Shield Innovations: The duo explores NASA's new Electrodynamic Dust Shield, designed to repel lunar regolith, and its potential applications for future lunar missions and even everyday life on Earth.
    - Helix Nebula Mysteries: The episode wraps up with a discussion about the Helix Nebula, its stunning visuals, and the fascinating theory surrounding the remnants of a planet that was destroyed as its star transitioned into a white dwarf.
    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
    (01:40) Discussion on Neptune's auroras and atmospheric conditions
    (11:20) The innovative Electrodynamic Dust Shield for lunar missions
    (22:15) Exploring the Helix Nebula and its planetary ghost
    (30:00) Final thoughts and reflections on space exploration
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
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    46 mins
  • Space-Time Twists, Cosmic Questions & Asteroid Mysteries: A Q&A Journey Through the Universe
    Mar 31 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 508: Space and Time, Movement in the Universe, and the Nature of Discovery
    In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by astronomer Professor Fred Watson and special guest Heidi Campo as they tackle a variety of thought-provoking listener questions. From the intricate relationship between space and time within black holes to the inherent direction of movement in the universe, this episode is filled with fascinating insights and lively discussions that will ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Space and Time Dynamics: Andrew and Fred revisit a complex question about whether space and time switch roles inside the event horizon of a black hole, exploring the implications of this phenomenon and referencing an insightful video that clarifies the concept.
    - Movement of Celestial Bodies: A listener inquires about the inherent direction of rotation and movement in the universe, leading to a discussion on the anti-clockwise motion of planets and galaxies, and the fascinating reasons behind these patterns.
    - Osiris Rex Mission Insights: The team delves into the findings from NASA's Osiris Rex mission, examining the similarities between the asteroid Bennu and Earth, and the implications of its origin and composition.
    - Hypothetical Science: A thought-provoking hypothetical question from a listener prompts a discussion on the nature of scientific discovery and the importance of unanswered questions in driving scientific inquiry.
    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) This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts
    (01:41) Fred asks question about if space and time can switch roles inside black hole
    (03:04) A video on Reddit explains how space and time interact inside a black hole
    (11:08) Most objects in the universe have some form of rotation or movement
    (18:08) Andrew Dunkley answers John Foster's question on Space Nuts
    (18:39) NASA's Osiris Rex mission returned with a sample of the asteroid Bennu
    (21:48) Would you rather be a scientist with nothing left to solve or everything wrong
    (25:05) Robert asks if our solar system is unique or not
    (29:43) Space Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadioBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
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    30 mins

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