Episodes

  • #456: Safeguarding the Moon, Titan's Liquid Sounds & Dark Matter Drifts

    #456: Safeguarding the Moon, Titan's Liquid Sounds & Dark Matter Drifts
    Sep 30 2024
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    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners. From the protection of the moon to the sounds of extraterrestrial liquids, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic curiosities.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Protecting the Moon: Mikey from Illinois asks about the measures in place to protect the moon from catastrophic asteroid impacts and what would happen if the moon were significantly altered.
    - Sounds of Titan: James from Minnesota wonders if the lakes and rivers on Titan would sound similar to those on Earth, given the differences in atmospheric pressure and liquid composition.
    - Dark Matter Movement: Bill from San Francisco Bay Area inquires about whether dark matter can move through Space and be influenced by gravitational events.
    - Formation of Atmospheres: Brady from Florida asks how atmospheres are formed on planets, transitioning from a ball of rock and lava to having a gaseous envelope.
    00:00 - This is a Q and A episode where we answer your questions
    01:25 - Fred and Andrew ask what would happen if an asteroid hit the moon
    06:20 - Extra solar might come through. Yes. The thing is, the bigger the object is
    06:58 - Next question comes from James Greenfield with Professor Fred Watson
    10:53 - Bill asks question about whether dark matter can move through space
    14:55 - Why does everyone who lives in Florida call it the great state of Florida
    15:58 - Brady from Florida asks how planets form their atmospheres
    19:15 - If you have questions for Space Nuts, go to our website
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support. Other supporter options can be found on our website.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    24 mins
  • #455: Starship to Mars, Expanding Galaxies & Starliner Returns

    #455: Starship to Mars, Expanding Galaxies & Starliner Returns
    Sep 26 2024
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this thrilling episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the latest in Space science and astronomy. From the return of the Starliner to groundbreaking missions to Mars, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and discoveries.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Starliner Success: The Boeing Starliner makes a flawless return to Earth, marking a significant achievement for Boeing's engineers and NASA. Discover the details of this textbook mission and the future prospects for the Starliner.
    - SpaceX Mars Missions: SpaceX's Starship mega rocket is gearing up for missions to Mars in the next few years. Learn about Elon Musk's ambitious plan to build a self-sustaining city on Mars and the technological advancements making it possible.
    - Galaxy Size Revelation: New research suggests our galaxies are much larger than previously thought. Find out how this discovery impacts our understanding of the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies, and what it means for their impending merger.
    - Stellar Disruption: A passing star may have caused significant disruptions in the outer solar system. Explore the implications of this event on trans-Neptunian objects and the potential existence of Planet Nine.00:00:00 - This is space nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
    00:01:15 - Professor Fred Watson says brush turkeys do serious damage to Australian gardens
    00:03:31 - Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully returned to Earth last week
    00:06:17 - SpaceX is developing a spacecraft called starship that will go to Mars
    00:07:48 - Elon Musk tweets timelines for first space starship missions to Mars
    00:14:15 - Professor Fred Watson says he has no problem with humans going to Mars
    00:22:49 - Scientists say gas makes up 70 to 90% of normal matter in universe
    00:25:30 - Scientists suggest disruption in solar system due to passing star billions of years ago
    00:30:03 - Andrew Dunkley: Planet nine theory has been around since 2016
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com.
    Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    34 mins
  • #454: Universe's Speed Limits, Triple Star Systems & CME Mysteries

    #454: Universe's Speed Limits, Triple Star Systems & CME Mysteries
    Sep 23 2024
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this lively Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle fascinating questions from listeners about the universe's expansion, three sun systems, black hole mergers, and coronal mass ejections.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Universal Expansion: What if the expansion of the universe slowed down? Could light overtake the edge of the universe?
    - Three Sun Systems: Chris from North Carolina asks about the possibility of a planet orbiting three suns and the gravitational effects of such a system.
    - Black Hole Mergers: Discover what happens when black holes merge. Is it like a mini big bang?
    - Coronal Mass Ejections: Have we ever collected matter from a coronal mass ejection? Lee from Canada wants to know the details and implications.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform. For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    22 mins
  • #453: Starliner Suit Dilemma, Iron Rain on WASP 76b & Kuiper Belt Mysteries

    #453: Starliner Suit Dilemma, Iron Rain on WASP 76b & Kuiper Belt Mysteries
    Sep 19 2024
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest updates on the Boeing Starliner, the peculiar weather on planet Wasp 76 b, the bustling Kuiper Belt, and the mystery of Mars' missing water.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Starliner Troubles: Discover the latest issue plaguing the Boeing Starliner and the unique challenges faced by astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.
    - Wasp 76 b: Learn about the extreme weather on this distant exoplanet, where iron rain is a reality.
    - Kuiper Belt Discoveries: New findings suggest the Kuiper Belt is more populated and extensive than previously thought.
    - Mars' Water Mystery: Uncover the latest research on where Mars' water went and what it means for the planet's history.

    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support. Other supporter options can be found on our website.
    Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    32 mins
  • #452: Early Universe Mysteries, Galactic Demise & Dark Matter Interactions

    #452: Early Universe Mysteries, Galactic Demise & Dark Matter Interactions
    Sep 16 2024
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni...looking after your online privacy with no hassles. To check out our special Space Nuts deal, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle intriguing questions from our listeners about the universe, galaxies, the origin of life, and dark matter.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Older Universe: Bob from Florida asks about the appearance of galaxies in the older parts of the universe and their spatial relationships over time.
    - Galaxies and Black Holes: Shaun from British Columbia inquires if all galaxies will eventually be consumed by their central supermassive black holes.
    - Origin of Life on Earth: James from Maine discusses the potential for life on Earth to have begun as far back as 4.1 billion years ago and the implications for finding microbial life elsewhere in our solar system.
    - Dark Matter Interactions: Michael from Illinois questions whether dark matter interacts with itself gravitationally.
    Chapters:
    - 00:00:00 - Space nuts asks you to send us questions and we try to answer them
    - 00:02:03 - Bob says galaxies that far away should be closer together with expanding universe
    - 00:05:57 - Are all galaxies eventually going to get sucked into their central supermassive black holes
    - 00:08:32 - There is tantalising evidence that life may have begun on earth 4.1 billion years ago
    - 00:15:25 - Michael: Does dark matter gravitationally interact with itself
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform. For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    23 mins
  • #451: Unexplained Starliner Noises, Ganymede's Cataclysm & Black Hole Jet Discoveries

    #451: Unexplained Starliner Noises, Ganymede's Cataclysm & Black Hole Jet Discoveries
    Sep 12 2024
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni...looking after your online privacy with no hassles. To check out our special Space Nuts deal, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this riveting episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into mysterious noises, cosmic impacts, black hole jets, and the debate over extraterrestrial life.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Mysterious Noises in the Boeing Starliner: Strange noises are coming from inside the Boeing Starliner, even though it’s empty. Discover what might be causing these eerie sounds.
    - Ganymede's Massive Impact: Learn about the colossal asteroid that struck Jupiter’s largest moon, Ganymede, with a force greater than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs on Earth.
    - Black Hole Jets: Scientists have made new discoveries about the jets of plasma shooting from black holes. Find out how they recreated these phenomena in a lab.
    - Believing in Aliens: The ongoing debate about extraterrestrial life and the problems arising from conspiracy theories. Why do so many people believe in alien visitations?
    - - 00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley: Coming up on this episode of Space Nuts
    - - 00:01:32 Fred Watson Watson: Hallie, Andrew. I'm here for more, but I'll give less, just to be contrary.
    - - 00:03:45 Discussing the Boeing Starliner and the strange noises reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore.
    - - 00:15:20 The impact on Ganymede by an asteroid 20 times the mass of the one that hit Earth.
    - - 00:28:10 New findings about black hole jets and how they were recreated in a lab.
    - - 00:40:00 The debate over extraterrestrial life and the rise of conspiracy theories.
    - For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform. For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support. Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    35 mins
  • #450: Dark Matter Debate, Flawed Maths & Spinning Black Holes

    #450: Dark Matter Debate, Flawed Maths & Spinning Black Holes
    Sep 9 2024
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni...looking after your online privacy with no hassles. To check out our special Space Nuts deal, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts

    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle intriguing questions from our listeners about dark matter, flawed mathematics, black holes, and more.Episode Highlights:- Dark Matter Debate: Kevin from Melbourne challenges the Timms on their previous discussion about dark matter, questioning whether SpaceTime itself could be the elusive substance.
    - Flawed Mathematics: Simon wonders if the breakdown of models at the extremes of the universe is due to our mathematics being flawed. Could our system of mathematics be misaligned with the real world?
    - Black Holes and Spin: Isaac from Brisbane, aged nine, asks how black holes spin if they take up no Space and why spin affects Space.
    - Gravity and Space: Isaac's dad inquires about how gravity bends Space and thus bends light traveling past it.
    - Energy in Space: Rusty from Donnybrook speculates about harnessing the energy of Space and the potential for one g drives to revolutionise Space travel.
    - 00:00:00 - This is a q and a edition of Space Nuts
    - 00:01:05 - Kevin from Melbourne asks whether spacetime itself might be dark matter
    - 00:07:22 - Is it possible that breakdown of models is due to our mathematics being flawed
    - 00:11:38 - Simon: I just finished watching a science fiction series called dark matter
    - 00:13:01 - Why do black holes spin if they take up no space
    - 00:15:11 - Isaac's dad wants to know how gravity bends space
    - 00:16:56 - Fred and Andrew: Soon we'll harness the energy of space itself
    - 00:18:39 - If we could achieve one g drive, it would make travel around the solar system pretty schmick
    - 00:24:16 - Space Nuts podcast available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio
    For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTube Music, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform. For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
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    27 mins
  • #449: 20,000 Black Holes, Polaris Dawn's Spacewalk & New Horizons' Deep Dive

    #449: 20,000 Black Holes, Polaris Dawn's Spacewalk & New Horizons' Deep Dive
    Sep 5 2024
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enthralling episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into groundbreaking discoveries and missions in the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    • Swarm of Black Holes: Explore the astonishing possibility of a swarm of up to 20,000 black holes in a well-known region of Space. Once thought to contain a single intermediate-mass black hole, new findings suggest a much more complex scenario.
    • - Polaris Dawn Mission: Discover the exciting details of the Polaris Dawn mission, potentially the first crewed mission to achieve a polar orbit around Earth. Learn about their ambitious plans, including the first privately conducted spacewalk, and the technical challenges they face.
    • - New Horizons Mission: Find out what the New Horizons spacecraft is up to 18 years after its launch. After its historic flyby of Pluto, the mission continues to break new ground by examining the darkness of Space, providing insights into the cosmic optical background.
    • - 00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley: Coming up on this episode of Space Nuts
    • - 00:01:32 You can't go bluetooth through this panel I've got because of time delay
    • - 00:02:35 Geordie says he got hay fever from living in England
    • - 00:04:28 Astronomers have been hunting for intermediate black holes for decades
    • - 00:15:00 The world will have to come up with a collective noun for black holes
    • - 00:16:14 Professor Fred Watson talks to Andrew Dunkley about the Polaris dawn mission
    • - 00:23:22 Andrew Dunkley dives into black hole; hopes all goes well
    • - 00:24:26 New Horizons spacecraft has been sent off to examine darkness of night sky
    • - 00:32:17 Professor Fred Watson: Thanks for your company, Andrew Dunkley
    • For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at spacenutspodcast.com. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform. For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts/support.Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.
    Episode References:
    Hubble Space Telescope
    https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
    Polaris Dawn mission
    https://polarisprogram.com/
    New Horizons spacecraft
    https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html
    Sky & Telescope
    https://skyandtelescope.org/
    French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
    https://www.cnrs.fr/en
    Leiden Observatory
    https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/astronomy
    Royal Observatory Edinburgh
    https://www.roe.ac.uk/
    SpaceX Crew Dragon
    https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/dragon/
    Falcon 9
    https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/
    Astronomy AstroDailyPod
    https://astronomydaily.io/
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    34 mins