Episodes

  • Cosmic Colors, Stellar Mysteries & the Intricacies of Light: A Q&A Episode

    Cosmic Colors, Stellar Mysteries & the Intricacies of Light: A Q&A Episode
    Apr 14 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought you with the support of Saily. If you love travelling, you need Saily by your side. To find out more and get the special Space Nuts listener discount, visit www.saily.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 512 Q&A: Cosmic Colors, Gamma Ray Bursts, and Terraforming Venus
    In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo takes the helm alongside astronomer Professor Fred Watson to tackle a range of fascinating cosmic queries from our listeners. From the vibrant colors of celestial bodies to the dangers of gamma ray bursts, and the challenges of terraforming Venus, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights that will spark your curiosity about the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Cosmic Colors: Heidi and Fred discuss Rusty from Donnybrook's inquiry about the colors of stars, particularly red giants like Pollux and the blue hues of certain stars. They explore how large telescopes enhance our perception of these colors and the subtlety of what we actually see through the eyepiece.
    - Gamma Ray Bursts Explained: The duo dives into the nature of gamma ray bursts and why their intensity diminishes with distance. Fred explains the inverse square law and clarifies the effects of dust and gas on signal strength, providing a comprehensive understanding of these powerful cosmic events.
    - Terraforming Venus: A thought-provoking discussion on the feasibility of terraforming Venus reveals the planet's extreme conditions and the challenges posed by its thick atmosphere. Fred shares insights on whether blocking sunlight could reverse the runaway greenhouse effect and the implications of Venus's proximity to the sun.
    - The Double Slit Experiment: The episode wraps up with a listener's question about the double slit experiment and the puzzling behavior of photons. Fred elaborates on the concept of quantum superposition and entanglement, shedding light on this fundamental experiment that underpins our understanding of light as both a particle and a wave.
    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) Heidi Campo welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
    (00:30) Andrew and Fred have some questions for you about telescopes and color
    (06:36) Radio waves and gamma rays get weaker the further away they get
    (09:41) Mike Cupid from the UK has a question about terraforming Venus
    (11:41) How could you terraform Venus without losing runaway greenhouse effect
    (16:45) Our very, uh, last question is from Todd. He's from Utah. His question is about spring skiing
    (17:13) Todd from Utah has a question about the double slit experiment

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    27 mins
  • Dust Devils, Cosmic Conundrums & the Quest to Clean Space Junk

    Dust Devils, Cosmic Conundrums & the Quest to Clean Space Junk
    Apr 10 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 511: Dust Devils on Mars, Space Junk Solutions, and Galaxy Growth Conundrums
    In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo fills in for Andrew Dunkley, joining astronomer Professor Fred Watson to explore some of the most intriguing cosmic topics. From the fascinating dust devils observed on Mars to innovative solutions for space debris and the surprising behavior of distant galaxies, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Dust Devils on Mars: Heidi and Fred delve into the unique phenomenon of Martian dust devils, discussing how they differ from those on Earth and their significant impact on Mars' surface, including the surprising discovery of lightning within these swirling dust columns.
    - Space Junk Solutions: The duo examines the growing problem of space debris and introduces a groundbreaking technology from Perseus Space that utilizes electrodynamic tethers to help clean up our orbits, offering a sustainable approach to managing space junk.
    - Galaxy Growth Conundrums: Fred shares insights from the latest findings of the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing unexpected results about the growth of early galaxies and the implications for our understanding of cosmic evolution.
    - Multiverse Theories: The conversation takes a speculative turn as Heidi and Fred discuss the intriguing concept of the multiverse and how it challenges our understanding of the cosmos and the laws of physics.
    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) Professor Fred Watson joins us to discuss the latest Space Nuts podcast
    (00:40) It's been quite windy here, but the weather's been nice
    (01:04) The Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit is happening this month
    (02:18) Fred Seibert talks about light pollution in Arizona
    (03:41) People may not be as familiar with some of the dust storms on Mars
    (11:47) Mars has such a thin atmosphere that it's not a place to colonize
    (13:23) New technology could help us deal with space debris and junk in orbit
    (15:52) Perseus Space is developing a new weapon against space junk
    (20:46) The James Webb Space Telescope is looking very much at very distant galaxies
    (26:44) Astronomers and cosmologists talk about the multiverse theory
    (34:35) Fred: We have very exciting time at the moment in human space flight
    For commercial free editions, become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-exploring-the-cosmos--2631155/support.
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    36 mins
  • Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter

    Stellar Questions, Black Hole Mysteries & the Dance of Dark Matter
    Apr 7 2025
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni. If you're privacy online is important to you, then you really need Incogni...and by using our special link you can currently get 60% off! Witha 30 day money back guarantee. Check out the details here: www.incogni.com/spacenuts

    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

    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

    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. Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Physics/comments/raka0a/why_time_and_space_flip_inside_a_black_hole/?rdt=38918
    - 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
  • Dark Energy, Cosmic Selfies & Baby Moons

    Dark Energy, Cosmic Selfies & Baby Moons
    Mar 27 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 507: Dark Energy, Square Kilometer Array, and Baby Moons
    Join host Andrew Dunkley, astronomer Professor Fred Watson, and special guest Heidi Campo as they delve into the intriguing mysteries of the universe in this episode of Space Nuts. From the latest revelations about dark energy to the exciting developments from the Square Kilometer Array and the discovery of baby moons around baby planets, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and engaging discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Dark Energy Insights: Andrew and Fred explore new research suggesting that dark energy may not be as constant as previously thought, potentially weakening over time and raising questions about the ultimate fate of the universe.
    - Square Kilometer Array Update: The team discusses the first images from the Square Kilometer Array, highlighting its groundbreaking capabilities and the significance of its location in Western Australia for radio astronomy.
    - Discovery of Baby Moons: Exciting findings from the Magellan telescopes reveal the existence of baby moons forming around young planets, providing new insights into planetary formation and the potential for life beyond our solar system.
    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) Andrew Dunkley welcomes Professor Fred Watson back to Space Nuts
    (01:48) Two astronauts successfully returned to Earth after 286 days in space
    (06:03) The evidence that is being presented for dark energy weakening over time is tentative
    (15:53) The Square Kilometer Array telescope in Western Australia has taken its first selfie
    (24:37) Scientists trying to mitigate effects of satellite interference on radio astronomy
    (27:26) Scientists have finally found baby moons forming around baby planets
    (32:50) Andrew Dunkley: Anything to add, Heidi, to finish off podcast

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    34 mins
  • Black Holes, Cosmic Questions & TRAPPIST Tales

    Black Holes, Cosmic Questions & TRAPPIST Tales
    Mar 24 2025
    This episode is brought to you with the help of NORDVPN. To get your special Space Nuts discount and help support the show, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    Space Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and Cosmic Fluctuations
    In this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of listener questions that delve deep into the mysteries of the universe. From the nature of black holes and their gravitational effects to the intriguing dynamics of the TRAPPIST system, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and cosmic insights that will keep you captivated.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Black Hole Mysteries: Andrew and Fred explore whether objects entering a black hole, such as electrons or grains of sand, can be accelerated beyond the speed of light. They clarify the laws of physics that remain intact even within the event horizon and the implications of mass changes.
    - TRAPPIST System Insights: The duo discusses the absence of gas giants in the TRAPPIST system and the possible reasons behind this phenomenon, including the formation processes and the potential for undiscovered planets.
    - Star Collisions: Lloyd from Cairns asks whether everyday stars like our sun ever collide, leading to a discussion about the rarity of such events compared to black hole and neutron star collisions, especially during galaxy mergers.
    - Early Universe Fluctuations: Mark from Louisiana poses a thoughtful question about the energy density fluctuations observed in the WMAP image of the early universe, prompting a conversation about quantum fluctuations and their role in cosmic structure formation.
    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 where we answer audience questions
    (01:02) Doug Stone: I had a question about Earthrise from last year
    (05:14) Question comes from somebody who didn't tell us their name
    (06:32) Picking the voice is picking it. Yes. It's picking it
    (06:46) Could anything entering a black hole be accelerated beyond the speed of light
    (09:05) Some solar systems do not contain gas or ice giants, says Dave
    (12:40) Is there any limit to how many planets a solar system can form
    (15:46) Do everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
    (20:30) Mark Rabelais has a question about fluctuations in the early universe
    (27:08) New research suggests distant galaxies have a preferred direction of rotation
    (28:47) Andrew Dunkley: Thank you to everybody who sent, uh, in questions

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    30 mins
  • Alien Objects, Seismic Signals & Mars Missions: Investigating Cosmic Curiosities

    Alien Objects, Seismic Signals & Mars Missions: Investigating Cosmic Curiosities
    Mar 21 2025
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...and as Andrew says in this episode...the best in the business. To get our special Space Nuts savings, visit www.nordvpn.spacenuts
    Space Nuts Episode 504: Alien Objects, Exoplanets, and Mars Missions
    In this episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is joined by astronomer Fred Watson and special guest Heidi Campo as they dive into the latest cosmic discoveries and ambitious space missions. From the intriguing tale of an alien object that may not be so alien after all to the confirmation of planets orbiting Barnard's Star, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and lively discussions that will pique your curiosity about the universe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Alien Object Mystery: Andrew and Fred explore the story of an object that entered Earth's atmosphere, initially thought to be extraterrestrial, but later revealed to have a more terrestrial explanation involving a truck's seismic signal. The duo discusses the implications of this finding and the ongoing investigation led by Professor Avi Loeb.
    - Discovery of Exoplanets: The conversation shifts to the confirmation of four sub-Earth-sized planets orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest star system to us. Andrew and Fred discuss the challenges of observing these planets and what their discovery means for the search for extraterrestrial life.
    - Elon Musk and Mars Missions: The episode wraps up with an update on Elon Musk's ambitious plans for Mars colonization, including a timeline for robotic missions and the development of the humanoid robot, Optimus. Andrew and Fred discuss the feasibility of these plans and the technological advancements needed to make them a reality.
    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.
    Chapters:
    (00:00) Introduction and welcome
    (01:30) Discussion on the alien object and its true nature
    (10:15) Confirmation of planets around Barnard's Star
    (20:45) Elon Musk's plans for Mars colonization
    (30:00) Closing thoughts and listener engagement

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    35 mins
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