Space Nuts

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/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 505: Black Holes, TRAPPIST Planets, and Cosmic FluctuationsIn 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

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.spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 504: Alien Objects, Exoplanets, and Mars MissionsIn 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

In this Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley and astronomer Fred Watson tackle intriguing questions from listeners about bright nebulae, the nature of light, and the mysteries of time. They discuss whether one could see the vibrant colors of nebulae from within, delve into the implications of two arrows of time emerging from quantum systems, and explore the feasibility of life on moons orbiting brown dwarf stars. Join us for a fascinating journey through the cosmos as we unravel these cosmic queries!Chapters:(00:00) This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts(01:34) Dan from the Gold Coast asks about color effects of telescopes in nebula(06:28) Stan Vanning: Which nebula is the brightest and most colorful(09:38) New study suggests opposing arrows of time can theoretically emerge from certain quantum systems(15:59) Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson discuss the arrows of time(16:30) Andrew and Fred answer a question from Rusty in Donnybrook(16:51) If moon was orbiting the sun without the Earth

Space Nuts Episode 503: Dark Matter Stars, Australia's Oldest Impact Crater, and Mission UpdatesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore the latest discoveries and updates from the cosmos. From the intriguing possibility of dark matter stars to the revelation of the oldest impact crater on Earth, this episode is filled with exciting insights and engaging discussions that will spark your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Dark Matter Stars: The episode kicks off with a discussion about the potential discovery of dark matter stars by the James Webb Space Telescope. Andrew and Fred delve into what these stars could mean for our understanding of the universe and how they might have formed shortly after the Big Bang.- Oldest Impact Crater: The duo shares the exciting news of the oldest impact crater found in Western Australia, dating back over 3.5 billion years. They discuss the significance of this discovery and how it reshapes our unde

Space Nuts Episode 502: Q&A on Black Holes, Cosmic Temperatures, and Starshot MissionsJoin 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 around the globe. From the mysteries of black holes to the minimum temperature of space and the ambitious Starshot mission, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights and lively discussions.Episode Highlights:- Black Hole Plasma Beams: Listener James from New Orleans sparks a fascinating discussion about plasma beams emanating from the M87 black hole and the recycling of matter in the universe. Andrew and Fred explore the implications of cooling plasma and its potential to change states.- Minimum Temperature of Space: Buddy from Morgan raises a thought-provoking question about whether the minimum temperature of space will continue to drop as the universe expands. The duo dives into cosmic background radiation and its effects on the elements in the uni

This episode is brought to you by NordVPN....the VPN we all use and highly recommend. We wouldn't advertise them if we didn't love the product. And there's a very special limited time deal for Space Nuts listeners at the moment. Check it out ASAP at www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts ...and it comes witha  30 day money back guantee.Space Nuts Episode 501: Lunar Landings, Andromeda Mysteries, and Voyager-1 UpdateJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson (yes, he's back) in this exciting episode of Space Nuts, where they dive into groundbreaking achievements in lunar exploration, the mysteries surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, and the latest updates from Voyager 1. This episode is packed with fascinating insights and updates that will keep you engaged and curious about the cosmos.Episode Highlights:- Blue Ghost Lunar Lander: The episode kicks off with the successful landing of the Blue Ghost lunar lander by Firefly Aerospace. Andrew and Fred discuss the significance of this commercial mission, how it differs from pa

Space Nuts Episode 500: Celebrating 500 Episodes with a Q&A ExtravaganzaJoin Andrew Dunkley, Professor Jonti Horner, and Professor Fred Watson in this monumental 500th episode of Space Nuts! In a special Q&A format, the team tackles a range of audience questions that span the cosmos, including the mysteries of the Big Bang, the impending collision of Andromeda with the Milky Way, and the fascinating phenomenon of cold welding in space. With humor and insight, they reflect on the journey of the podcast and share their thoughts on exciting upcoming missions that could redefine our understanding of the universe.Episode Highlights:- The Big Bang and the Universe: A listener's question about whether the Big Bang occurred in an already existing universe sparks a deep discussion about time, space, and the nature of our cosmos. Andrew, Jonti, and Fred explore the complexities of cosmological theories and the philosophical implications behind them.- Andromeda's Approach: The team dives into the future collisio

Space Nuts Episode 499: Asteroid Updates, Life in the Cosmos, and SpaceX MishapsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this exciting episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest developments in asteroid research, the ongoing quest for extraterrestrial life, and some recent SpaceX controversies. From the fate of asteroid 2024 YR4 to the intriguing possibilities of subsurface oceans on icy moons, this episode is packed with information that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Episode Highlights:- Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: Andrew and Jonti discuss the latest findings regarding asteroid 2024 YR4, which was initially deemed a potential threat. They clarify the current low probability of impact and explore the implications for both Earth and the Moon, including what would happen if it were to collide with the lunar surface.- Are We Alone in the Universe? The duo tackles the age-old question of extraterrestrial life, discussing new data and the challenges scientists face in searching for evi

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Incogni. If online privacy matters to you, then you need Incogni. To take advantage of our special 60% off offer for the Space Nuts family, simply visit www.incogni.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 498: Reflections in Space, Holographic Theories, and Liquid PlanetsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle some of the most thought-provoking questions from our listeners. From the possibility of seeing our own reflection in space to the intriguing theory of a holographic universe, and the concept of entirely liquid exoplanets, this episode is packed with fascinating insights that will expand your understanding of the cosmos.Episode Highlights:- Seeing Our Reflection in Space: Tony's question sparks a discussion on the challenges of capturing a reflected image of the Milky Way galaxy. Jonti explains the complexities of gravitational lensing and how light behaves in the presence of

This episode is brought to you with help of NordVPN. To get the special birthday deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you'll be glad you did.Space Nuts Episode 497: Earth's Core Dynamics, Hypervelocity Stars, and Cosmic DustJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the intriguing dynamics of our planet's core, the discovery of a hyperactive star with a planet, and the fascinating phenomenon of cosmic dust. From the slowing of Earth's inner core to the implications of interstellar objects entering our solar system, this episode is filled with insights that will ignite your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Earth's Core Dynamics: Andrew and Jonti discuss the recent findings regarding the Earth's inner core, revealing that it has been slowing down. They explore how researchers used data from repeating earthquakes to uncover the complexities of the core's rotation and its implications for our understanding of Earth's geology.- Hy

Space Nuts Episode 496: Life on Other Planets, Centrifugal Forces, and Bone Density in SpaceJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle some of the most intriguing questions from our listeners. From the possibility of detecting life on distant planets to the fascinating dynamics of centrifugal force, and the effects of zero gravity on bone density, this episode is brimming with scientific insights that will spark your curiosity about the universe.Episode Highlights:- Detecting Life on Distant Planets: Ron's compelling question leads the discussion on whether scientists in other solar systems could identify life on Earth using current technology, and vice versa. Jonti elaborates on the challenges and potential methods for detecting life beyond our planet.- Spheres vs. Disks: Dean asks why celestial objects form as spheres while others appear as disks. Jonti explains the physical processes at play, including hydrostatic equilibrium an

Space Nuts Episode 495: The Megastructure Quipu, Exoplanet Myths, and SpaceX SatellitesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the cosmos' latest discoveries and debunk popular misconceptions. From the astonishing natural megastructure known as Quipu to the reality behind potentially habitable exoplanets, and the implications of SpaceX satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere, this episode is packed with fascinating insights that will expand your understanding of our universe.Episode Highlights:- The Discovery of Quipu: Andrew and Jonti discuss the recently discovered megastructure, Quipu, which is a colossal natural formation in the universe. They delve into its size, significance, and the implications it has for our understanding of cosmic structures.- Exoplanet Misconceptions: Jonti shares his frustrations regarding the overselling of exoplanet discoveries and the potential for life. They dissect the media's portrayal of newly found pla

Space Nuts Episode 494: Radiation Around Jupiter, Light Refraction, and Brown DwarfsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from our listeners. From the complexities of radiation surrounding Jupiter to the effects of light refraction in space, and the mysteries of brown dwarfs, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your understanding of the cosmos.Episode Highlights:- Radiation Around Jupiter: Fenton from Minnesota dives deep into the types of radiation emitted by Jupiter and the charged particles from its volcanic moon Io. Jonti explains the implications for spacecraft navigating this hazardous environment and how these particles interact with Jupiter's magnetic field.- Light Refraction and Redshift: Kerry from Mount Gambier wonders about the impact of gas clouds on light refraction and redshift. Jonti clarifies how light behaves when passing through these clouds and reassures l

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...a must for when online privacy matters. Check out our great New Years deal by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 493: Asteroids, Cosmic Debris, and the Origins of LifeJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this action-packed episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the fascinating world of asteroids and their implications for life on Earth. From the potential threat of asteroid 2024 YR4 to the surprising discovery of a Tesla Roadster masquerading as a space rock, this episode is filled with intriguing stories and scientific insights that will captivate your imagination.Episode Highlights:- Asteroid 2024 YR4: Discover the latest findings on asteroid 2024 YR4, which could come perilously close to Earth in 2032. Jonti explains the ongoing observations and calculations that are helping astronomers refine its orbit and assess the potential threat it poses.- Not an Asteroid: A new discovery reveals that a suppose

Space Nuts Episode 492: Tidal Locking, Solar Mysteries, and Moon TravelJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of cosmic questions from our curious listeners. From the complexities of tidal locking in celestial systems to the intriguing heat discrepancies in the Sun's layers, and even how to get to the Moon, this episode is filled with fascinating insights that will deepen your understanding of the universe.Episode Highlights:- Tidal Locking Explained: Jake from Tennessee asks about the possibility of tidal locking between stars and their orbiting planets. Jonti dives into the mechanics of tidal interactions, using examples from our own solar system, including the Earth-Moon relationship and Pluto's moons.- Solar Mysteries: Clint from Georgia raises a thought-provoking question about the Sun's corona, which is millions of degrees hotter than its surface. Andrew and Jonti explore the latest theories on how gravitational interact

Space Nuts Episode 491: The Windiest Planet, Martian Mysteries, and Light Pollution ConcernsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this captivating episode of Space Nuts, where they explore some of the most fascinating cosmic discoveries of our time. From the extraordinary winds of a distant exoplanet to intriguing geological findings on Mars, and the looming threat of light pollution on astronomical observations, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your cosmic perspective.Episode Highlights:- The Windiest Planet: Discover Wasp 127B, the exoplanet with astonishing wind speeds reaching up to 33,000 kilometers per hour. Andrew and Jonti delve into the implications of these extreme weather conditions and what they reveal about the planet's atmosphere and energy dynamics.- Martian Terrain Discovery: A new study uncovers a fascinating area on Mars that suggests the presence of permanent liquid water in the planet's ancient past. Jonti explains the significance of the clay deposits foun

This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. When you need a VPN, make sure you get the best....the one we use personally. For special New Year deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode 490: Origins of Life, Mars Missions, and Cosmic DistancesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner in this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle some of your most pressing cosmic queries. From the origins of life on Earth to the challenges of traveling to Mars, and how we accurately measure distances in space, this episode is brimming with intriguing discussions that will expand your understanding of the universe.Episode Highlights:- Origins of Life: Christian shares his exciting research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, exploring the origins of life and its implications for other planetary bodies. Andrew and Jonti discuss the significance of these findings and how they relate to the conditions necessary for life to emerge.- Traveling to Mars: Rennie ask

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni where it's all about your data protection made easy. Check out details and get the special Space Nuts listener discount by visiting incogni.com/spacenutsSpace Nuts Episode #489: Meteorite Madness, Space Treaties, and Cosmic ConnectionsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner as they explore a whirlwind of cosmic topics in this exciting episode of Space Nuts. From a meteorite striking a Canadian doorstep to a deep dive into space treaties and panspermia, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and discussions that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe.Episode Highlights:- Meteorite Strike: Discover the incredible story of a meteorite captured on a doorbell camera as it strikes a home in Canada. Jonti shares the details of the event, the type of meteorite involved, and the unique audio captured during the impact.- Space Treaties and Ownership: Andrew and Jonti discuss the implications of Donald Trump's inauguration speech re

Space Nuts Episode 488: Cosmic Curiosities - Primordial Black Holes, Ancient Galaxies, and the Ultimate Lagrange PointJoin Andrew Dunkley, Professor Fred Watson, and Professor Jonti Horner as they tackle intriguing questions from our listeners in this Q&A edition of Space Nuts. Dive into the mysteries of the universe with thought-provoking discussions on primordial black holes, ancient galaxies, and the concept of the ultimate Lagrange point.Episode Highlights:- Primordial Black Holes: Rusty from Donnybrook throws a cosmic curveball about the impact of a primordial black hole entering our solar system. Explore the fascinating scenarios and potential consequences with Fred and Jonti as they delve into gravitational dynamics and celestial mechanics.- Ancient Galaxies: Marcel questions the age of the universe as the James Webb Space Telescope continues to uncover older galaxies. Fred and Jonti unravel the complexities of cosmic timelines and the implications for our understanding of galaxy formation and evol

Space Nuts Episode 487: Rethinking the Universe - Dark Energy, Comet Atlas, and Pluto's Moon MysteryJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they welcome the newest member to the team and kick off the first episode of 2025 with groundbreaking discussions and cosmic revelations. This episode is packed with intriguing topics, including a revolutionary paper challenging our understanding of dark energy, a mesmerizing comet lighting up our skies, and a fresh perspective on how Pluto acquired its moon, Charon.Episode Highlights:- Dark Energy Debate: Explore the bold new paper suggesting the universe might not have dark energy and isn't expanding as we thought. Fred Watson and guest Professor Jonti Horner delve into the implications of this paradigm-shifting research and what it means for the future of cosmology.- Comet C/2024 G3 Atlas: Discover the celestial wonder of Comet Atlas, a once-in-160,000-year event. Learn about its journey close to the sun and how you can catch a glimpse of this spectacular come