Space Nuts

Space Nuts Episode: Radio Interference, Multiverse Viability, and Martian Water BehaviourJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the challenges of radio astronomy in urban areas to the fascinating possibilities of multiverse sizes, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.Episode Highlights:Radio Interference and Urban Astronomy: Tobias from Marsfield, Sydney, asks about the viability of radio astronomy near urban areas, specifically at the CSIRO astrophysics lab. Fred discusses the impact of terrestrial radio interference and the transition to LED street lights on astronomical observations.- Multiverse Viability: Jeffrey inquires about the smallest possible size for a viable universe in a multiverse scenario. Fred explores the complexities of universe formation and the intriguing theories proposed by Roger Penrose.- Dark Matter and Angular Momentum: Rosie's husband raises

Space Nuts Episode: NASA's New AR Toy, Star Trek Illusion, and Euclid's Orphan StarsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore the latest in space science and astronomy. From NASA's innovative social media tools to the intriguing discoveries by the Euclid space telescope, there's something for every space enthusiast.Episode Highlights:- NASA's Augmented Reality for Instagram: Learn about NASA's new AR tool for Instagram users, designed to bring the wonders of the universe to your screen in a whole new dimension. Fred and Andrew discuss the impact and potential of this exciting technology.- Star Trek Illusion: Discover the disappointing truth behind the star that was supposed to host the planet Vulcan from Star Trek. Fred explains the recent findings that debunk the existence of this fictional planet.- Euclid Space Telescope's Orphan Stars: The first images from the Euclid space telescope have revealed a surprising number of orphan stars. Fred delves

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To check out our exclusive offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you can thank us later...Space Nuts Episode: Space Junk, Gravity Waves, and Solar EclipsesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe.Episode Highlights:- **Space Junk**: Pete from Mamong Point raises concerns about the long-term effects of burning up space debris in Earth's atmosphere. Fred discusses the implications and complexities of space junk management, including the concept of "graveyard orbits" and the infamous Point Nemo.- **Gravity Waves**: Philip from Australia, originally from Glasgow, delves into the nature of gravity waves and their composition. Fred explains the concept of spacetime distortion and how gravitational waves propagate through the fabric of the universe.- **Matter and Energy**: Giego from Slovakia questions whether vacuum en

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To check out our exclusive offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you can thank us later...Space Nuts Episode: Earth-Like Exoplanets, Alien Megastructures, and Space NoiseJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this thrilling episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space science. From the discovery of an Earth-like exoplanet to the search for alien megastructures, this episode promises to be a cosmic journey you won't want to miss.Episode Highlights:- Earth-Like Exoplanet Discovery: An Australian-Scottish collaboration has discovered an exoplanet that closely resembles Earth in size and is located in the habitable zone of its star. Learn about its potential for hosting liquid water and the exciting future possibilities for imaging this distant world.- Space Noise Threat to SKA: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope faces challenges from satellite noise. Fred discusses the efforts to miti

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson for another enlightening episode of Space Nuts Q&A. This week, we tackle a variety of listener questions that delve into the fascinating intricacies of space science and astronomy.First, we revisit a question from Alan about the detectability of light at one candle power of an LED in space. Fred breaks down the calculations and assumptions, providing insights into how far such a light source would be visible, even with the Hubble Telescope.Next, Nate from Queensland asks about bolometric luminosity and its implications for predicting changes in stars, such as supernovae. Fred explains the concept of bolometric measurements, the use of bolometers, and whether there's a standard way to predict changes in a star's luminosity.David from Melbourne brings up Hawking radiation and its potential connection to dark matter and dark energy. Fred clarifies the nature of Hawking radiation and discusses recent research linking black holes to dark energy, albeit without invo

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts as they explore some of the most intriguing phenomena in space science.First up, zebrafish are making waves in orbit! These tiny aquanauts are part of a Chinese space mission on the Tiangong space station. Discover why zebrafish are ideal candidates for space research and what their genetic similarities to humans could reveal about the effects of zero gravity on biological organisms.Next, delve into the mystery of the cold spot in space, a peculiar anomaly within the cosmic microwave background radiation. Fred explains the significance of this cold spot, its potential causes, and why it challenges our understanding of the universe's isotropy. Could a giant cosmic void be the culprit, or is there another explanation lurking in the cosmos?Additionally, the duo discusses the exciting progress of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, featuring the world's largest digital camera, which promises to revolutionise our view of the night s

Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson for another riveting Q&A edition of Space Nuts. This episode dives into some fascinating listener questions that challenge our understanding of space and science.First up, Mikey from Illinois poses a thought-provoking question: Can we drink water from the moon or Mars? Andrew and Fred explore the potential risks and benefits of consuming extraterrestrial water, including the presence of unknown substances and the impact of heavy water isotopes.Next, Sean from Nottingham inquires about the Nemesis theory, asking whether there could be a small sun or neutron star in our solar system, possibly linked to the elusive Planet Nine. Fred delves into the history and current standing of this hypothesis, examining its implications for mass extinctions and the structure of our solar system.Finally, Rusty from Donnybrook raises a question about the Hubble constant and whether the interstellar medium might be affecting the measurements of standard candles, leading to discre

Embark on a celestial journey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, where they explore a variety of space phenomena that are as intriguing as they are mysterious. Firstly, they discuss Blue Origin's return to the stars with NS-25, a mission that marked a triumphant comeback after technical setbacks. The flight not only signifies Blue Origin's resilience but also the inspirational story of Ed Dwight, the first African-American astronaut candidate, who at 90 years old, set a record as the oldest person to reach space.Next, the conversation lightens with the discovery of a planet with the consistency of fairy floss, also known as cotton candy or candy floss. WASP-193b, a gas giant that defies the norms of density and composition, leaves astronomers scratching their heads. How does a planet become so 'fluffy'? What could it possibly be made of? These are the questions that Andrew and Fred ponder as they delve into the mysteries of planet formation.Lastly, the duo discusses t

Prepare to have your mind stretched to the cosmic limits in this Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson answer a selection of thought-provoking questions sent in by our curious listeners, tackling the mysteries of light, the concept of a holographic universe, and the challenges of interstellar travel.First up, Alan from Medicine Hat, Canada, wonders how far light from an LED with one candle power can travel before it becomes undetectable by space telescopes. The duo discusses the persistence of light and the factors that influence our ability to observe its journey through the cosmos.Next, Charles probes the perplexing theory of a holographic universe, questioning whether our three-dimensional experience is merely a projection from a two-dimensional boundary. Andrew and Fred unravel the theoretical underpinnings of this mind-bending concept and its implications for our understanding of reality.The conversation then accelerates to relativistic speeds with Craig from sunny Merim

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Every Internet connected device deserves to have NordVPN for it's online safety. To check out the special Space  Nuts deal for you as a listener, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they embark on another fascinating journey through the cosmos in the latest episode of Space Nuts. In this installment, the duo delves into a myriad of space phenomena, starting with the most significant solar flare in nearly a decade. They discuss the stunning auroral displays that resulted from this solar outburst and the potential impacts such events can have on our technology.Next, they celebrate a milestone for the Mars rover Perseverance, which has spent over 1000 days (or sols) on the Red Planet. The conversation explores the significance of the samples collected by Perseverance, including those that may contain ancient signs of life, and the future plans for their retrieval.The episode then propels into the future of spa

Prepare for a cosmic deep dive into the enigmatic world of black holes and stellar mysteries on this Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson answer burning questions from the Space Nuts community, starting with a head-scratcher about black holes and magnetic fields. Can these gravitational giants possess magnetic fields, and if so, how do they influence the spectacular jets seen emanating from quasars? The duo untangles the complex relationship between rotation, charge, and magnetism.Next, Pete from sunny Sheffield queries the stellar classification mnemonic "Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me" and its implications. How do the proportions of these star types stack up in the Milky Way, and do these ratios hold true across other galaxies? The conversation illuminates the cosmic census of star types, from the rare, scorching O stars to the ubiquitous, cooler M dwarfs.Listeners also get a personal touch as Michael from Kent inquires about Fred's most standout project over his illustrious

Embark on a lunar adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, as they delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding our celestial neighbor, the Moon. First up, the duo discusses the recent setbacks of Boeing's Starliner, a spacecraft that faced yet another delay just moments before its much-anticipated launch. What went wrong this time, and what does it mean for the future of crewed missions?Next, they illuminate the idea of using mirrors to shine sunlight into the permanently shadowed craters of the Moon's South Pole. With the potential of harvesting water ice for resources, could this reflective solution be the key to sustaining future lunar bases?Then, celebrate a special anniversary with the team as they highlight ten years of HIPPI, the High Precision Polarimetric Instrument, and its incredible contributions to astronomy. From tracking magnetic fields in distant galaxies to the possibility of detecting rainbows on exoplanets, HIPPI's decade of discovery

Prepare for an interstellar Q&A session with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts. We're answering cosmic queries from the Space Nuts audience, starting with James's fascination with the elusive Planet Nine. Could this potential new member of our solar system already have a name waiting in the wings, or will its discoverer have the honor of christening it?Next, Lloyd from Cairns wonders about celestial smash-ups, but not the kind involving black holes or neutron stars. What happens when ordinary stars collide? Do they dance a destructive tango, or can they merge into something grander? The duo delves into the fiery fates of these stellar encounters.Rennie probes the electromagnetic forces at play in the universe, from the behavior of light to the magnetic fields of galaxies. What role does electromagnetism play on other planets, and what happens to worlds lacking this fundamental force? Fred illuminates the subject with his astrophysical expertise.Finally, Ron poses a tho

This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the help of NordVPN...online security with a 30 day money-back guarantee. To check out our special deal for you, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsDive into the cosmic unknown with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts, as they explore the latest hiccups of the venerable Hubble Space Telescope. Despite its unparalleled success over the past 34 years, Hubble is once more grappling with gyroscopic glitches that threaten to reduce its celestial observations' efficiency. Can NASA engineers coax Hubble back to its full cosmic potential?Next, join the duo as they delve into the mystery of the fastest spinning asteroid ever discovered, 2024 BX1. Detected a mere three hours before it streaked through Earth's atmosphere, this diminutive space rock has set a new record for rapid rotation, completing a turn every 2.6 seconds. Learn how meteorite hunters in Poland managed to snag fragments of this celestial speedster, offering us a rare close

Prepare to illuminate the mysteries of cosmic luminescence with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Our stellar duo navigates the void to answer Lee from New York's luminary question: How much light is there in space? Could we see Voyager 1 in its distant travels, or would it merely be a shadow against the cosmic tapestry? Fred sheds light on the subject, revealing the surprising capabilities of the human eye in the darkest reaches.Next, Fenton from Minnesota proposes an ingenious method for shielding astronauts from the relentless radiation beyond the Van Allen Belts. Could a miniaturized version of these protective fields be the key to safe space exploration? Fred unpacks the complexities of cosmic radiation and the futuristic technologies that might one day safeguard our interstellar voyagers.Robert from Vienna ponders a parallel universe where our moon is not the cratered time capsule we know, but an icy or hazy sphere like Europa or Titan. Would ou

Embark on an astronomical adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the latest episode of Space Nuts, where they celebrate a historic moment for Australia with the announcement of the nation's first female astronaut, Catherine Bennell Pegg. Discover her remarkable journey to the stars and the aspirations she harbors for future Australian spacefarers.Then, take a volcanic voyage to Jupiter's moon Io with Juno's latest flybys, revealing a lava lake in Loki Patera so vast and smooth it mirrors the gas giant itself. Marvel at the newly dubbed Steeple Mountain, a geological spire that evokes Earth's own gothic cathedrals, and ponder the mysterious forces sculpting Io's tumultuous terrain.The episode continues to probe the secrets of the Solar System as Juno also sheds light on Jupiter's elusive water content, challenging previous theories about the giant planet's formation. And finally, the duo turns their gaze to Mars, where a new theory suggests that humans may inadvertently be unearthing the Re

Journey through the cosmic conundrums and celestial curiosities in this riveting Q&A edition of Space Nuts. Join host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-enlightening Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a smorgasbord of listener questions that will leave you contemplating the vastness of the universe.First on the docket, Jose from California stirs the space-time pot with a heady question about the nature of black holes and their role in birthing universes. Could the Big Bang have been a supernova from another realm? Is our universe expanding within the event horizon of a colossal black hole? Fred weighs in on these tantalizing theories, sharing insights that may just expand your mind faster than the universe itself.Next, Alan probes the cosmic forge, wondering how the chaos of supernovae could lead to the concentrated caches of gold and other heavy metals we find on Earth. Fred demystifies the process, explaining how gravity and planet formation turn stellar detritus into the precious lodes we treasure.Then, Jus

This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To get our very special deal simply visit https://www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you'll be glad you did.Prepare for liftoff with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this thrilling installment of Space Nuts, as they recount Fred's astronomical escapades across the US, complete with eclipses, rocket launches, and the unexpected excitement of space junk crashing through a Floridian roof. Fred's journey is a celestial enthusiast's dream, featuring a spectacular total solar eclipse in Texas, a snowy adventure in Canada, and a close encounter with the northern lights.But the cosmic wonders don't stop there. The duo dives into the discovery of the most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy, a behemoth 33 times the mass of our sun, a mere 2,000 light-years away. This revelation challenges our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of black holes, leaving astronomers pondering the mysteries of our cosmic backyard.From the awe-i

In this episode of Space Nuts Q&A, Andrew and Fred answer questions about supernovae, 3D printed telescopes, the Voyager space probe missions, and the possibility of using particle collision in space. They discuss how supernovae explosions do not blow away the gravitational field and how neutron stars develop as a result. They also provide insights into 3D printed telescopes and suggest that beginners may find it easier to start with an off-the-shelf telescope. They talk about the trajectory and potential fate of the Voyager spacecraft and discuss the challenges of building particle colliders in space. Overall, they provide informative and engaging answers to the audience's questions. Takeaways   Supernovae explosions do not blow away the gravitational field because gravity is associated with mass. The explosion only affects the outer envelope of the star, while the core collapses to become a neutron star. 3D printed telescopes can be a good option for beginners, but it may be easier to start with an off-

Embark on a cosmic odyssey with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they unravel the mysteries of the universe's expansion and unearth a colossal Martian secret in this episode of Space Nuts. Dive into the perplexing debate over the universe's expansion rate, as new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope reignite the Hubble tension. With precision cosmology at our fingertips, discover why the universe's growth spurs more questions than answers, leaving us to ponder the potential for undiscovered physics that could reshape our cosmic understanding.Then, join the expedition to Mars where a hidden giant lay dormant until now. The discovery of a monstrous volcano, nestled in the labyrinthine Noctis Labyrinthus, has scientists buzzing with excitement. Towering over 9,000 meters with a footprint spanning 450 kilometers, this Martian marvel could hold vital clues to the planet's fiery past and icy secrets beneath its surface. As explorers eye this volcanic behemoth as a future landing site, the prospec