Synopsis
All things Space astronomy, news, travel, discoveries, the mysteries and morewith world renown and respected Astronomer Dr. Fred Watson and Broadcaster/Journalist Andrew Dunkley. Website: www.bitesz.com
Episodes
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#406: Celestial Choreography & Speedy Snapshots: Deciphering Distant Star Systems & The Challenge of Cosmic Photography
07/04/2024 Duration: 27minThe eposode of Space Nuts is brought to you by NordPass....the password manager that will make your life so much eaier for not very much money. Check out our special offer at www.bitesz.com/nordpass - you'll be glad you did.Strap in for an astronomical journey as Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson return to answer your burning cosmic questions in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts. Beam up to the cosmos as we tackle the challenges of snapping photos at supersonic speeds with the Breakthrough Starshot project. Viano from Florence brings into focus the hurdles of capturing clear images of distant planets when traveling at a third the speed of light. Could the blur of speed and the distortion of space-time leave us with just a glimpse of Proxima Centauri's secrets?Next, we delve into the cosmic dance of celestial bodies. Brady from Florida, with a front-row seat to rocket launches, ponders the possibility of a moon having its own moon. Could a satellite's satellite exist, or are the gravitational tugs
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#405: Martian Mysteries & Moon-Sized Marvels: Unveiling Mars' Ancient Atmosphere & The Tiniest Exoplanet
04/04/2024 Duration: 32minThis episode pf Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...so much more than a VPN service. And we havea special deal for you with a risk free 30 day money back guarantee. Check it all out at www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsPrepare to traverse the Martian landscapes and cosmic frontiers in this intriguing episode of Space Nuts, where Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson uncover the secrets of the Red Planet and the tiniest worlds beyond our solar system. In this episode, we're dusting off the Martian surface to reveal new evidence that hints at the planet's potential past life. A recent study from Japan brings to light ancient atmospheric conditions that could have fostered the formation of life-essential molecules. Dive into the science of how formaldehyde, a chemical you wouldn't typically associate with life, may have been a critical ingredient in Mars' primordial soup.Then, we shrink our focus to the smallest exoplanet ever discovered, Kepler 37b. Is it a planet, an asteroid, or something in
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#404: Terraforming Trials & Titan's Tantalizing Truths: Venusian Visions and Microbial Mysteries
02/04/2024 Duration: 25minYour questions....our answers!Buckle up, space cadets! Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they navigate through a new constellation of cosmic queries in this episode of Space Nuts. In this interstellar Q&A session, we're launching straight into the terraforming terrain, pondering massive megastructures, and the cooling conundrum of Venus. Dan from California, or "Caladan," sparks a stellar discussion on whether a colossal solar panel at Venus's L1 point could reverse its runaway greenhouse effect.Next, we're rocketing over to Dan in Brisbane, who's curious about the protostar L1527 and its captivating James Webb Space Telescope image. Our hosts explore the fate of material ejected during the formation of our solar system and the forces exerted by our sun's solar wind and photonic pressure. Could the remnants of our solar system's early cloud still linger in the cosmic winds?Then, we're warping into the realms of science fiction with Star's question: Does scientific accuracy enhance the enjoy
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#403: Stellar Synthesis & Quasar Quests: Crafting Cosmic Particles & Unveiling the Universe's Brightest Beacon
28/03/2024 Duration: 29minPrepare for a stellar foray into the frontiers of astrophysics with your seasoned spacefarers, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, in this riveting episode of Space Nuts. Today, we're delving into the realm of nuclear alchemy, where scientists have replicated the cosmic crucible of colliding neutron stars right here on Earth. Andrew and Fred unpack the groundbreaking synthesis of new isotopes, previously the exclusive handiwork of the universe's most cataclysmic events. Discover how a platinum beam and a carbon target in the lab have opened a new window into the cosmic generation of elements like gold and silver, and what this means for our understanding of matter's deepest secrets.Then, brace for a journey to the edges of space-time, as we shed light on the discovery of the fastest-growing and brightest quasar ever observed. This celestial behemoth, with a black hole 17 billion times the mass of our Sun, is not only a record-breaker but a window into the universe's youthful past, some 12 billion years
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#402: Pergola Projections & Proxima Possibilities: Solar Shields and Exoplanetary Expeditions
24/03/2024 Duration: 27minEmbark on another cosmic journey with your favorite celestial explorers, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, in this insightful Q&A episode of Space Nuts. This time, the mysteries of the outer solar system take center stage as we delve into the elusive Planet Nine. Duncan from Weymouth, Dorset, ponders whether a rogue planet might have once danced through our neighborhood, stirring the orbits of distant objects before continuing on its cosmic path. Could this explain the peculiar movements without the need for a ninth planet?Next, Rusty revisits his solar pergola concept, but with a twist. Imagine a constellation of satellites, each casting a penumbral shadow upon Earth, designed to reduce solar exposure by a subtle 2%. With advances in technology, could this be the geoengineering marvel we deploy within a decade to temper our planet's fever?David from Seguin, Texas, presents us with a tantalizing "what if": If you could step foot on any exoplanet, which would it be? Andrew and Fred share their inte
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#401: Titan's Troubles & UN's Satellite Summits: Life on Ice Moons and Space Traffic Control
21/03/2024 Duration: 33minThis episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. For our special discount deal and 30 day money back guarantee, visit nordvpn.com/spacenuts ...You'll be glad you did!Embark on a cosmic exploration with your favorite interstellar enthusiasts, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, in this latest episode of Space Nuts. Today's celestial journey takes us to Saturn's moon, Titan, where new research casts a shadow on the prospects of finding life in its sub-ice oceans. Despite the rich hydrocarbons on Titan's surface, the study by astrobiologist Catherine Neish suggests that the transfer of essential organic materials to the ocean below is far too slow to foster life as we know it. The implications of this finding could extend to other icy moons, potentially dampening hopes for habitability across our solar system.Then, we pivot to Earthly matters as we join the United Nations' cosmic conversation. The UN has finally agreed to tackle the burgeoning issue of satellite constellations clut
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#400: Big Bang Echoes & Eternal Suns: Probing Gravitational Waves and Immortal Earth
17/03/2024 Duration: 19minPrepare to have your curiosity catapulted to cosmic proportions in this enthralling Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where our intrepid hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the gravitational enigmas and hypotheticals of the universe.Firstly, Bo from Melbourne brings us a mind-bending question about the Big Bang and gravitational waves. Could the universe's colossal birth have sent ripples through the fabric of spacetime? Fred unpacks the complexities of detecting such ancient cosmic echoes and explores the tantalizing links to the cosmic microwave background radiation.Next, Rennie from sunny West Hills, California, presents a tantalizing 'what if' scenario: What if the Sun never died? Would Earth eventually succumb to its own demise? Our dynamic duo contemplates the slow dance of celestial mechanics, the potential for human adaptability, and the intriguing future of a planet with a 42-day-long day.Lastly, Daniel from Adelaide ponders a cosmic conundrum where time and dark energy might inter
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#399: Celestial Collisions & the Art of Extinguishing Stars: Probing Planetary Impacts and Fire Safety in Orbit
14/03/2024 Duration: 29minStrap in for a fiery cosmic conundrum and a celestial mystery spanning centuries in this latest episode of Space Nuts! Host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson ignite a discussion on the dangers of fire in space. With a look back at some of history's most harrowing space blazes, they delve into NASA's sapphire experiments, which test the flammability of spacecraft materials to enhance future mission safety. From the tragic Apollo 1 disaster to a perilous inferno aboard the Mir space station, learn how these pivotal events are shaping the protocols that keep astronauts safe among the stars.Then, shift your gaze to a distant starlight drama as our Space Nuts duo investigates a puzzling stellar eclipse lasting 500 days. Could the dimming of a young, sun-like star be the aftermath of a colossal planetary collision? With the help of archival data from NASA's WISE mission, scientists have pieced together a story of cosmic destruction and creation. Discover how two exoplanets, each severa
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#398: Apollo Queries & the Chill of the Cosmos: Unraveling Spacecraft Skips and Absolute Zero
10/03/2024 Duration: 20minPrepare to embark on an interstellar Q&A adventure in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, where your cosmic guides, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, tackle the perplexing questions from the far reaches of our listeners' imaginations. First, we join Ash from Brisbane as he ponders the enigmatic mechanics of spacecraft reentry. Using Apollo 13's nail-biting descent as a springboard, Fred demystifies the concept of 'bouncing off the atmosphere' and reveals the delicate balance between gravitational pull and atmospheric drag. Next, Darryl from South Australia challenges us with the icy extremes of absolute zero. Why does this ultimate chill exist, and is there a corresponding 'absolute hot'? Fred delves into the physics of temperature and the motion of atoms, shedding light on the limits of the thermal universe and the possibility of an 'absolute heavy' or 'absolute light'. Finally, Alex from London, by way of Indiana, brings us face-to-face with the enigma of dark energy. Is this mysterious for
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#397: Venusian Shadows & Sulphur Scavenger Hunt: Decoding the Puzzles of Space Chemistry
07/03/2024 Duration: 32minThis episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN....to get the special Space Nuts deal visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenutsEmbark on a celestial detective story in this latest episode of Space Nuts, as your guides through the galaxy, Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson, unravel the curious case of Venus's quasi-moon. The tale begins with an asteroid that's not quite what it seems, orbiting Venus in a way that defies expectations. The mystery deepens with the asteroid's peculiar name, which comes with its own humorous backstory involving a podcast, a bedroom wall poster, and a case of mistaken identity.Then, shift gears and join the hunt for the universe's elusive sulfur. Why does this common element appear to be hiding in plain sight? The answer lies in the heart of the Milky Way, where a groundbreaking study using the Very Large Telescope has finally solved a long-standing astronomical puzzle. Discover how improved data quality has brought the cosmic abundance of sulfur into clear vie
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#396: Cosmic Riddles & Martian Quakes: Unpacking the Universe's Expansion & Insight's Seismic Secrets
03/03/2024 Duration: 20minPrepare to dive into the cosmic unknown with this captivating episode of Space Nuts, where your hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle the enigmatic questions that baffle even the most seasoned space enthusiasts.First up, Nate challenges us with a classic conundrum: If the universe is expanding, what is it expanding into? Fred sheds light on this perplexing query with a blend of cosmological insights and geometrical possibilities, leaving us to ponder the very fabric of reality and the potential of unseen dimensions.Next, Lee from Sweden seeks to understand the inner workings of Mars through the eyes of the InSight mission. How can a single point of reference on the Red Planet reveal so much about its interior and the impact of distant meteorites? The answer lies in the ingenious science of seismic waves, which our hosts promise to explore further—homework for the curious minds!Finally, Wayne, a longtime supporter, wonders about the gravitational waves generated by supernovae and whether LIGO c
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#395: Origins Reversed: Black Holes Lead the Dance of Galaxies & SpaceX's Defense Dreams
29/02/2024 Duration: 28minBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.Prepare to thrust into a celestial debate that flips conventional wisdom on its head! In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and the ever-astute Professor Fred Watson as they unravel a cosmic chicken-or-egg scenario: Did supermassive black holes or galaxies come first? With the James Webb Space Telescope peering back in time, new findings suggest a revolutionary twist in our understanding of the early universe. Could black holes have been the catalysts for star formation, predating the galaxies they inhabit?But the intrigue doesn't end at the edge of the cosmos. Closer to home, SpaceX's Starship is making waves, not just with its plans for Mars colonization, but also with its potential military applications. Discover how this behemoth of a rocket could redefine rapid global transport, delivering cargo—or perhaps one day troops—across the planet in a mere hour. With suborbital flights
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#394: Gravitational Ballet: Unveiling the Secrets of Lagrange Points and Black Hole Mysteries
25/02/2024 Duration: 19minJoin us for an intergalactic conundrum that will stretch your mind to the far reaches of the universe! In this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, your hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson are navigating the cosmic highways and byways, tackling some of the most perplexing questions out there.First stop: the mysterious Lagrange points. Listener Jim from Texas is puzzled about how gravity is balanced at these points, especially L2 and L3. Fred serves up a celestial explanation that involves not just gravity but centrifugal force, too. It's a cosmic balancing act that keeps our space missions on course and our minds in awe.Next, we're zooming into the heart of galaxies where supermassive black holes reign supreme. Kerry's burning question leads us to differentiate the gravitational effects of these cosmic giants from the elusive dark matter. How do astronomers measure their impact separately, and could we have misjudged their mass? Fred illuminates the dark corners of this astronomical puzzle.And for t
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#393: The Death Star Doppelgänger: Diving into Mimas's Mysteries and Martian Microbes
22/02/2024 Duration: 32minPrepare for a cosmic exploration that takes us from the realm of science fiction to the frontiers of science reality! In this thrilling episode of Space Nuts, join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the mysteries of our very own solar system Death Star. No, it's not about to obliterate a planet; it's Mimas, Saturn's moon, capturing the scientific spotlight with a revelation that's causing quite the stir. Discover why this celestial body, bearing a striking resemblance to the infamous Star Wars construct, is now making waves with a potential sub-surface ocean hiding beneath its cratered façade.But that's not all that's brewing in the interstellar pot. We're also venturing to the red plains of Mars, confronting the possibility that bacteria might not just survive but thrive under the harsh Martian conditions. What does this mean for future human missions to the Red Planet? Could these microscopic stowaways pose a threat to astronauts, or might they hold the key to unlocking the secrets
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#392: The Spin Cycle of the Cosmos: Unraveling Universal Mysteries
18/02/2024 Duration: 14minStrap in, Space Cadets, for another interstellar journey with the Space Nuts podcast! This week, Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson tackle the cosmic curiosities that baffle even the brightest minds. From the perplexing simplicity overlooked by space agencies to the dizzying dance of celestial bodies, we're delving deep into the enigmas of the cosmos.First up, we're debunking space myths with a true tale of the infamous space pen versus the humble pencil. Discover how practicality trumps simplicity when it comes to jotting down notes in zero gravity, and why sometimes, the most obvious solution isn't the best one for the job.Next, we're spinning into the question that's got everyone's head turning: Why does everything in the universe love to twirl? Lynn from Victoria wants to know why stars, planets, and galaxies can't resist a good rotation. Fred unravels the mysteries of angular momentum and explains how the cosmic ballet is all part of the gravitational grand design.And if we could converse with extraterrestri
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#391: Chasing 'Oumuamua: The Interstellar Pursuit and the Pancake Planets Puzzle
15/02/2024 Duration: 31minThis eisode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni. It's all about your online security and safety. To get the special deal Andrew talks about and endorses, just vist incogni.com/spacenutsPrepare to embark on an astronomical chase like no other! In this riveting episode of Space Nuts, we delve into the ambitious plans to capture our solar system's elusive visitor, the exo-asteroid 'Oumuamua. Once thought to be an impossible feat, we explore the groundbreaking strategy that could see us rendezvousing with this interstellar interloper by 2057. The race is on to unlock the secrets it holds and to answer the burning question: is it a mere space rock or a piece of extraterrestrial technology?But the intrigue doesn't stop there. We also turn our gaze to the cradles of cosmic birth, where planets emerge. Forget the traditional image of infant planets as perfect spheres; new research suggests these celestial newborns might be more M&M-shaped than we ever imagined. Join us as we dissect the latest theories on
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#390: Wormholes, Black Holes, and Blue Giants: Your Space Questions Answered
08/02/2024 Duration: 53minAre you ready to uncover the mind-bending secrets of our universe? Join us as we reveal the unexpected truth about the formation of habitable planets and the potential for multiple habitable worlds within a single solar system. You won't believe how many habitable planets could exist in the perfect cosmic sweet spot. And as we delve deeper into this cosmic mystery, prepare to be amazed by the surprising possibility of habitable moons orbiting gas giants. The answer lies in the unexplored realms of our vast universe, waiting to be unraveled. Stay tuned for an eye-opening journey through the cosmos that will challenge everything you thought you knew about planetary systems and cosmological potential. Get ready to expand your understanding of the universe in ways you never imagined. In this episode, you will be able to: · Explore the mysteries of fast blue transient explosions and their impact on our understanding of the universe. · Discover the fascinating Glass Z 12 high-redshift galaxy, offering insights into
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#389: Ingenuity's Incredible Martian Journey: Helicopter Makes History Before Bittersweet Ending
01/02/2024 Duration: 47minAre you eager to uncover the secrets of space exploration and gain expert insights? Ready to grasp complex concepts and challenges in the realm of astronomy and astrophysics? I've got just the solution to enhance your understanding and satisfy your curiosity. Let's dive into the Space Nuts podcast and unravel the mysteries of the universe together! In this episode, you will be able to: · Explore the Dark Matter Halo of Our Galaxy: Unravel the mystery surrounding dark matter and its impact on our galaxy. · Uncover the Mysterious Presence of Methane on Mars: Discover the intriguing presence of methane on the Red Planet and its implications for potential life. · Delve into Speculative Ideas on Cooling the Earth: Gain insights into innovative concepts for mitigating the Earth's rising temperatures. · Discover the Challenges of Moving Planets: Understand the complexities and obstacles involved in the theoretical idea of planetary relocation. Life becomes routine, is what. Yes, that's what it is. Yeah, I get that.
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#387: Dark Energy Survey Sparks New Questions About the Universe
18/01/2024 Duration: 49minIf you're feeling frustrated by the lack of understanding dark energy, despite hours spent researching and reading about it, then you are not alone! Despite your efforts to grasp the concept, you may feel like you're still no closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. The confusion and uncertainty may be leaving you feeling disheartened and discouraged about ever truly understanding dark energy. But rest assured, many others share your struggle and are also seeking clarity on this complex topic.In this episode, you will be able to:· Understand the origins of water in the solar system and its significance for life beyond Earth.· Explore the fascinating process of the formation of the solar system and how it shaped our cosmic neighborhood.· Discover the potential for terraforming Venus, unlocking the possibility of transforming inhospitable planets into habitable ones.· Uncover the abundance of water in the solar system and its implications for future space exploration and colonization.· Learn about th