Space Nuts

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • Summary

  • Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.

    Two episodes a week with news and explainer focused editions published on Thursday's and our Listener Q&A focused edition on Monday's.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
    Copyright bitesz.com
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Astronomy Nature & Ecology
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Episodes
  • #471: HERA's Martian Maneuvers, Black Hole Light Echoes & Ancient Healing Rays

    #471: HERA's Martian Maneuvers, Black Hole Light Echoes & Ancient Healing Rays
    Nov 21 2024
    Space Nuts Episode 471: HERA's Journey and the Light of Healing
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the latest developments in Space exploration and the fascinating role of light in both astronomy and human healing.
    Episode Highlights:
    - HERA Mission Milestones: Discover the latest updates on the HERA mission, including critical trajectory corrections and its upcoming Mars gravity assist. Learn about its objectives, including a close encounter with Mars' moon Deimos, and its ultimate goal of orbiting the asteroid Didymos.
    - Black Hole Light Echoes: Delve into the intriguing concept of black hole light echoes and how light can be bent by gravity to create multiple observations of the same event. Understand the potential of using Very Long Baseline Interferometry to study these phenomena and what it could reveal about accretion discs.
    - Healing with Light: Explore the historical and modern uses of light in medicine, from ancient sun worship to contemporary phototherapy treatments. Hear Andrew's personal experience with radiation therapy and the importance of regular health checks.
    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, Tumblr, Instagram, 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.
    00:00 - Andrew Dunkley: Coming up on Space Nuts is the HERA mission
    02:11 - I'm interested in two different stories about light about the hero mission
    02:59 - ESA's HERA mission will make a close approach to Mars next year
    11:07 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss light echoes in Space Nuts
    13:17 - Measuring Black Hole Light Echoes with Very Long Baseline Interferometry
    21:42 - Measuring black hole light echoes with very long baseline interferometry
    22:39 - Even since ancient times, we've used light for medical purposes
    27:55 - Fred has been receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer for five weeks now
    34:16 - Professor Fred Watson: Believe me, I'll be around for next episode
    ✍️ Episode References
    European Space Agency
    https://www.esa.int
    Phys.org
    https://www.phys.org
    Universe Today
    https://www.universetoday.com
    Astrophysical Journal Letters
    https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/
    8205
    5--- The Conversation
    https://theconversation.com
    Cancer Council New South Wales
    https://www.cancercouncil.com.au
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • #470: Cosmic Questions: Dark Matter, Titan's Secrets & Universe's Energy

    #470: Cosmic Questions: Dark Matter, Titan's Secrets & Universe's Energy
    Nov 18 2024
    Space Nuts Q&A Edition #470 - Universe Enigmas and Titan's Mysteries
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the cosmic questions posed by our curious audience. From the mysteries of a universe without black holes to the peculiar atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan, this episode is brimming with fascinating insights and astronomical discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Universe Without Dark Matter and Energy: Delve into the possibilities of a universe devoid of dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. Explore the implications for galaxy formation and the cosmic web, and ponder the nature of dark energy's role in the universe's expansion.
    - Energy Loss and the Universe's Age: Investigate the concept of energy loss in the universe and the methods used to calculate its age. Discover why uranium's half-life isn't the key to unlocking the universe's timeline and how the Hubble constant plays a role.
    - Early Universe Surprises: Question the surprises of finding ancient cosmic structures in the early universe. Examine how galaxy formation models are continually refined and the potential revelations from the Square Kilometre Array.
    - Titan's Unique Atmosphere: Unravel the mystery of Titan's dense atmosphere and compare it to Mars' inability to retain one. Consider the possible factors contributing to Titan's atmospheric retention and the role of cryovolcanism.
    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, Tumblr, Instagram, 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.
    00:00 - This is a Q and A edition of Space Nuts
    01:53 - Dark matter and dark energy are at the forefront of modern day cosmology
    09:10 - How much of the universe's energy is kind of like gone
    12:30 - Uranium was created in supernova explosions after the universe was formed
    13:33 - Using half life of uranium or lithium to calculate age of the universe is sinful
    15:33 - Ben Harding asks: Should we be surprised that galaxies formed so quickly
    21:39 - How did Saturn's moon Titan accumulate its thick nitrogen atmosphere
    26:45 - Andrew Dunkley: Thanks to everyone who's sending questions for Space Nuts
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    28 mins
  • #469: Ryugu's Magnetic Mysteries, Arecibo's Silent Collapse & Venusian Impact Revelations

    #469: Ryugu's Magnetic Mysteries, Arecibo's Silent Collapse & Venusian Impact Revelations
    Nov 14 2024
    Space Nuts Episode 469: Ryugu Revelations and Celestial Mysteries
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enthralling episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and cosmic stories. From the secrets of asteroid Ryugu to the mysterious demise of the Arecibo Observatory, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and stellar discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Ryugu's Magnetic Mysteries: Uncover new findings from the Ryugu asteroid samples, revealing insights into the magnetic fields of the outer solar system. Explore how these discoveries might reshape our understanding of planetary formation and the solar nebula.
    - Arecibo's Tragic End: Learn about the sad fate of the iconic Arecibo Observatory and the invisible issues that led to its collapse. Discover the plans for transforming this historic site into an education centre for future generations.
    - Venusian Impact Crater Discovery: Dive into the intriguing discovery of a massive impact crater on Venus, revealing unexpected similarities with ice moons like Callisto and Europa. Delve into the theories that suggest a past where Venus had a lava-covered surface.
    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, Tumblr, Instagram, 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.
    00:00 - This is Space Nuts. Thank you for joining us
    00:35 - Professor Fred Watson discusses Venus on this episode of space nuts
    02:45 - Russia put 53 satellites into orbit in one launch the other day
    05:17 - Scientists have found no sign of a preserved magnetic field in Ryugu samples
    14:36 - Andrew Dunkley with Professor Fred Watson studying Ryugu asteroid sample
    15:21 - The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico collapsed in 2020
    23:13 - National Science foundation says the building will be turned into an education centre
    24:37 - Fred Call says Venus' craters are much younger than similar craters elsewhere
    32:53 - Yes. Isn't that amazing? That's really big pickup. Indeed. Um, Fred mentioned it. Yeah.
    33:03 - Please leave a review if you listen to us through whatever platform
    33:56 - All right, so, yeah, Fred Watson, astronomer at large
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    35 mins

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Profile Image for Stephen McQueen

my GOTO podcast

I love space nuts Andrew dunkley and professor Fred Watson make the complex and fascinating world of astronomy accessible to all

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