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
  • Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter Mysteries & Time Twists: #480 Q&A

    Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter Mysteries & Time Twists: #480 Q&A
    Dec 23 2024
    Space Nuts Episode: Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter, and Time Distortions #480
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the final fresh episode of the year as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the mysteries of Dyson spheres to the enigmatic effects of dark matter and the curious nature of time distortion, this Q&A edition is packed with cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Dyson Spheres and Stellar Light: Explore the concept of Dyson spheres and their impact on planetary light and life. Uncover the truth about these megastructures and how they might affect solar systems.
    - Dark Matter's Gravitational Pull: Delve into the hypothetical scenario of encountering a glob of dark matter in space. Understand the gravitational effects and whether a spaceship could be ensnared by dark matter's invisible clutches.
    - Black Holes and Time-Space Switch: Investigate the theory that space and time swap roles beyond a black hole's event horizon. Consider the implications of this switch on the nature of escape and time travel.
    - Time Distortion Without Gravity: Contemplate the possibility of time distortion occurring independently of gravity. Examine the connection between time, gravity, and acceleration as proposed by Einstein's theories.
    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 for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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 our final regular Space Nuts episode of the year
    01:45 - If a Dyson sphere surrounds a star, how does the planet get light
    09:00 - Andrew Dunkley: Can dark matter be thrown out of a galaxy
    12:38 - Fred from Sweden has yet another question about black holes
    14:35 - There's a nice question on um, the physics stack exchange
    16:23 - Buddy from Oregon asks question about time distortion and gravity
    21:36 - Fred did a search on Google about the biggest astronomy stories of 2024
    23:45 - We'll be digging up stories from the archives over the next few weeks
    24:54 - Andrew Dunkley thanks Professor Fred Watson
    ✍️ Episode References
    Dyson Sphere
    [Dyson Sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyson_sphere)
    Science Magazine
    [Science Magazine](https://www.sciencemag.org/)
    Square Kilometre Array
    [Square Kilometre Array](https://www.skatelescope.org/)
    Contact (Movie)
    [Contact (1997)](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/)
    RAVE Project
    [RAVE Project](https://www.rave-survey.org/)

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    28 mins
  • Space Station Smells, Sombrero Galaxy & Dark Energy Dilemmas: #479

    Space Station Smells, Sombrero Galaxy & Dark Energy Dilemmas: #479
    Dec 20 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni...the best way to cleanup your privacy online and remain that way. To get our special 60% off offer, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode: Stink in Space, Sombrero Galaxy, and Dark Energy Revelations #479
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest cosmic events in this entertaining episode of Space Nuts. From a mysterious odour aboard the International Space Station to stunning images of the Sombrero Galaxy and groundbreaking theories on dark energy, this episode is packed with stellar insights and astronomical wonders.
    Episode Highlights:
    - International Space Station's Stinky Situation: Discover the unexpected odour that caused astronauts to temporarily seal off a recently docked Russian supply ship. Explore the potential causes and the measures taken to ensure the crew's safety.
    - Sombrero Galaxy's New Look: Marvel at the breathtaking mid-infrared images of the Sombrero Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn about the intricate details revealed in the galaxy's dusty rings and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
    - Dark Energy's New Twist: Delve into the latest research suggesting that dark energy might not be constant, challenging our understanding of the universe's expansion. Consider the implications of this potential paradigm shift in cosmology.
    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 review, 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 for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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.
    For our special NordVPN deal, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn
    00:00 - Andrew Dunkley hosts Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
    01:08 - Professor Fred Watson will be doing archival episodes over the Christmas New Year period
    03:02 - Bad smell coming from Russian spacecraft docking with International Space Station
    09:01 - Arthur Dent. What a name. Only Douglas Adams could think up a name like that
    09:24 - Andrew Dunkley says odour on International Space Station could be anything
    11:09 - Incogni is a way of cleaning up your online presence
    13:17 - James Webb telescope has taken a marvellous mid infrared image of galaxy
    18:32 - The James Webb Space Telescope is seeking 78,000 hours of observing time
    24:54 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss the accelerating expansion of the universe
    32:25 - Fred Watson: This could indicate new physics that we don't yet understand
    ✍️ Episode References
    Space.com
    [https://www.space.com](https://www.space.com)
    Phys.org
    [https://www.phys.org](https://www.phys.org)
    Incogni
    [https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts](https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts)
    Bytes.com
    [https://www.bytes.com](https://www.bytes.com)


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    36 mins
  • Jupiter's Giant Leap, Gravity's Infinite Debate & Cosmic Queries: #478 Q&A

    Jupiter's Giant Leap, Gravity's Infinite Debate & Cosmic Queries: #478 Q&A
    Dec 16 2024
    Space Nuts Episode #478 Q&A
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners worldwide. From the massive size of Jupiter to the nature of gravity and the mysteries of the universe's accelerating expansion, this episode is packed with cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Jupiter's Massive Growth: Dive into the fascinating story of why Jupiter grew to such a colossal size compared to other planets. Explore the role of gas accretion, planetesimals, and the runaway growth effect in shaping the largest planet in our solar system.
    - The Nature of Gravity: Examine the intriguing question of whether gravity is finite or infinite. Discover the complexities of gravitational waves, the stiffness of Space, and how these concepts influence our understanding of gravity's reach.
    - The Night Sky in Earth's Early Era: Imagine standing on Earth when it first formed and ponder what the night sky would have looked like. Understand how the universe's expansion and the redshift of the Big Bang's light affect our cosmic view.
    - The Fate of Comets: Consider the life cycle of comets and whether they can lose enough material to become nothing. Learn about the trails of dust left behind and their connection to meteor showers.
    - Solar Panels at Night: Explore the possibility of generating solar power at night using light from stars and the moon. Delve into the limitations of current technology and the potential for future innovations.
    - The Universe's Accelerating Expansion: Discuss the acceleration of the universe's expansion and whether it is constant or variable. Contemplate the implications for our understanding of dark energy and the structure of the universe.
    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.
    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 episode where we let the audience set the agenda
    01:19 - Why did Jupiter grow to such a massive size compared to other planets
    07:30 - Dean in Queensland has a question about whether gravity is infinite or finite
    12:00 - Dean: We really don't understand gravity. Well, it'll be when quantum gravity really comes of age
    13:50 - Professor Fred Watson answers a few quick fire questions via text message
    14:22 - Given the night sky seems fairly full of stars to the naked eye today
    18:26 - Could you develop solar panels that work at night by collecting energy from other stars
    20:04 - Daniel asks whether the rate of acceleration is constant or ever so slightly variable
    25:49 - The Space Nuts podcast group Facebook page has thousands of members
    ✍️ Episode References
    Scientific American article on Jupiter's growth
    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-was-jupiters-rapid-growth-spurt-delayed-for-millions-of-years/
    Nature Astronomy journal
    https://www.nature.com/natastron/

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    27 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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