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Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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 Join Professor Fred Watson and Sci-Fi Author Andrew Dunkley on Space Nuts as they delve into astronomy, space travel, and cosmic mysteries. Explore groundbreaking discoveries and listener Q&A in captivating discussions. Follow us on social media to engage with our community!

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-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.Copyright bitesz.com Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Snowball Earth Theories, High-Energy Neutrinos & The Fascinating MWC349A

    Snowball Earth Theories, High-Energy Neutrinos & The Fascinating MWC349A
    Oct 13 2025
    Q&A Edition: Snowball Earth, and Cosmic Neutrinos
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner tackle a range of intriguing listener questions. From the complexities of climate change and its effects on Earth’s axis to the mysteries of snowball Earth and the record-breaking neutrino KM M3230213A, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and scientific discussion.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Climate Change Explained: Andrew and Jonti address Peter's question on how CO2, despite being heavier than air, contributes to global warming. They discuss the greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide in trapping heat, along with the challenges of public perception regarding climate science.
    - Snowball Earth Insights: Paul’s inquiry leads to an exploration of the snowball Earth hypothesis, examining how such extreme climate conditions could affect oxygen levels and what triggers these dramatic shifts in Earth’s climate.
    - Cosmic Neutrinos Unveiled: Casey’s question about the record-breaking KM M3230213A neutrino sparks a fascinating discussion on its origins, possible sources, and the implications of detecting such high-energy particles from the early universe.
    - Understanding MWC349A: Henrique asks about the mysterious object MWC349A and its unique emissions. The hosts delve into the science of masers and the significance of this object in understanding stellar evolution and mass loss.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    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.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Comet Updates, Meteor Showers & the Secrets of Uranus' Moon Ariel

    Comet Updates, Meteor Showers & the Secrets of Uranus' Moon Ariel
    Oct 10 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN....enhance your online privacy with the best in the game. Tiy get our special Space Nuts price and bonus deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts or use the code SPACENUTS at checkout.

    Comets, Meteor Showers, and Mysteries of Uranus
    In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner explore the latest cosmic happenings, from the intriguing updates on interstellar comet 3I Atlas to the meteor showers lighting up our skies. They also delve into the fascinating story of Uranus's moon Ariel, which hints at a hidden ocean in its past, and the potential threat posed by asteroids influenced by Venus.
    Episode Highlights:
    - 3I Atlas Update: Andrew and Jonti discuss the latest observations of comet 3I Atlas, the third interstellar object observed, and its rapid journey through our solar system. With a close approach to the sun and Mars, the comet presents unique opportunities for data collection, despite being temporarily out of view from Earth.
    - Exciting Comet Discoveries: The hosts share news about other comets, including C 2025 R2 Swan and A6 Lemon, highlighting their visibility and potential for amateur astronomers. They discuss the thrill of unexpected comet appearances and the importance of ongoing observation.
    - Meteor Showers in Focus: Andrew and Jonti provide insights into the upcoming Orionid and Draconid meteor showers, including optimal viewing times and conditions. They discuss the rarity of meteor storms and the impact of moonlight on visibility.
    - Ariel and Its Hidden Ocean: The episode takes a deeper look at Uranus's moon Ariel, revealing new findings that suggest the presence of a subsurface ocean in its past due to tidal heating. The discussion emphasizes the implications for understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.
    - Venus and Asteroid Dynamics: The hosts conclude with a thought-provoking discussion about near-Earth asteroids that may be influenced by Venus's gravity, exploring how these objects could pose a long-term threat to Earth in the future.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    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.
    Got a question for our Q&A episode? https://spacenutspodcast.com/ama

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Cosmic Collapses, Black Hole Illusions & Antimatter Mysteries

    Cosmic Collapses, Black Hole Illusions & Antimatter Mysteries
    Oct 6 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN....enhance your online privacy with the best in the game. Tiy get our special Space Nuts price and bonus deal, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts or use the code SPACENUTS at checkout.

    Cosmic Questions: Black Holes, Antimatter Stars, and Meteor Photography
    In this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of fascinating listener queries. From the enigmatic nature of black holes to the potential existence of antimatter stars, and practical tips for capturing meteors on camera, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic insights and practical advice.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Collapse of the Universe: Listener Nate raises an intriguing question about the future of the universe and the concept of the Gnab Gib, or the reverse Big Bang. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss how gravity might pull everything back together and what happens to light during this cosmic collapse.
    - The Nature of Black Holes: Tad's thought-provoking question leads to a discussion on gravitational time dilation and the observer's perspective of black holes. The hosts explore how black holes form and why it appears as if nothing ever falls into them from our vantage point.
    - Antimatter Stars: Mark from London and Canada revisits the idea of antimatter stars, prompting a conversation about their potential existence and how we might detect them through unique gamma ray emissions.
    - Astrophotography Tips: Dave from Inverel shares his passion for nighttime photography and seeks advice on capturing meteors. Andrew and Fred Watson provide practical tips on the best times and techniques for successful meteor photography, including the benefits of using specific apps.
    For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
    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.
    Got a question for our Q&A episode? https://spacenutspodcast.com/ama

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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