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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
  • Cosmic Questions: Black Holes, Space-Time & Interstellar Adventures

    Cosmic Questions: Black Holes, Space-Time & Interstellar Adventures
    Aug 25 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special Space Nuts offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACENUTS at checkout.

    Cosmic Queries: Black Holes, Superfluids, and the Importance of Space Exploration
    In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson tackle intriguing listener questions that delve into the mysteries of black holes, the nature of space-time, and the significance of exploring beyond our planet. With a blend of scientific insight and thoughtful discussion, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Stages of Matter in Black Holes: Mark from the audience poses a fascinating question about the potential stages of matter reduction leading to a singularity in black holes. Fred explains the current understanding of fundamental particles and the collapse of stars into black holes, highlighting the limits of our knowledge in particle physics.
    - Exploring Interstellar Objects: Buddy from Oregon asks about the feasibility of launching satellites to catch up with fast-moving interstellar objects. Fred discusses the challenges of tracking and rendezvousing with such objects and mentions a proposal to utilize the Juno spacecraft to study Comet 3I Atlas as it passes by Jupiter.
    - Visualizing Space-Time: Lawrence from London presents a thought-provoking idea about space-time as a superfluid and the limitations of traditional diagrams. Fred elaborates on the concept of superfluidity in the context of space-time and the implications for our understanding of gravity and the universe.
    - The Importance of Space Exploration: Dan from the Gold Coast raises a philosophical question about why humanity invests in space exploration when Earth still holds many mysteries. Fred articulates the interconnectedness of understanding our planet and the universe, emphasizing the curiosity that drives scientific discovery and the benefits that arise from space research.
    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 favorite 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
    30 mins
  • Little Red Dots, Astronomer Royal & Life on Mars

    Little Red Dots, Astronomer Royal & Life on Mars
    Aug 23 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Protect your online privacy and access with our special deal by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts or use the promo code SPACENUTS at checkout.

    Cosmic Mysteries: Little Red Dots and Astronomical Achievements
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson explore the latest discoveries and breakthroughs in astronomy. From the intriguing mystery of the "little red dots" observed by the James Webb Space Telescope to the historic appointment of the first female Astronomer Royal, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and fascinating stories.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Mystery of the Little Red Dots: Fred delves into the enigma surrounding the bright, red galaxies identified by the James Webb Space Telescope. He explains their significance, formation theories, and how they might provide a glimpse into the early universe, dating back nearly 12 billion years.
    - Celebrating Michelle Doherty: The hosts proudly announce the appointment of Michelle Doherty as the first female Astronomer Royal in over 300 years. Fred highlights her groundbreaking contributions to planetary science and her pivotal role in major NASA missions, including the Cassini mission to Saturn.
    - Detecting Life on Mars: A groundbreaking new test developed by researchers in the UK shows promise for detecting signs of life on Mars using existing rover technology. Fred discusses how this test could revolutionize our search for extraterrestrial life by analyzing chemical bonds in cell membranes.
    - SpaceX's Starship Launches: The episode wraps up with an update on SpaceX's ambitious Starship program, discussing the challenges and successes of recent launches. Fred reflects on the engineering feats and the importance of these missions for future lunar exploration.
    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 favorite 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
    36 mins
  • Q&A: Cosmic Mapping, Light Speed Anomalies & The Nature of Time

    Q&A: Cosmic Mapping, Light Speed Anomalies & The Nature of Time
    Aug 18 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Incogni. Protecting your online privacy and data To check out our special listener offer, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts and help support the show.

    Cosmic Queries: Time, Light, and the Universe
    In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson dive into a captivating Q&A session, tackling listener questions that span the intricacies of time dilation, the speed of light, and the structure of the universe. With a mix of scientific insight and relatable explanations, this episode promises to enlighten and entertain.
    Episode Highlights:
    - 3D Mapping the Universe: A listener named Sam poses a thought-provoking question about the complexities of 3D mapping galaxies based on light emitted millions of years ago. Fred explains how astronomers interpret these vast distances and the challenges involved in visualizing the universe's structure over time.
    - The Speed of Light in Different Mediums: Mark from Quebec asks about the behavior of light traveling through various materials, like diamonds. Fred clarifies how light slows down in denser media and seamlessly resumes its speed in a vacuum, drawing parallels to wave motion for a clearer understanding.
    - Understanding the Heliopause: Regular contributor Rennie Traub inquires about the heliosphere's dimensions and whether all solar systems possess one. Fred discusses the heliosphere's size and its significance in relation to solar and stellar magnetism.
    - Time Dilation and the Kelly Twins: Dean from Queensland dives deep into the concept of time dilation, examining the age difference between the Kelly twins and the effects of gravity and speed on time perception. Fred navigates through the complexities of relativity, shedding light on how these factors interplay in the universe.
    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 favorite 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
    24 mins
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