Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Nature & Ecology Science
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Episodes
  • K2-18b, Gravitons & The Comet Conundrum: A Cosmic Q&A

    K2-18b, Gravitons & The Comet Conundrum: A Cosmic Q&A
    May 5 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    1. Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.
    2. NordVPN: To get the special SpaceNuts discount deal with 4 extra free months, plus a 30 money back guarantee simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley is back alongside the ever-insightful Professor Fred Watson. Together, they tackle a range of intriguing questions from listeners, covering the potential discovery of life on exoplanet K2 18b, the mysteries of gravity and gravitons, and the latest on the Swan Comet.
    Episode Highlights:
    - The Buzz Around K2 18b: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent excitement surrounding the detection of dimethyl sulphide on K2 18b, a potential biosignature. They delve into the implications of this discovery and the ongoing debate about the planet's habitability, while also addressing the sensationalist headlines that often accompany such findings.
    - Gravity and Gravitons: A question from listener James prompts a fascinating discussion on the nature of gravity and the role of the Higgs particle versus the hypothetical graviton. Fred Watson explains the differences between these concepts and the complexities of how gravity operates at a fundamental level.
    - Observing the Swan Comet: Ted from an undisclosed location shares his experiences of observing the Swan Comet, prompting a conversation about its current visibility and characteristics. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the comet's colour, tail, and what makes it an interesting object for amateur astronomers.
    - The Challenge of Fake News in Science: The episode wraps up with a thoughtful examination of how sensationalism in the media can distort scientific discoveries. Andrew and Fred Watson reflect on the responsibility of scientists and journalists alike to convey information accurately and responsibly.
    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 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on the potential discovery of life on K2 18b
    (15:00) Exploring gravity and the role of gravitons
    (25:30) Observing the Swan Comet
    (35:00) The impact of sensationalism in scientific reporting
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
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    38 mins
  • Shimmering Diamonds, Asteroid Encounters & Unraveling the Dark Ages of the Universe

    Shimmering Diamonds, Asteroid Encounters & Unraveling the Dark Ages of the Universe
    May 1 2025
    Sponsor Details:
    1. Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code "spacenuts", available for the first 30 standard package purchases only.
    2. NordVPN: To get the special SpaceNuts discount deal with 4 extra free months, plus a 30 money back guarantee simply visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    Diamonds on Mercury, the Lucy Mission, and Mapping the Dark Ages
    In this exciting episode of Space Nuts, host Andrew Dunkley returns from his recent travels, ready to explore some of the most intriguing topics in astronomy alongside the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson. They dive into the possibility of a diamond layer on Mercury, the latest revelations from the Lucy spacecraft, and an ambitious plan to map the universe's Dark Ages.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Diamonds Beneath Mercury: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss groundbreaking research suggesting that Mercury may have a layer of diamonds beneath its surface. They unpack the findings from a recent paper that indicates the presence of carbon-rich materials under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, leading to the formation of diamonds deep within the planet.
    - The Lucy Mission's Surprising Discoveries: The duo delves into the latest images sent back by NASA's Lucy spacecraft, which is on a mission to study Trojan asteroids. They discuss a surprising flyby of an asteroid that turned out to be larger than anticipated, along with the innovative autonomous systems that allowed for stunning imaging of this cosmic object.
    - Mapping the Dark Ages of the Universe: Andrew and Fred Watson explore an ambitious project aimed at mapping the Dark Ages of the universe, a time when the first stars had yet to ignite. They discuss the challenges of detecting the faint signals from this era and how a fleet of satellites positioned on the far side of the Moon could help overcome these obstacles.
    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 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.
    (00:00) Welcome back to Space Nuts with Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on the potential diamond layer on Mercury
    (15:00) Updates from the Lucy mission and its asteroid flyby
    (25:30) Exploring the plan to map the Dark Ages of the universe
    For commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Cosmic Questions, Angular Momentum & the Mysteries of the Expanding Universe

    Cosmic Questions, Angular Momentum & the Mysteries of the Expanding Universe
    Apr 28 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 516: Angular Momentum, Cosmic Inflation, and the Infinite Universe
    In this thought-provoking episode of Space Nuts, host Heidi Campo steps in for Andrew Dunkley, joined by the ever-knowledgeable Professor Fred Watson. Together, they tackle an array of fascinating listener questions that delve into the complexities of angular momentum, the nature of cosmic inflation, and the mysteries surrounding the universe's finiteness or infiniteness.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Angular Momentum Explained:Heidi and Fred kick off the episode by addressing a question from Buddy about angular momentum. They discuss how angular momentum affects spinning objects, the implications of expansion, and the intriguing concept of a potentially spinning universe.
    - Time Dilation and Cosmic Inflation: Scott from Sydney poses a compelling question regarding time dilation during the universe's hyperinflation period. Fred elaborates on how time behaves under extreme gravitational conditions and the significance of inflation in explaining the universe's homogeneity.
    - Is the Universe Finite or Infinite?The episode features a delightful audio question from young Enrique and his father Philip, exploring whether the universe is finite or infinite. Fred explains the concept of cosmic horizons and the challenges faced in determining the universe's boundaries.
    - Temperature Control on the ISS: Kevin from Melbourne asks about the temperature inside the International Space Station (ISS) and how it varies with sunlight exposure. Heidi and Fred discuss the engineering marvels that maintain a livable environment for astronauts, including the challenges of thermal regulation in space.
    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 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.
    (00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson
    (01:20) Discussion on angular momentum and its effects
    (15:00) Exploring time dilation and cosmic inflation
    (25:30) Is the universe finite or infinite?
    (35:00) Temperature control aboard the ISS
    For the commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.
    Show More Show Less
    25 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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