Episodes

  • #416: Cosmic Conundrums & Astral Assemblies: Tackling the Universe's Toughest Questions

    #416: Cosmic Conundrums & Astral Assemblies: Tackling the Universe's Toughest Questions
    May 13 2024
    Prepare for a cosmic deep dive into the enigmatic world of black holes and stellar mysteries on this Q&A episode of Space Nuts.
    Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson answer burning questions from the Space Nuts community, starting with a head-scratcher about black holes and magnetic fields. Can these gravitational giants possess magnetic fields, and if so, how do they influence the spectacular jets seen emanating from quasars? The duo untangles the complex relationship between rotation, charge, and magnetism.
    Next, Pete from sunny Sheffield queries the stellar classification mnemonic "Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me" and its implications. How do the proportions of these star types stack up in the Milky Way, and do these ratios hold true across other galaxies? The conversation illuminates the cosmic census of star types, from the rare, scorching O stars to the ubiquitous, cooler M dwarfs.
    Listeners also get a personal touch as Michael from Kent inquires about Fred's most standout project over his illustrious career. Fred shares insights into his contributions to groundbreaking surveys and reminisces about the influential projects that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
    Rounding off the episode, Rusty from Donnybrook seeks to understand why fogbows are white rather than exhibiting the vibrant hues of a typical rainbow. The answer lies in the intricate interplay of light refraction, dispersion, and the often-overlooked diffraction in tiny water droplets.
    From the nature of magnetic fields in the abyss of black holes to the distribution of stars across the cosmos, this episode of Space Nuts is a treasure trove of astronomical knowledge. Tune in as Andrew and Fred navigate the celestial curiosities that keep us gazing skyward with wonder.
    00:00:00 Professor Fred Watson answers your questions on this edition of Space Nuts
    00:02:31 Robert from the Netherlands says black holes do not have a magnetic field
    00:09:15 Three questions from Pete Ellinger on different types of stars
    00:15:08 Metallicity, the amount of iron in a star, varies across galaxies
    00:16:59 If there was a project that you could have worked on past or present, what
    00:25:21 The hippie telescope was a big leap forward from the existing telescope
    00:25:47 Final question, Fred, comes from Rusty in Donnybrook about fog bows
    Support Space Nuts and join us on this journey through the stars by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
    Your contributions help us continue our mission to answer the universe's most perplexing questions.

    Clear skies and boundless curiosity await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
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    31 mins
  • #415: From Starliner's Slip to Lunar Lights: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Space Tech

    #415: From Starliner's Slip to Lunar Lights: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Space Tech
    May 9 2024
    Embark on a lunar adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this episode of Space Nuts, as they delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding our celestial neighbor, the Moon. First up, the duo discusses the recent setbacks of Boeing's Starliner, a spacecraft that faced yet another delay just moments before its much-anticipated launch. What went wrong this time, and what does it mean for the future of crewed missions?Next, they illuminate the idea of using mirrors to shine sunlight into the permanently shadowed craters of the Moon's South Pole. With the potential of harvesting water ice for resources, could this reflective solution be the key to sustaining future lunar bases?Then, celebrate a special anniversary with the team as they highlight ten years of HIPPI, the High Precision Polarimetric Instrument, and its incredible contributions to astronomy. From tracking magnetic fields in distant galaxies to the possibility of detecting rainbows on exoplanets, HIPPI's decade of discovery is truly something to cheer about.Finally, the conversation turns to Earth as Andrew and Fred explore how satellites are revolutionizing agriculture by predicting crop yields from space. This technology holds promise for farmers around the globe, especially in the face of changing climate conditions.From the intricacies of space technology to the practical applications of satellite data, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic journey that connects the farthest reaches of the universe to the down-to-earth matters of daily life. Tune in and let your curiosity take flight.00:00:00 Andrew Dunkley: Space nuts podcast about astronomy and space science
    00:01:30 Launch of Boeing Starliner scheduled for Friday has been scrubbed
    00:04:47 Andrew Webb: There's a lot of interest in the moon right now
    00:10:41 A valley in Norway has a mirror that doesn't see the sun
    00:14:56 Andrew Dunkley: Hipie is the high precision polarimetric instrument
    00:20:45 Polarising sunglasses can detect rainbows with incredibly high precision
    00:25:40 Fred Geyer explores the use of satellites to predict crop yieldsSupport Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Don't miss out on future episodes as we continue to decode the universe's grandest puzzles. Clear skies and bold questions await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
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    34 mins
  • #414: Stellar Collisions & Invisible Invitations: Unveiling the Universe's Secrets

    #414: Stellar Collisions & Invisible Invitations: Unveiling the Universe's Secrets
    May 6 2024
    Prepare for an interstellar Q&A session with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts. We're answering cosmic queries from the Space Nuts audience, starting with James's fascination with the elusive Planet Nine. Could this potential new member of our solar system already have a name waiting in the wings, or will its discoverer have the honor of christening it?Next, Lloyd from Cairns wonders about celestial smash-ups, but not the kind involving black holes or neutron stars. What happens when ordinary stars collide? Do they dance a destructive tango, or can they merge into something grander? The duo delves into the fiery fates of these stellar encounters.Rennie probes the electromagnetic forces at play in the universe, from the behavior of light to the magnetic fields of galaxies. What role does electromagnetism play on other planets, and what happens to worlds lacking this fundamental force? Fred illuminates the subject with his astrophysical expertise.Finally, Ron poses a thought-provoking question: If alien scientists were observing Earth, could they detect signs of life from afar? And conversely, could we spot the telltale signs of extraterrestrial existence on a distant exoplanet? The answers might just redefine our search for cosmic companions.From naming planets to star collisions, electromagnetic enigmas, and the search for life beyond Earth, this episode of Space Nuts is an exploration of the curiosities that light up our universe. Tune in for these mind-expanding discussions and remember to send in your astronomical questions for a chance to be featured on the show.Support our cosmic journey by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your contributions help us continue our mission to unravel the mysteries of the stars. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity boundless.00:00:00 Questions from James, Lloyd and Ron on this episode of Space Nuts
    00:01:13 Andrew and Fred met Kate and Jeremy on the Canadian train for the eclipse
    00:03:04 Andrew: Get your iPad to read the book rather than struggling through it
    00:05:38 Planet nine, should such a thing be discovered? Or would the individual decide
    00:12:48 Do normal everyday stars like our sun ever collide and what do they create
    00:16:54 Do galaxies as a whole have electromagnetism
    00:23:14 If scientists in distant solar system were searching for exoplanets using modern technology
    00:30:08 Send us your questions via our website, spacenutspodcast. comSpace Nuts – your ticket to the universe. Join us each week as we make the cosmos your backyard
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    32 mins
  • #413: Hubble's Hiccups & The Swiftest Space Spinner: Unraveling Cosmic Conundrums

    #413: Hubble's Hiccups & The Swiftest Space Spinner: Unraveling Cosmic Conundrums
    May 2 2024
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the help of NordVPN...online security with a 30 day money-back guarantee. To check out our special deal for you, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts

    Dive into the cosmic unknown with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this episode of Space Nuts, as they explore the latest hiccups of the venerable Hubble Space Telescope. Despite its unparalleled success over the past 34 years, Hubble is once more grappling with gyroscopic glitches that threaten to reduce its celestial observations' efficiency. Can NASA engineers coax Hubble back to its full cosmic potential?Next, join the duo as they delve into the mystery of the fastest spinning asteroid ever discovered, 2024 BX1. Detected a mere three hours before it streaked through Earth's atmosphere, this diminutive space rock has set a new record for rapid rotation, completing a turn every 2.6 seconds. Learn how meteorite hunters in Poland managed to snag fragments of this celestial speedster, offering us a rare close-up of an asteroidal visitor.Finally, Andrew and Fred illuminate the perplexing world of gamma-ray bursts, those enigmatic flashes of light that outshine entire galaxies in mere seconds. With a new breakthrough in understanding their light curves, scientists are unraveling the symmetrical patterns of these bursts, revealing insights into the relativistic jets that propel them across the universe. Could this be the key to decoding one of the cosmos' most powerful phenomena?From the trials of Hubble to the swift twirl of an asteroid and the cryptic luminance of gamma-ray bursts, this episode of Space Nuts is a journey through the marvels and mysteries of our vast universe. Tune in and let your imagination soar to the farthest reaches of space and time.00:00:00 This is Space nuts. Coming up on this episode, Hubble having trouble again
    00:02:31 Gyros at the Hubble space telescope have failed again but it's not fatal
    00:07:38 An asteroid was detected 3 hours before it hit the earth's atmosphere
    00:13:58 Professor Fred Watson says meteorite fragments were found before it hit earth
    00:15:49 Gamma ray bursts were discovered accidentally in 1967 but scientists have been studying them since
    00:20:20 Gamma ray bursts also have light curves which are completely symmetrical
    00:26:46 Fred Dunkley: FRBs release huge amounts of energy in a short timeSupport Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar voyage by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Don't miss out on future episodes as we continue to decode the universe's grandest puzzles. Clear skies and bold questions await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
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    34 mins
  • #412: Cosmic Queries: A Voyage to Voyager & Defending Astronauts Beyond Earth

    #412: Cosmic Queries: A Voyage to Voyager & Defending Astronauts Beyond Earth
    Apr 28 2024
    Prepare to illuminate the mysteries of cosmic luminescence with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this enlightening Q&A episode of Space Nuts. Our stellar duo navigates the void to answer Lee from New York's luminary question: How much light is there in space? Could we see Voyager 1 in its distant travels, or would it merely be a shadow against the cosmic tapestry? Fred sheds light on the subject, revealing the surprising capabilities of the human eye in the darkest reaches.
    Next, Fenton from Minnesota proposes an ingenious method for shielding astronauts from the relentless radiation beyond the Van Allen Belts. Could a miniaturized version of these protective fields be the key to safe space exploration? Fred unpacks the complexities of cosmic radiation and the futuristic technologies that might one day safeguard our interstellar voyagers.
    Robert from Vienna ponders a parallel universe where our moon is not the cratered time capsule we know, but an icy or hazy sphere like Europa or Titan. Would our understanding of the solar system's history be drastically different? And would astronauts have dared to tread on such enigmatic surfaces? The answers might just surprise you.
    Finally, Duncan from Weymouth queries the nomenclature of the outer planets, challenging the distinction between 'ice giants' and 'rock giants.' Fred clarifies the frosty moniker, explaining why Uranus and Neptune's chilly atmospheres earn them this cool classification.
    From the potency of starlight to the protective puzzles of space travel, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic cornucopia of knowledge. Remember to share your own astronomical inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and join us as we continue to unravel the universe's most perplexing enigmas. Until we next embark on our celestial sojourn, keep pondering the heavens and stay tuned for more galactic revelations.
    Support our journey through the cosmos by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Your support helps us keep the starlight shining on these interstellar discussions. Until the next transmission, keep your telescopes trained and your curiosity alight.

    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass...the password manager you need to make life less stressful...and by using our special deal...for not very much money. Plus you'll be helping support our show. For details visit www.bitesz.com/nordpass
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    26 mins
  • #411: Aussie Astronaut Adventures & Jovian Journeys: Unveiling Space's Latest Marvels

    #411: Aussie Astronaut Adventures & Jovian Journeys: Unveiling Space's Latest Marvels
    Apr 25 2024
    Embark on an astronomical adventure with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the latest episode of Space Nuts, where they celebrate a historic moment for Australia with the announcement of the nation's first female astronaut, Catherine Bennell Pegg. Discover her remarkable journey to the stars and the aspirations she harbors for future Australian spacefarers.
    Then, take a volcanic voyage to Jupiter's moon Io with Juno's latest flybys, revealing a lava lake in Loki Patera so vast and smooth it mirrors the gas giant itself. Marvel at the newly dubbed Steeple Mountain, a geological spire that evokes Earth's own gothic cathedrals, and ponder the mysterious forces sculpting Io's tumultuous terrain.
    The episode continues to probe the secrets of the Solar System as Juno also sheds light on Jupiter's elusive water content, challenging previous theories about the giant planet's formation. And finally, the duo turns their gaze to Mars, where a new theory suggests that humans may inadvertently be unearthing the Red Planet's methane mysteries with the tread of rovers.
    From celebrating trailblazing astronauts to unraveling the enigmas of alien worlds, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic journey not to be missed. Tune in for these interstellar stories, and remember to bring your curiosity as we explore the wonders of our universe.
    Support the podcast and unlock a universe of knowledge by visiting https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. Don't forget to subscribe for more deep space discoveries and celestial insights with Space Nuts, where the cosmos is just a play button away. Until our next cosmic rendezvous, keep your eyes to the skies and your questions at the ready.

    And for your daily space news fix, check out the team at our sister podcast 'Astronomy Daily the Podcast. Available wherever you get podcasts or stream from the website at www.astronomydaily.io
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    30 mins
  • #410: Stellar Puzzles & Galactic Gold: Space Nuts Unpacks the Universe's Riddles

    #410: Stellar Puzzles & Galactic Gold: Space Nuts Unpacks the Universe's Riddles
    Apr 21 2024
    Journey through the cosmic conundrums and celestial curiosities in this riveting Q&A edition of Space Nuts. Join host Andrew Dunkley and the ever-enlightening Professor Fred Watson as they tackle a smorgasbord of listener questions that will leave you contemplating the vastness of the universe.
    First on the docket, Jose from California stirs the space-time pot with a heady question about the nature of black holes and their role in birthing universes. Could the Big Bang have been a supernova from another realm? Is our universe expanding within the event horizon of a colossal black hole? Fred weighs in on these tantalizing theories, sharing insights that may just expand your mind faster than the universe itself.
    Next, Alan probes the cosmic forge, wondering how the chaos of supernovae could lead to the concentrated caches of gold and other heavy metals we find on Earth. Fred demystifies the process, explaining how gravity and planet formation turn stellar detritus into the precious lodes we treasure.
    Then, Justin from Brisbane ponders the uniqueness of Earth amidst the ever-growing catalog of exoplanets. As we discover more worlds, each more bizarre than the last, could it be that our pale blue dot is truly one of a kind? The discussion delves into the Fermi Paradox and the rarity of life's complex leap from single cells to sentient beings.
    Lastly, James presents a duo of hypotheticals that challenge the limits of science fiction and science fact. Can we reverse gravity by reversing time? And could we engineer a magnetosphere on an asteroid like Psyche? Fred's responses to these queries are sure to electrify your imagination.
    From the theoretical to the astronomical, this episode of Space Nuts is a cosmic buffet of brain food. Remember to send your own stargazing stumpers and interstellar inquiries via the Space Nuts website, and keep your ears tuned for more galactic greatness. Until next time, let the universe inspire wonder, and keep looking up!
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordPass...the password manger that will uncomplicate part of your life. Check out our special deal at www.bitesz.com/nordpass
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    26 mins
  • #409: Eclipse Escapades & Stellar Shadows: Fred's Cosmic Journey & The Heaviest Black Hole Discovery

    #409: Eclipse Escapades & Stellar Shadows: Fred's Cosmic Journey & The Heaviest Black Hole Discovery
    Apr 18 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To get our very special deal simply visit https://www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you'll be glad you did.
    Prepare for liftoff with Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson on this thrilling installment of Space Nuts, as they recount Fred's astronomical escapades across the US, complete with eclipses, rocket launches, and the unexpected excitement of space junk crashing through a Floridian roof. Fred's journey is a celestial enthusiast's dream, featuring a spectacular total solar eclipse in Texas, a snowy adventure in Canada, and a close encounter with the northern lights.
    But the cosmic wonders don't stop there. The duo dives into the discovery of the most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy, a behemoth 33 times the mass of our sun, a mere 2,000 light-years away. This revelation challenges our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of black holes, leaving astronomers pondering the mysteries of our cosmic backyard.
    From the awe-inspiring vastness of black holes to the personal tales of stargazing and aurora hunting, this episode offers a universe of discovery. Don't miss out on the latest astronomical insights and Fred's interstellar journey that's sure to leave you starstruck.
    Remember to subscribe and follow Space Nuts for more deep space tales and intergalactic insights. Until next time, keep your eyes on the cosmos and your mind open to the endless possibilities of the universe.
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support. or Patreon, Supercast or Apple Podcasts. Details on our website - Supporters Page.
    Episode Chapters
    (00:00) Professor Fred Watson returns from trip to North America fully jet lagged
    (02:40) Fred Watson uses his iPhone to take photographs of aurora in Canada
    (06:32) Fred Watson went to Houston for the total solar eclipse in 1970
    (11:27) Andrew Gannadar watched SpaceX Falcon nine rocket launch from Orlando hotel
    (15:34) A gentleman in Florida had something come through his roof
    (17:51) Talking about the ISS brings back memories of our 1960s trip to Kennedy
    (18:33) Life size replica of Hubble space telescope at Kennedy Space Centre
    (22:52) Most massive stellar black hole yet found in our galaxy
    (24:27) Scientists detect massive black hole in sky using Gaia mission
    (30:29) Andrew Dunkley welcomes Fred Watson back to the Space Nuts podcast
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    36 mins