Episodes

  • Comets, Meteors & Celestial Wonders : A Cosmic Special

    Comets, Meteors & Celestial Wonders : A Cosmic Special
    May 15 2026
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    Comets, Meteors, and Celestial Wonders In this engaging episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Jonti Horner dive deep into the fascinating world of comets and meteors. With Professor Fred Watson away, Jonti brings his expertise to explore these celestial phenomena, their historical significance, and the science behind them.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Understanding Comets and Meteors: Andrew and Jonti kick off the episode by discussing the importance of comets and meteors in both ancient cultures and modern astronomy. They delve into how these celestial objects have been perceived throughout history and their impact on human events.
    - Recent Discoveries and Predictions: The hosts share insights on recent comet discoveries, including the intriguing Comet Chichin Chan, and discuss what we can expect from this comet in the near future. They also touch on the challenges of predicting comet brightness and visibility.
    - Meteor Showers Explained: Jonti explains how meteor showers occur, the significance of radiant points, and what conditions are best for viewing these spectacular events. They discuss the most notable meteor showers and when listeners can catch them in action.
    - The Impact of Media on Public Perception: The conversation takes a turn as Andrew and Jonti address the role of media in shaping public understanding of astronomical events, particularly the sensationalism surrounding potential alien encounters and the importance of relying on scientific facts.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time Dilation & Dark Matter Mysteries Unraveled | Q&A

    Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time Dilation & Dark Matter Mysteries Unraveled | Q&A
    May 11 2026
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    Angular Momentum, Cosmic Time, and the Vastness of Space In this thought-provoking Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of intriguing questions that delve into the complexities of the universe. From the nature of angular momentum in black holes to the perception of time across different gravitational fields, this episode promises to expand your understanding of cosmic phenomena.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Angular Momentum in Merging Black Holes: Mark from Baton Richie, Louisiana, asks whether two black holes spinning in opposite directions could result in a new black hole with zero angular momentum. Andrew and Fred Watson explain the nuances of angular momentum and how gravitational waves play a crucial role in this cosmic dance.
    - The Age of the Universe and Gravitational Time Dilation: John poses a fascinating question about how the age of the universe might differ for someone near a supermassive black hole compared to an observer on Earth. The hosts discuss gravitational time dilation and the implications for our understanding of cosmic history.
    - The Vastness of Space and Dark Matter: Pete shares his insights on the sparsity of matter in the galaxy and the uniform distribution of dark matter. Fred Watson elaborates on how dark matter influences galactic structures and why its effects are negligible on a solar system scale.
    - The Big Leap and Speed Limits in the Universe: Martin Berman Gorvine challenges the hosts with a question about the theoretical possibility of circumventing the speed of light by accessing other universes. Andrew and Fred Watson navigate the complexities of this intriguing concept and its implications for our understanding of physics.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    33 mins
  • Fires on the Moon, Interstellar Glaciers & Mayan Timekeeping Mysteries

    Fires on the Moon, Interstellar Glaciers & Mayan Timekeeping Mysteries
    May 9 2026
    Fires on the Moon, Interstellar Glaciers, and Mayan Mathematics In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson explore a range of extraordinary topics that bridge the gap between the familiar and the cosmic. From the unexpected phenomenon of fires on the Moon to the discovery of interstellar glaciers, and a deep dive into the mathematical brilliance of the Mayans, this episode is packed with insights that will ignite your curiosity.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Fires on the Moon: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss NASA's upcoming Flammability of Materials on the Moon Experiment (FM2), designed to investigate how fire behaves in lunar gravity. With safety as a priority, they explore the implications of this research for future lunar habitats and the challenges posed by combustion in a 1/6 gravity environment.
    - Interstellar Glaciers: The hosts delve into the findings from NASA's SphereX, which has revealed the presence of galactic ice and the building blocks of life within molecular clouds. They discuss the significance of these discoveries for our understanding of water in the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.
    - The Mayan Calendar and Mathematics: In a fascinating exploration of ancient knowledge, Andrew and Fred Watson examine new research highlighting the sophisticated mathematical techniques used by the Mayans to predict astronomical events. They discuss how this insight reshapes our understanding of their civilization's intelligence and longevity.
    - Artemis 2 Records: The episode wraps up with a quirky revelation about the Artemis 2 mission, where the distance between astronauts aboard Artemis and those on the Chinese space station Tiangong set a new record for human separation in space. The hosts reflect on the implications of this milestone for the future of human 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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    36 mins
  • White Dwarfs, Black Holes & Cosmic Oddities Unpacked | Q&A

    White Dwarfs, Black Holes & Cosmic Oddities Unpacked | Q&A
    May 4 2026
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    White Dwarfs, Black Holes, and Cosmic Oddities In this enlightening Q&A edition of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a plethora of intriguing audience questions that span the cosmos. From the fascinating processes of white dwarf stars to the mysteries of black holes and the peculiarities of space, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Understanding White Dwarf Crystallisation: Mark from Bloomington, Indiana, poses a thought-provoking question about the crystallisation process of white dwarfs and how it affects their cooling. Andrew and Fred Watson delve into the lifecycle of these stars, exploring the formation of diamond cores and the implications for the universe's timeline.
    - Black Holes and Gravitational Forces: Steve from Tin Can Bay wonders about the effects of falling into different sized black holes. The hosts discuss the concept of spaghettification and how the gravitational gradient varies between smaller and supermassive black holes, shedding light on the physics of these enigmatic entities.
    - Gravity in Orbit: Wayne's question leads to a discussion on how astronauts experience gravity while in orbit and how far they must travel to feel its absence. Andrew and Fred Watson explain the nuances of gravitational pull and the complexities of interplanetary travel, highlighting the continuous influence of celestial bodies.
    - Oddities of the Cosmos: Casey from Colorado asks about the weirdest phenomena in space, prompting a lively discussion on everything from dark matter and dark energy to the peculiar shapes of celestial objects. The hosts share their favourite cosmic curiosities, including the coincidence of the sun and moon appearing the same size in the sky and the bizarre nature of neutron stars.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    32 mins
  • Nuclear Power in Space, SETI from the Moon & the Hubble Tension Unravelled

    Nuclear Power in Space, SETI from the Moon & the Hubble Tension Unravelled
    Apr 30 2026
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    Nuclear Space Policies, SETI from the Moon, and the Hubble Tension In this riveting episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into a range of fascinating topics that are shaping the future of space exploration. From the Pentagon's new nuclear energy policy for space missions to the exciting potential of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence from the far side of the Moon, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you pondering the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Nuclear Energy in Space: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent directive from the Pentagon to NASA for the development of nuclear power stations in space, exploring the implications for lunar and orbital power supply systems. They examine the benefits and challenges of using nuclear energy in space, addressing public concerns and the potential for collaboration among government agencies.
    - SETI from the Far Side of the Moon: The hosts explore the advantages of conducting the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) from the Moon's far side, where Earthly radio noise is absent. They discuss the capabilities of China's Chang'e 4 mission and its low-frequency radio spectrometer, which is attempting to detect technosignatures that could indicate the presence of alien life.
    - The Hubble Tension Debate: Andrew and Fred Watson unpack the ongoing debate surrounding the Hubble constant, highlighting the discrepancies between measurements obtained through different methods. They discuss new research that aims to refine our understanding of the universe's expansion rate and its implications for our grasp of dark matter and dark energy.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    34 mins
  • Supermassive Black Holes, Voyager's Journey & Gravitational Waves Explained | Q&A

    Supermassive Black Holes, Voyager's Journey & Gravitational Waves Explained | Q&A
    Apr 27 2026
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    Show Notes
    Supermassive Black Holes, Voyager 1, and Gravitational Waves In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing audience questions that span the cosmos. From the formation of supermassive black holes to the journey of Voyager 1 and the nature of gravitational waves, this episode is filled with cosmic curiosities and scientific insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Formation of Supermassive Black Holes: Martin from Merseyside sparks a fascinating discussion about the mechanisms behind the formation of supermassive black holes. Andrew and Fred Watson explore the gravitational instability theory and the contrasting processes that could lead to the creation of these colossal entities in the early universe.
    - Voyager 1's Journey: Andy, our favourite train driver, raises an interesting question about whether the particles in space could slow down Voyager 1 as it travels at 38,000 miles per hour. The hosts clarify the nature of space and the spacecraft's trajectory, highlighting the vast emptiness of interstellar space and the spacecraft's remarkable speed.
    - Gravitational Waves Explained: Ben from Kent asks a thought-provoking question about the nature of gravitational waves produced by colliding black holes. Andrew and Fred Watson delve into whether these waves are spherical or flat, providing clarity on how they propagate through the fabric of spacetime.
    - Thought Experiments on Earth's Rotation: Judd from Brisbane brings up the current speed of Earth's rotation and its effects on gravity. The hosts discuss the fascinating implications of Earth's spin on weight, including the differences between the equator and the poles, and what would happen if Earth suddenly stopped rotating.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    34 mins
  • Primordial Black Holes, Planetary Chemistry & Lunar Crater Discoveries

    Primordial Black Holes, Planetary Chemistry & Lunar Crater Discoveries
    Apr 24 2026
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    Primordial Black Holes, Ultra Hot Jupiters, and a New Moon Crater In this captivating episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into some of the most exciting developments in astronomy. From the intriguing possibility of primordial black holes being linked to dark matter to groundbreaking discoveries about the chemical composition of an ultra hot Jupiter, and the recent formation of a massive crater on the Moon, this episode is packed with cosmic revelations.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Primordial Black Holes: Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the recent findings from LIGO that suggest the existence of black holes with masses less than that of the Sun. They explore how these primordial black holes, predicted by Stephen Hawking, could provide new insights into the nature of dark matter and the formation of the universe.
    - Chemical Analysis of WASP 189B: The hosts examine the exciting discovery that the chemical makeup of the ultra hot Jupiter WASP 189B matches that of its parent star, challenging long-held assumptions about planetary formation and composition. This finding reinforces the connection between stars and their planets, providing vital clues for understanding exoplanetary systems.
    - New Moon Crater: A recent impact on the Moon has created a stunning new crater measuring 225 metres across. Andrew and Fred Watson discuss the implications of this discovery, including the significance of ongoing lunar observations and the potential for future research into the Moon's geological history.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.
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    34 mins
  • Planetary Orbits, Cosmic Expansion & The Nature of Nothing | Space Nuts Q&A

    Planetary Orbits, Cosmic Expansion & The Nature of Nothing | Space Nuts Q&A
    Apr 20 2026
    Planetary Orbits, Cosmic Expansion, and the Nature of Nothingness In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a diverse array of listener questions that delve into the intricacies of our universe. From the stability of planetary orbits to the enigmatic concept of nothingness before the Big Bang, this episode promises to enlighten and intrigue.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Planetary Orbits vs. Energy: Justin from Melbourne asks how planets maintain stable orbits around the sun without spiraling inwards. Andrew and Fred explore the negligible forces at play in interplanetary space, discussing the stability of planetary dynamics and the historical migrations of planets within the solar system.
    - Expansion of Earth: Larry questions whether the Earth is expanding along with the universe. The hosts clarify that while space itself is expanding, the forces that hold the Earth together, such as gravity, prevent any significant changes at a local scale.
    - The Concept of Nothingness: Mike from the UK raises a philosophical query about what existed before the Big Bang. Andrew and Fred discuss the implications of time and existence, examining the idea that time itself may have begun with the Big Bang and the theories surrounding this profound mystery.
    - Projectiles in Space: Giles presents a fascinating "what if" scenario regarding the accuracy of firing solid metal projectiles from orbit. The hosts analyze the challenges of targeting and the influence of atmospheric conditions, drawing parallels with historical warfare and modern technology.

    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, Instagram, and more. 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.

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