Episodes

  • #436: Cosmic Ripples & Matter Creation: Listener Questions Explored

    #436: Cosmic Ripples & Matter Creation: Listener Questions Explored
    Jul 21 2024
    Space Nuts Q&A: Background Modulation, Energy into Matter, and Spacecraft in Space
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into listener questions about the mysteries of space and the universe.Episode Highlights:
    • Background Modulation: Craig from Maroombula, NSW, asks about the effects of background gravitational modulation on the cosmic microwave background. Fred explains the relationship between gravitational waves and the cosmic microwave background, and whether these modulations could influence our observations.
    • - Energy into Matter: John inquires about the possibility of turning energy into matter in a lab setting. Fred discusses a groundbreaking experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory that successfully demonstrated this phenomenon.
    • - Spin Rates in Space: John also asks why the Earth spins at a constant speed and whether all celestial bodies spin at constant rates. Fred provides insights into the physics of spin and the factors that influence it.
    • - Spacecraft in Space: Nigel from Brisbane wonders if two spacecraft meeting in interstellar space would stay perfectly still or drift apart. Fred explains the concept of station keeping and the factors that could cause spacecraft to drift.
    • Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... spacenuts.io.
    • Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    • Visit our websites:
    • www.spacenuts.io
    • www.bitesz.com
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    24 mins
  • #435: Intermediate Black Holes & Earth's Earliest Life

    #435: Intermediate Black Holes & Earth's Earliest Life
    Jul 18 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni...protect your data online. Check out the special Space Nuts listener deal at incogni.com/spacenuts
    Black Holes, Luca, and Space Junk
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this fascinating episode of Space Nuts, where they dive into the mysteries of black holes, the origins of life, and the growing concerns about space junk.
    Episode Highlights:
    - **New Class of Black Hole**: Discover the recently categorised intermediate black hole, its significance, and how it challenges our understanding of these cosmic giants.
    - **The Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA)**: Explore the origins of life on Earth and the surprising discovery that life's common ancestor is older than previously thought.
    - **Space Junk Concerns**: Uncover the latest incidents involving space debris and the growing risks they pose to life and property on Earth.

    Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... [spacenuts.io]
    Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe. Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    Visit our websites:
    [www.spacenuts.io]
    www.bitesz.com
    Check out our sponsor: www.incogni.com/spacenuts
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    47 mins
  • #434: Gravity, Energy, and Hidden Galaxies: Listener Queries Unpacked

    #434: Gravity, Energy, and Hidden Galaxies: Listener Queries Unpacked
    Jul 14 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni...protect your data online. Check out the special Space Nuts listener deal at incogni.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Q&A: Gravity Without Mass, Energy and Gravity, and Early GalaxiesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they tackle intriguing questions from our listeners about gravity, energy, and the movement of galaxies.
    Episode Highlights:
    • Gravity Without Mass? Steve from New Zealand asks if gravity can exist without mass. Fred dives into the complexities of this question, exploring the relationship between energy and mass, and whether this could offer an alternative explanation for dark matter.
    • - Energy and Gravity: Gus from Issaquah, Washington, ponders whether energy creates gravity and if a gravitational field itself generates energy and mass. Fred discusses the potential implications and the concept of gravitational energy.
    • - Early Galaxies Moving Towards Us: Nick from Auckland, New Zealand, wonders if early galaxies could be moving towards us, currently out of reach. Fred explains the mechanics of galaxy movements and the Doppler effect, shedding light on whether such galaxies could be hidden from view.
    • Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... [spacenuts.io].
    • Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    • Check out our sponsor: www.incogni.com/spacenuts
    • Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    24 mins
  • #433: Marsquakes Surge & Parker Probe's Record Speed

    #433: Marsquakes Surge & Parker Probe's Record Speed
    Jul 11 2024
    Marsquakes, Parker Solar Probe, and Ancient Supernova
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this captivating episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the latest cosmic discoveries and delve into the history of the universe.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Marsquakes Unveiled: Discover the unexpected frequency of Marsquakes, thanks to data from the now-retired InSight mission. Fred explains how these findings are reshaping our understanding of Martian geology and the impact rates on the Red Planet.
    • - Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Speed: The Parker Solar Probe has set a new speed record as it skims the sun at an astonishing pace. Learn about the spacecraft's incredible journey and its upcoming close passes.
    • - Ancient Supernova of 1181: Uncover the mysteries of a supernova first observed in 1181. Fred discusses recent discoveries and what they reveal about this rare cosmic event, including the collision of two white dwarf stars.
    • Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... spacenuts.io.
    • Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    • For an extra special deal from our sponsor, Malwarebytes - cyber security for everyone, visit www.bitesz.com/malwarebytes ....but be quick. For a very limited time you get 50% off. You really don't want to miss this. It's one we use to protect all our devices and swear by. It just works!
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    34 mins
  • #432: Virtual Particles & Black Hole Mysteries: Listener Questions Explored

    #432: Virtual Particles & Black Hole Mysteries: Listener Questions Explored
    Jul 7 2024
    Space Nuts Q&A: Virtual Particles, Black Hole Spin, and Black Hole CollisionsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they delve into the mysteries of black holes and virtual particles.Episode Highlights:- **Virtual Particles Explained**: Listener Martin from the Wirral near Liverpool asks about the nature of virtual particles and their role in Hawking radiation. Fred provides clarity on this complex topic and the ongoing debate about their existence.- **What Spins in a Black Hole?**: Michael from Evanston, Illinois, is curious about what exactly spins in a black hole. Fred explains the concept of angular momentum and how it applies to these enigmatic cosmic objects.- **Black Hole Collisions**: Josh from Pennsylvania wonders if two supermassive black holes colliding could result in a piece breaking off. Fred discusses the nature of black hole mergers and why bits of black holes don't break off.

    Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... [spacenuts.io]
    Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    Visit our websites:
    [www.spacenuts.io]
    www.bitesz.com
    Check out our sponsors (NordVPN) very special deal (new) at https://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    20 mins
  • #431: Ancient Universe Revealed by Webb & Space Junk Hits Home

    #431: Ancient Universe Revealed by Webb & Space Junk Hits Home
    Jul 4 2024
    Space Nuts Episode 431: James Webb Discoveries, Space Junk, and Ocean WorldsJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this exciting episode of Space Nuts, where they explore the latest in space science and astronomy.
    Episode Highlights:- James Webb Space Telescope Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has captured images from a time when the universe was only 3% of its current age. Fred and Andrew discuss the significance of this discovery and the stunning images of star clusters in the cosmic gems arc.
    - Space Junk Hits Home: Space junk re-entered Earth's atmosphere and struck a house in Florida. Discover the details of this near-disaster and the legal implications for NASA.
    - Life in Ocean Worlds: Could life exist in the hydrothermal vents of ocean worlds like Europa and Enceladus? A new study suggests it's possible. Fred dives into the research and what it means for the search for extraterrestrial life.
    Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... spacenuts.io.
    Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.
    Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    Check out our sponsor: www.bitesz.com/nordvpn
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support
    Visit our websites: www.spacenuts.io
    www.bitesz.com
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    33 mins
  • #430: Dark Energy Theories & Voyager's Cosmic Rays: Your Queries Answered

    #430: Dark Energy Theories & Voyager's Cosmic Rays: Your Queries Answered
    Jun 30 2024
    Space Nuts Q&A: Black Holes, Voyager 1, and Atmospheric TubesJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this lively Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle intriguing questions from listeners Geoff, Paddy, and Oliver. From the mysteries of black holes to the adventures of Voyager 1, this episode is packed with cosmic insights.Episode Highlights:- **Black Holes and Radiation**: Young listener Oliver from Queensland poses a fascinating question about why radiation from black holes doesn't get sucked back in and whether black holes could be creating dark energy. Fred explains the concept of Hawking radiation and delves into the theories connecting black holes to dark energy.- **Voyager 1's Journey**: Paddy from Northern Ireland asks about cosmic rays, the recent drama with Voyager 1, and how NASA manages to communicate with such a distant spacecraft. Fred discusses the nature of cosmic rays, the shielding effect of Earth's atmosphere, and the impressive technology of the Deep Space Network.- **Atmospheric Tubes**: Geoff from the Isle of Wight presents a "what if" scenario involving a magic pipe extending into space. Fred explores the physics behind atmospheric pressure and gravitational pull, explaining why such a pipe wouldn't suck out Earth's atmosphere
    Don't forget to send us your questions via our website... [spacenuts.io](https://www.spacenuts.io).

    **Support Space Nuts** and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.
    Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    Become a **supporter** of this podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support](https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support)
    Visit our **websites**: [www.spacenuts.io](https://www.spacenuts.io) [www.bitesz.com](https://www.bitesz.com)
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    21 mins
  • #429: Boeing Starliner Woes & Titan's Liquid Coastlines: Cosmic Insights

    #429: Boeing Starliner Woes & Titan's Liquid Coastlines: Cosmic Insights
    Jun 28 2024
    Space Nuts Episode: Boeing Starliner, Titan's Coastal Erosion, and Dark Matter InfluenceSpace Nuts Episode: Boeing Starliner, Titan's Coastal Erosion, and Dark Matter Influence. Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this riveting episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the latest space science and astronomy news.
    Episode Highlights:- Boeing Starliner Update: The Boeing Starliner faces new challenges, this time with its return to Earth. Fred and Andrew discuss the issues with the thrusters and the cautious approach by NASA and Boeing to ensure the astronauts' safe return.
    - Titan's Coastal Erosion: Discover the latest findings on Titan, the only other body in our solar system with a liquid surface. The duo explores how coastal erosion on Titan might be driven by waves, similar to Earth, and what this means for our understanding of this intriguing moon.
    - Moon Formation: Fred explains the latest research on where moons are most likely to form, with a focus on rocky planets. Learn about the theories behind moon formation and why our own moon might be a rarity.
    - Dark Matter Influence: Dark matter is back in the news with new research questioning our understanding of its influence on galaxies. Fred discusses the latest findings and what they mean for the future of dark matter research.
    Don't forget to send us your questions via our website for our Q&A episodes....available Mondays... spacenuts.io.
    Support Space Nuts and join us on this interstellar journey by visiting our website support page. Your contributions help us continue our mission to explore the wonders of the universe.
    Clear skies and boundless exploration await on Space Nuts, where we make the cosmos your backyard.
    Check out our sponsor: www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support
    Visit our websites: www.spacenuts.io
    www.bitesz.com
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    33 mins