Space Nuts

By: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
  • Summary

  • Join Professor Fred Watson, world-renowned Astronomer at Large, and Sci-Fi Author and Broadcaster Andrew Dunkley, on their captivating podcast, Space Nuts. Dive into the vast universe of space, astronomy and astrophysics as they discuss the latest news, exciting space travel adventures, groundbreaking discoveries, and unravel the enduring mysteries of the cosmos. This engaging series offers a unique blend of expert insights and imaginative storytelling and listener input, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.

    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--2631155/support.
    Copyright bitesz.com
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Episodes
  • James Webb's First Light, Galactic Anomalies & Space Surprises: #486 - Holiday Special 6
    Jan 14 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 486: James Webb's First Image and Cosmic Mysteries Unveiled
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the latest astronomical marvels in this exciting episode of Space Nuts. From the groundbreaking first image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope to intriguing listener questions about galaxy sizes and cosmic mysteries, this episode is packed with stellar insights.
    Episode Highlights:
    - James Webb's First Image: Discover the breathtaking first image from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing a cluster of galaxies in stunning detail. Learn how this new tool surpasses the Hubble Telescope's capabilities and what it means for the future of space exploration.
    - Galaxy Size Anomalies: Explore the fascinating question from Alex in New South Wales about why galaxies appear to change size at different distances. Fred Watson Watson explains the peculiar properties of our expanding universe that lead to this phenomenon.
    - Dark Matter Discoveries: Anna from Astronomy Daily shares groundbreaking research into the GD1 Stellar Stream, suggesting a new understanding of dark matter involving self-interacting subhalos. Discover how this could revolutionise our knowledge of the universe's fundamental structure.
    - China's Rocket Advancements: Learn about China's impressive technological strides with successful tests of multiple rocket engines in a single day. Understand how these developments could impact future lunar and Mars missions.
    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.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
    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 - Andrew Dunkley welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
    02:53 - The James Webb Space Telescope has released its first deep field image
    10:32 - Fred and Andrew welcome Alex from Bellingen, New South Wales
    11:00 - It's common understanding that distance reduces apparent size of galaxies
    15:31 - Astronomers may have finally cracked a long standing cosmic mystery about GD1
    17:57 - China conducted tests of five different rocket engines in a single day
    ✍️ Episode References
    James Webb Space Telescope
    https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
    Hubble Space Telescope
    https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
    SMACS 0723
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMACS_J0723.3%E2%80%937327
    Abel clusters
    https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Abell/frames.html
    Astronomy Daily
    https://astronomydaily.io/
    China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
    http://www.spacechina.com/n25/n2014789/English/index.html


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    21 mins
  • Galactic Discoveries, Astronomical Dilemmas & Space Innovations: #485 - Holiday Special 5
    Jan 9 2025
    This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you by Incogni...where your privacy online is their top priority. Save big by checking out the special Space Nuts deal. Visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts

    Space Nuts Episode 485: Imaging the Unimaginable - Sagittarius A*, Dark Matter Theories, and Astronomy's Bright Future
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the latest astronomical breakthroughs and thought-provoking listener questions. From capturing the elusive image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, to exploring intriguing theories about dark matter and energy, this episode promises to expand your cosmic horizons.
    Episode Highlights:
    - First Image of Sagittarius A*: Discover the groundbreaking achievement of imaging the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way. Learn about the challenges faced by astronomers and the significance of this monumental discovery.
    - Dark Matter and Energy Theories: Dive into a listener's speculative question about the nature of dark matter and energy. Explore the possibilities of anti-gravity and the mysteries that continue to baffle scientists.
    - The Future of Astronomy: Hear from a listener in India contemplating a career in astronomy versus physics. Fred Watson Watson shares insights into the promising future of astronomy and the diverse opportunities available within the field.
    - Space News with Anna: Get the latest updates on the private space sector, including Toyota's investment in Interstellar Technologies and NASA's revamped Mars Sample Return mission. Learn how these developments could shape the future of space exploration.
    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.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
    Become a supporter of this podcast in 2025 for extended commercial-free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: 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 - Space Nuts is taking a bit of a break at the moment
    00:21 - Professor Fred Watson joins us to talk astronomy and space science on Space Nuts
    02:26 - Scientists have finally released an image of a black hole in our Milky Way galaxy
    09:36 - Professor Fred Watson answers Space Nuts' question and answer segment
    10:14 - Mike: Gravity in the lack of mass may explain Voyager slowing down
    16:05 - Should I go for pure physics or astronomy after graduation? Kabir asks
    21:24 - Andrew: Kabir, find something you love and turn it into a career
    23:34 - Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies has secured major investment from Toyota
    25:34 - NASA has unveiled a major overhaul of their Mars sample return mission
    27:32 - Anna shares latest developments in space science with the SpaceNuts podcast

    ✍️ Episode References
    Interstellar Technologies
    [Interstellar Technologies](https://www.istellartech.com/)
    Event Horizon Telescope
    [Event Horizon Telescope](https://eventhorizontelescope.org/)
    James Webb Space Telescope
    [James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)
    NASA Mars Sample Return Mission
    [NASA Mars Sample Return Mission](https://mars.nasa.gov/msr/)
    Astronomy Daily
    [Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io/)
    Woven By Toyota
    [Woven By Toyota](https://woven.toyota/en/)

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
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    31 mins
  • Apollo Secrets, Cosmic Questions & Martian Mysteries: #484
    Jan 6 2025
    Space Nuts Episode 484: Unveiling Moon Mysteries, Fermi Paradox Insights, and Mars Terraforming Challenges - A Holiday Special Episode
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the fascinating realms of lunar exploration, the enigmatic Fermi Paradox, and the challenges of terraforming Mars in this captivating episode of Space Nuts. Packed with scientific insights and thought-provoking discussions, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity about the cosmos.
    Episode Highlights:
    - Unsealing Apollo's Secrets: Discover the intriguing story behind the recently opened lunar sample from the Apollo 17 mission. Learn why scientists waited 50 years to examine this precious material and what it could reveal about landslides on the Moon and its geological mysteries.
    - Fermi Paradox Explored: Dive into the Fermi Paradox with a listener's question about the formation of life and elements beyond iron. Explore the possibilities of why we haven't encountered extraterrestrial civilizations and the implications for our place in the universe.
    - Terraforming Mars: Engage in a speculative discussion about the feasibility of reactivating Mars' core to sustain an atmosphere. Explore the challenges of creating a habitable environment on the Red Planet and the limitations posed by its size and magnetic field.
    - Space News with Anna: Get the latest updates on SpaceX's upcoming Starship test flight and Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket debut. Learn about the exciting advancements in satellite deployment and the future of heavy-lift launch vehicles.
    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 favourite platform.
    For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.
    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 - Andrew Dunkley welcomes Professor Fred Watson to Space Nuts
    02:13 - Apollo astronauts brought back 2,196 samples from the moon in 1960s
    09:41 - The Moon is once again drawing a lot of attention with ambitious plans
    12:38 - If you want to become a patron of our podcast, you can do so online
    13:59 - Question comes from Simon from Newcastle about the formation of elements and Fermi paradox
    15:33 - The Fermi paradox is about where is everybody in the universe
    22:16 - Without an active core Mars will not be able to sustain an atmosphere
    28:26 - SpaceX is gearing up for their seventh Starship test flight on January 10
    30:17 - Blue Origin preparing to launch their first New Glenn rocket on January 6th
    32:38 - Space Nuts is a twice weekly podcast from Bitesz. com
    ✍️ Episode References
    NASA
    https://www.nasa.gov
    Apollo 17 mission
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_17
    Artemis mission
    https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/
    SpaceX Starship
    https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/
    Blue Origin New Glenn
    https://www.blueorigin.com/new-glenn/
    James Webb Space Telescope
    https://www.jwst.nasa.gov
    Enrico Fermi
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrico_Fermi
    Galileo's experiment
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo%27s_Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa_experiment
    Astronomy Daily
    https://www.astronomydaily.io
    Bitesz.com
    https://www.bitesz.com


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts--2631155/support.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins

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