Space Nuts Episode: Dark Energy Discoveries, Ancient Peruvian Observatories, and Solar Proximity #482
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore groundbreaking discoveries in this fascinating episode of Space Nuts. From potential evidence of dark energy to the mysteries of an ancient Peruvian observatory, and the record-breaking feats of NASA's Parker Solar Probe, this episode is packed with cosmic insights and historical wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- Dark Energy Detection: Dive into the latest research from the University of Cambridge, where scientists may have accidentally stumbled upon evidence of dark energy. Explore the significance of this potential discovery and its implications for the future of physics.
- Ancient Peruvian Observatory: Discover the story behind a 2,200-year-old observatory in Peru, recently granted World Heritage status. Learn about its role in ancient civilization and the remarkable precision of its astronomical alignments.
- Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Mission: Marvel at NASA's Parker Solar Probe as it makes its closest-ever approach to the Sun, achieving unprecedented speeds and providing new insights into solar physics. Understand how this mission is reshaping our knowledge of the Sun's mysterious processes.
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 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
01:30 - University of Cambridge scientists looking for detection of dark energy using Italian telescope
08:07 - Peruvian observatory that was discovered in 2005 has hit the news again
14:26 - NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest ever approach to the Sun
17:29 - NASA is getting ready to announce major changes to its Mars sample return mission
18:56 - From record breaking solar encounters to the evolving plans for Mars
✍️ Episode References
University of Cambridge
[University of Cambridge](https://www.cam.ac.uk/)
Gran Sasso National Laboratory
[Gran Sasso National Laboratory](https://www.lngs.infn.it/en)
University of Leicester
[University of Leicester](https://le.ac.uk/)
NASA Parker Solar Probe
[NASA Parker Solar Probe](https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe)
NASA Mars Sample Return Mission
[NASA Mars Sample Return Mission](https://mars.nasa.gov/msr/)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io)


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Space Nuts: Lunar Cycles, Coastal Flooding, and Cosmic Celebrations #481
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the intriguing intersection of lunar cycles and climate change, and special guest Anna, the host of Astronomy Daily the Podcast, pops in with heartwarming holiday celebrations aboard the International Space Station, part of a quick news update. This episode promises a mix of scientific insights and festive cheer from the cosmos.
Episode Highlights:
- Lunar Cycle and Coastal Flooding: Discover how the Moon's 18.6-year cycle, combined with climate change, may lead to increased coastal flooding by the mid-2030s. Understand the astronomical and environmental factors contributing to this phenomenon and the potential impact on low-lying regions.
- Holiday Spirit in Space: Experience the festive atmosphere aboard the International Space Station as astronauts share their unique holiday celebrations, complete with floating candy canes and a creatively crafted snowman.
- Ancient Galactic Twin: Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope's latest discovery of a galaxy that mirrors the Milky Way in its infancy. This "Firefly Sparkle" galaxy offers unprecedented insights into our cosmic past and the formation of star clusters.
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, 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 astronomer at large Professor Fred Watson to the show
01:25 - NASA warns that when combined with climate change, high tides could reach flooding thresholds
09:22 - I find the influence of the moon on our waterways fascinating
10:21 - Anna news update: The International Space Station is celebrating the holidays with a festive video message
11:52 - The James Webb Space Telescope has just discovered an ancient galaxy called Firefly sparkle
14:59 - Anna shares stories about holiday celebrations in space and ancient galaxy discoveries
✍️ Episode References
NASA
[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/)
International Space Station
[International Space Station](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html)
James Webb Space Telescope
[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/)
University of Hawaii
[University of Hawaii](https://www.hawaii.edu/)
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io)
Wellesley College
[Wellesley College](https://www.wellesley.edu/)
Space Nuts Podcast
[Space Nuts Podcast](https://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/)
Astronomy Daily Podcast
[Astronomy Daily Podcast](https://astronomydaily.io)



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Space Nuts Episode: Dyson Spheres, Dark Matter, and Time Distortions #480
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in the final fresh episode of the year as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners around the globe. From the mysteries of Dyson spheres to the enigmatic effects of dark matter and the curious nature of time distortion, this Q&A edition is packed with cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Dyson Spheres and Stellar Light: Explore the concept of Dyson spheres and their impact on planetary light and life. Uncover the truth about these megastructures and how they might affect solar systems.
- Dark Matter's Gravitational Pull: Delve into the hypothetical scenario of encountering a glob of dark matter in space. Understand the gravitational effects and whether a spaceship could be ensnared by dark matter's invisible clutches.
- Black Holes and Time-Space Switch: Investigate the theory that space and time swap roles beyond a black hole's event horizon. Consider the implications of this switch on the nature of escape and time travel.
- Time Distortion Without Gravity: Contemplate the possibility of time distortion occurring independently of gravity. Examine the connection between time, gravity, and acceleration as proposed by Einstein's theories.
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, 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 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 - This is our final regular Space Nuts episode of the year
01:45 - If a Dyson sphere surrounds a star, how does the planet get light
09:00 - Andrew Dunkley: Can dark matter be thrown out of a galaxy
12:38 - Fred from Sweden has yet another question about black holes
14:35 - There's a nice question on um, the physics stack exchange
16:23 - Buddy from Oregon asks question about time distortion and gravity
21:36 - Fred did a search on Google about the biggest astronomy stories of 2024
23:45 - We'll be digging up stories from the archives over the next few weeks
24:54 - Andrew Dunkley thanks Professor Fred Watson
✍️ Episode References
Dyson Sphere
[Dyson Sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyson_sphere)
Science Magazine
[Science Magazine](https://www.sciencemag.org/)
Square Kilometre Array
[Square Kilometre Array](https://www.skatelescope.org/)
Contact (Movie)
[Contact (1997)](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/)
RAVE Project
[RAVE Project](https://www.rave-survey.org/)

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This episode is brought to you with the support of Incogni...the best way to cleanup your privacy online and remain that way. To get our special 60% off offer, visit www.incogni.com/spacenuts

Space Nuts Episode: Stink in Space, Sombrero Galaxy, and Dark Energy Revelations #479
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest cosmic events in this entertaining episode of Space Nuts. From a mysterious odour aboard the International Space Station to stunning images of the Sombrero Galaxy and groundbreaking theories on dark energy, this episode is packed with stellar insights and astronomical wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- International Space Station's Stinky Situation: Discover the unexpected odour that caused astronauts to temporarily seal off a recently docked Russian supply ship. Explore the potential causes and the measures taken to ensure the crew's safety.
- Sombrero Galaxy's New Look: Marvel at the breathtaking mid-infrared images of the Sombrero Galaxy captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn about the intricate details revealed in the galaxy's dusty rings and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Dark Energy's New Twist: Delve into the latest research suggesting that dark energy might not be constant, challenging our understanding of the universe's expansion. Consider the implications of this potential paradigm shift in cosmology.
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, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a review, 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 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.
For our special NordVPN deal, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn
00:00 - Andrew Dunkley hosts Space Nuts, where we talk astronomy and space science
01:08 - Professor Fred Watson will be doing archival episodes over the Christmas New Year period
03:02 - Bad smell coming from Russian spacecraft docking with International Space Station
09:01 - Arthur Dent. What a name. Only Douglas Adams could think up a name like that
09:24 - Andrew Dunkley says odour on International Space Station could be anything
11:09 - Incogni is a way of cleaning up your online presence
13:17 - James Webb telescope has taken a marvellous mid infrared image of galaxy
18:32 - The James Webb Space Telescope is seeking 78,000 hours of observing time
24:54 - Andrew Dunkley and Fred Watson discuss the accelerating expansion of the universe
32:25 - Fred Watson: This could indicate new physics that we don't yet understand
✍️ Episode References
Space.com
[https://www.space.com](https://www.space.com)
Phys.org
[https://www.phys.org](https://www.phys.org)
Incogni
[https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts](https://www.incogni.com/spacenuts)
Bytes.com
[https://www.bytes.com](https://www.bytes.com)


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Space Nuts Episode #478 Q&A
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners worldwide. From the massive size of Jupiter to the nature of gravity and the mysteries of the universe's accelerating expansion, this episode is packed with cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Jupiter's Massive Growth: Dive into the fascinating story of why Jupiter grew to such a colossal size compared to other planets. Explore the role of gas accretion, planetesimals, and the runaway growth effect in shaping the largest planet in our solar system.
- The Nature of Gravity: Examine the intriguing question of whether gravity is finite or infinite. Discover the complexities of gravitational waves, the stiffness of Space, and how these concepts influence our understanding of gravity's reach.
- The Night Sky in Earth's Early Era: Imagine standing on Earth when it first formed and ponder what the night sky would have looked like. Understand how the universe's expansion and the redshift of the Big Bang's light affect our cosmic view.
- The Fate of Comets: Consider the life cycle of comets and whether they can lose enough material to become nothing. Learn about the trails of dust left behind and their connection to meteor showers.
- Solar Panels at Night: Explore the possibility of generating solar power at night using light from stars and the moon. Delve into the limitations of current technology and the potential for future innovations.
- The Universe's Accelerating Expansion: Discuss the acceleration of the universe's expansion and whether it is constant or variable. Contemplate the implications for our understanding of dark energy and the structure of the universe.
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, 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 - This is a Q and A episode where we let the audience set the agenda
01:19 - Why did Jupiter grow to such a massive size compared to other planets
07:30 - Dean in Queensland has a question about whether gravity is infinite or finite
12:00 - Dean: We really don't understand gravity. Well, it'll be when quantum gravity really comes of age
13:50 - Professor Fred Watson answers a few quick fire questions via text message
14:22 - Given the night sky seems fairly full of stars to the naked eye today
18:26 - Could you develop solar panels that work at night by collecting energy from other stars
20:04 - Daniel asks whether the rate of acceleration is constant or ever so slightly variable
25:49 - The Space Nuts podcast group Facebook page has thousands of members
✍️ Episode References
Scientific American article on Jupiter's growth
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-was-jupiters-rapid-growth-spurt-delayed-for-millions-of-years/
Nature Astronomy journal
https://www.nature.com/natastron/

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Space Nuts Episode: Ryugu's Microbial Mystery, Martian Moon Origins, and Galactic Collisions
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the latest cosmic revelations. From unexpected microbial contamination of Richie asteroid samples to a groundbreaking theory on the formation of Mars's moons, and the first results from a new instrument on the William Herschel Telescope, this episode is packed with stellar insights and astronomical wonders.
Episode Highlights:
- Richie Asteroid Contamination: Delve into the challenges of keeping extraterrestrial samples free from Earth's microbes. Despite stringent sterilisation efforts, Richie samples returned by Hayabusa2 show signs of terrestrial contamination, raising questions about planetary protection protocols.
- Martian Moons' New Origin Theory: Discover a fresh perspective on how Phobos and Deimos may have formed. A new model suggests that these moons originated from debris of an asteroid that broke apart due to Mars's gravitational forces, offering an alternative to previous impact and capture theories.
- Galactic Collisions Unveiled: Explore the first findings from the WEAVE instrument on the William Herschel Telescope. By studying Stefan's Quintet, astronomers reveal the staggering speeds of shock waves from colliding galaxies, shedding light on cosmic interactions and future Milky Way-Andromeda collision scenarios.
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, 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 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 - Andrew Dunkley: Coming up on this edition of Space Nuts
01:15 - This episode will be officially released two days after your 800th birthday
02:29 - Justin Jackson says Ryugu samples show effort to keep them clean has failed
12:12 - If that can happen in a room that's designed not to allow it
12:47 - New theory put forward about origin of moon's phobos and Deimos
21:22 - Andrew Dunkley says spherical potatoes could be useful in space missions
22:46 - Fred looks at an instrument connected to the William Herschel telescope
26:45 - Professor Gavin Dalton has been working on the William Herschel Telescope
31:30 - We've got similar collision speeds as Andromeda.
✍️ Episode References
Imperial College London
[imperial.ac.uk](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/)
Meteoritics and Planetary Science Journal
[wiley.com](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19455100)
phys.org
[phys.org](https://phys.org/)
Durham University
[durham.ac.uk](https://www.dur.ac.uk/)
NASA Spaceflight
[nasaspaceflight.com](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/)
JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency)
[jaxa.jp](https://www.jaxa.jp/)
William Herschel Telescope
[ing.iac.es](http://www.ing.iac.es/astronomy/telescopes/wht/)
Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes
[ing.iac.es](http://www.ing.iac.es/)


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Space Nuts #476 Q&A: Gravitational Waves, Space Stations, and Ultra Massive Black Holes
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts as they tackle intriguing questions from listeners worldwide. From the curious nature of gravitational waves to the feasibility of a dual orbiting space station, and the mystery of ultra massive black holes, this episode is full of cosmic conundrums and insightful discussions.
Episode Highlights:
- Gravitational Waves Conundrum: Explore whether gravitational waves can reflect or refract like light or sound waves. Understand the unique nature of these quadrupole waves and how they interact with the fabric of Space.
- Orbiting Space Stations: Delve into the concept of a space station orbiting both Earth and the Moon in a figure 8 pattern. Discuss the challenges of such an endeavour and its potential impact on lunar missions.
- China's Satellite Constellations: Examine the implications of China's new satellite constellation and the efforts to reduce their visibility, similar to SpaceX's Starlink.
- Ultra Massive Black Holes: Investigate the possibility of ultra massive black holes residing in cosmic voids and their potential role in the universe's large-scale structure.
- Spacesuit Compatibility Issues: Understand the challenges faced by astronauts due to incompatible spacesuits between Boeing's Starliner and SpaceX's Dragon capsule.
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, 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
To check out a couple of our sponsors visit NordVPN and OldGlory
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 - This edition of Space Nuts will focus on gravitational waves
01:28 - Colin asks is there any evidence that gravitational waves reflect or refract
06:25 - Is it possible to have a space station orbiting both Earth and the moon
09:39 - With China adding a new, currently visible satellite constellation, are discussions being had
13:39 - Professor Fred Watson answers audience questions in Q and A edition
19:55 - Your final question reflects on an issue we spoke about recently
21:09 - Mark asks about spacesuit compatibility between Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Dragon
26:51 - If you have questions for us, please send them through via our website
✍️ Episode References
SpaceX
https://www.spacex.com/
Starlink
https://www.starlink.com/
Apollo 8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_8
Artemis Programme
https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/
International Space Station (ISS)
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
USA Today
https://www.usatoday.com/
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html 

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Space Nuts Episode 475: Skynet's Secret, Rocket Dreams, and Magenta Mysteries
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they delve into the latest cosmic stories and uncover the mysteries of the universe. From the fall of a pioneering rocket company to the unexpected movement of the UK's oldest satellite, and the vibrant magenta aurorae over Japan, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and celestial curiosities.
Episode Highlights:
- Reaction Engines' Setback: Discover the tragic halt in development for the UK company aiming to revolutionise Space travel with their innovative Space plane, Skylon. Learn about the SABRE engine's potential and the financial hurdles that have stalled this groundbreaking project.
- Skynet's Mysterious Move: Uncover the curious case of Skynet 1A, the UK's oldest satellite, which has mysteriously shifted its position in orbit. Explore the potential implications of this movement and the historical context of this Cold War era satellite.
- Magenta Aurorae Explained: Dive into the world of citizen science as we explore how amateur astronomers helped explain the appearance of magenta aurorae over Japan. Understand the atmospheric conditions and solar activity that led to this rare and beautiful phenomenon.
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, 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 for extended commercial free episodes and more. Visit our Support page for options: https://spacenutspodcast.com/about (A great Christmas Present idea...just saying)
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 - This is Space Nuts where we talk, uh, astronomy and space science
02:02 - Company trying to develop rocket motor to get into orbit has run out of money
08:11 - Professor Fred Watson says SpaceX's proposed rocket would have been environmentally friendly
12:11 - Someone apparently moved UK's oldest satellite, which was launched in 1969
19:57 - Fred Wa says Americans originally controlled satellite's orbit but RAF eventually took control
22:49 - This year has been an astounding year in terms of being able to observe aurora
30:35 - Andrew Dunkley: Thanks for your company, Fred
✍️ Episode References
Reaction Engines
[Reaction Engines](https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/)
Universe Today
[Universe Today](https://www.universetoday.com/)
BBC
[BBC](https://www.bbc.com/)
Optus
[Optus](https://www.optus.com.au/)
Lockheed Blackbird
[Lockheed Blackbird](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/index.html)
SpaceX
[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)
Phys.org
[Phys.org](https://phys.org/)


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Space Nuts Episode 474 Q&A: Cosmic Constellations, Comet Mysteries, and Citizen Science
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they explore the wonders of the universe in this Q&A edition of Space Nuts. From the shifting constellations as you journey through Space to the enigmatic nature of comets and the age of the universe, this episode is packed with celestial insights and intriguing questions from our audience.
Episode Highlights:
- Constellations from Afar: Discover how the constellations we know would appear from different vantage points in Space. How far must you travel before the familiar star patterns become unrecognisable?
- Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS: Delve into the story of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, its recent appearance in our skies, and the question of whether it has visited our solar system before. Learn about the signs that indicate a comet's history and its journey from the Oort Cloud.
- Age of the Universe: Uncover the methods used to determine the age of the universe, including the role of the Hubble constant and the importance of measuring cosmic distances. How close are we to knowing the exact age?
- Citizen Science Opportunities: Explore the world of citizen science and how you can contribute to astronomical discoveries. From asteroid occultations to light curve data, find out how you can be part of the scientific community.
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, 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: https://www.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 Q and A edition with Professor Fred Watson
01:29 - Roger asks how far can you go before constellations start getting disoriented
07:45 - Professor Fred and Andrew answer your questions about the Space Nuts podcast
09:13 - On the nights I was best able to observe it, it was cloudy
10:49 - Could this comet be its first visit into the inner solar system
13:47 - How did we measure how old the universe is? Thanks, Fred
19:16 - Sandy asks what is the greatest astronomical discovery by a citizen scientist
✍️ Episode References
Space Nuts Podcast
[Space Nuts Podcast](https://www.spacenutspodcast.com)
New Horizons
[New Horizons](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/main/index.html)
Zooniverse
[Zooniverse](https://www.zooniverse.org)
DreamLab App
[DreamLab](https://www.vodafone.com.au/about/news-centre/dreamlab)
Unistellar
[Unistellar](https://unistellaroptics.com)
Galaxy Zoo
[Galaxy Zoo](https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/zookeeper/galaxy-zoo)

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Space Nuts Episode 473: Volcanic Worlds, Vanishing Stars, and Uranus Mysteries
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson as they embark on a cosmic journey exploring the fiery phenomena of volcanoes, the curious case of a supernova that wasn't, and the peculiarities of Uranus in this episode of Space Nuts.
Episode Highlights:
- Volcanic Exoplanets: Discover the latest findings on an exoplanet, L98-59d, which may be volcanically active or even a molten world. Learn how the James Webb Space Telescope has helped uncover the atmospheric signatures indicating volcanic activity.
- The Supernova That Never Was: Delve into the enigmatic story of a star in the Andromeda Galaxy that collapsed into a black hole without the typical supernova explosion. Understand the theories behind this rare cosmic event and its implications for black hole formation.
- Revisiting Uranus: Re-examine the data from Voyager 2's flyby of Uranus, revealing new insights into the planet's magnetosphere and challenging previous assumptions. Discover how a solar flare might have skewed our understanding of this gas giant.
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, 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, 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 - This episode is dedicated to volcanoes, supernovas that were not
01:04 - Icelandic word for double L has two double L's in it
02:58 - An exoplanet that scientists think might be volcanic has been discovered
10:20 - L98.59D is very close to its parent star
12:38 - A supernova that did not happen has turned into a black hole
21:22 - Andrew Dunkley says black holes are characterised by very few parameters
22:57 - New research on Uranus suggests its magnetic bubble may have been distorted
✍️ Episode References
Space Nuts Podcast
https://www.bitesz.com/show/space-nuts/
Professor Fred Watson
https://www.fredwatson.com.au/
Eyjafjallajökull
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyjafjallaj%C3%B6kull
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/
Vanuatu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanuatu
Denpasar, Indonesia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denpasar
NASA's TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)
https://www.nasa.gov/tess-transiting-exoplanet-survey-satellite
NASA's Kepler Space Telescope
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/main/index.html
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research
https://space.mit.edu/
Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_Galaxy
Phys.org
https://phys.org/
Cosmos Magazine
https://cosmosmagazine.com/
Voyager 2
https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/
Linda Spilker
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/people/1618/linda-spilker/


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Space Nuts #472 Q&A Edition: Titan's Mysteries and Cosmic Curiosities
Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this intriguing Q&A episode of Space Nuts, where they delve into the mysteries of our solar system and beyond, addressing questions from their curious audience. From the unique atmosphere of Titan to the hypothetical existence of Planet Nine, this episode is filled with captivating discussions and astronomical insights.
Episode Highlights:
- Titan's Atmospheric Enigma: Explore the origins of Titan's thick nitrogen atmosphere and its ability to retain it, unlike Mars. Discover the role of comets and organic chemistry in shaping this unique moon's environment.
- Tidal Locking Explained: Understand the gravitational phenomenon of tidal locking and why proximity and size matter. Learn about the differences in how natural and man-made satellites maintain their orientation.
- Planet Nine Hypothesis: Dive into a speculative theory about Planet Nine and its potential impact on Uranus and Mercury. Discuss the ongoing search for this elusive celestial body.
- Triton's Dwarf Planet Status: Uncover the history of Neptune's moon Triton and its possible past as a dwarf planet. Examine the characteristics that make Triton a fascinating world in its own right.
- Distinguishing Doppler Effects: Differentiate between Doppler shifts caused by relative motion and the redshift due to the universe's expansion. Explore how these phenomena are used to study cosmic objects.
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, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.
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or visit our Support page for more options: https://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 - This is a Q and A episode and we will be doing some homework
01:17 - How come Titan can retain an atmosphere when Mars cannot
07:23 - Why is tidal locking a function of proximity of bound objects
11:00 - Ash Brisbane proposes that Planet Nine once existed on elliptical orbit
14:43 - Nigel from Brisbane Australia asks hypothetical question about Neptune's Triton
18:59 - Triton may have been formed much further out in the solar system
21:17 - Nigel asks where the word asteroid came from
23:24 - Fred answers question from Robert McCowan about Doppler effect
✍️ Episode References
Kelly Miller
https://www.swri.org
Space.com article
https://www.space.com/
saturn-moon-titan-makes-own-atmosphere.html
3--- Southwest Research Institute
https://www.swri.org
iHeartRadio
https://www.iheart.com
Apple Podcasts
https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/
Spotify
https://www.spotify.com
bitesz.com
https://www.bitesz.com