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Space Nuts

Written by: Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley
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  • 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
  • #424: Gravity Waves & Space Junk: Cosmic Queries Unpacked

    #424: Gravity Waves & Space Junk: Cosmic Queries Unpacked
    Jun 9 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To check out our exclusive offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you can thank us later...
    Space Nuts Episode: Space Junk, Gravity Waves, and Solar Eclipses
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this engaging Q&A edition of Space Nuts, where they tackle a variety of intriguing questions from listeners around the globe.
    Episode Highlights:
    - **Space Junk**: Pete from Mamong Point raises concerns about the long-term effects of burning up space debris in Earth's atmosphere. Fred discusses the implications and complexities of space junk management, including the concept of "graveyard orbits" and the infamous Point Nemo.
    - **Gravity Waves**: Philip from Australia, originally from Glasgow, delves into the nature of gravity waves and their composition. Fred explains the concept of spacetime distortion and how gravitational waves propagate through the fabric of the universe.
    - **Matter and Energy**: Giego from Slovakia questions whether vacuum energy could be converted into matter, creating new matter that wasn't present since the Big Bang. Fred provides a detailed explanation on the conversion of energy to matter and the role of dark energy.
    - **Solar Eclipses**: Beverly from Texas shares her excitement about witnessing her first total solar eclipse and asks Fred and Andrew about their experiences. Fred recounts his memorable eclipse viewings and the emotional impact of this celestial phenomenon.
    00:00:00 This is a Q and a edition of Space Nuts
    00:01:09 Fred and Andrew ask two questions about gravity on today's show
    00:08:12 In recent weeks, there's been multiple mentions of space debris burning up
    00:14:27 NordVPN details: Virtual private network helps protect online activities from hackers and scammers
    00:18:05 Could vacuum energy be converted into matter with expanding universe
    00:21:27 Beverly from Texas hopes to see a total solar eclipse soon
    00:22:16 Fred, how many total eclipses have you seen in person
    00:29:54 Episode wrap
    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
    Visit our website: www.spacenuts.io
    Check out our sponsor: www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
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    31 mins
  • #423: Earth-Like Exoplanets & Dyson Spheres: Unveiling New Cosmic Discoveries

    #423: Earth-Like Exoplanets & Dyson Spheres: Unveiling New Cosmic Discoveries
    Jun 6 2024
    This episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. To check out our exclusive offer, visit www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts - you can thank us later...

    Space Nuts Episode: Earth-Like Exoplanets, Alien Megastructures, and Space NoiseJoin Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson in this thrilling episode of Space Nuts as they delve into the latest discoveries and challenges in space science. From the discovery of an Earth-like exoplanet to the search for alien megastructures, this episode promises to be a cosmic journey you won't want to miss.
    Episode Highlights:- Earth-Like Exoplanet Discovery: An Australian-Scottish collaboration has discovered an exoplanet that closely resembles Earth in size and is located in the habitable zone of its star. Learn about its potential for hosting liquid water and the exciting future possibilities for imaging this distant world.
    - Space Noise Threat to SKA: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope faces challenges from satellite noise. Fred discusses the efforts to mitigate these issues and the ongoing collaboration between astronomers and the satellite industry to protect this significant investment in radio astronomy.
    - Search for Alien Megastructures: Could Dyson spheres exist? Fred and Andrew explore the latest research and debate the feasibility of such megastructures, considering the immense material and energy requirements involved.

    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
    Visit our website: www.spacenuts.io
    Check out our sponsor: www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • #422: Dim Lights & Dark Matter: Cosmic Questions Answered

    #422: Dim Lights & Dark Matter: Cosmic Questions Answered
    Jun 2 2024
    Join Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson for another enlightening episode of Space Nuts Q&A. This week, we tackle a variety of listener questions that delve into the fascinating intricacies of space science and astronomy.
    First, we revisit a question from Alan about the detectability of light at one candle power of an LED in space. Fred breaks down the calculations and assumptions, providing insights into how far such a light source would be visible, even with the Hubble Telescope.
    Next, Nate from Queensland asks about bolometric luminosity and its implications for predicting changes in stars, such as supernovae. Fred explains the concept of bolometric measurements, the use of bolometers, and whether there's a standard way to predict changes in a star's luminosity.
    David from Melbourne brings up Hawking radiation and its potential connection to dark matter and dark energy. Fred clarifies the nature of Hawking radiation and discusses recent research linking black holes to dark energy, albeit without involving Hawking radiation.
    Martin from Maryland poses a question about the hazards of near-light-speed travel for spacecraft and their biospheres. Fred explores the potential dangers, including nuclear interactions and radiation, that could arise from such high-speed travel.
    Finally, Ryan from Delaware inquires about the feasibility of refuelling or repairing the James Webb Space Telescope. Fred explains the challenges due to its location at the L2 point and the economic considerations that make such missions unlikely.
    Tune in to this episode of Space Nuts for these intriguing discussions and more. Your questions drive the conversation, so keep them coming!
    00:00:00 Professor Fred Watson answers questions on this episode of Space Nuts
    00:01:54 How far away could you see one candle power led with the Hubble telescope
    00:06:00 Nate from Queensland asks some questions about volumetric luminosity
    00:07:20 Bolometric brightness is the brightness of something measured over its whole spectrum
    00:13:50 Is hawking radiation anything to do with dark matter or dark energy
    00:15:54 What are the major hazards to spacecraft as they approach relativistic speeds
    00:21:10 Ryan from Delaware has a question about the James Webb space telescope
    00:27:58 Andrew: Thanks to everybody who contributed this week to Space Nuts q and a
    00:29:15 This podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify and iHeartRadio
    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.
    Visit our website: www.spacenuts.io
    Check out our sponsor: [Nordpass](https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass)
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    30 mins
Nature & Ecology Astronomy & Space Science
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